Base Camp Antarctica
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 9,950
Enjoy an in-depth cruise from the tip of South America to Antarctica where you experience the dramatic scenery of icebergs, glaciers and ice fields, visit a research station and see all kinds of local wildlife including whales and penguins.
Just to put the Antarctic into perspective, it is the southernmost continent and the mainland is twice the size of Australia and almost 1.5 times larger than the United States. 98% of it is covered in ice and it contains (believe it or not) 70% of the World’s fresh water. No one country actually owns Antarctica although a few lay claim to owning territories on which they have scientific research centres.
Start your Antarctic itinerary in Ushuaia, the port and capital city of the Tierra del Fuego province in Argentina. Once on board your ship, you will sail through the scenic Beagle Channel en route to Antarctica. For the first two days, you sail across the Drake Passage arriving at the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Here you may see many different species of albatrosses and petrels plus other local birds. Near the South Shetland Islands, you will spot your first icebergs.
The next day is at leisure to simply relax. This is followed the next day sailing directly to “High Antarctica” passing the Melchior Islands and the Schollaert Channel. Arrive at the Neumayer Channel where the ship is positioned for the multi activity base camp. Here you have the opportunity to explore the region on foot, by zodiac or kayak. All climbs and excursions can only be conducted in good weather conditions. During your stay here, you visit the British Research Station, the post office (now a museum) and Port Lockroy to hopefully view Gentoo penguins and Blue-eyed shags. Keep an eye out for Leopard seals, Crabeater seals and whales.
Later, sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Booth Island, Pleneau Island and Petermann Island where you will see Adelie penguins and blue-eyed shags plus encounter humpback whales and fin whales. At Neko Harbour, there is the opportunity to set foot on Antarctica with its landscape of huge glaciers and permanent ice fields. Here enjoy zodiac cruises, hikes and kayak excursions. Spend the night at Neko Harbour or nearby Paradise Bay with a camp erected on shore.
The next few days are at leisure to take in the scenery or just relax eventually sailing back at Ushuaia.
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 9,950
Itinerary View Trip Map
Embark Ushuaia
In the afternoon, you embark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world located at the Beagle Channel and sail through this scenic en route to Antarctica.
| Meal Plan | Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 11 Nights |
At Sea
During these two days you sail across the Drake Passage. When you cross the Antarctic Convergence, you will arrive in the circum-Antarctic up welling zone. In this area you may see Wandering albatrosses, Grey-headed albatrosses, Black-browed albatrosses, Light-mantled Sooty albatrosses, Cape petrels, Southern fulmars, Wilson's Storm petrels, Blue petrels and Antarctic petrels. Near the South Shetland Islands, you spot your first icebergs.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Days |
Day at Leisure
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
Antarctica
Stay two night in order to take full advantage of all available activities. Visit the former British research station and the post office, now living museum, Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Close to Port Lockroy there is a chance to land on Jougla Point with Gentoo penguins and Blue-eyed shags. Keep an eye out for Leopard seals, Crabeater seals and whales.
In good conditions and time allowing sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Booth Island, Pleneau Island and Petermann Island where you can find Adelie penguins and Blue-eyed shags. In this area there are good chances to encounter Humpback whales, Minke whales and Fin whales.
At Neko Harbour there is an opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Continent in a magnificent landscape of huge glaciers and permanent ice fields and enjoy the spectacle on zodiac cruises, hikes and kayak excursions. A small group of mountaineers may climb up on higher grounds of the glacier. Spend the night at Neko Harbour or in nearby Paradise Bay with a camp erected ashore. You will leave early morning after breaking camp. Sail via Melchior Islands towards the open sea of the Drake Passage.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 Days |
Day at Leisure
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
Day at Leisure
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
Day at Leisure
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
Day at Leisure
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
At Sea
On your way north, you are again followed by a great selection of seabirds while crossing the Drake Passage.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Days |
Day at Leisure
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
Disembark Ushuaia
Arrive in the morning in Ushuaia and disembark.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Day at Leisure
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Dates to be advised
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Voyage aboard the designated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes aboard 'Plancius'
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation)
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- Comprehensive pre-departure material
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Visa fees if applicable
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
OTHER INFORMATION:
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions, the availability of landing sites and the opportunity to see wildlife. The final itinerary will be deetermined by the Expedition Learder on board.
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.
8 Mar 2021
