The Antarctic Peninsula and Weddell Sea - M/V Ushuaia

11 days
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Small Group Tour
Journey deep into Antarctica into the lesser-visited Weddell Sea. This is a pristine area of Antarctica, where only a fortunate few have visited. It boasts huge tabular icebergs and an uncompromising environment reserved for rare and unique wildlife. It was here that polar explorer Ernest Shackleton travelled on his quest to conquer this inhospitable environm...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • Follow the route of famous explorers - travel in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton
    • Journey deep into Antarctica - explore an area trodden by only a few lucky explorers
    • Explore by Zodiac - sail beneath huge icebergs and towering glaciated peaks
    • Incredible wildlife - see whales, seals and vast penguin colonies

What's this trip about?

    Journey deep into Antarctica into the lesser-visited Weddell Sea. This is a pristine area of Antarctica, where only a fortunate few have visited. It boasts huge tabular icebergs and an uncompromising environment reserved for rare and unique wildlife. It was here that polar explorer Ernest Shackleton travelled on his quest to conquer this inhospitable environment. During your cruise, you'll have time to explore these eastern flanks of the peninsula and to observe penguins, seals, whales and sea-birds at close quarters. Follow the route of famous explorers - travel in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton Journey deep into Antarctica - explore the less visited Weddell Sea Explore by Zodiac - sail beneath huge icebergs and towering glaciated peaks

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityUshuaia
End CityUshuaia

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • South America
  • Argentina
  • Antarctica

Attractions

  • Antarctic Peninsula
  • Shetland Islands
  • South Shetland Islands
  • Ushuaia

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Ushuaia

Embark the MV Ushuaia in the afternoon and meet your expedition crew and lecture staff. After you have settled into your cabins, sail along the famous Beagle Channel and the scenic Mackinlay Pass.

Meals Provided : Dinner

Day 2 The Drake Passage

Named after the renowned explorer, Sir Francis Drake, who sailed these waters in 1578, the Drake Passage also marks the Antarctic Convergence - a biological barrier where cold polar water sinks beneath the warmer northern waters. The Drake Passage also marks the north...

Day 3 The Drake Passage

The first sightings of icebergs and snow-capped mountains indicate that you have reached the South Shetland Islands, a group of twenty islands and islets, and what will be your first encounter with penguins and seals.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 Weddell Sea

This is where huge tabular icebergs roam. The Weddell Sea is chock-a-block full with ice, making for exciting ice navigation. Why not get up early and go out on deck; the sunrises will be unlike anything you've ever seen. Huge tabular icebergs break from the Larsen, R...

Day 5 Weddell Sea

Hope Bay and the Argentinian Station, Esperanza, are located on the western side of the Antarctic Sound. Brown Bluff, a promontory on the Tabarin Peninsula, is located south of Hope Bay. Both of them might be possible landing sites.This region also teems with vibrant exploration history.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 Weddell Sea

The Weddell Sea represents the centre of the Peninsula's Adélie penguin population. The numbers of penguins are breathtaking. Sometimes juvenile emperor penguins have been sighted, but are not regulars in the area.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands

You will have plenty of time to explore the Antarctic Peninsula's amazing scenery, pristine wilderness of snow, ice, mountains and waterways and a wide variety of wildlife. Apart from gentoo and chinstrap Penguins and seabirds, you are likely to encounter Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, as well as minke and orca whales at close range.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands

We hope to navigate some of the most beautiful waterways: the Gerlache Strait, Errera Channel and Neumayer Channel. Possible landing sites may include: Paradise Bay, which is perhaps the most aptly named place in the world with its impressive glacial fronts and mounta...

Day 9 The Drake Passage

Today, we head back across the Drake Passage, in the direction of Ushuaia.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 The Drake Passage

The last lectures help polish our Antarctic education before making a ceremonial rounding of Cape Horn, time and weather permitting.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 Ushuaia

A pre-dawn sail along the Beagle Channel and an early breakfast prepare you to dock in Ushuaia. There's time for final photos and to say our farewells before disembarking.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $9,380
Price per day$853
Last Updated: 4/24/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

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Other Explore! Reviews

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Richie

May 2024

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Wonders of the Silk Road

Excellent tour, well designed, adequate free time, very knowledgeable guides, good group size

T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

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Turkey in Depth

Alkan-was an excellent tour leader and guide and ensured the group had a wonderful experience!

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

M/V Ushuaia, Zodiac,

Transportation & flights

M/V Ushuaia, Zodiac
Guides
Expedition Crew, Naturalist(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. USA (If flights transit): you will need to apply for an ESTA if you are transiting the USA as you will have to disembark and clear immigration before re-boarding for the onward flight. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) - where you apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), which applies if you enter the country by sea or by air. This must be done on line - https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. When completing an application for transit you should enter the words 'In Transit' with your final destination location in the address line You must have an electronic passport with a digital chip containing biometric information about the passport owner. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iraq, Syria, Iran or Sudan in the past five years or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel under the Visa Waiver Programme. Instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. For further information please check out the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 10
  • Dinner : 10
  • Lunch : 9
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-USWS

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