Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
Day 1 Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina
You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.
Day 2 Embarkation Day
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you see land, you’ll be in the world’s most southern continent!
Days 3 and 4 Crossing the Drake Passage
Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team who will prepare you for the wildlife, glaciology and history that will greet you upon your arrival. In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.
Days 5 to 8 South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience.
Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or consorting with chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, all of which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals as well as curious whales, such as humpbacks, fins, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.
Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier.
Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.
Days 9 and 10 Crossing the Drake Passage
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team and celebrate the experiences shared exploring Antarctica.
Day 11 Disembarkation in Ushuaia
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure onward or catch your flights home.
Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.
Inclusions
1 Night - 3 star hotel, 9 nights on board with daily housekeeping
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board
Beer and wine during dinner
All shore landings per the daily program
Leadership through out the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader
Formal and informal presentations by our Expedtion Team and special guests as scheduled
Photography guide on Expedition Team
Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
An offical Expeditions parka to keep
Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
A hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
Comprehensive predeparture material, including a map and an informative Antarctica Reader
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard the ship
Excluded
International & Domestic flights
Alcholic drinks not at meal time
Medical/evacuation/ comprehensive travel insurance coverage, with a minimum of $50,000 of emergency medical coverage.
Personal expenses such as laundry, bar bills, room service, etc
Activities/ tours/ visits not included in itinerary
Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
Gratuities of any kind (Guides/Ship Hotel and Restaurant Staff/Drivers/etc)
Visas to enter Argintina, a passport valid until at least six (6) months after your expected date of return