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Antarctica – Basecamp

Penguins | Antarctica

The best activity voyage in Antarctica

Day 1 : End Of The World, Start Of A Journey

Where the world ends, your journey begins. Ushuaia is an Argentine city located at the very southern tip of South America. It’s reputed as the world’s southernmost town. You will depart from the small resort town of Tierra del Fuego (nicknamed “The End of the World”) in the late afternoon and spend the rest of the evening sailing the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel.

Aboard the Hondius, Plancius or Ortelius

Day 2 & 3 : Path Of The Polar Explorers

You will experience the same things as the first polar explorers on the Drake Passage: rolling seas and cool sea breezes. Maybe you’ll even see a fin-whale spraying sea water. You are now in the circum-Antarctic Upwelling Zone after passing the Antarctic Convergence, Antarctica’s natural border formed when cold north-flowing waters collided with warmer subantarctic seas. Avian life also changes. You may see Wandering albatrosses as well as black-browed, sooty, or grey-headed albatrosses. Also, you could see cape pigeons and southern fulmars.

Aboard the Hondius, Plancius or Ortelius

Ortelius | Antarctica

Photo: Anne Haraldsted

Day 4 & 10 : Entering Antarctica

The landscape is a mix of ice and snow capped peaks, towering blue-white ice and a variety of wildlife. The first thing you see is the Melchior Islands, a group of snow-capped islands. You then sail between Brabant Island and Anvers Islands.

Places you might visit includes:

Neumayer channel – The vessel can position itself in this area and launch its various basecamp activities. This is done from the protected waters surrounding Wiencke Island. Enjoy the beauty of the alpine landscape at sea by taking a Zodiac or kayaking trip. If you prefer to walk, then there are also options for soft-climb mountaineering and snowshoe hiking further inland. The weather will determine what activities are possible.

Port Lockroy – After sailing the Neumayer Channel you can visit Port Lockroy, a former British research station that is now a post office and museum on Goudier Island. Jougla Point is a great place to meet blue-eyed shags and gentoos penguins. You can snowshoe to the old ski-way at nearby sites such as Damoy Point. This is one of our favorite camping sites.

Antarctica | Port Lockroy

Photo: Dietmar Denger

Pleneau and Petermann Islands – If the ice permits it, you can cruise through the Lemaire Channel to search for Adelie penguins.

blue-eyed shags. You may also see humpback whales, minke whales and leopard seals. This location is a great place to go kayaking, on glacier walks or for more adventurous mountaineering.

Neko Harbour – A landscape of endless snow and mammoth icebergs, Neko Harbour is a great place to take a Zodiac and see the surrounding peaks.

Neko Harbour

Photo: Jamie Scherbeijn

Paradise Bay – Enjoy a thrilling overnight Antarctic adventure by setting up camp like a polar explorer.

Errera Channel – Sites in this area that are possible include Danco Island, Cuverville Island as well as the less known (but equally beautiful) Orne Island on Ronge Island.

You will pass the Melchior Islands on your final day of activities near the shore. Be on the lookout for Humpback Whales in Dallmann Bay. Half Moon Island in the South Shetlands offers more opportunities for activities.

The conditions on the Drake Passage will determine the exact departure time.

Aboard the Hondius, Plancius or Ortelius

Day 11 & 12 : Familiar Seas, Familiar Friends

You’re not alone on your return trip. You’re greeted again by the seabirds you remember from your journey south as you cross the Drake. They are now more familiar with you, and you with them.

Aboard the Hondius, Plancius or Ortelius

Hondius | Antarctica

Photo: Marcel Paul

Day 13 : There And Back Again

No matter how grand an adventure may be, it must come to a close. Now it’s time to leave Ushuaia with great memories.


Highlights

  • The journey begins in Ushuaia (Argentina), also known as “The End of the World.”
  • Navigation along the Beagle Channel in the dusk.
  • Drake Passage offers similar experiences to the polar explorations of the past.
  • The crossing of the Antarctic Convergence zone and the entry into the circumantarctic upwelling zones.
  • Sightings include seabirds, marine life and various species of birds.
  • The Melchior Islands, Schollaert Channel and the Schollaert Channel.
  • Visits to Neumayer Channel and Paradise Bay.
  • Activities like kayaking, camping, snowshoeing and zodiac rides.
  • Seabirds are spotted on the return journey through Drake Passage.
  • Enjoy a memorable departure from Ushuaia.

Travel Tips

  • Make sure you have the necessary travel documents.
  • Temperatures can change, so you should always be prepared.
  • Arrive in Ushuaia at the end of the day to embark on your journey.
  • Prepare for cold temperatures and rough seas.
  • Be prepared to capture marine and bird life including whales, seabirds, and other species.
  • Wear layers of clothing, including waterproof clothes.
  • Take part in activities such as Zodiac Cruises, Kayaking, and Snowshoe Hikes to experience the Antarctic environment.
  • Respect wildlife and listen to the advice of the expedition staff.
  • Enjoy the seabirds and your memories of the journey on the return trip.
  • Relax by taking advantage of the onboard amenities and activities.
  • Check your travel plans for future journeys.
  • Extend your goodbyes to other travelers and crew members. If desired, exchange contact information.
  • As you depart, cherish the memories of Antarctica.

