Banner image

Antarctic Basecamp Adventure

The ultimate Antarctic adventure, this trip is specifically for the active traveller. Spend 6 days kayaking, hiking, camping, mountaineering and snowshoeing, all included in the price. A medium-sized expedition ship acts as your floating ‘basecamp’. Great value for money backed up by rave customer reviews.

Please send me the full itinerary for
Antarctic Basecamp Adventure

Thank you for your enquiry

Trip type

Adventure

Trip length

12-13 Days

From

$9,100 -$15,800

Ship Comfort

Expedition

Antarctic Basecamp Adventure - 12-13 - $9,100

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

  • 6 full days in Antarctica = 12 planned ‘off ship’ excursions
  • The widest selection of activities of any Antarctic voyage currently available
  • Camping, kayaking, mountaineering and snowshoeing are all included
  • A comfortable, homely (not luxury) 116 passenger ship
  • Bivouac under the stars, instead of camping in a tent

Start from Ushuaia and end at Ushuaia

Landmarks potentially visited on Antarctic Basecamp Adventure

Operator's Itinerary

Day 1: Departure from Ushuaia

In the afternoon you will 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

During these two days you will sail across the Drake Passage. 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. Look out also 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 4-9: Antarctica

Today you will begin exploring Antarctica in earnest. Grey stone 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 the course of 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 10-11: At sea towards Ushuaia

As you make your way north you are again followed by a great selection of seabirds while crossing the Drake Passage; making for a far from lonely return voyage.


Day 12: 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.

Customer review background image

What our customers think of Antarctic Basecamp Adventure

Antarctic Basecamp Adventure trips scored 4.6/5 from 68 reviews

Most memorable moment was seeing penguins for the first time as we were on the mountaineering walk. Chinstrap penguins - they were so close! 🥰

Travelled: December 2019

Sarah Gillett - Switzerland

This was an absolutely spectacular trip. We booked for and achieved all of the activities and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in fantastic weather. Both clients and staff/crew on board were very friendly and the big surprise was the amount and quality of the food.

Travelled: December 2018

Gill & Richard Starling - United Kingdom

The trip lived up to expectations, we have already recommended to others. And with our active lifestyle, the basecamp experience was a great match.

Travelled: December 2017

Travis & Kalli - Texas

For active people who wanted to do everything, this was absolutely the best trip. First and foremost, the entire crew was excellent, everyone was professional, knowledgeable and hard working. Having all the excursions, kayaking, mountaineering, etc. included made it stress-free and a lot of fun. As an active person, I think this is the best way to see the continent.

Travelled: December 2017

Nick - Canada

We learned a lot about the animals in Antarctica, the geopolitics, the whaling history and the expedition histories. Very interesting. This makes us more closely connected to Antarctica and appreciate all its beauty and complexity. The animals are just adorable.

Travelled: December 2022

Cindy He - Switzerland

Tip: choose a trip that includes excursions and activities in the overall cost. Your days will be filled with a well curated and active schedule. You will have the flexibility to relax and there is something for everyone. There was never a dull moment.

Travelled: December 2022

Alyson Winemberg - USA

The expedition team was one of a kind. They were incredibly talented, knowledgeable and would sit and discuss anything at length.

Travelled: December 2019

Nancy Jones - Canada

The expedition leaders were exceptional - SO knowledgeable in their fields, competent, inclusive - their lectures were a high point when we were on the boat. Camaraderie among the passengers was also memorable - such a diverse and eclectic group of travelers!!! The experience was unparalleled in every respect !

Travelled: November 2022

Shelley Springer - USA

An amazing experience, it was beyond my expectations.

Travelled: November 2018

Rebecca Kronick - Guatemala

I'd say the staff was incredible all around. All were easy to talk to on board the ship and gave freely of their time. On shore or in a Zodiac, they were knowledgeable and friendly, and at all times helpful.

Travelled: December 2022

Jason Maynard - USA

This was truly a trip of a lifetime. The staff ensured it was a safe and incredible experience. The views were beyond imagination. To be a guest in such a magical place was a true privilege.

Travelled: December 2017

Carla & Ross MacHattie - Canada

The wildlife was incredible. Landing right next to penguins and viewing leopard seals up close was unbelievable.

Travelled: December 2022

Jagadeesh Hathwar - USA

The crew and guides were exceptional. Everyone would go above and beyond to make our stay just a little bit better.

Travelled: December 2022

Chris Waters - Canada

Most memorable moment: hard to choose just one! Penguins swimming underwater en masse. A huge, unusually large pod of orca feeding. The magnificent mountain peaks and sunlit valleys beneath them, and on and on. Truly something I will remember every day of my life!

Travelled: December 2021

Kent Kimball - USA

10/10 - I'm still mentally processing all the things we saw and the experiences I had; it's almost overwhelming how much got packed into 'only' two weeks.

