Antarctica Explorer - 10 days
Antarctica Explorer - 10 days
Antarctica Explorer - 10 days
10 Days Starting in Ushuaia and ending in Antarctica
Visiting: Ushuaia, Antarctica
Tour Overview
Explore the natural beauty of the remote Antarctic Peninsula on this 10-day group cruise tour. Starting in Ushuaia travel through the Drake Passage and marvel at the abundant wildlife as you near Antarctica. Gaze at ice-clad mountains, explore the volcanic crater of Deception Island, view vibrant penguin colonies, visit historic huts at Damoy Point, and take in towering icebergs and glaciers.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia
Location: Ushuaia
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Ocean Albatros or Ocean Victory Ship
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Ushuaia! As the world's most southern city, Ushuaia's nickname of 'the end of the world' is well deserved. On arrival, make your way to the port and board our home for the next two weeks, the Ocean Albatros or Victory expedition ship. After enjoying a refreshing welcome cocktail our expedition begins as we set sail through the famous Beagle Channel (named after Charles Darwin's ship) towards Drake Passage.
If arriving into Ushuaia with plenty of time, you may wish to take a day trip to the picturesque archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers and flower-filled meadows.
Day 2-3: Antarctica
Location: Antarctica
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Ocean Albatros or Ocean Victory Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
For the next two days we sail through the challenging Drake Passage, famous for its rough conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. Our expedition vessels are well-equipped with stabilizers, powerful engines, and a skilled crew for your comfort. Crossing the Drake Passage is a notable achievement.
During our time in the Drake Passage, we'll prepare for Antarctica. Our Expedition Leader will provide safety guidelines and tips for minimizing our impact on this fragile environment. Our Expedition Team will help with biosecurity measures and offer lectures on Antarctic history, wildlife, geology, and more.
On the third day, we'll cross into the Antarctic Convergence, experiencing a sudden drop in temperature as we enter Antarctic waters. This region teems with wildlife, including petrels, albatrosses, penguins, seals, and whales. Weather permitting, we may be able to make landfall on the the South Shetland Islands on our second day in the Drake Passage, beginning our exploration of Antarctica.
Day 4-7: Antarctica
Location: Antarctica
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Ocean Albatros or Ocean Victory Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our journey begins in the South Shetland Islands, the northernmost part of Antarctica, known for its rich wildlife, including Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies and impressive seabirds like Giant Petrels. We'll marvel at the ice-clad mountains of Livingstone and King George Islands before we explore places such as Deception Island with its volcanic crater, Aitcho and Half Moon Islands with their vibrant penguin colonies, and the historical site of Yankee Harbour.
Next, we'll head further south to the Gerlache Strait region on the Antarctic Peninsula. This icy wonderland boasts massive icebergs, glaciers, penguins tending to their nests on Cuverville Island, and hikes over active glaciers in Neko Harbour. We'll also visit historic huts such as Damoy Point and may even witness humpback whales in action in Wilhelmina Bay.
While our specific stops depend on conditions, our Expedition Leader will keep you informed during evening briefings. Our expert Expedition Team will enhance your experience with insightful talks.
Antarctica's weather is highly unpredictable, and safety is our top priority. If conditions restrict off-vessel activities, we will enjoy lectures, wine-tasting, hot tubs, or spa treatments in the comfort of the ship.
Day 8-9: Antarctica
Location: Antarctica
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Ocean Albatros or Ocean Victory Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Antarctica, we spend two days sailing north across the infamous Drake Passage heading back towards the Beagle Channel and the shores of Ushuaia. Whilst at sea there are numerous activities on offer. You can relax with a cocktail in the Nordic Bar, listen in on lectures by the passionate and knowledgeable Expedition Team in the Shackleton Lounge, or simply gaze at the Albatrosses travelling north alongside the ship.
On the final evening aboard the ship we join the Captain and Officers for a Farewell Cocktail Party, followed by a presentation of photos and videos by the onboard photographer, allowing us to relive our Antarctic adventure.
Day 10: Antarctica
Location: Antarctica
Meals Included: Breakfast
After we arrive back at Ushuaia in the morning we enjoy a final breakfast and say goodbye to our crew before disembarking.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Ocean Albatros or Ocean Victory Ships -
9 nights aboard either the Ocean Albatros or the Ocean Victory expedition cruise ship in a shared double cabin with private facilities
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9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners
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Services of an English-speaking expedition team
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Shuttle transfer between Ushuaia city centre and the vessel at beginning of the tour and from the vessel to the city centre or airport at the end of the tour
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All Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary, guided by the Expedition Team
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Expedition parka and rubber boots loan scheme for the entire voyage
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Full board on the ship, afternoon snacks, free tea and coffee daily
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Welcome and farewell cocktails
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Special photo workshop and a digital visual journey to remember your trip
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All service taxes and port charges
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
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Government arrival and departure taxes
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Tips for the expedition staff and crew
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Additional excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary (Kayaking, Snowshoeing, Open Air Camping - see trip notes for more details)
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Any meals not onboard the ship & any drinks (excluding tea and coffee)
Age Policy
12 or above
Check out our Q&As
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 300 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.