Discovering the White Continent - 11 Days
Enjoy the delights of the final southerly frontier, joining a very small club of expeditioners that have ventured to this majestic white paradise. You'll start off close to Tierra del Fuego in the scenic Argentinian town of Ushuaia and head for the Beagle Channel once you're acclimatised.
Leaving behind the mountainous terrain of the tip of the American continent, you'll be immersed in the knowledge provided by the Expedition Team as you adventure forth into the natural environs of whales, seals, penguins and other Antarctic life that has evolved to match the environs.
Expedition from the ship on Zodiacs and kayaks as you get up close and personal with different varieties of penguins in their rookeries. Watch the icebergs crinkle and drift in this unique white environment, all the while taking the best photographs your lens and mother nature can provide. Seals and whales will accompany you as you explore the region, providing ample opportunity to learn from our specialists about their lives and habitats.
Return with memories few will ever have the privelege to enjoy, experiencing awe and admiration for a world unknown to most at the frontier of habitability.
Itinerary and Specifics
Highlights
Included
- Accommodation in Ushuaia for one night on a BB basis.
- Private cabin on board the ship
- All meals on board the ship - breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Lectures and Presentations informing you about the myriad of Antarctic themese we will touch upon
- Experienced Professional Crew and Expedition Team to share the experience with
- Photography assistance and advice from our on board specialists
- The experience of a lifetime in Antarctica, make footfall on the 7th Continent - sea seals, whales and penguins.
Not Included
- Drinks and other items you may purchase at the bar
- Some off-ship expeditions are optional extras
- Your flights to Ushuaia and back - book your own travel arrangements to the start point in southern Argentina
- Any activities you wish to engage in before, during or after your stay in Ushuaia. We may be able to help advise what activities are best for you - there are many in the area depending on your interests and activitiy level.
- Gratuities for the crew. We recommend $20 per person per day given the high level of service they provide and the speciality of their knowledge, skill and experience.
Full Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in the southern Argentinian outpost of Ushuaia in the stunning surrounds of the Andes Mountains. Nestled in a valley of southern Patagonia, this is the place you'll acclimatise and enjoy a chance to actively explore the mountains or the town itself with its cosy cafes and excellent hot chocolate.
Day 2
Embarkation in the late afternoon on a puprose built ship for exploration of the southern seas. Cross the Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago of Chile in the extreme south of South America. Be prepared for an exciting air of anticipation as you depart - your next sighting of land will be the world's most southerly continent.
Days 3 and 4
Crossing the Drake Passage
Your days at sea on route to the 7th Continet will be filled with learning and familiarisation opportunities as you get to attend presentation from our experts and Expedition team on the wildlife, history and ecology of Antarctica. You'll have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the vistas from the outer decks and gain the acquaintance of your fellow expeditioners and Antarctic explorers with a drink at the bar.
Days 5 to 8
South Shetland Islands and Antartic Peninsula
Finally you're here, exploring this enchanted land of mystery and heroic deeds, following the footsteps of the great explorers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Upon reaching the White Continent, the most common reaction people experience is awe. It's an unrivalled experience, given that so few people have ever been here and it's so uniquely different to our daily lives. Raw nature, pure white vistas and crystal clear waters.
Each day you'll take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore the local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always high on the agenda, you will visit penguin rookeries, seek out humpback and minke whales and search for southern seal species including the intriguing leapord seal. Your Expedition Team will accompany you and take care of you at each landing site whether that's exploring the Antarctic Terrain, visiting a research station or consorting with penguin colonies. Amongst the five different species of seal you'll come across the chinstrap, Adelie and gentoo penguin varieties as well as larger marine mammals whilst out on the Zodiac. Antarctic Minke and Humpback Whales abound. Each day presents new opportunities to familiarise yourself with a collection of Antarctic creatures delighting your curiosity and keeping your camera busy.
Listening to the crackling and crumbling of icebergs as well as watching penguins on the beach will become your daily entertainment while sea kayaking, paddle excursions or camping are optional excursion opportunities on select voyages.
Days 9 and 10
Crossing the Drake Passage
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides final chances to enjoy the crisp Antarctic Air and reflect upon the magnificent sights and sounds you've experienced. Spend some time on deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, or enjoying the presentations provided by your Expedition Team. Together, you'll celebrate the experiences shared together exploring Antarctica.
Day 11
Disembark in Ushuaia
You'll arrive back to Ushuaia in the morning, allowing you to continue your adventure onwards in Argentina/Chile/ South America or to catch your flights home following this life-changing and awe-inspiring journey to the White Continent.
Please Note: The exact route will depend on navigation considersations, ice, weather conditions and wildlife. The features mentioned are just examples of some of the many sites Antarctica has to offer. Flexibility is something that we should all bring to the table on Expedition Travel and we always endeavour to provide the very best of experiences to all our adventurous guests. Our staff and Expedition Team is here to provide an unforgettable, unique trip of a lifetime with your comfort and care at the forefront of all we do.