Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina
Welcome to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point of our Antarctic expedition! Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore this vibrant port city and adventure hub at leisure.
For an introduction to local history and wildlife, the Museo del Fin del Mundo is worth a visit. If time permits, a variety of nature activity options may be arranged to suit all interests and fitness levels, from hiking in nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park to wildlife viewing in the Beagle Channel. Ushuaia also offer a wide range of restaurants featuring Patagonian lamb and delectable Fuegian seafood.
Ushuaia can be reached by regular flights from Buenos Aires, via Doha, Dubai, or cities in North America. You may wish to extend your stay in Buenos Aires before or after the cruise.
Day 2 Embarkation in Ushuaia
The morning is yours to enjoy Ushuaia. Consider exploring the delightful waterfront and savour views of the snow capped Martial Range, the southernmost peaks of the Andes. Take advantage of shopping for souvenirs or some last-minute necessities such as cold-weather gear.
This afternoon, transfer to the pier and we will warmly welcome you aboard the deluxe expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Settle into your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home for the next 12 days. Attend an informative briefing and get to know the expedition staff team. After dinner, step out onto the open decks to admire the scenery and gorgeous evening lights as we sail through the Beagle Channel.
Day 3 – 4 Crossing the Drake Passage
After passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, our ship turns south to begin our crossing of the Drake Passage. Watch for humpback and fin whales along the way. The majestic wandering albatross and other graceful sub-antarctic seabirds are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks and balconies. Cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas. Briefings, bio-security procedures and presentations by our lecture staff will prepare you for our arrival in Antarctica.
Day 5 – 11 South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our precise route and exploration opportunities will be shaped by weather and ice. Our experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust plans to take maximum advantage of the conditions in this challenging polar environment. With over 17 hours of daylight per day, we seize every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing and amazing scenery on shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
An in-depth exploration of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula awaits. This region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and the best wildlife viewing in Antarctica. Sheltered bays and channels sparkle with ice and reflect towering mountain peaks coated in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to huge numbers of marine mammals and seabirds. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large rookeries at special places on land. Here we also find Antarctic research bases of various nationalities, some with gift shops and post offices.
Our likely first area of exploration is the South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctic. This wildly beautiful island chain contains many landing sites with historical significance and abundant wildlife. Explore the supremely picturesque Gerlache Strait area of the Antarctic Peninsula, a pristine wilderness of spectacular white landscapes, colossal icebergs, obliging marine mammals and bustling penguin colonies. We plan to pass through the famous Lemaire Channel, also known as “Kodak Gap” because of the photogenic way the narrow channel reflects the image of sheer snowy mountains.
Pushing farther south is our attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle. The sublime icescapes in Crystal Sound and beyond are particularly austere, the weather is especially wild, and the waters are full of constantly shifting ice. Very few people have ventured this far south. This is a true expedition.
Throughout the islands and on the mainland, we find nesting colonies of gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, sometimes side by side. It is a dramatic time at the colonies. While some parents remain at the nest to guard against skua attack, others go fishing in seas patrolled by predatory leopard seals and killer whales. Meanwhile, fluffy chicks are starting to explore away from their nests. Humpback and minke whales arrive in great numbers and the feeding frenzy in is full swing. Crabeater and Weddell seals abound in these highly productive waters.
In this rugged yet accessible environment, superb wildlife viewing is best complemented by active adventure. Our knowledgeable guides will offer hiking and hill climbing for an even greater perspective of this raw polar wilderness.
Day 12 – 14 Crossing Back The Drake Passage
Head back across the Drake Passage toward South America, but the adventure is not quite over. Seabirds are our constant companions and there is always the possibility of whale encounters in these wild waters. This is also the time for festivities such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slideshow. As we enter the calm Beagle Channel, enjoy a night of smooth sailing toward Ushuaia.
Day 14 Disembarkation in Ushuaia
We bid you a fond farewell in Ushuaia. Transfer to the airport or to the city centre if you wish to spend more time in Ushuaia.
Free option – Photography
The Polar Regions are perhaps the most photogenic on earth, with countless beautiful scenes presenting themselves every day. Endless expanses of ice, beaches crowded with seals or penguins, sunsets over unbroken horizons, starlit skies, and even the majestic northern lights – they all present fantastic photographic opportunities – and in order to make sure that you come home with some spectacular images we offer you the chance to learn and practice your photography alongside an experienced professional.
Our expert Photographer will be on hand to answer your questions and give advice, both in the form of on-board lectures and workshops on shore. Explore the key elements of photography in a fun and relaxed setting, with plenty of opportunities for questions and feedback. Learn how to see light in a new way and experiment with the techniques of composition and framing.
