Antarctic Peninsula in Focus - 10 Days - $7,980
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
- 4 full days exploring Antarctica
- Hassle-free travel package including domestic charter flights, transfers & pre-cruise hotel night in Buenos Aires
- Antarctic operational experience since 2021
- Expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:12
- Relax in unpretentious, cosy elegance with unobtrusive but attentive service ensuring the focus stays on the spectacular landscapes outside
- Between excursions, watch vast icebergs from the unique vantage points of the infinity pool and outdoor Jacuzzi
- With its high Ice Class rating and extra large stabilisers, your purpose-built expedition ship is perfectly suited for polar adventures
- Experience Antarctica from water level with one-off kayaking session (additional cost)
Start from Buenos Aires to Antarctica and end at Buenos Aires to Antarctica
Landmarks potentially visited on Antarctic Peninsula in Focus
Operator's Itinerary
Included travel arrangements prior to embarkation:
The date of "Day 1" for each voyage reflects the date that you will embark on your ship. However, the price of your trip also includes additional services pre-voyage to ensure a hassle-free experience on arrival into Argentina. Once you have landed into Buenos Aires (on the day prior to your embarkation date) you will be met and transferred to your included 4-5* city centre hotel where you will spend the night. Please see the final paragraph of this itinerary for the included arrangements once you have disembarked.
Day 1: Flight to Ushuaia & Embarkation
After an early breakfast, this morning you will be transferred to the airport for your included charter flight down to the port city of Ushuaia in southern Argentina. Here you will board your ship and set sail for Antarctica. After the mandatory safety briefings, head out on deck as you sail down the Beagle Channel. Here you are likely to spot your first wildlife of the trip including flocks of black-browed albatross, sea lions and perhaps even the odd Magellanic penguin.
Days 2 & 3: Crossing the Drake Passage
The adventure begins in earnest as you head across the infamous Drake Passage with the help of the ship’s extra large stabilisers. Your sea days will be busy with preparatory educational briefings and presentations on topics such as the wildlife, history and geology of Antarctica. There will also be time to get out on deck to enjoy the spectacular sight of huge albatrosses and giant petrels gliding past the ship. Join in with citizen science activities to count the number and variety of bird species sighted, and help out with cloud surveys for a NASA observation project. As you draw closer to Antarctica, keep your eyes peeled for that first iceberg sighting!
Days 4 to 7: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
Once you have arrived in glorious Antarctica, your Expedition Leader and the ship’s Captain will be working hard to maximise the opportunities for you to get off the ship and explore as much as possible. There is no fixed itinerary as every day the weather and ice conditions can (and do!) change, and impromptu wildlife opportunities such as whale sightings are seized upon wherever possible. Your expedition team of naturalist guides will be on hand to help you explore safely and to explain about this incredible ecosystem.
During your time in Antarctica you may be heading out on Zodiac cruises, crunching through brash ice to look for snoozing seals hauled out, or penguins taking a break on a sculptural iceberg. There are 50 shades of blue as the light dances across the ice and water - it’s a photographer’s dream. Alternatively, you might be heading ashore to fully experience the sound, sight and smell of cacophonous penguin rookeries. Watching these adorable characters waddle past can’t fail to put a smile on your face. Look out also for predatory skuas on the aerial hunt for a penguiny snack, whilst in the water leopard seals patrol looking for opportunities to pounce. There may be the opportunity to hike uphill for breathtaking views out across the Antarctic Peninsula.
Other times the ship itself might be the best platform, with ship cruising often being the perfect way to soak up the incredible landscapes. Whether you’re squeezing through the photogenic Lemaire Channel or gliding through iceberg-strewn channels, make sure to spend some time in the toasty Jacuzzi or the infinity pool looking out at the ice - it’s a surreal feeling.
Days 8 & 9: Crossing the Drake Passage
As you bid Antarctica farewell, the ship will head northwards back towards South America. The educational program will continue, and if you don’t feel up to attending in person, you can watch the lectures live-streamed onto your cabin’s widescreen television. Why not check out the sauna with its views out to sea, or if you’re feeling energetic the window-filled gym is the perfect place to work off all the delicious desserts.
Day 10: Return to Buenos Aires
This morning you will arrive back in civilization and disembark in Ushuaia. Here you will be taken to the airport for your charter flight back up to Buenos Aires; from here you can make your own arrangements for onward travel home.
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 Antarctic Peninsula in Focus
Antarctic Peninsula in Focus trips scored 4.8/5 from 5 reviews
Review:
About The Ship
- PC5 ice-class rating on its ice-strengthened hull and extra long stabilisers, perfect for tackling ever-changing polar waters
- Spacious staterooms with large panoramic windows or private balconies
- A relaxed atmosphere throughout provided by onboard team of 120 crew.
- Eclectic mix of guides provide exploration and educational opportunities
- A hassle free voyage package: pre-cruise night in a 5 star hotel in Buenos Aires and charter flights to/from 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 and information on specific availability.
* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $7980
Single Supplement And Child Policy
For those travelling solo, the additional single varies from 75% to 100% on top of the twin berth, depending on the cabin category booked. However, there are occasionally special promotions that reduce this supplement, so please contact us for more details.
Children aged 8 years old or over are permitted on this trip. A child between 6 to 8 years old may be considered in some circumstances, but this is decided on a case-by-case basis
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 |
---|---|---|
Paddling | $250 | One-off paddle session lasting approximately 60-90 minutes using double kayaks. Available on all departures, subject to weather and ice conditions. Previous kayaking experience is required. Cannot be booked in advance, onboard booking only; if heavily subscribed there will be a lottery system. |
Includes
- Domestic charter flights to/from Ushuaia
- Group return transfers from Ushuaia airport to the cruise port
- One night pre-cruise accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel
- All meals onboard and 24 hour room service
- Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24 hours per day
- Lecture programmes by the experienced expedition team and guest speakers
- Standard low-data WIFI where the connection allows
- Onboard gratuities and port taxes
- Complimentary expedition parka, waterproof rucksack and water bottle to keep
- Loan of rubber boots for the voyage duration
- Loan of one pair of binoculars per cabin
Excludes
- International flights to/from the starting point for your cruise arrangements
- Transfers from the airport to the hotel if you arrive prior to Day 0
- Optional one-off paddling excursion
- Premium wines and spirits
- Purchases from the ship’s boutique and any spa treatments
- Laundry services (access to a complimentary self-service laundrette is also available)
- Visas where required
- Travel insurance
- Optional premium WIFI to allow for streaming
- Any hotel requirements pre or post-cruise unless otherwise stated within the itinerary description