Squawking Gentoo Penguin, Antarctic Peninsula | Peter Walton
Squawking Gentoo Penguin, Antarctic Peninsula  | Peter Walton
A leopard seal rests on an iceberg in Antarctica  | Richard I'Anson
Perfect conditions for a zodiac cruise in Antarctica  | Brandon Harvey
Kayak the cool calm waters of Antarctica  | Anthony Smith
Make the most of the outdoor bistro  | John Bozinov
Ice fills the Lemaire Channel  | Richard I'Anson
A humpback whale prepares to fluke in Antarctica  | Holger Leue
Iceberg scenery, Antarctic peninsula  | Learna Cale

Antarctica - Land of Icebergs & Penguins

Explore Antarctica in style

12 Days from

$10695 USD

Trip Code: PEH
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Main Deck Suite
$14195 USD
Classic Suite
$15195 USD
Superior Suite
$15495 USD
Deluxe Suite
$17195 USD
Premium Suite
$18495 USD
Single Suite
$21295 USD
Owner's Suite
$23295 USD
Kayaking option
$1395 USD

Duration

  • 12 Days

Activities

  • 11 days cruising plus optional kayaking and photography

Accommodation

  • 10 Nights aboard Sea Spirit
  • 1 night hotel in Ushuaia

Meals

  • 10 Dinners
  • 9 Lunches
  • 11 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

1 / 10

Discovery and Cruising

Trip highlights

  • The most wildlife-rich part of Antarctica - penguins, whales, seals, sea birds
  • Narrow sheltered waterways and fjords
  • Spectacular mountains rising directly out of the sea
  • Historic sites
  • Active scientific stations
  • Great variety of terrain over short distances
  • Icebergs and active glaciers
  • Kayaking through Antarctic waters (optional charges apply)
  • Photography Workshops (optional)

Overview

This program aboard the vessel Sea Spirit provides the opportunity to revel in the dreamy Antarctic Peninsula. Crossing the Antarctic Convergence into the Southern Ocean via the fabled Drake Passage, we have ample time to explore the spectacular landscapes and wildlife of this remote continent. This voyage offers participants a chance to kayak through the tranquil waters, which is a popular experience that will create memories to last a lifetime. We utilise the ship's fleet of zodiacs to explore the rich diversity of wildlife that flourishes in the sheltered bays, steep glaciers and clustered iceberg castles that characterise the shoreline. There are no shortage of photographic opportunities along the Antarctic Peninsula, and our workshops will help you capture the natural beauty of this incredible ice-bound land. Join in one of the optional activities on offer or simply take in the surreal landscapes of this untouched wilderness.

Itinerary

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Welcome to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point of our Antarctic expedition! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by our staff and transferred to a quality hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the itinerary. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore this vibrant port city and adventure hub. For an introduction to local history and wildlife, the interesting Museo del Fin del Mundo is worth a visit. If you have time to spare, a variety of nature activities can be arranged to suit all interests and fitness levels, from hiking in nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park to wildlife viewing in the Beagle Channel. For dinner, Ushuaia offers a wide range of restaurants featuring Patagonian lamb and delectable Fuegian seafood.

Meals: Nil

Explore the delightful waterfront and savor views of the snowcapped Martial Range, the southernmost peaks of the Andes. Take advantage of shopping for souvenirs or some last-minute necessities such as cold-weather gear. Just remember, you will soon receive your very own parka to keep and waterproof boots to borrow on board the ship. For lunch, the many cafés, parrillas and gelato shops on Avenida San Martín will be sure to satisfy any appetite. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard the deluxe expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get settled in your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure to come. After getting underway, a full schedule of events kicks off with informative briefings and introductions from your expedition staff. After the first of many delicious dinners on board, step out onto the open decks to admire the scenery and gorgeous evening light as we pass through the Beagle Channel.

Meals: B,D

After passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, we turn south to begin our crossing of the Drake Passage. We watch for humpback and fin whales along the way. The majestic wandering albatross and other graceful subantarctic seabirds are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks and balconies. We also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas. Briefings, bio-security procedures and presentations by our lecture staff prepare you for our arrival in Antarctica. We hope to arrive in the South Shetland Islands on the evening of our second day at sea.

Meals: B,L,D

Within the next days, we explore the highlights of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. This region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and the best wildlife viewing in Antarctica. Sheltered bays and channels sparkle with ice and reflect towering mountain peaks coated in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to huge numbers of marine mammals and seabirds. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large rookeries at special places on land. Here we also find Antarctic research bases of various nationalities. The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be our first area of exploration. This wildly beautiful island chain contains many landing sites with historical significance and abundant wildlife. We will also explore the supremely picturesque Gerlache Strait area of the Antarctic Peninsula, a pristine wilderness of spectacular white landscapes, colossal icebergs, obliging marine mammals and bustling penguin colonies. We hope to show you the famous Lemaire Channel, also known as “Kodak Gap” because of the photogenic way the narrow channel reflects the image of sheer snowy mountains. Impressive colonies of gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins can be found throughout the islands, sometimes side by side. In this rugged yet accessible environment, superb wildlife viewing is best complemented by active adventure. Our knowledgeable guides will offer hiking and hill climbing for an even greater perspective of this raw polar wilderness. For sea kayakers, the wildlife-rich waters of Antarctica offer many chances to paddle with seals and penguins in some of the world’s most scenic waterways. This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our precise route and exploration opportunities will be shaped by weather and ice. Our experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust plans to take maximum advantage of the conditions in this challenging polar environment.

Meals: B,L,D

It is now time to head back across the Drake Passage toward South America, but the adventure is not quite over. Seabirds are our constant companions and there is always the possibility of whale encounters in these wild waters. This is also the time for festivities such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slideshow. Finally, as we enter the calm Beagle Channel, we enjoy a night of smooth sailing toward Ushuaia.

Meals: B,L,D

After yet another delicious breakfast on board, we bid you a fond farewell in Ushuaia. We provide a group transfer to the airport or to the city center if you wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next polar adventure.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What’s included?

Included

  • 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 10 dinners
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Ushuaia on a triple or twin share basis (depending on ship berth configuration chosen)
  • Group transfer from the airport to the hotel on day 1 of itinerary
  • Group transfer to the ship on day of embarkation
  • Comfortable cabin accommodation and use of all public areas on cruise
  • All-inclusive beverage package that includes soft drinks, house wine and beer, and house spirits.
  • Specialist expedition staff
  • All shore excursions from the ship including the use of Zodiacs
  • Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services
  • Medical services. There is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board (charges may apply)
  • Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities
  • Complimentary Polar Expedition Parka
  • Rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise
  • Pre-departure information
  • Digital Voyage Log
  • Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport or hotel in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).

Not included

  • Air transport and transfers before and after the cruises (except for pre-scheduled group transfers listed above)
  • Passport and vaccination charges, reciprocity fees and airport departure taxes
  • Accommodation and meals or other services not included in the ship cruise itinerary
  • Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, travel insurance and items of a personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls
  • Customary end of voyage tips
  • Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of USD 200,000

Adventure Highlighted Video

Kayaking in Antarctica

Kayaking in Antarctica
Sea Spirit Video Tour

Responsible travel

Extra trip info

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