Travelled: December 2022

Derek Vandivere - Netherlands

The kayaking was one of the best days, and the ice camping was the best night (and morning thereafter with a beautiful sunrise on the mountain tops). The most exhilarating moment was the polar plunge (while it was lightly snowing). OMG the water was so cold! But it brought up this feeling of great anticipation and excitedness that I haven't felt since I was a child.

Travelled: November 2022

Kelly DeBey - USA

I wanted a trip that included a lot of activities, so this particular trip was perfect for me.

Travelled: December 2022

Dale Matthews - USA

Fantastic staff. Everyone on expedition team was friendly and amazing. Safety was first. Every team member was enjoyable to spend time with daily.

Travelled: December 2022

Alison Rosebrough - USA

Kayaking and snowshoeing were brilliant. The highlight was the grandeur of the landscape.

Travelled: November 2017

Prue & Dominique - Australia

Friendly knowledgeable staff, great excursions that maximized time off the boat, and food that was far higher quality and varied than anyone expected.

Travelled: December 2022

Daniel Yates - USA

Penguins are one of the funniest animals and thieves I have ever seen! Whale sightings from the deck and Zodiac boats was one of the best and top listings on my bucket list. Thanks!

Travelled: December 2022

Steve Rimel - USA

10/10 - The basecamp adventure was definitely the best option for us, as we wanted to see and experience as much as possible outside of the ship. Some big cruises don’t even allow you to set foot on land, but we got the full experience by choosing this option.

Travelled: December 2022

Joseph Gabriano - USA

Our guide, Steffie, told us to put down our cameras when we were on an outing on the zodiac, and just listen! It was surreal - the peace that surrounded us, the sound of the whales, blowing through their blowhole, the water lapping around us - I realized, I have not actually been listening for years!

Travelled: February 2020

Rosarii Nuala Falvey - United States Of America

10/10 - Great ship, activities and food

Travelled: December 2022

Joanne Liddle - USA

Loved it! We saw lots of penguins, whales, and some seals! We got more and better pictures than expected :)

Travelled: December 2019

Kayla Kissane - United States Of America

10/10 - It is a once in a lifetime trip. Created true core memories for me and my family. This was an active trip; we definitely experienced Antarctica from the hiking, kayaking, mountaineering and zodiac cruises. The camping and polar plunge were amazing experiences! Our guides were friendly, knowledgeable and simply awesome. They truly enhanced the experience. Perfect ship for the experience too. Right size, right capabilities. The entire adventure from what we did, who helped us do, the ship (and the entire crew ) were great.

Travelled: December 2022

Marc Ganz - USA

10/10 - Utterly amazing trip! The team and the ship were just incredible in every way

Travelled: December 2022

Stephanie Weaver - USA

This was truly a trip of a lifetime. The staff ensured it was a safe and incredible experience. The other guests were interesting, like minded individuals. The wildlife was up close and personal. To be a guest in such a magical place was a true privilege.

Travelled: January 2018

Carla & Ross - Canada

If you have any doubts, Antarctica it's one of the best and most fantastic destinations, and basecamp is the best way to experience it.

Travelled: November 2022

Eduardo Vidal - Argentina

The highlight of the trip was mountain climbing in a snowstorm. I was surprised by a lot of interesting and accomplished people.

Travelled: November 2017

Shawn Faessler - United States Of America

The only misgivings I had were that it would be too "easy" or "luxurious" or something, but the activities were certainly challenging and authentic and experientially rich. Exactly what I had hoped for.

Travelled: November 2022

Matt Martin - USA

Absolutely spectacular expedition team. So incredibly smart and knowledgeable. Very friendly and accommodating as well.

Travelled: December 2021

Elizabeth Bunnen - USA

10/10 - The trip and ship operations and crew were fantastic!

Travelled: December 2022

Sarah Moore - USA

We totally enjoyed and were absolutely happy with all the activities, including shore landings, mountaineering, kayaking, camping and the zodiac cruises.

Travelled: November 2018

Nora & Zoltan Patsenker - Switzerland

Most memorable moment: the experiences offered, including daily landings, kayaking, mountaineering and zodiac cruises as available. This provided days filled with adventure and bringing you up and close and personal to the vast and beautiful landscape.

Travelled: December 2022

Alyson Winemberg - USA

I could have never expected such a special trip as the one I had! The voyage was magnificent, the team made the experience unforgettable, there was not a single moment I would change, our guides were so passionate to provide us all the opportunities they could to spot wildlife, enjoy breathtaking landscapes and get as close as possible to this frozen land, never compromising safety.

Travelled: December 2022

Viktoria Tsvetkova - Bulgaria

Stepping onto the continent for the first time was really a special moment, I loved camping on the continent...the kayaking was amazing, I could go on forever. What a fantastic trip!

Travelled: December 2022

Dale Matthews - USA

Mountaineering 1.2 miles fairly straight with ice pick in one hand and roped to guide with one other - when we reached the top it was exhilarating.

Travelled: December 2022

Joan Siegel - USA

10/10 - It was a fantastic trip and the Expedition Guides were great fun.