Accomodation

12 nights on board at Hondius, Plancius or Ortelius

Weather Preparedness

  • Ushuaia’s weather can change quickly, from sunny days to sudden rain and strong winds. Pack layers, waterproofs and warm clothing to suit the climate.
  • Ushuaia’s temperatures can be cool even though it is summer in the Southern Hemisphere. The average highs are around 10-12degC. Prepare for cold weather when embarking.
  • Conditions can range from calm to rough during the Drake Passage. Protect yourself against possible rain and sea spray by wearing waterproof and windproof clothing.
  • Drake Passage temperatures can be cool with highs between 41-46degF. Warm layers are essential to keep warm.
  • Antarctica’s extreme weather is well-known, and temperatures can fall below 0degC. To stay warm, bring thermal clothing, hats, gloves and waterproof boots.
  • Wind exposure can increase the feeling of cold. To protect yourself from the Antarctic winds, you need a good windbreaker as well as facial protection.
  • Attention: Pay attention to instructions from the expedition staff on how to dress for outdoor activities.
  • The weather conditions on the return trip through the Drake Passage may be similar to the ones experienced during the outbound journey. Be prepared for rain and wind, as the weather can quickly change at sea.
  • The weather can change dramatically during disembarkation. Check the local weather forecast before you leave and bring appropriate clothing.

Fitness Requirements

  • In Ushuaia, boarding the boat usually involves walking a short distance and then boarding. This day does not usually have any specific fitness requirements.
  • During the Drake Passage the ship may encounter moderate to rough waves. The ship should allow passengers to move around the vessel safely and comfortably, despite possible motion.
  • Physical fitness may be required for some activities in Antarctica such as Zodiac Cruises, Landing Excursions, and Optional Hikes. Passengers must be able disembark and embark from Zodiacs, and walk over uneven terrain.
  • The expedition staff may specify fitness requirements for certain activities like snowshoeing or kayaking.
  • The Drake Passage can be rough, similar to the journey outbound. The passengers should be able navigate the ship safely, despite possible motion.
  • In Ushuaia, disembarkation usually involves walking short distances to leave the vessel. This day is not usually associated with any specific fitness requirements.
Duration
13 Days
Difficulty
Moderate/Medium
Contact Us Itineraries

Included

  • All activities and shore excursions on the Zodiac throughout the journey.
  • Lectures by renowned naturalists, and expedition leadership by experienced staff.
  • Use of snowshoes and rubber boots is free.
  • Transfer of luggage from the pick-up location to the vessel the day before embarkation in Ushuaia.
  • Group transfer pre-scheduled from the ship to the airport at Ushuaia.
  • Service taxes and port fees throughout the program.
  • Comprehensive pre-departure material.
  • All activities offered (camping, kayaking and snowshoe/hiking as well as photo workshops, shore excursions, and zodiac tours) are included in our “Basecamp’ departures.

Not Included

  • Any airfare on scheduled flights or charter flights
  • Pre and Post- Land arrangements.
  • Visa and passport expenses
  • Taxes on arrival and departure by the government
  • Meals on the shore.
  • Personal, baggage and cancellation insurance is highly recommended.
  • All items of a private nature, such as laundry charges, bar and beverage charges, and telecommunications charges.
  • Gratuity for the stewards, and other crew members at the end (guidelines provided).
Additional Information
Here are some generalities regarding Antarctica as a travel destination:
  1. The White Continent Antarctica has the highest temperatures, winds, and is the driest of all continents. The continent is largely covered in ice. In some areas, the ice can be up to 4,000 metres thick.
  2. Limited human presence: Antarctica, unlike other continents has no permanent native population. The human presence in Antarctica is limited primarily to the scientific research stations run by different countries.
  3. Environment Protection: Antarctica, one of the world’s last wild areas, is protected by the Antarctic Treaty. This treaty prohibits mining and sets guidelines for wildlife conservation and environmental protection.
  4. Unique Wildlife Despite the extreme conditions of Antarctica, it is home to an astonishing diversity of wildlife including penguins and whales. Seals, seabirds and other species that have adapted to its polar environment.
  5. Expedition Experience Antarctica cruises are usually expedition cruises, adventure cruises which offer the chance to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of the area. Passengers have the opportunity to participate in activities like whale watching, zodiac tours, snowshoeing and visiting research stations.
  6. Extreme climate: In winter, temperatures in Antarctica can fall below -50degC. Even in the summer, temperatures rarely rise above 0degC. Winds and weather can be unpredictable.
  7. Unique Tourist Attraction Antarctica is an experience like no other. It attracts nature lovers and adventurous travelers from all over the world. It is a destination that many dream of visiting because it offers the chance to see spectacular landscapes, as well as unique wildlife.

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