Antarctic Peninsula Adventure Cruise
- Duration
- 11 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 11,295
Embark on the ultimate adventure to the South Pole. Onboard a research vessel, this Antarctic cruise transports you across the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula, where you’ll spend four full days hiking to penguin colonies, kayaking alongside whales, and exploring the final continent.
This 11-day Antarctic cruise takes you across the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula aboard a scientific research vessel. It features moderate accommodations, shared tours, and is made for adventurous travellers.
Your journey to Antarctica begins in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in Argentina, located on Tierra del Fuego, the End of the World. In Ushuaia, embark on Akademik Ioffe, a 3-star research vessel that’ll be your home during your voyage. The vessel is ice-strengthened to withstand the Antarctic waters and has a spacious lounge and bar, library, sauna, and plunge pool for you to relax in during your voyage.
Spend two days crossing the Drake Passage, the stretch of waters between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula. During your passage, you’ll spot giant petrels in the waters, albatrosses floating through the air, and the occasional whale. You’ll also take part in seminars on-board that’ll prep you for your exploration of Antarctica. Break into Antarctic waters and spend four full days exploring the waterways and icy coastlines of the South Pole.
Antarctica is the seventh continent and the last frontier for true adventurers. During your time on the peninsula, you’ll explore a landscape of glaciated mountains, snowy coastlines, and deep, chill waters. Each day, you’ll head on guided hikes along the shoreline or zodiac excursions up to icebergs and glaciers. Spot humpback and minke whales in the water or make some adorable new friends with a visit to a Gentoo, Adelie, or Chinstrap penguin colony. Visit historic huts and science stations along the peninsula, walking in the footsteps of historical heroes like Ernest Shackleton. Be sure to bring an excellent camera with you and capture photos of your epic journey.
At the end of your time in the peninsula, connect to the South Shetland Islands to explore an old whaling station and cruise into the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island, if weather permits. It’s then time to return across the Drake Peninsula and round Cape Horn on the way back to Ushuaia, where you’ll disembark to connect back home.
- Duration
- 11 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 11,295
Itinerary View Trip Map
Ushuaia, Argentina
Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina, the world's most southerly city, where you board your expedition ship. In the early evening you'll set sail along the Beagle Channel and push out into the Drake Passage, direction Antarctica.
| Meal Plan | Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 10 Nights |
| Accommodation |
Akademik Ioffe |
-
Akademik Ioffe
Akademik Ioffe is modern, comfortable, safe and ice strengthened. From small group sessions to briefings for all passengers, we have public spaces onboard the ship ideally suited for each and every need. A separate lounge and bar, as well as a library provide ideal places …
Akademik Ioffe is modern, comfortable, safe and ice strengthened. From small group sessions to briefings for all passengers, we have public spaces onboard the ship ideally suited for each and every need.
A separate lounge and bar, as well as a library provide ideal places to sit and relax or catch up on some reading. A selection of movies and documentaries can also be watched in the lounge.
The sumptuous meals prepared for you by our culinary team are enjoyed in our dining room, which can host all passengers in a single seating and will keep you feeling healthy and strong for the myriad of activities offered throughout the voyage.
Other facilities include the theater style presentation room, gift-shop, fitness room, massage room, Jacuzzi, sauna and plunge pool. There's also a dedicated expedition 'mud-room' where you prepare for your off-ship excursions.Facilities
- Bar
- Fitness Rooms
- Gift Shop
- Jacuzzi
- Library
- Lounge
- Massage Rooms
- Plunge Pool
- Sauna
- Spa
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Drake Passage
Giant petrels, albatross and smaller Cape petrels are our companions as you transit the Drake Passage. Join the ship's Captain on the bridge and learn about the operations of our modern research vessel. Throughout the day our onboard experts educate us with a series of presentations about the environment, wildlife, and history.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Antarctic Peninsula
Take a deep breath - you have arrived. Welcome to Antarctica! This morning the magnificent snowy peaks are laid out before us. It's a truly awesome sight. The waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula are home to deep bays, pristine coves and inlets and numerous small islands. The Gerlache coastline features heavily glaciated mountains permanently covered in ice and snow. Rocky outcrops are home to gentoo, adelie and chinstrap penguin rookeries and the waters are rich in marine life. You'll frequently encounter seals, including the powerful leopard seal. Curious humpback whales and the smaller minke whales are present much of the time as they feed on the vast schools of krill. Sightings of orca are not uncommon. Every day you plan an exciting range of activities including guided hikes on shore and visits to wildlife colonies with our expert naturalist guides. The historic huts and science stations located along the peninsula provide a fascinating glimpse into the past and potential future. Zodiac cruising among the ice searching for seals and whales is a memorable activity. Meanwhile, the sea kayakers may range several miles from the ship. Our resident photography guide will be on hand to help you with your camera setting and image composition. Somewhere along this stretch of coastline you plan a night on shore, camping in Antarctica. you have all the right gear and equipment and an expert team to make it happen - all you need is an adventurous spirit!
