Antarctic Basecamp Adventure
Trip type
Adventure
Trip length
13 Days
From
$8,800 -$17,150
Ship Comfort
Expedition
Antarctic Basecamp Adventure - 13 Days - $8,800
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
- 7 full days in Antarctica = 14 planned ‘off ship’ excursions
- The widest selection of activities on any Antarctic voyage available
- Antarctic operational experience since 1996
- Expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:10
- Camping, kayaking, mountaineering and snowshoeing all included
- A comfortable, homely (not luxury) 108 or 170 passenger ship
- Bivouac under the stars, instead of camping in a tent
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Departure from Ushuaia
In the afternoon you'll embark from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world located in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Sail across the waters of the Beagle Channel and beyond throughout the evening.
Days 2 & 3: At sea
You will sail across the Drake Passage during these two days. After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, you'll arrive in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. In this area, you may see wandering, grey-headed, light-mantled and black-browed albatrosses. Also look out for a variety of petrels including the tiny Wilson's storm petrels, along with southern fulmars.
You'll experience the same salty breezes and rolling seas as those encountered by the great polar explorers, spotting the first icebergs as you near the South Shetland Islands.
Days 4 to 10: Exploring Antarctica
Today, you'll begin to explore Antarctica in earnest. You might see greystone peaks sketched with snow, towers of broken blue-white ice, and dramatically different wildlife below and above.
Weather and ice conditions, along with wildlife opportunities, will dictate your exact itinerary. However, places you might visit during your adventure could include some of the following:
Neumayer Channel – The vessel may position itself here, launching its multiple basecamp activities from the protected waters around Wiencke Island. You can enjoy the splendors of this alpine environment at sea with Zodiac and kayaking trips, or if you’re in the mood for a walk, there are possible snowshoe hikes and soft-climb mountaineering options farther inland. Naturally, favorable weather conditions determine the possible activities.
Port Lockroy – After sailing through the Neumayer Channel, you may get a chance to visit the former British research station – now a museum and post office – of Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Though access can be blocked by icebergs filling the bay. You may also be able to partake in activities around Jougla Point, meeting gentoo penguins and blue-eyed shags. At the nearby sites, such as Damoy Point there may be the opportunity for snowshoeing to the old ski-way, this is also one of our favourite camping sites.
Pléneau & Petermann Islands – If the ice allows it, you can sail through the Lemaire Channel in search of Adélie penguins and blue-eyed shags. There’s also a possibility that you’ll encounter humpback and minke whales here, as well as leopard seals, so stay out on deck and keep a lookout. Once out of the channel and to your destination, kayaking, glacier walks, and more ambitious mountaineering trips are potential activities at this location.
Neko Harbour – An epic landscape of mammoth glaciers and endless wind-carved snow, Neko Harbour offers opportunities for a zodiac cruise and landing that afford the stunning views of the surrounding alpine peaks. If trail conditions allow, there is an ascent to the ridge, making way for passing penguins on their way to their rookeries.
Paradise Bay – You might have the chance to make camp here like a true polar explorer, enjoying a supreme overnight Antarctic adventure.
Errera Channel – Possible sites in this area include Danco Island and Cuverville Island, but also the lesser known (though equally picturesque) Orne Island and Georges Point on Rongé Island.
On your last day of near-shore activities, you might pass the Melchior Islands toward the open sea. Keep a sharp lookout for humpback whales in Dallmann Bay. You might also shoot for Half Moon Island, in the South Shetlands, with further chances for activities.
Conditions on the Drake Passage determine the exact time of departure.
Days 11 & 12: At sea towards Ushuaia
As you make your way north you'll again be followed by a vast selection of seabirds while crossing the Drake Passage; making for a far-from-lonely return voyage.
Day 13: Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast.
NOTES: Activities are offered once during the voyage. Antarctica is a wonderful, wild destination; because of this, it is not guaranteed that every Basecamp departure will offer all activities.
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.
Why our customers love Swoop
The Antarctic Experts.
No Compromises
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.
Expert impartial advice at no extra cost
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.
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist
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.
A full concierge service, unlike booking direct
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.
What our customers think of Antarctic Basecamp Adventure
Antarctic Basecamp Adventure trips scored 4.5/5 from 148 reviews
Review:
About The Ship
The Plancius
A penguin's view of the Plancius
The dining room
The observation lounge
The buffet
The bridge
Approaching the Risting Glacier at the head of Dryglaski Fjord
The Plancius in Antarctica
Snowshoeing (optional)
Camping on the Antarctic ice (optional)
Zodiac cruising from the Plancius
Your expedition vessel
- A 3-4* expedition vessel for 108 guests
- Contemporary feel after 2009 re-build
- A quiet diesel-electric propulsion system
- 1D ice class rating
- Camping, kayaking and snowshoeing available on select departures
- Rubber boots are provided on loan
I like this ship’s modern, contemporary styling - comfortable without being fussy - and her quiet engine.
Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Antarctica
Antarctica Basecamp Adventure
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.
* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $8800
Additional Notes
All departures in the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons are 12 nights/13 days long.
The optional adventure activities are offered once during the voyage. Antarctica is a wonderful, wild destination; because of this, it is not guaranteed that every Basecamp departure will offer all activities.
Single Supplement And Child Policy
For those travelling solo who want their own cabin, the single supplement is 1.7 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 or over are permitted on this trip. On select departures, children under 16 may receive a 40% discount. 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 |
|---|---|---|
Camping
|
Complimentary | Equipment provided. |
Kayaking
|
Complimentary | Basic competency required. |
Photography
|
Complimentary | Participation with own camera. |
Snowshoeing
|
Complimentary | Dependent on snow conditions. Snow shoes provided. |
Mountaineering
|
Complimentary | Crampons provided. Mountaineering boots are needed. |
Includes
- Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- Accommodation and meals during the voyage on full board including snacks, coffee and tea
- All shore excursions and zodiac activities
- Optional adventure activities such as camping, kayaking, snowshoeing/hiking, mountaineering, photography workshops (all weather dependent)
- Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
- Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
- Loan of rubber boots and snowshoes for the voyage's duration
- Comprehensive pre-departure information
- Port taxes and any entry fees to landing sites
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on embarkation day
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport directly after disembarkation
Excludes
- Flights to and from points of embarkation/disembarkation
- Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
- Transfers not specified in the itinerary
- Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Personal travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature - laundry, beverages, etc
- Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
- Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)
