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Antarctic Peninsula Explorer

Explore the White Continent aboard one of the newest additions to the polar fleet, a state-of-the-art expedition vessel combining adventure with comfort. As well as being limited to only 132 passengers, there’s also a wide range of optional adventure activities on this classic Antarctic Peninsula voyage.

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Antarctic Peninsula Explorer

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Trip type

Antarctic Peninsula

Trip length

12-15 Days

From

$12,795 -$34,195

Ship Comfort

Comfort & Adventure

Antarctic Peninsula Explorer - 12-15 Days - $12,795

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

  • 5 full days exploring Antarctica = 10 planned ‘off ship’ excursions
  • Only 132 guests means everyone can do landings together
  • Antarctic operational experience since 1992
  • The low expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:8 ensures a high level of personalisation
  • Kayaking, polar snorkelling & camping activities (additional cost)
  • Complimentary 3-in-1 parka jacket & digital post-voyage photo book
  • Includes beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner

Start from Ushuaia and end at Ushuaia

Landmarks potentially visited on Antarctic Peninsula Explorer

Operator's Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia, where you will be met by a representative and transferred to your group hotel. 


Day 2: Embarkation in Ushuaia

After a morning exploring Ushuaia, it is time to embark on your adventure. Ushuaia, capital of Tierra del Fuego is located at the shores of the Beagle Channel and surrounded by the Martial Mountains giving you a unique landscape in Argentina, which is the combination of mountains, sea, glaciers and forests. 

After embarkation, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin before our important mandatory briefings. As the ship pulls away from Ushuaia we’ll gather on the deck to enjoy spectacular views of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. A welcome dinner will give you chance to get to know your fellow expeditioners and friendly Expedition Team and crew.


Day 3: Crossing the Drake Passage

We commence our Drake Passage crossing, and make the most of our time getting comfortable with the motions of the sea. There are also preparations for our first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures, and we start our lecture program to help you learn more about Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment.

Our wildlife experiences begin as we enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following in our wake. They rise and fall skilfully, using air currents created by the ship to gain momentum.


Day 4: Drake Passage & South Shetland Islands:

Nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, the excitement is palpable watching for our first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once we are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. Weather permitting, we may attempt our first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.


Days 5 to 9: Antarctica Peninsula

As you arrive on the western side of the peninsula and you spot your first iceberg, take a deep breath of some of freshest and crispest air on Earth; it is an experience that will stay with you forever. Being so far south, we will enjoy 18-24 hours of daylight meaning the days can be as busy and full as you wish. Your Expedition Team, having made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage choosing options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.

Generally, there will be either landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. Zodiacs are used to cruise alongside spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs where you'll be keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. They will also transport you from the ship to land, to visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some iconic places along the peninsula.

Onshore, you will be wandering along pebbly beaches and up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. There will be opportunities to enjoy optional additional activities whenever conditions allow, including a chance to become a "polar plunger" by fully immersing yourself in polar waters - conditions permitting!

In addition to these activities, the ship may cruise some of the narrow and dramatic straits that separate offshore islands from the mainland, or perhaps linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. Whether you're in the observation lounge or you make your way to the bridge, you will have uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour. Keep an ear out to listen for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve their way from summit to sea and take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of the incredible White Continent.


Day 10 & 11: Drake Passage

Relax and reminisce as we cross the Drake Passage, bound for South America. Our Expedition Team recap all the incredible things you've witnessed, or perhaps you'll find a quiet moment place to review the hundreds of photos taken.


Day 12: Ushuaia

The ship will slip up the Beagle Channel and pull into Ushuaia, where you'll say goodbye to new friends and begin any onward travel.


PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise. Furthermore, it's important to understand that the charter flight(s) to/from Antarctica are particularly prone to weather, which requires a flexible flight schedule.

Why our customers love Swoop

Expert impartial advice at no extra cost

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Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.

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Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.

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We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.

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We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.

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What our customers think of Antarctic Peninsula Explorer

Antarctic Peninsula Explorer trips scored 4.5/5 from 24 reviews

A humpback whale surfaced right next to me while I was kayaking.

Travelled: February 2024

Nathalie -

Zodiac tour

Travelled: January 2024

Pawan Jai -

When we were on the kayaks, a whale surfaced gently between us - astounding all involved. Beautiful.

Travelled: January 2024

Kristie -

Paddling, the Polar plunge and exploring plus of course the interesting lecture.

