Day 1: Depart Ushuaia
Set sail from Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost city in the world.
Sail through the scenic Beagle Channel, enjoying a leisurely first evening on board the cruise ship.
NB. Please note: this itinerary is for guidance only. Your programme may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions, the availability of landing sites, and opportunities to see wildlife. The final itinerary will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board your vessel. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.
Day 2-3: At Sea
The next two days will see you sail across the Sea of Hoces, otherwise known as Drake Passage.
Crossing the Antarctic Convergence, you will arrive in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. In this area you can expect to see a variety of Albatrosses (Wandering, Gray Headed, Black-browed, and Light-mantled Albatrosses are all found in this region), as well as Cape Pigeons, Southern Fulmars, Wilson’s Storm Petrels, Blue Petrels and Antarctic Petrels. Near the South Shetland Islands, you’ll spot the first icebergs.
Day 4-6: Wiencke Island
The next 3 days will see you sail to “High Antarctica”, passing the Melchior islands and the Schollaert Channel between Brabant and Anvers Island, before continuing into the Neumayer Channel, where the ship will anchor close to Wiencke Island. Here you stay for two days in a multi-activity base camp, with the protected waters around Wiencke Island serving as the venue for a range of water and land-based activities.
You’ll be able to scout the Alpine environment on foot, or by zodiac and sea-kayak. Walkers will be able to enjoy snowshoe hikes near the shoreline, while keen mountaineers will find their challenge in climbing hills and viewpoints further inland, i.e. Jabet Peak (540m). All climbs and excursions are dependent on good weather conditions. Typically you’ll spend two nights at anchor in order to implement two camp nights and two full activity days.
Sea-kayaking is a particular highlight of the Antarctic Peninsula cruise, offering a chance to explore the rugged Antarctic coastline at a quiet and leisurely pace. No prior experience is needed, as full guidance and training is given, though experienced kayakers will have the option to embark on longer expeditions. Please note that sea-kayaking is weather dependent, so in the event of very poor weather conditions, it will not be possible to kayak.
Day 7-9: Neko Harbour
Leaving Wiencke Island, you’ll stop at the British research station and the Antarctic post office at Port Lockroy, on Goudier Island. Close to Port Lockroy you may, depending on the weather conditions, also have the chance to land on Jougla Point, where you can watch Gentoo Penguins and Imperial Shags up close. Keep an eye out for Leopard and Crabeater Seals, too!
Good weather conditions and time-allowing, the cruise continues through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Booth, Pleneau and Petermann Islands, where you can find Adelie Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags. In this area, you also have a good chance of encountering Humpback Whales, Minke Whales and Fin Whales.
Another camp site is chosen which is suitable and close to the next day’s activities.
At Neko Harbour you will have the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Continent, a magnificent landscape of huge glaciers, where a range of activities are possible, including zodiac cruises, hikes and kayaking. Here too there are additional opportunities for mountaineers to climb up to the higher grounds of the glacier. Spend the night at Neko or near Paradise Bay with a camp erected ashore.
Leave early in the morning on day 9 after breaking up the last camp, and sail via Melchior Islands towards the open sea of the Drake Passage.
Day 10-11: At sea
The next two days are spent at sea, as you journey north into the Drake Passage, retracing your course back to Ushuaia.
Admire the stunning views, and the oceanic wildlife, as your cruise winds its way to its end.
Day 12: Arrive in Ushuaia
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. A bus transfer will be arranged from the pier to the airport on the day of disembarkation.
Antarctic Peninsula
Please see price guide for upcoming departures. For rates, cabin availability, and information on currently available special offers, please contact us.
Antarctic Peninsula
2022/23 Departures Available | The Antarctic Peninsula consists of an 800 kilometre (500 mile) long mountain chain, the highest peaks rising to approximately 2,800 metres, and numerous off-lying islands. This region offers the most dramatic scenery and the biggest variety of wildlife in Antarctica. Visitors are overcome by the stunning landscapes of glaciers, icebergs, Antarctic mountains, and the abundant and tame wildlife. This thrilling cruise itinerary follows a classic Antarctic route.
Outline Itinerary
Price guide
Pricing
12 days from £4400pp
Fixed Departures
NB. There are several variations on the Antarctic Peninsula cruise, ranging from 11-14 days. Some have a specific focus. The Basecamp Expeditions, for example, allow for a broad range of activities, including snowshoe walks and camping on the ice.Namibia Safari with Self Drive
We do not have enough superlatives that we can use to express how wonderful the last three weeks have been.
