This voyage showcases the best of the Antarctic Peninsula, combining an exploration of the western side with a discovery of the less-visited, more remote eastern side – the Weddell Sea. Here you will find abundant penguin rookeries, incredible icebergs and unforgettable landing sites.
This variation on our Classic Antarctica itinerary allows a more wide-spread exploration of the peninsula, providing a fantastic opportunity to experience the continent’s scenery, wildlife and history.
Forever synonymous with Shackleton’s ill-fated ‘Endurance’ expedition, the Weddell Sea is home to vast icebergs and a Zodiac cruise amongst these impressive structures is a memorable experience. Other highlights include the countless Adélie penguins to be found on Paulet Island, as well as an insight into early polar exploration.
Itinerary
All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only – embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes and landings will be dependent on weather, sea and ice conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions!
The below sample itinerary is based on the 12-day voyage on the Ocean Albatros. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, i.e. alternative embarkation or disembarkation ports, or do not include the pre-voyage hotel night. Please contact us for specific details.
With a population of more than 63,000, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. Although the city has grown during the past few years, it retains an easygoing and accessible feel. Surrounded by the sea to the south and the mountains to the north, Ushuaia is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruise. After embarkation you will cruise down the historic Beagle Channel towards open sea.
The Drake Passage, named after Sir Francis Drake, is the infamous body of water that separates South America and Antarctica. Smooth or rough, the crossing of the Drake is a rite of passage for any true Antarctic adventurer. These two days will give you time to get to know the Expedition Team and your fellow shipmates.
Your time in Antarctica will be divided, subject to conditions, between the eastern and western sides of the Peninsula. Glaciers, penguin colonies and breaching humpback whales will highlight your days, while friendly seals are plentiful in these waters. You can also expect to encounter what is arguably the most formidable Antarctic predator – the leopard seal.
The Antarctic Sound separates the western side of the Peninsula from the Weddell Sea and is often riddled with huge pieces of ice emanating from the Larsen Ice Shelf. The Antarctic Sound itself offers great places to get ashore and stretch your legs at landing sites that are home to nesting Adélie and gentoo penguins. Snow and pintado petrels as well as kelp gulls also call this area home.
The Weddell Sea is as stunning as it is remote, and is best known as the location where Shackleton’s ‘Endurance’ came to its end, crushed by sea ice. Take a zodiac cruise amongst huge tabular icebergs and perhaps land on Paulet Island. The island is a 350 meter high volcanic cone that juts dramatically out of the sea. Over 100,000 pairs of Adélie penguins breed here, along with blue-eyed shags, snowy sheathbills and kelp gulls. Fur seals and Weddell seals haul out onshore, while leopard seals often hunt offshore.
As you cross the Drake on the way back to Ushuaia, keep an eye out for seabirds, attend some final lectures or simply reflect on your experiences of the past few days.
Arrive back in Ushuaia this morning and disembark, ready for your onward adventure.
Prices
What's Included
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Shipboard accommodation
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All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
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Tea & coffee available around the clock
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All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
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Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
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Expedition jacket - yours to keep
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Loan of rubber boots during voyage
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All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £10316 Excluding Flights
11-14 Nights
Feb-Mar & Nov-Dec
Notes
One pre-voyage night in a hotel is included with all voyages apart from, M/V Plancius.
- The inclusions for this cruise are dependent on the vessel chosen – those shown are applicable to all. Please contact us for full details and to discuss the options best for you.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Lauren
250
Steps climbed up and down to view Rio Celeste waterfall
1
Water Festival in Laos
2025 departure & price guide
Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. They do not reflect any applicable special offers or discounts. Single, triple and quad cabins are also available. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage and cabin type.
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Greg Mortimer
Superior expedition ship with X-BOW® - 130 passengers
Departures: Mar12 days£11,756
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Sylvia Earle
Superior expedition ship with X-BOW® - 130 passengers
Departures: Feb-Mar12-13 daysFrom £11,676
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Seaventure
Standard expedition ship - 139 passengers
Departures: Dec12-13 daysFrom £11,363
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M/V Plancius
Simple expedition ship - 116 passengers
Departures: Mar15 daysFrom £10,773
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Ocean Albatros
Superior expedition ship with X-BOW® - 189 passengers
Departures: Nov12 days£10,316
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
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Rosie
Travel Specialist
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Jo
Travel Specialist
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Phoebe
Travel Specialist
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Jenna
Travel Specialist
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Ben
Travel Specialist
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Gary
Travel Specialist
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Eric
Travel Specialist
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Kieran
Travel Specialist
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Dawn
Head of Customer Experience
