Antarctic Circle Odyssey - 14 Days - $14,895
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
- 7 full days in Antarctica = 14 planned ‘off ship’ excursions
- Join that small group of Polar Travellers who have reached the Polar Circle
- Intimate expedition ship with just 128 guests
- Superior onboard facilities including Wellness centre & Single dedicated cabins
- Optional kayaking and paddling
- Complimentary Ushuaia hotel stay + parka jacket
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small, but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentinean town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy some hand crafted chocolate at a cafe in town.
Day 2: Embarkation Day
The Beagle Channel sets you on your way as the ship sails in the late afternoon. The channel opens up to the vastness of the Southern Ocean, where your next land sighting will be along the Antarctic Peninsula. Named after the famed ship in which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents many great photo opportunities to capture sea birds hovering overhead.
Days 3-4: At sea towards Antarctica
The waters of the Drake Passage are unpredictable, so hope for clear skies and a calm ocean. You'll have plenty of time to stare out at the sea, get to know your fellow shipmates and chat with your Expedition Team. Time over these two days will be spent preparing for the exciting days ahead, with numerous educational and informative lectures from your Expedition Team. You'll learn about everything from safety procedures to the history of whaling in Antarctica.
Days 5-7: Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
With the Drake Passage left in our wake, we make a final approach to Antarctica. Get your cameras ready, as the continent's coastline will make its first appearance, signalling the start of your adventure in the realm of the Antarctic. You'll see plentiful icebergs floating by and be fixated on the surface of the ocean as curious whales spout and breach before your eyes.
As exciting as it can be from onboard the ship, your true exploration occurs when you disembark and set foot on the great continent. There are several potential landing sites we may visit – while weather dictates specific landings, each one presents a new collection of wildlife and natural attractions.
Your days will be busy spotting wildlife and being mesmerised by the beauty of Antarctica. Watching penguins waddling on the beach and listening to the crackling and crumbling sounds of icebergs and glaciers will become your daily entertainment while kayaking with whales and camping in Antarctica are a couple of optional activities available on selected voyages.
Days 8-9: The Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach this far south. You and your shipmates will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of champagne!
Make a toast and take pride in knowing you've made it to a part of the world still visited by very few people.
Days 10-11: Northbound Along the Peninsula
By now, your knowledge of Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins will be matched by your ability to differentiate between a leopard, fur or Weddell seal. Terms like "bergy bits" and "pancake ice" will seem normal too, yet there are still many tales to be told. As you head back towards the Drake, zodiac excursions will continue to fill your days, while the Expedition Team will help fill in any blanks that remain in your newly acquired knowledge of the Antarctic.
Days 12-13: At sea towards Ushuaia
Re-crossing the Drake, Antarctica fades away and you'll be left with a collection of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with your newfound friends will make the time passing the Drake Passage fly by, independent of weather and sea conditions. Your Expedition Team will round up their series of lectures as well, perhaps with a slideshow of some of the great landing sites and wildlife you've visited over the course of your voyage.
Day 14: Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina
Today you'll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and your fellow travellers. You'll disembark in the morning so that you may catch your homeward bound flights.
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.
Why Swoop
Expert Impartial Advice At No Extra Cost
Antarctic travel options are complicated. We help you choose the right boat, the right cabin, and at the right point in the season.
A Depth Of Knowledge On Board
As a team of ex-guides, tour leaders, & polar adventurers our Antarctic knowledge is leagues ahead of the rest.
For The Ends Of The Earth
Swoop is proud to be B Corp Certified as we know sustainability is more than our carbon footprint (but we’re reducing that too).
We’re With You At Every Step
We’ll make sure you have the adventure of a lifetime.
About The Ship
- A 3-4* expedition vessel for 128 guests
- A spacious ship with extensive public areas
- High 1A ice class
- Rounded stern & stabilisers = superior stability
- Optional kayaking & camping available on selected depatures
- Complimentary jacket & loan of rubber boots
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 $14895
Single Supplement And Child Policy
For those travelling solo who would like their own cabin, there is a good number of dedicated single cabins. The single supplement is 1.7 times the cost of a standard cabin and 2 times the cost of a superior category. Please contact us for details. There is no single supplement for solo passengers willing to share a cabin.
At date of embarkation, the minimum age restriction of 8 years and a minimum height and weight requirement of 64 lbs or 29kg and 48" or 1.2m must be met. 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 |
---|---|---|
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$995 | All departures. Basic competency required. |
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$295 | All departures. No experience required. 1-1.5hr paddle on inflatable kayak. |
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$295 | Selected departures. |
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$295 | Selected departures. Basic competency required. |
Includes
- 1 night's hotel stay, breakfast included
- Transfers as indicated
- Online photo journal of voyage
- Complimentary parka jacket
- Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- Accommodation & meals during the voyage on full board
- Beer and wine during dinner, and coffee, tea and cocoa throughout the day
- All shore excursions and zodiac activities
- Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
- 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 landing sites
Excludes
- Any flights to and from points of embarkation/disembarkation not listed as included
- Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
- Transfers not specified in the itinerary
- Optional non-complimentary adventure activities (e.g. kayaking)
- Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Personal travel insurance
- Laundry, bar, phone and internet services, and other personal charges
- Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
- Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)