Explore the Antarctic Peninsula - 14 - $15,840
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
- 5 full days exploring Antarctica
- Choice of 3 ships, including 2 high tech purpose-built X-bows, all complimented by a hugely experienced expeditionary team
- National Geographic certified photographer on every voyage and unusual photographic gear road-testing scheme available on board
- Unique onboard ROV submersible and divemaster capturing underwater footage to share with guests
- Complimentary Antarctic kayaking session for all guests
- 100% plastic free on board
Start from Buenos Aires and end at Buenos Aires
Landmarks potentially visited on Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Fly overnight to Buenos Aires or Santiago (Optional – Additional Cost)
On selected voyage departures an optional international flight package may be offered, which departs the US this evening on an overnight flight to South America. Depending on your specific expedition date’s starting location, your destination will either be Buenos Aires (Argentina) or Santiago (Chile). If flights are not offered on your voyage date then please make your own way to the start point of your expedition services.
Day 2: Arrive into South America
For expeditions which start in Buenos Aires: Arrive in Buenos Aires, set on the Rio de la Plata, and check in to the included Alvear Art Hotel (or similar). In the afternoon, you will have a guided overview of the city, seeing its Beaux Arts palaces, grand boulevards, and the famous balcony forever associated with Eva Peron.
For expeditions which start in Santiago: Arrive in Santiago and check in to the included Mandarin Oriental (or similar). The capital is nearly surrounded by the Andes, which form an inspiring backdrop to your afternoon guided overview of this vibrant city. Explore the Plaza de Armas, the main square, and nearby Presidential Palace, enjoying wonderful views from the many hills that dot the city.
Day 3: Fly to Ushuaia (Mandatory – Additional Cost)
Today you will join your fellow expeditioners on a private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. From the plane, enjoy glorious views as you fly over the vividly rugged terrain of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Before boarding the ship your group may visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, with its beautiful forest of southern beech.
Lunch will be served onboard a private catamaran while cruising the Beagle Channel, where you’ll be on the lookout for huge South American sea lions and birds like imperial cormorants. You may even spot your first penguins - look out for Magellanic penguins porpoising through the water.
In the afternoon you will embark on your ship and set sail for Antarctica. Please note that the mandatory charter flight package is at additional cost and includes your flights to and from Ushuaia.
Days 4 & 5: At sea crossing the Drake Passage
This 500-mile-wide strait between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula is one of the most famous bodies of water in the world. Sometimes ferocious, sometimes flat calm, the Drake is always a fascinating place in its own right. This part of the journey is your best opportunity to see huge seabirds like the wandering albatross cruising past overhead - cameras at the ready!
This is also time to get to know your way around the ship and prepare for the adventures ahead. Visit the Bridge (a great place to spot wildlife), have a relaxing massage, attend the educational presentations on the wildlife and geology that you will soon be experiencing, or settle into a comfy chair in the Observation Lounge, look out over the waves and reflect on the incredible history of this fabled passage.
Depending on the weather conditions and the speed you make during your crossing, you may be arriving into the South Shetland Islands and/or the Antarctic Peninsula on Day 5. If so, you may even have your first excursion this afternoon. Certainly keep your eyes peeled for that first iceberg!
Days 6 to 10: Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula stretches over 800 miles from north to south, a spine of craggy peaks cut by dozens of deep fjords. It’s an enormous region with many different faces and ever-changing weather. Your ship’s expedition team have decades of exploration experience, allowing them to stay flexible and respond to changing conditions, turn on a dime and select the optimal activity for each day.
The objective is to be out daily, exploring in the Zodiacs, hiking at penguin colonies, discovering remote bays, photographing wildlife, and learning fascinating details from the naturalists and other experts who accompany you on every excursion. There is also time for simply relaxing and watching while the ship cruises through some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. Grab a cup of cocoa and a comfortable seat in the Observation Lounge, visit the officers on the Bridge, or just kick back in your cabin and watch for seals on ice or whales blowing in the distance.