Travelled: January 2024

Jeanette -

The wild life

Travelled: January 2024

Bryce -

Sitting in a jacussi watching whales swim past in Antarctica

Travelled: January 2024

Annie -

Kayaking

Travelled: January 2024

Anonymous -

Seeing the first iceberg! Spotting the first wild life

Travelled: January 2024

Nisha -

There were a number of memorable moments. First seeing the icebergs go by my suite window, or watching whales playing. Every day while in Antartica, there was something special.

Travelled: December 2023

Susan -

Seeing humpback whales while in the zodiac

Travelled: December 2023

Craig -

There were so many memorable moments, from standing on the continent to completing the polar plunge.

Travelled: December 2023

Jeni -

the icebergs and animals we saw.

Travelled: February 2023

David Guang-Hwai -

Kayaking around icebergs.

Travelled: February 2023

Robert -

We were sitting in the lecture theatre listening to the speaker and a whale came up and jumped right outside the window super close to the boat. My husband was so excited he shrieked with happiness.

Travelled: January 2023

Rebecca -

Zodiac cruise through icebergs

Travelled: December 2022

Ajay -

The kayaking was fabulous, truly the best way to see things. Many of the kayaking moments stand out.

Travelled: December 2022

Lynda -

This is so hard to answer because there were so many memorable moments. I think our most memorable moments was during our first kayak trip. We landed our kayaks on a rocky beach to go see a penguin rookery. After getting out of the kayaks, we turned around to see dozens of Gentoo penguins walking by and going about their penguins business a handful of meters away. Nothing prepares you for how many penguins you'll see, how unfazed they are by you, and how adorable they are.

Travelled: November 2022

Mikki -

Kayaking among icebergs

Travelled: November 2022

John Henry -

Skiing where penguins had the right of way.

Travelled: November 2022

Jeff -

Walking amongst the penguins and the incredible landscape

Travelled: January 2022

Doug -

Review:

With her slick lines, small number of guests, well-priced balcony suites and onboard hot tub, this is one of the hottest ships in Antarctica right now.

Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Antarctica

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

Prices quoted below are per person based on 2 people sharing. Cabin availability changes all the time so please contact us for up-to-date details and information on specific cabin availability.

2024

2025

* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $12795

Additional Notes

Please note:

  • The departure on 06-Nov-2024 is 15 days long and spends extra time exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.
  • The departure on 24-Mar-2024 is 14 days long and focuses on exploring the little-visited Weddell Sea area.

Single Supplement And Child Policy

For those travelling solo who would like their own cabin, the single supplement is 1.5 times the cost of a single berth. Please contact us for details. There is no single supplement for passengers willing to share a cabin. 

Children aged 8 years old or over are permitted on this trip. There isn't any concession on pricing. Please contact us for details.

Optional Adventure Activities

Enhance your trip with the following add ons. Limited places per activity.
Get in contact to check availability.

Activity Cost Additional Information
Add on icon Camping Camping $150 Available on select departures. Cost varies from USD $150-165.
Add on icon Kayaking Kayaking $1,295 An immersive full sea kayaking program for those who want to kayak multiple times (as often as weather and ice conditions allow). Prior kayaking experience to at least intermediate level is required and you must be able to do a wet exit to participate. Subject to weather and ice conditions. Booking in advance is essential. Available on select departures. Cost varies from USD $1295-1330.
Add on icon Polar snorkelling Polar snorkelling $640 Available on select departures. Cost varies from USD $640-675
Add on icon Skiing Skiing $1,395 Available on select departures.
Add on icon Paddling Paddling $640 Available on select departures. A gentler option staying closer to shore and using inflatable kayaks, in a group of maximum 6 participants. Includes multiple outings, subject to suitable weather and ice conditions. Suitable for novices and only offered in calm conditions. Booking in advance is essential.
Add on icon Photography Photography Complimentary All depatures.
Add on icon Snowshoeing Snowshoeing $370 Available on select departures.
Add on icon Polar diving Polar diving $1,295 Available on select departures.

Includes

  • Pre-embarkation hotel night (day 1)
  • A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
  • Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
  • Accommodation during the voyage on full board basis
  • Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks reception
  • Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner
  • All shore excursions and zodiac activities
  • Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
  • Loan of rubber boots for the voyage's duration
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information
  • Port taxes and any entry fees to historic landing sites
  • A digital photo book produced with photos and ship logs from your voyage

Excludes

  • Flights to and from points of embarkation/disembarkation
  • Any additional services before and after your voyage
  • Transfers not specific to the itinerary
  • Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges
  • Optional adventure activities
  • Optional activity surcharges
  • Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses
  • Airport arrival or departure taxes
  • Items of a personal nature: laundry, beverages, etc
  • Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)
  • Gratuities for ship crew 

Questions about this Voyage?