Cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula - 11-12 Days - $10,095
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
- 4-5 full days in Antarctica (depending on voyage date) = 8-10 planned ‘off ship’ excursions
- This ship’s spacious cabins are double the Antarctic average
- Antarctic operational experience since 2013
- Expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:8
- Good choice of departure dates from which to choose
- Camping & kayaking (additional cost)
- Complimentary 5* Ushuaia hotel stay + parka jacket
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
Despite its small size, the city of Ushuaia is the world's southernmost city, the capital of Tierra del Fuego and the main starting point for voyages to Antarctica. Admire the surrounded views of Beagle Channel and the Andes Mountains. If you arrive early, you may want to visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, the southernmost on the planet.
In the town, stroll along the main street of Avenue San Martin and pause at one of the many cafes, shops or restaurants, taking advantage of souvenir shopping and the variety of dining options. Your hotel accommodation is arranged and included in the price of the voyage.
Day 2: Ushuaia, embarkation
In the afternoon there is a group transfer to the pier, where you will be welcomed aboard the expedition ship. Explore the ship and get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come.
Savour the anticipation of your Antarctic dreams coming true as we slip our moorings and sail toward a true wilderness where wildlife abounds. The scenery as we sail through the Beagle Channel on our first evening is wonderful and there is already the possibility of marine mammal encounters.
Days 3-4: At sea towards Antarctica
The Drake Passage spans 600 miles from the top of South America to the South Shetland Islands. The ship's stabiliser fins will help to make the crossing comfortable. Lectures and presentations by the friendly team of Antarctic experts prepare us for what lies ahead. At the Antarctic Convergence, watch for sea mammals, albatrosses and petrels in these krill-rich waters. If the Drake has behaved, we will approach the sub-Antarctic South Shetlands during the afternoon of Day 4.
Days 5-9: The Antarctic Continent and the South Shetlands
This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our route and exploration opportunities in Antarctica are heavily dependent on weather and ice conditions. Our experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant. We take advantage of long daylight hours to exploit every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing, amazing scenery, and excursions via Zodiac.
The Antarctic Peninsula region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and some of Antarctica’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. Protected bays and narrow channels are surrounded by towering mountain peaks covered in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to a variety of whale and seal species. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large nesting colonies at special places on land. The area is also home to Antarctic research stations of various nationalities. Some stations have a gift shop and post office.
The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be our first sighting of land. This wild and beautiful island chain contains numerous landing sites with abundant wildlife and historical significance. Among them is Deception Island, where the flooded caldera of an active volcano harbors an abandoned whaling station.
Farther south, on the Antarctic Peninsula, the vast Gerlache Strait area contains sheltered bays, accessible wildlife, and stunning scenery. Places with names like Paradise Bay are the epitome of everything Antarctic: glaciated mountains, towering icebergs, feeding whales, seals on ice floes, and bustling penguin colonies.
At the southern end of Gerlache Strait is the famous Lemaire Channel, also known as “Kodak Gap” because of the photogenic way the mountainous sides of the narrow channel are reflected in calm waters strewn with icebergs.
Our days in Antarctica are filled with memorable excursions, sumptuous meals, presentations by our experts, and enough incredible scenery and wildlife to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions.
Days 10-11: Drake Passage
As you head back to Ushuaia, there are some final opportunities to ask questions of our Antarctic experts, to share photos and experiences with newfound friends, and to enjoy our festive farewell dinner. Wave goodbye to the birds and whales, until you meet again on your next voyage to the White Continent!
Day 12: Ushuaia, disembarkation
Disembark after breakfast and take a group transfer to the airport or the city centre.
Additional Notes:
- The 29-Nov-2019, 29-Nov-2020 and 18-Dec-2020 departures are 11 days long and spend 1 day less on the Peninsula (4 full days).
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 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 Cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula
Cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula trips scored 4.1/5 from 8 reviews
Review:
About The Ship
- An elegant 4* vessel for 114 guests
- Very spacious cabins, double the average
- 1D ice class rating
- Optional kayaking & camping available
- Complimentary jacket & loan of rubber boots
- Includes a 5* hotel stay in Ushuaia
Prices, Departures and Inclusions
Prices quoted below are per person based on two people sharing. Cabin availability changes all the time, so please contact us for up-to-date details.
* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $10095
Single Supplement And Child Policy
For those travelling solo who would like their own cabin, the single supplement is 1.7 to 2 times the cost of a single berth, depending on cabin category. Please contact us for details. There is no single supplement for passengers willing to share a cabin.
Children aged 12 years old or over are permitted on this trip. Children aged 6 to 11 may be allowed on a case-by-case basis. The rate for children (16 and under) is currently $250 per night, based on occupancy with two adults - please note that this is subject to change. 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.
Includes
- One 5* hotel night in Ushuaia with breakfast
- Transfers as indicated
- Complimentary parka jacket
- Digital voyage log
- Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- Accommodation and meals during the voyage on full board
- All shore excursions and zodiac activities
- Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader and Expedition Team
- 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
- Flights to and from points of embarkation/disembarkation
- Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
- Transfers not specified in the itinerary
- Optional adventure activities (e.g. kayaking)
- 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)
- Fuel surcharge may be applied for all bookings