The group will meet in Ushuaia, the southernmost city on the planet and the capital of Tierra del Fuego. Until the 20th century this region was known as the land of prisoners. Especially dangerous criminals were kept here. Today Tierra del Fuego National Park is located on the islands of the archipelago. Tourists from all over the world strive to get to this amazingly beautiful place, because here you can see the purest glaciers and lakes, majestic mountains, unique flora and fauna.
From Ushuaia our ship will head south. Your journey to the coldest continent on Earth begins!
Today you will cross the legendary Drake Passage, which is considered the conventional border between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. This passage is known for its severe weather with powerful winds and drifting ice all year round.
But you don’t have to worry, because your ship is strong and safe, and it is operated by a team of the most experienced sailors.
Another day in the ocean. Today your ship will pass the Antarctic Convergence and you will find yourself in the waters of the Southern Ocean washing the shores of Antarctica. More birds will appear in the vast expanses of the ocean. One of the lecturers of the expedition will explain to you why this happens.
Today the ship will approach the shores of Antarctica. You will see with your own eyes the breathtaking views of this severe land with its sparkling ice and giant icebergs. In the next few days you will be able to observe its inhabitants up close, visit scientific stations, try kayaking, and spend the night in a tent on the shores of the icy ocean.
On Godier Island, penguins and British polar explorers live next to each other. There is a UK research station and museum where you can learn how the first polar explorers lived and worked. The only post office in Argentina is also located on Godier Island. You can send a postcard to yourself or your loved ones!
Pleneau Island is considered one of the most picturesque in Antarctica. To get here, you will need to cross the southern edge of the Le Maire Strait. There is almost no marine life near the island, but the landscapes are truly impressive. Here you will find a whole kingdom of ice and icebergs of the most incredible shapes and sizes.
Petermann Island is home for Antarctic cormorants and Adélie and Gentoo penguins. These polar birds can dive up to 40 meters deep to get food. Humpback whales can also be spotted nearby.
It is believed that Petermann Island offers the most beautiful views of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Another marvelous place in Antarctica is Neko Harbour, where mountains and ice form an incredible landscape. Colonies of penguins nest on the mountain slopes, and leopard seals rest on the seashore.
Paradise Bay truly feels like paradise. Covered by the mountain shield of the mainland and nearby islands, it provides an opportunity for both people and animals to take a break from the polar weather. That is why in this icy “paradise” you can meet whales, seals, and birds.
Here you will have a unique opportunity to set foot on the southern continent for the first time and visit the Brown research station, which is open only for a few weeks a year.
Today the ship will head north, towards the Drake Passage. Noisy bird colonies, seal rookeries and icy expanses of Antarctica will stay behind.
While crossing the Drake Passage, you will be able to once again feel the power of the endless ocean, take pictures of huge blue icebergs, and observe marine life.
The crew will organize various activities so that the passage through the strait does not seem too long and exhausting. On your last evening on the ship, you will have a farewell dinner.
This morning your ship will dock in Ushuaia, Argentina.
Final price depends on the type of accommodation. See the details in the “Accommodation” section.
The tour begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. You’ll need to get there by yourself. The group will meet in the port of Ushuaia near the Plancius expedition ship. We’ll provide more detailed information later.
On the last day of the cruise you'll need to get to the airport by yourself.
The ice-class expedition vessel Plancius is perfect for cruises to the Arctic and Antarctic.
The ship was built in 1976 for the Danish Navy. The ship was completely refurbished to comfortably accommodate passengers on expedition cruises. In 2010, it was first used as a cruise ship. Now Plancius is a comfortable ice-class passenger ship that fully meets all SOLAS requirements.
The crew is international and consists of 17 people. There are also 19 people of service personnel, 8 members of the expedition team (expedition leader and 7 lecturers), and a doctor working on the ship.
The ship is well equipped for expedition cruises: a full set of Zodiac inflatable boats, kayaks and even diving equipment.
On board there is a restaurant, a lounge bar with panoramic windows and a lecture hall.
Specifications:
Length | 89 m |
Width | 14.5 m |
Draft | 5 m |
Ice class | 1D |
Cruising speed | 10.5 knots |
Crew | 47 people |
Passenger capacity | 116 people |
Total tonnage | 3,211 tons |
Capacity: 4 passengers
Amenities: porthole, 2 lower and 2 upper beds, shower, toilet, table, chair, hairdryer, wardrobe, TV.
You can see the pictures of the cabin here.
Capacity: 3 passengers
Amenities: porthole, 2 lower and 1 upper beds, shower, toilet, table, chair, hairdryer, wardrobe, TV.
You can see the pictures of the cabin here.
Capacity: 2 passengers
Amenities: porthole, 2 lower beds, shower, toilet, table, chair, hairdryer, wardrobe, TV.
You can see the pictures of the cabin here.
Capacity: 2 passengers
Amenities: window, 2 lower beds, shower, toilet, table, chair, hairdryer, wardrobe, TV.
You can see the pictures of the cabin here.
Capacity: 2 passengers
Amenities: 2 windows, 2 lower beds, shower, toilet, table, chair, hairdryer, wardrobe, TV.
You can see the pictures of the cabin here.
Capacity: 2 passengers
Amenities: 2 windows, 1 lower bed, sofa, shower, toilet, table, chair, hairdryer, fridge, wardrobe, TV.
You can see the pictures of the cabin here.
This tour doesn’t require any special skills, but the participants should be in good physical shape and prepared for extreme weather conditions.
To take part in kayaking, you should have some experience in rowing.
Snowshoeing doesn’t require any special preparation. Snowshoes will be provided to all participants; they fit all shoe sizes and are easy to put on boots.
Climbing the mountains in Antarctica is an activity for the most resilient participants. You will walk together under the guidance of an experienced instructor. The route mainly goes through ice fields. No experience is necessary, but you should be in excellent physical shape. The maximum number of participants in one entry is 6 people.
All activities are carried out only under favorable weather conditions.
Travel insurance covering the risks of emergency evacuation from remote locations is obligatory for this tour.
Internet is available for an additional fee. But the network does not reach everywhere.
Electricity is available everywhere on board.
You will be traveling in a group of people from different countries, accompanied by English-speaking guides.
Note: The number of people in a group for outdoor activities is limited. When you book a tour, please specify what types of activities you are interested in.
Antarctica is a dream destination for many travelers, and we are ready to help you make this dream come true! Gone are the days when only polar explorers and scientists could get to the coldest continent of the planet. Today everyone can visit the Antarctic Peninsula and, more importantly, it can be done on board a comfortable expedition ship.
You will see with your own eyes the pristine nature of Antarctica and its wildlife: majestic humpback whales, charming seals, colonies of clumsy penguins, petrels and gulls.
Get ready for the new experience: