South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Voyage
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A classic 10-day voyage to the White Continent. Perfect for those wanting great value and comfortable accommodation. Sail aboard a purpose-built X-Bow expedition ship with an average of 199 passengers.
Trip Summary
- 4 full days exploring Antarctica = 8 planned "off ship" excursions
- Wide range of departure dates to choose from
- Antarctic operational experience since 2017
- Expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:8
- Paddling, camping & snowshoeing optional activities available (at additional cost, select departures only)
- Complimentary 3-in-1 parka jacket, plus house wine, beer and soda with dinner
Trip Overview
From
$8,070 - $27,095
Gentoo penguins diving in Antarctic waters
Your expedition vessel
Humpback whale comes up for air
Snowshoeing in Antarctica
Kayaking in Antarctica
Zodiac trip from the vessel
Penguins and kayaks in Antarctica
Kayaking among icebergs
Weddell seal, Antarctica
Operator's Itinerary
Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. It's a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires.
In the afternoon you will then board the ship. Your journey begins as we navigate through the calms of the Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.
Sailing onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties.
While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard the expedition vessel, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice!
In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. Weather permitting, we will catch our first sight of seals and penguins! The area is also well-known for its abundance of birds.
Over the next two days, we will begin the exciting Antarctic experience our ancestors only dreamed of. During these days we will explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and absorb captivating landscapes along the way. Weather permitting, our projected landfalls include: King George Island; Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels and chinstrap penguins.
The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.
As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on our horizon, the presence of wildlife multiples by tens of thousands with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals. Wildlife abounds on our projected route along the Antarctic Peninsula: leopard, fur and Weddell seals of Cuverville Island; humpback whales of Gerlache Strait; Paradise Bay; the dramatic Lemaire Channel's orcas and much more.
The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.
Please note that all the outings and landings rely on weather, sea and ice conditions being favorable both for the ship to access the areas, as for the zodiacs and kayaks to maneuver under adequate conditions, ensuring the safety of all our passengers and staff. For this reason, during moments of harsh weather and throughout the entire trip, the ship has excellent public areas such as wellness/sauna, restaurant, bar and a library for our passengers to spend their spare time. The vessel is staffed by experts in the field who will also share great lectures along the way, ranging from exploration history to biology, geology, ice and wildlife.
We depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on our way back to the calms of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. En-route, we will cross the Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern-most tip of South America. During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged onboard which will provide the perfect opportunity to socialise with fellow travellers. Enjoy lectures by our expedition team, visit our shop and relax at leisure using the ship’s facilities.
This morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia for the conclusion of our tour, where you can continue your adventures or begin your return journey home.
Swoop. Your adventure story.
Market-leading expertise
Harness our 400,000 hours of Antarctic experience. There’s no question we can’t answer.
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We care deeply about protecting Antarctica, that’s why 1% of our revenue goes to conservation.
A full concierge service
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Ocean Victory
- 70% of the staterooms offer private balconies
- Incredible Antarctic backdrops from the open-deck dining facility
- Part of a brand new generation of low-energy vessels
- Highest polar code 6 and ice class 1A ratings
- Sturdy construction and X-Bow®-Infinity class provides high stability in rough weather
- Optional activities on selected voyages include: kayaking, snowshoeing and camping
What our customers think of South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Voyage
South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Voyage trips scored 4.6/5 from 44 reviews
Review:
Prices & Departures
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 availability.
- Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- Accommodation and meals during the voyage on full board
- Free tea and coffee 24 hours daily
- House wine, beer and soda included with dinner
- All zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary
- Complimentary expedition parka to keep
- Complimentary rubber boot loan during the voyage
- Guiding and lectures by the expert expedition leader and team
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary (camping, paddling, snowshoeing, photography workshop etc.)
- Single room supplement and cabin upgrades
- Meals not on board the ship
- Tips for the crew (we recommend USD $16 per person per day)
- Personal expenses
The departures on 8-Nov-2025 and 05-Dec-2025 are extended voyages with 11 nights aboard the ship. They will aim to visit the Weddell Sea if ice conditions allow.
The departure on 14-Nov-2026 is a nine-day voyage, with eight nights aboard the ship. This is one night fewer than in the itinerary above, with three days in Antarctica rather than four.
The departure on 3-Jan-2026 will offer halal meat options (with no pork products or lard). Ladies-only hours will also be available at the onboard sauna.
Single Supplement And Child Policy
For those travelling solo, the ship offers dedicated single cabins (Category G). If you're looking for a different cabin category, the single supplement in a twin cabin is 75%. There is no single supplement for passengers willing to share a cabin, which is possible in the Category F triples and Category C balcony staterooms.
At the date of embarkation, the minimum age restriction of 8 years and a minimum height requirement of 48 inches (1.2 metres) must be met.
