Classic Antarctica - Expedition

11 days
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Small Group Tour
We leave Ushuaia and navigate the Beagle Channel, heading south across the Drake Passage and the turbulent waters of the Antarctic Convergence. Ice-capped mountains, crevassed glaciers and endless white expanses herald our arrival in Antarctica. Possible landings include Paradise Harbour, Neko Harbour and Wilhelmina Bay and an opportunity to cruise through th...
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • Join this classic expedition voyage - exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
    • Superb wildlife viewing opportunities - on land and at sea
    • Enjoy the freedom of Antarctica - enjoy the vast, ice-sculpted, Antarctic wilderness
    • Join expert naturalist guides - learn about the wildlife and history of the region
    • Astonishing wildlife - see whales, sea birds and abundance of penguins

What's this trip about?

    We leave Ushuaia and navigate the Beagle Channel, heading south across the Drake Passage and the turbulent waters of the Antarctic Convergence. Ice-capped mountains, crevassed glaciers and endless white expanses herald our arrival in Antarctica. Possible landings include Paradise Harbour, Neko Harbour and Wilhelmina Bay and an opportunity to cruise through the Lemaire Channel. Explore the rich diversity of Antarctic wildlife, including Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap rookeries and enjoy the varied marine life, witnessing seals hauling out on ice floes and a variety of whales such as Humpback, Minke and Orca, following in our wake. There is plenty to discover on this journey to the bottom of the World, no two voyages are the same, so be prepared to be delighted by the unexpected. Superb wildlife viewing opportunities - on land and at sea Enjoy the freedom of Antarctica - enjoy the vast, ice-sculpted, Antarctic wilderness Join expert naturalist guides - learn about the wildlife and history of the region Astonishing wildlife - see whales, sea birds and abundance of penguins

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
  • Cycling & Biking
  • Hiking & Walking
  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

  • South America
  • Argentina
  • Antarctica

Attractions

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

Activities

  • Cycling
  • Hiking
  • Trekking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. The city has 40,000 inhabitants and is a major ski resort area for both alpine and cross-country skiers. You can arrive at any time and an arrival transfer is included if arriving in on day one of the itinerary...

Day 2 Embark on the Expedition

Today we will embark on the expedition ship. Embarkation time is set for 4:00 pm. The morning is free to do any last minute shopping, an optional excursion to Tierra Del Fuego National Park or a good hike up to the Marshall Glacier. The evening is spent on board the s...

Day 3 The Drake Passage

Our adventure begins with a 400 mile crossing of the passage that bears the name of the 16th century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. The M Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarc...

Day 4 The Drake Passage

As we make the passage, you have time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship's crew and expedition staff. We also begin the lecture and information ...

Day 5 Antarctic Peninsula & the South Shetland Islands

This is what we've all been waiting for - a chance to step foot on the Great White Continent! Over the next four days we will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula. Our goal is ...

Day 6 Antarctic Peninsula & the South Shetland Islands

The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands abound with wildlife activity. Penguins gather with their fast-growing chicks, whales are seen in great numbers, seals haul out onto ice floes and beaches, and numerous albatross and other seabirds trail in our wake.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 Antarctic Peninsula

There is plenty of time to enjoy the sheer beauty and the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, blue and white icebergs, impressive glaciers and rugged snow-capped mountains.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 Antarctic Peninsula

The Peninsula also has a remarkable history and, during the voyage, we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Keeping a lookout from the Bridge or the deck of the ship, as we thread our way along the co...

Day 9 The Drake Passage

Today we leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 The Drake Passage

In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by our expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 Trip ends in Ushuaia

The trip ends after breakfast on board the ship. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at any time after 9am. You will receive a complimentary transfer at the end of your trip. For those on morning flights, a transfer will take you direc...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,160
Price per day$651
Last Updated: 4/26/2024

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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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

Expedition, Zodiac,

Transportation & flights

Expedition, 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 : 9
  • Lunch : 8
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-ANK

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