Highlights

Spend more time in the remote, ice-laden Weddell Sea—home to massive Adélie penguin colonies and colossal tabular icebergs—than you ever imagined possible. While many Antarctic itineraries attempt to include the Weddell, they typically spend just a day here, two at most. This 12-day Antarctic Peninsula: A Rare Exploration of the Weddell Sea devotes three to four days in the farthest reaches of the Weddell Sea and Antarctic Sound. Guided by a seasoned Expedition Team, this route is designed with maximum flexibility to adapt to shifting conditions and reach rarely visited sites few travelers ever see.

Join a rare, in-depth journey into the remote Weddell Sea and Antarctic Sound
Photograph massive flat-topped tabular icebergs
Visit archeological sites amid volcanic and scenic landscapes
See tens of thousands of Adélie penguins
Spot a variety of whales: Humpbacks, minkes, fin, and, possibly, killer whales.
Explore off-ship by Zodiac and kayak.

Map & Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina

You may arrive in Ushuaia at any time on Day 1. Many guests choose to arrive a day or two before embarkation day to explore this quaint port city at the bottom of South America, and the surrounding region. Based on the arrival information you send in advance, we will arrange for a transfer from the airport to your hotel.

Day 2Embarkation

Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel, transecting the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you see land, you’ll be at the world’s most southern continent.

Day 3-4At Sea: Crossing the Drake

You have many options of activities during the 800-km (500 mile) Drake crossing. As you gain your sea legs, our Expedition Team will begin their series of presentations to help prepare you for your upcoming Zodiac and land excursions. You officially enter Antarctica when your ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence, a boundary that f luctuates around 60° south. This is also a great opportunity to meet your fellow travelers—many of whom will become friends by the voyage end.

Day 5-9Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea

One word best describes the Weddell Sea and Antarctic Sound: immense. That applies equally to the ice formations, penguin colonies, and vast stretches of sea. In Antarctic Sound and the Weddell Sea, you will encounter massive tabular icebergs. Some in the Weddell Sea reach the size of a football field or larger. In the northwest corner of this region, penguin colonies can number in the tens of thousands.

The Weddell Sea is less visited than the Gerlache Strait, not for lack of beauty, but due to its ever-shifting ice. This voyage adds an extra day in this area—time enough for a true adventure into this endless wilderness, and to ensure you can fully embrace the dance with the ice.

Your Expedition Team and bridge officers will track charts and forecasts, seeking openings to navigate toward the region’s highlights, and intentionally visiting the ice edge to maximize your time in this remarkable environment

This itinerary offers the best of a polar expedition—soak in the vastness of the Weddell Sea and Antarctic Sound from your ship, then get up close to stunning geological formations by Zodiac or kayak.

Day 10-11At Sea: Homeward-bound across the Drake Passage

The journey back across the 800-km (500 mile) Drake Passage provides final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air, spend time on the outer deck watching for seabirds and whales, or attending one of the team’s expert-led polar presentations.

Day 12Disembark in Ushuaia

Your ship is scheduled to arrive in Ushuaia between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Once the ship has docked, you will bid farewell to your Expedition Team and shipmates before completing your disembarkation. You are then free to take advantage of the included transfer to the airport or, depending on the time of your flight, explore the town on your own and take a taxi to the airport later.

Inclusions/Exclusions

Rates include the following:

Leadership throughout the voyage by experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
An official Expeditions parka to keep
All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
All shore landings as per the daily program
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage. Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals
Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
A photographic journal documenting your expedition
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard the ship
Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
Group departure transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from ship to local airport
Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data intensive applications.)

Rates do not include the following:

International airfare
Passport and applicable visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
Meals unless otherwise specified
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
Excess-baggage fees on international flights
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
Additional overnight accommodation
Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities

Adventure Activities

Included:

Hiking
Photography
Polar Plunge
Presentations

Booked in advance, at an extra cost:

Paddling Excursion
Sea Kayaking

Gallery

Dates & Prices

All prices are subject to availability, quoted per person and expressed in USD. Use our advanced filters to tailor your search by month, year, trip length and/or budget. Find the perfect adventure for you and discover beautiful and exciting destinations!

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