Journey to the bottom of the world, through a realm of creaking glaciers and vast icebergs, to the scene of countless stories from historic polar expeditions. This voyage focuses on the Weddell Sea side of the Antarctic Peninsula, where you may find Adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins, along with other bird species such as albatross, petrels and gulls. Conditions permitting, the highlight of the voyage will be the rare opportunity to observe one of the most spectacular sights in the wild: the elusive emperor penguin colony off the coast of Snow Hill Island. A helicopter will take you from the ship to the vicinity of this astounding rookery, before you walk across the sea ice to come within several feet of these penguins and their chicks.
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 14-day voyage on the Ultramarine. 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.
Your journey begins with an overnight stay in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. Relax at the hotel or take the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of Argentina’s capital city.
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for the charter flight to Ushuaia, at the southern tip of Argentina. Here you will enjoy a short city tour before embarking your expedition ship and setting sail for Antarctica.
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.
No two polar expeditions are alike and on this voyage through the icy Weddell Sea, all shore landings and wildlife sightings will be determined by weather and ice conditions, as well as the natural cycles of the wildlife. It is this element of the unknown that makes expedition-style travel so exhilarating and adventurous, as well as unpredictable.
Located on the sea ice, the emperor penguin rookery is situated off the south coast of Snow Hill Island. Should conditions be favourable, the ship will try to creep close enough for helicopter transfers to take you to a carefully selected landing site that takes you as close to the penguins as possible, yet keeps you at a safe distance to avoid disturbing the birds. Upon landing, the chance to spend time with these regal looking birds and their fluff-ball chicks will be a highlight of your expedition. If it is not possible to reach Snow Hill Island, there may be an opportunity to see individual emperor penguins at sea and experience Antarctica from above on a helicopter excursion.
During your time in the Weddell Sea other landing sites may include Devil Island, home to a large colony of Adélie penguins, spectacular Brown Bluff with its steep canyon walls, or the old refuge hut at Duse Bay. Gentoo and chinstrap penguins may also put in an appearance, along with seals and whales.
The Drake Passage crossing is a fitting end to your visit to Antarctica – there may be a chance to see a variety of seabirds on this final stretch of your journey.
After breakfast disembark and enjoy a brief tour of Tierra del Fuego, before catching the flight back to Buenos Aires.
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 £11591 Excluding Flights
10 Nights
Nov
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.
Doug
2
Polar plunges
4
World Cups attended
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.
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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Doug
Travel Specialist
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Dawn
Head of Customer Experience
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Lauren
Travel Specialist
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Eric
Travel Specialist
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Darren
Travel Specialist
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Kieran
Travel Specialist
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Freya
Travel Specialist
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Gary
Travel Specialist
