Antarctica – Elephant Island – Weddell Sea – Polar Circle
An extraordinary travel route to the icebergs deep in the Weddell Sea up to the polar circle.
Duration
15 Day
Number
Starts from
Ushuaia
Price
from 11.723 €
1. Highlights of the Route
- The journey connects the rich wildlife of the Weddell Sea with the surreal coasts and islands of the Antarctic Peninsula.
- Start and end of the journey in Ushuaia in the south of Argentina.
- Former research vessel that has been converted into a comfortable expedition ship.
Your Trip at a Glance
This extended expedition takes you all the way to the Antarctic Circle, combining the rich wildlife of the Weddell Sea with the surreal coasts and islands of the Antarctic Peninsula. Important landing sites such as the legendary Elephant Island and the Crystal Sound make this journey truly special. Diving is an optional activity. Diving experience with cold water diving and dry suit dives (at least 30) is a must!
Arrival Package:
Upon request, we are happy to plan an individual pre-program for you or arrange your arrival and departure together with the international flights.
Post Itinerary Package:
Upon request, we would be happy to plan an individual post-program for you, for example in Patagonia or in Buenos Aires on the way back home.
2. The Itinerary
1st Day: Ushuaia
Your journey begins in Ushuaia.
2nd to 3rd Days: Drake Passage
Crossing the Drake Passage.
4th Day: Elephant Island
You visit Point Wild, Elephant Island, where Shackleton’s crew first went ashore after losing their ship Endurance.
5th Day: Weddell Sea and Devil Island
You sail into the rarely visited Weddell Sea, visit Beak Island and Devil Island, and explore the famous ice sea.
6th Day: Erebus and Terror Gulf
You explore the Erebus and Terror Gulf region as well as Vega Island and observe the wild nature in the most remote parts of Antarctica.
7th Day: Orléans Strait
You travel to the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula and to the Orléans Strait, where you will look out for humpback and killer whales. In the afternoon, you sail on to Mikklesen Harbor.
8th Day: Port Charcot and Petermann Island
You reach the Port Charcot area and head towards Petermann Island in the afternoon to observe birds and see leopard seals and crabeater seals as well as minke whales, humpback whales, and gentoo penguins on a Zodiac ride.
9th to 10th Days: Detaille Island
You visit Crystal Sound with its enchanting ice formations and wildlife and land on Detaille Island to view historical monuments.
11th Day: Argentine Islands
You land on the main island of the Yalour Island archipelago, home to Adélie and gentoo penguins. On Yalour, you also see small patches of beard and crustose lichens, including Xanthoria, Buellia, Caloplaca, and Usnea, as well as areas with moss and Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia antarctica).
12th Day: Melchior Islands
On the Melchior Islands, you will undertake final activities before saying goodbye to Antarctica.
13th to 14th Days: Drake Passage
Crossing Drake Passage.
15th Day: Ushuaia
Arrival in Ushuaia.
- Departure From: Ushuaia
- End Point: Ushuaia
3. Services Included
Included
- Antarctica cruise in the booked cabin category.
- Group transfer on disembarkation day from the port to Ushuaia airport (immediately after disembarkation).
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the entire journey including Zodiac excursions.
- Scientific lectures and entertainment on board.
- All meals including snacks, coffee and tea throughout the entire journey on board the ship.
- Free loan of rubber boots.
- Comprehensive information material before and after the trip.
- Free snowshoeing, kayaking, camping, photography workshops, mountaineering.
Excluded
- International flights: We can book a suitable flight for you at an additional cost.
- Land arrangements before and after the cruise (e.g., hotel accommodation on land).
- Customary tips for staff at the end of the trip.
- Personal expenses, for example in the on-board shop.
- Internet on board.
- Drinks at the bar.
- Massages and similar services.
- Personal travel insurance.
4. Travel Dates and Prices
Please contact us directly for the current daily prices of the trips and the prices for single occupancy or special cabins. Our polar experts will answer all your questions about the itinerary, the ship, and the cabins.
Appointments on request. Please contact us directly using the contact form.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy per cabin or suite and subject to availability.
For solo travelers, cabins or suites may be available without a single supplement, subject to availability. Please contact us for details for solo travelers.
Got any questions about this trip?
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