Inclusions
~ 1 night pre-cruise hotel accommodation in Ushuaia, Argentina, with breakfast;
~ transfer from airport to the hotel in Ushuaia 1 day prior to embarkation;
~ transfer from hotel to the port in Ushuaia on embarkation day;
~ transfer from the port to the airport or central location in Ushuaia upon disembarkation;
~ shipboard accommodation with housekeeping;
~ shipboard breakfasts, lunches and dinners;
~ coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock;
~ all scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions);
~ program of lectures and informal discussions by experienced Expedition Team and guest lecturers;
~ professional Expedition Leadership;
~ branded Poseidon Expeditions parka;
~ rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise;
~ welcome and farewell cocktails;
~ all port charges throughout the cruise expedition;
~ informative pre-departure materials;
~ digital Voyage Log;
~ wifi on board.
Exclusions
~ return air travel to Ushuaia, Argentina v.v;
~ passport and visa expenses (if required);
~ meals ashore and supplements in respect of single hotel accommodation (if required);
~ soft drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and celebrations;
~ personal expenses such as laundry and telecommunication charges;
~ mandatory comprehensive travel insurance inclusive of emergency evacuation with at least USD 200,000 coverage per person and other miscellaneous travelling coverage such as luggage, trip cancellation coverage, etc (strongly recommended);
~ gratuities to the expedition team and hotel staff;
~ all shipboard luggage handling;
~ fuel surcharge may apply.
Important Notes
~ A non-refundable deposit of 30% is required. Balance payment must be made before 90 days prior to expedition departure date.
~ All planned landings are subject to weather and ice conditions. Itinerary is subject to change.
~ Children must be at least 12 years of age to participate in the expedition cruise. However, Operator may accept children ages 6-11 on a case by case basis after additional consideration by the Operator.
~ The itineraries published on the Operator’s website and in any other sources serve as examples only. Real itineraries of any expedition cruise (including all scheduled landings and excursions) in polar regions are heavily dependent on weather and ice conditions. Occasionally, conditions and/or safety concerns require itinerary changes. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will accordingly make every effort to find the best alternative to the original itinerary while keeping passengers informed and updated. It is understood that such decisions will be made in the interests of all passengers aboard and regarding the safety of the vessel. Itinerary changes are not subject to passenger approval/consent and in the event of such a change no refunds or price adjustments are possible. Operator expressly reserves the right to change the itinerary, the date or place of departure due to weather conditions, availability of anchorages, political conditions and other factors beyond Operator’s control without consulting the participants. Placement of a booking with Operator amounts to an acknowledgement that itinerary changes are possible.
~ Itinerary, landings and all other activities during the cruise depend strongly on ice and weather conditions and are subject to the decisions of the Expedition Leader and the Captain of the vessel. Encounters with any mentioned wildlife cannot be guaranteed.
~ Prior to boarding, specific passenger information is required by Operator for passenger’s safety and for international reporting regulations. Required information must be completed in the forms provided by Operator and submitted at least 60 days prior to departure. Final documents cannot be issued for passengers whose information has not been received.
~ Optional excursion : sea Kayaking is offered on this voyage. Experience calving glaciers in Svalbard, or labyrinthine expanses of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean, all from our sturdy and stealthy sea kayaks. Join us for an unscripted kayaking adventure as we explore rugged coastlines and remote waters that very few people have ever paddled. The price is USD 655 per person and you are strongly encouraged to pre-book way in advance before departure.
~ Optional excursion : if you’re looking for an unforgettable way to expand your experience on the White Continent, then Antarctica Camping may be the perfect choice for you. Your unique opportunity to meet Antarctica on its own terms by spending a night out on the snow and ice! It is a great way to immerse yourself as the sun slowly sets, you unwind and let your senses fully absorb the awesome sights and mysterious sounds of this legendary wilderness. Spend an hour or all night, simply watch the dramatic endlessly changing lights upon the landscape. Build a snowman or capture that perfect photo. Whatever joy Antarctica holds for you, you can take the time to experience it fully on your Antarctica Camping night. Gain lasting memories, undeniable bragging rights, and a new appreciation for your warm bed back on the ship.The price is USD 285 per person and you are strongly encouraged to pre-book way in advance before departure.
~ Travel Wander recommends members booked on this trip to purchase comprehensive travel insurance. All passengers are required to carry valid evacuation and repatriation insurance which must contain medical and evacuation coverage. As any potential evacuation from the polar regions can cost up to US$150,000 for the Arctic and up to US$200,000 for Antarctica, we recommend that no policy carries less than this amount of coverage. As part of pre-departure forms data collection, Operator will require information such as the insurance company, policy number, amount of coverage and 24-hour contact number. Any risks, not covered by the insurance policy provided, are to be covered by passengers at his/her disposal and at his/her own expense.You may purchase it HERE.
~ This trip is operated by Poseidon Arctic Voyages Ltd.
~ Travel Wander’s and Poseidon Expeditions’ booking terms & conditions apply. By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to the booking terms & conditions, privacy policy and acceptance of risk as set out on our website. For more details on Travel Wander’s booking conditions, click HERE to access. For more details on Poseidon Expeditions’ booking conditions, click HERE to access.
~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.
~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.