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
South Shetland Islands and Deceptions Island
After several busy days of exploration along the Antarctic Peninsula, you head for the South Shetland Islands. If the weather conditions allow, you sail the ship into the flooded volcanic caldera at Deception Island, a very dramatic location. History is all around us as you explore the old whaling station, with its rusted relics and dilapidated wooden buildings.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Drake Passage and Cape Horn
As you make our way back to South America, the educational presentations continue and you enjoy an entertaining and memorable voyage recap by our Expedition Leader. If weather conditions allow, you hope to make a rounding of Cape Horn. It's a fitting place to reflect on a wonderful expedition. Approaching the entrance to the Beagle Channel in early evening light, you enjoy a special dinner attended by the Captain of the ship.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Ushuaia, Argentina
In the early morning, you arrive into Ushuaia. It is time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2021:
RCGS Resolute: Not available
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Comprehensive pre-voyage information package including details to help you prepare for your voyage
- Transfers from a central meeting point in Ushuaia on Day 1 and from Valparaiso to Santiago airport (or a downtown location) at the conclusion of your voyage on Day 11
- Shipboard accommodation in your selected cabin category with daily housekeeping
- Cabins feature outside views with windows or portholes
- Meals as indicated by BLD
- Daily afternoon tea 24-hour tea, coffee, hot chocolate in bar/lounge plus in-cabin tea and coffee making facilities
- Experienced Expedition Leader and professional expedition team of marine biologists, naturalists, historians, adventure guides and photographers
- Daily off-ship excursions by Zodiac boat breaking into small groups for shore landings
- Guided hikes and walks on shore of various duration for guests of all abilities
- Visits to wildlife colonies, historic sites, places of outstanding natural beauty and community visits
- Educational presentations and talks by experts in their field (ie. marine biologists, naturalists, glaciologists, historians etc)
- Onboard or on shore Resident photography guide available to assist all guests plus access to computers in the multimedia lab for image downloads, file back up and management
- An emergency trained medical physician onboard every voyage
- Dedicated hospitality team including Hotel Manager, professional chefs, professional bar staff and Adventure Concierge staff
- Onboard sauna, swimming pool, Jacuzzi and fitness center including massage options (charge applies for massage and treatments)
- Access to well stocked library full of reference books
- End of voyage video, photos and take home USB
- Port fees and all permits to access visited areas
- Sea Kayaking in South & Central America is complimentary - must be reserved at the time of booking your voyage and you must have some prior paddling experience
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Airfare unless otherwise specified in itinerary
- Passport and visa expenses
- Government arrival and departure taxes
- Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before
- Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance
- Excess baggage charges
- Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified
- Telecommunication charges
- Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
OTHER INFORMATION:
You will have the use of an expedition gear package free of charge. Containing around $US900 worth of essential equipment, this kit includes a quality waterproof/ windproof jacket and bib-pants plus insulated rubber boots designed for extended walking. Also included is a set of binoculars and a Nordic trekking pole for use when on shore. A waterproof backpack completes your package. This kit saves you buying expensive clothing and equipment you may only ever use once. It also eliminates the need to carry such cumbersome gear to the ship (total weight around 8kg/17lbs).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
9 Oct 2020
