Weddell Sea Quest
Follow in Shackleton's footsteps on a journey to the remote Weddell Sea east of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Duration
11 Day
Number
Starts from
Ushuaia
Price
from 9.572 €
1. Highlights of the Route
- You reach a part of Antarctica with lively penguin colonies, spectacular tabular icebergs and impressive glaciers in the footsteps of famous polar explorers.
- Start and end of the journey in Ushuaia in the south of Argentina.
- A renovated US research vessel from the 1970s, with which you will explore Antarctica with a maximum of 90 passengers in authentically preserved cabins.
Your Trip at a Glance
On your expedition to Antarctica, you experience the perfect combination of two fascinating regions of the white continent: the diverse Antarctic Peninsula and the ice-rich Weddell Sea. On board the USHUAIA, you first cross the picturesque Beagle Channel and the turbulent Drake Passage, where numerous seabirds and marine mammals will already accompany your journey.
The South Shetland Islands with their penguin and seal colonies form the gateway to your Antarctic exploration. In the legendary Weddell Sea, the “treasure trove of icebergs”, massive tabular icebergs and spectacular light conditions at sunrise and sunset await you.
Along the Antarctic Peninsula, you encounter Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins in their natural habitat and have good chances of observing orcas and minke whales. Historic sites such as the Argentine station Esperanza offer fascinating insights into the exploration history of this remote continent and perfectly round off your unforgettable Antarctic adventure.
Arrival Package:
We would be happy to plan an individual pre-program for you or your arrival and departure with international flights.
Post Itinerary Package:
Upon request, we would be happy to plan an individual follow-up program for you in a nearby destination.
2. The Itinerary
1. Day: Embarkation in Ushuaia
Board the USHUAIA in the afternoon and meet the expedition team and lecturers. After settling into your cabin, sail through the famous Beagle Channel and the picturesque Mackinlay Pass.
2. Day to 3. Day: Crossing the Drake Passage
The Drake Passage, named after Sir Francis Drake, marks the Antarctic Convergence, where cold polar water meets warmer water, promoting biodiversity.
During the crossing, the expedition team helps identify seabirds like albatrosses. With the USHUAIA’s open bridge policy, you can accompany the officers, learn more about navigation, and watch for whales.
As soon as icebergs and snow-covered mountains appear, you have reached the South Shetland Islands – a paradise for penguins and seals.
Weather permitting, you will go ashore on day 3, accompanied by naturalists, and experience your first encounter with Antarctica’s fascinating wildlife.
4. Day to 6. Day: Exploration of the Weddell Sea
The Weddell Sea is known for its huge tabular icebergs and exciting ice navigation. In the early morning, you experience breathtaking sunrises as icebergs break off from the Larsen, Ronne, and Filchner ice shelves. Snow petrels and Cape petrels fly over the ice floes.
The passage to the east side of the Antarctic Peninsula leads through the Antarctic Sound, where Hope Bay and the Argentine station Esperanza are located. This region is a center for Adélie penguins, and places like Paulet Island offer impressive wildlife experiences.
The Swedish Antarctic Expedition under Otto Nordenskjöld wintered here in 1901-03. Their fate of losing the ship “Antarctic” while still conducting significant research is a fascinating story that the expedition team is happy to share with you.
7. Day to 8. Day: Exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
The Antarctic Peninsula offers breathtaking landscapes of snow, ice, mountains, and waterways, as well as fascinating wildlife. You will encounter Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins, seals, and whales, including orcas and minke whales.
Some of the most beautiful waterways include the Gerlache Strait, Errera Channel, and Neumayer Channel. Possible landing sites are Paradise Bay, Cuverville Island with the largest Gentoo penguin colony on the peninsula, and the British museum and post office at Port Lockroy.
The South Shetland Islands are a wildlife paradise. A highlight is sailing into the caldera of Deception Island, an active volcano.
A visit to Half Moon Island, inhabited by Chinstrap penguins, is also planned.
9. Day to 10. Day: At sea. Sailing through the Drake Passage northward
You leave Antarctica and head northward through the Drake Passage. Join the lecturers and naturalists on deck as you watch for seabirds and whales and enjoy the final lectures.
Take the opportunity to relax and reflect on the fascinating experiences of the past days on your way back to Ushuaia.
11. Day: Arrival in Ushuaia
You reach the port of Ushuaia early in the morning and disembark from the USHUAIA after breakfast.
- Departure From: Ushuaia
- End Point: Ushuaia
3. Services Included
Included
- 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.
Excluded
- International flights: We can book a suitable flight for you at an additional cost.
- Customary tips for staff at the end of the trip.
- Optional shore excursions.
- Personal expenses, internet fees, etc.
- Cancellation insurance.
- Travel cancellation and international health 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.
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