Whether you are cruising past spectacular glaciers in the ship, watching seals in the Zodiacs, or hiking around the penguin colonies, you will benefit from the company of an expert National Geographic photographer along with the ship’s own photo instructor, who share what they capture and help you to perfect both the art and the technique of polar photography.
Days 11 & 12: Crossing the Drake Passage, heading to Ushuaia
Bid Antarctica farewell as you begin the crossing back to Ushuaia. An albatross or two may join the avian escort of seabirds, and crew spotters will keep an eye out for marine life.
There'll be plenty of time to enjoy a wellness treatment, log some time in the gym, or even catch up on the book you haven't had a minute to read.
This is also a great time to start sorting through your many photographs.
The continuing programme of educational talks from the expedition team will reflect on all you have seen and learned.
Day 13: Fly back to Buenos Aires or Santiago
After breakfast, you will disembark in Ushuaia. Here the charter flight will be waiting to return you back to civilization.
Please note that you will be flying back to whichever city you originally came through e.g. either Buenos Aires or Santiago.
For those select departures with optional flights back to the US you will take your onward flight overnight tonight.If you are arranging your own international flights home, please ensure your plane is due to depart after 9.30pm at the absolute earliest. Alternatively you may wish to arrange an additional night in the city and fly on tomorrow.
Day 14: Onward travel and/or arriving home
For those select departures with optional overnight flights back to the US you will arrive back today.
About The Ship
Capacity for just 126 guests: intimate onboard and expedition experience
X-bow technology - cuts through choppy waters, improved onboard stability and maximum sailing comfort
69 cabins, 75% of which have a private balcony, including 12 dedicated solo occupancy rooms
Innovative social areas including a panoramic yoga studio, science hub, infinity edge Jacuzzis and outdoor sleeping 'igloos'
Large fleet of kayaks allows all guests to try out the unique sensation of paddling in icy waters
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 $15840
Additional Notes
For all departures there is a mandatory internal round trip flight package (Santiago–Ushuaia or Buenos Aires–Ushuaia depending on your departure date). The additional price of this package is approximately USD$1,280 per person Buenos Aires-Ushuaia or USD $1,570 per person Santiago-Ushuaia. Please contact us for more details.
For departures sailing from November 2024 to March 2025 the voyage start date no longer reflects the above itinerary’s “Day 1” and instead refers to the arrival date into the starting city e.g. “Day 2”. You would then need to arrange your international flights to take off 1 day earlier as a minimum.
Please note that select departures take place on a slightly larger 148 passenger traditional bow vessel. Further information on your ship will be provided with your quotation.
Single Supplement And Child Policy
For those travelling solo and want their own cabin, this ship has a good number of dedicated single cabins, please contact us for details. However, there is no single supplement if you are willing to share a cabin.
Children are very much welcome. Young travellers receive a $500 discount off the voyage price. 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 |
---|---|---|
![]() |
Complimentary | All departures. Workshops with a professional photographer. |
![]() |
Complimentary | One-off paddle session. Available on all departures, subject to weather and ice conditions. Cannot be booked in advance; onboard booking only. |
Includes
- One night hotel (Buenos Aires or Santiago)
- Accommodation and meals while onboard on full board basis
- Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All shore excursions and zodiac activities
- Use of kayaks
- Beverages including alcoholic drinks, except for certain super-premium brands
- One 3-in-1 lined expedition parka per guest
- Transfers to and from group flights
- Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
- Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
- Comprehensive pre-departure information
- Port taxes and any entry fees to historic landing sites
- Crew gratuities
Excludes
- Mandatory domestic charter flight package including flights to/from Ushuaia
- International air fare
- Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
- Transfers not specified in the itinerary
- Waterproof boots (can be hired online and sent to the ship for approx. $90)
- Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Personal travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature
- Voyage DVD
- Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop, internet, laundry)