Antarctic Explorer
Trip type
Antarctic Peninsula
Trip length
11–12 Days
From
$8,495 -$25,495
Ship Comfort
Comfort & Adventure
Antarctic Explorer - 11–12 - $8,495
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
- 4 full days exploring Antarctica with daily shore-based landings and zodiac excursions
- Choice of two expedition ships, with capacity for either 128 or 189 guests
- Optional adventure activities on select departures: camping, kayaking and one-off paddle excursions (limited places, additional cost for each)
- Pre-cruise hotel night included in Ushuaia
- Complimentary 3-in-1 expedition parka jacket + loan of boots
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
With a population of more than 70,000 people, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. The city has grown over the past few years, yet it has retained an easy going and accessible feel. With the sea to the south and mountains to the north, Ushuaia is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruise. If you arrive early, you can spend some time in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, enjoy some Argentinian wines and barbecues in the city, or visit the many boutique shops and cafes before you leave for your expedition to Antarctica.
Day 2: Embarkation Day
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of excitement as you depart - the next time you see land you'll be in the world's most southern continent!
Days 3-4: At sea towards Antarctica
Prepare yourself for potentially rough water, but hope for a smooth sailing as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing. You'll spend these first days getting to know your shipmates while we'll provide safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead.
Days 5-8: Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
When the Antarctic Convergence is left in our wake, you will truly begin your Antarctic adventure. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition.
You can begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travellers alike. Every time we visit Antarctica we witness something new or unexpected, meaning your expedition will be unlike any other - creating a unique, personal experience. We will take zodiac excursions from the ship to explore bays, channels and landing sites each day. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales and search for a number of the southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal.
The majesty of the Peninsula's mountains will enchant you as you scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360 views of your surroundings. One of these in particular, in Orne Harbour, gives the opportunity to visit a chinstrap penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here you'll have the choice between going for a mountain hike or spending time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach to enjoy the antics of curious penguins. If you're feeling extra adventurous, participating in the Polar Plunge swim is about as crazy as it gets! Amidst the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes now become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles or the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbour.
Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team so as to entertain and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.
Days 9-10: At sea towards Ushuaia
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides you with some final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy a few final presentations by your Expedition Team or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.
Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning allowing for you to continue your adventure on land or catch your flights home.
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.
What our customers think of Antarctic Explorer
Antarctic Explorer trips scored 4.8/5 from 20 reviews
Review:
About The Ship
Your expedition vessel
Taking a Zodiac cruise
Library onboard the vessel
Dining onboard
Dining room onboard the vesssel
Main lounge onboard the vessel
Polar boutique
Triple cabin
Suite Cabin, Ocean Adventurer
View from the ship's bow
Your expedition vessel
- 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
What I liked most were this ship’s vast outer decks - brilliant for spotting wildlife - and her superior stability.
Alex Mudd Polar Specialist
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 $8495
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 |
|---|---|---|
Camping
|
$295 | On selected departures. |
Kayaking
|
$995 | 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 is required and you must be able to do a wet exit to participate. Available on all departures, subject to weather and ice conditions. Booking in advance is essential. |
Paddleboarding
|
$295 | On selected departures. Basic competency required. |
Mountaineering
|
$575 | On selected departures. Crampons provided, you will need rigid sole boots. |
|
Paddling
|
$295 | One-off paddle session lasting approximately 60-90 minutes using sit on top kayaks. Available on all departures, subject to weather and ice conditions. Minimal kayaking experience is required. Booking in advance is strongly recommended. |
Includes
- Transfers in Ushuaia as indicated
- Pre-embarkation hotel night and breakfast
- Online photo journal of the voyage
- Complimentary parka jacket
- Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- Accommodation and 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
- Items of a personal nature, e.g. laundry, beverages and communication
- Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
- Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)