Travelled: December 2022

Brent Crowle - UK

The wildlife was pretty spectacular. We saw orcas, whales, birds, penguins and seals. Photos turned out wonderful.

Travelled: December 2022

Tammie Pech - USA

The staff was just super. They bent over backwards to accommodate the myriad of abilities and desires of their guests. We were also blessed with perfect weather. I enjoyed the variety of excursions to include kayaking, snowshoeing, zodiac tours, hiking, and camping.

Travelled: December 2022

Darwin Webster - USA

The ship's crew - both staff and guides - were amazing and there were great fellow travellers too.

Travelled: December 2018

Connie Parkinson - New Zealand

10/10 - Damn near perfect. There was nothing that the ship could have done better to make this a magical trip in every single way. Staff was on point, clean, nice rental gear, boots, equipment. They invited us into their 'home' for two weeks. As a solo female traveller, I was safe at all times, whether in cabins or on land.

Travelled: December 2022

Cathy Tapley - USA

The expedition staff far surpassed all my expectations. My favourite moment was just sitting with the penguin colonies and watching them interact with each other. An absolutely incredible experience!

Travelled: December 2019

Jill Pickett - United States Of America

I waited over two years to go on this trip because of Covid. It was well worth the wait. Everyone who has ever thought of going to Antarctica and has the means should go. Go now while you still can!

Travelled: December 2021

Kent Kimball - USA

Review:

About The Ship

  • A 3-4* expedition vessel for 108 guests
  • Contemporary feel after 2009 re-build
  • A quiet diesel-electric propulsion system
  • 1D ice class rating
  • Kayaking, camping, mountaineering, hiking
  • Rubber boots are provided on loan

I like this ship’s modern, contemporary styling - comfortable without being fussy - and her quiet engine.

Alex Mudd Polar Specialist

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.

2023

2024

2025

Quad Triple Twin Porthole Twin Window Deluxe Superior Junior Suite Grand Suite
November 2023
13-Nov-2023 $9,100* Full $11,200 $11,750 $12,450 $13,250 $14,100 $15,800 Enquire
25-Nov-2023 $9,100* Full $11,200 $11,750 $12,450 $13,250 $14,100 $15,800 Enquire
30-Nov-2023 $9,100* Full $11,200 $11,750 $12,450 $13,250 Full Full Enquire
December 2023
11-Dec-2023 $9,100* Full $11,200 $11,750 $12,450 $13,250 Full Full Enquire
12-Dec-2023 $9,100* Full $11,200 $11,750 $12,450 $13,250 Full Full Enquire
23-Dec-2023 Full Full Full $12,650 $13,400 $14,300 Full Full Enquire
24-Dec-2023 $9,900 Full $12,150 $12,650 $13,400 $14,300 Full Full Enquire
January 2024
4-Jan-2024 Full Full $12,150 $12,650 $13,400 $14,300 Full Full Enquire
February 2024
13-Feb-2024 $9,900 Full $12,150 $12,650 $13,400 $14,300 Full Full Enquire
March 2024
4-Mar-2024 $9,100* Full $11,200 $11,750 $12,450 $13,250 Full Full Enquire
November 2024
23-Nov-2024 $9,100* $10,200 $11,200 $11,750 $12,450 $13,250 $14,100 $15,800 Enquire
December 2024
5-Dec-2024 $9,100* $10,200 $11,200 $11,750 $12,450 $13,250 $14,100 $15,800 Enquire
25-Dec-2024 $9,900 Full $12,150 $12,650 $13,400 $14,300 Full Full Enquire
29-Dec-2024 $9,900 Full $12,150 $12,650 $13,400 $14,300 Full Full Enquire
January 2025
10-Jan-2025 $9,900 Full $12,150 $12,650 $13,400 $14,300 Full Full Enquire
February 2025
13-Feb-2025 $9,900 Full $12,150 $12,650 $13,400 $14,300 Full Full Enquire
25-Feb-2025 $9,900 Full $12,150 $12,650 $13,400 $14,300 Full Full Enquire

* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $9100

Additional Notes

Please note, departures on the following dates are 13 days long:

20-Feb-2023 & 08-Mar-2023

All departures in the 2023/24 season are 13 days long.


The 23-Dec-2023 departure  is a special "Educational Basecamp" voyage and includes a free navigational workshop, camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking and photo workshop. (Please note that this voyage does not offer mountaineering)


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 and want their own cabin, the single supplement is 1.7 times the cost of a single berth, please contact us for details. However there is no single supplement for passengers willing to share a cabin. 

Children aged 3 years or over are welcome. 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
Add on icon Camping Camping Complimentary Equipment provided.
Add on icon Kayaking Kayaking Complimentary Basic competency required.
Add on icon Photography Photography Complimentary Participation with own camera.
Add on icon Snowshoeing Snowshoeing Complimentary Dependent on snow conditions. Snow shoes provided.
Add on icon Mountaineering 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, snowshoe/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)

Questions about this Voyage?