Day 1: Set sail from Ushuaia
Your voyage begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. You’ll board the ship in the afternoon and set sail shortly thereafter.
Enjoy a leisurely first evening on board the cruise ship, with time to get to know the other guests, as you sail through the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel.
Day 2-3: At sea
The next two days are at sea, as you cross the Drake Passage and pass the Antarctic Convergence, entering Antarctica proper.
You’ll notice a change, not just in the climate but in the wildlife, as you journey further into the Antarctic waters. Antarctic bird species, including the Southern (Antarctic) Fulmar, Blue and Antarctic Petrel, and the Wandering Albatross, will become more visible, while in the sea you might be lucky enough to spy a fin whale!
Day 4: Weddell Sea
On day 4 you can expect to reach the Weddell Sea. Depending on the weather and ice conditions, the vessel will try to access the Antarctic Sound on the eastern Antarctic Peninsula, navigating huge tabular icebergs to get there.
Conditions allowing, you will land at Brown Bluff, where you can take your first steps on the Antarctic Continent.
Day 5-6: Emperor Penguin colony
Helicopters provide a great advantage in this region of the Antarctic, which is difficult to access even by small boats. They will support you in your goal of the next three days – to reach the Emperor Penguin rookery.
Nevertheless, the itinerary is ruled by the forces of nature, and the ice and weather conditions will determine if it’s possible for you to access the colony. Assuming that the conditions are favourable, you will spend two days with the Emperor Penguin colony, and use the third day to visit a different area of the Weddell Sea.
As the helicopter can only accommodate 6 passengers per flight, the helicopter excursions can occupy a full day even though each individual flight will rarely exceed 15 minutes. The landing point of the helicopters will be carefully chosen so as to make sure that the Emperor Penguins are not disturbed or stressed by helicopter noise. You will land at some distance from the penguins and continue on foot, walking for approx. 45 minutes. Your rendezvous with the magnificent Emperor Penguins will be an experience to remember, and you will be able to spend much of the day with these charming creatures.
Day 7: Further exploration of the Weddell Sea
Assuming the conditions on days 5 and 6 were favourable and you were able to visit the Penguin colony, today will see you explore a different region of the Weddell Sea by helicopter or zodiac.
Possible locations include Devil Island, home to a large colony of Adelie Penguins and some fabulous hilltop viewpoints; Brown Bluff, renowned for its beautiful volcanic peaks; Gourdin Island, where Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguin can often be sighted; or even Esperanza Base, an Argentine research base that is active throughout the year.
Day 8: Drake Passage via Deception Island
This morning, you’ll make your last landing of the voyage on Deception Island, at either Pendulum Cove or Whalers’ Bay.
A volcanic caldera (one of only two active volcanoes in the Antarctic region), Deception Island once hosted a whaling base, the remains of which can still be seen and explored today.
Setting sail from Deception Island in the afternoon, you’ll begin the long journey home via the Drake Passage.
Day 9-10: At sea
The next two days are spent at sea, as you journey north through 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 11: Arrive Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast.
A transfer from the pier to the airport on the day of disembarkation can be arranged.
Weddell Sea Voyage
Please see price guide for upcoming departures. For rates, cabin availability, and information on currently available special offers, please contact us.
Weddell Sea Voyage
Explore the Weddell Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula in this 11-day cruise organised by Oceanwide Expeditions and sold by Gane and Marshall. During the course of the voyage, you will have the chance to land on the Antarctic Continent and visit an Emperor Penguin colony by helicopter.
Outline Itinerary
Price guide
See dates chart below for upcoming departures. For more details, including prices for triple or twin cabins and information on currently available special offers, please contact us.
Pricing
11 days from £8485pp
On the roof of Africa
We had the best time ever. All 3 parts of the holiday (Kili/Pongwe/Stone town) were exceptional.
