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Antarctic Small Ship Expedition

Example 10 Day Cruise aboard Magellan Explorer
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Sailing from Ushuaia and through the mythical waters of the Drake Passage, you are invited on this 10-day adventure to one of the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, and most inhospitable places - Antarctica. Find yourself at the gates of the white continent. From here, navigate along the Antarctic Peninsula, watching for whales, penguins and seals. This is sure to be the trip of a lifetime.
Icebergs at sunsetCruising around on a zodiacEnjoying some whale watching on an Antarctica cruiseAntarctica reflected
Highlights
  • Explore the Antarctic landscape with daily zodiac trips ashore
  • View Antarctic wildlife such as seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales
  • Attend lectures and presentations from your onboard guides
  • Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina | Embark

Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Board Magellan Explorer and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Antarctica.

Important notes: 1) Due to port operations, boarding in Ushuaia is exclusively between 15:00 hr and 16:00 hr. At 16:00 hr. boarding will close.  Please be on time. Keep your passport at hand and allow enough time to clear port security and to reach the vessel. 2) This trip visits Argentinean and Chilean territories. Please obtain any required entry visas.

Day 2-3: At Sea | Drake Passage

Sail towards Antarctica across the famous passage named in honour of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th century British explorer. As you sail en route to the South Shetland Islands, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the glass-enclosed lounge or from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent sea birds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to Antarctica. After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the environment changes noticeably. Keep your camera ready, as this is the time to watch for the first icebergs and the first sight of Antarctic land.

Day 4-7: Explore Antarctica

Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Each day, disembark by Zodiac boat and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. From the ship enjoy spectacular vistas from the glass-enclosed lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests. No journey is the same as flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience each time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several spots that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel, or many other magnificent places. Your adventure will be very active, with several daily landings and cruises in Zodiac boats, lectures and a very enjoyable time on board. Departure from Antarctica will be in the afternoon or evening of Day 7, depending on weather conditions.

Day 8-9: At Sea | Drake Passage

Return to South America with a northbound crossing of the Drake Passage. Relax and take the time to watch for wildlife from the bridge or outside decks and take part in the program of presentations on Antarctic topics in the lounge.

Day 10: Ushuaia | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, disembark and begin your journey home.

Ship/Hotel

Magellan Explorer

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$6,995 2-3 travelers
Triple Suite
480 ft2 – 44 m2 -Suite with two bedrooms, balcony, and sitting area
Porthole Cabin
Porthole Cabins 200 ft2 – 18 m² -Cabin with sitting area and porthole
Veranda Cabin
210 ft2 – 19 m2 -Cabin with sitting area and balcony
Deluxe Veranda Cabin
240 ft2 – 22 m2 -Cabin with sitting area and balcony
Deluxe Suite
480 ft2 – 44 m2 -Two-room suite with sitting room, balcony, and bedroom
Penthouse Suite
360 ft2 – 33 m2 -Suite with sitting room, balcony, and bedroom area
Single Veranda Cabin
210 ft2 – 19 m2 - Cabin with sitting area and balcony

Notes

-Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Cabin sharing, where solo travelers are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender is available in Porthole and Veranda Cabins. 
-Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.85x the double occupancy rate for Porthole and Veranda Cabins types. Deluxe Veranda, Penthouse Suite, and Grand Suite cabins are 2x the double occupancy rate.

Fly cruises: Children admitted from 8 years old
  • Classic Antarctica Air Cruise
  • Polar Circle
  • Antarctica Express
Sea voyages: Children admitted from 12 years old
  • Patagonia & Chilean Fjords
  • Falklands (Malvinas) & SG
  • Falklands (Malvinas), SG and Antarctica
  • Antarctic Small Ship Expedition
Optionals
  • Kayaking: Children admitted from 16 years old.
  • Hiking & snowshoeing: Children admitted from 12 years old.
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
  • 9 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board ship
  • Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks on board ship throughout the expedition
  • IAATO passenger fee 
  • Loan of Waterproof Boots for Landings
  • Comprehensive Pre- and Post-voyage Information Materials
     
  • Lectures and entertainment onboard.
     
  • Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship offering a wide choice of dishes.
  • Dinner served daily on board the ship offering a choice between one of three main courses.
  • All guided shore excursions.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Beverages purchased at the bar 
  • All participants in an Antarctica 21 expedition are required to have a travel insurance policy.  A comprehensive policy is recommended but, at a minimum, Medical Evacuation coverage up to $100,000 USD is required.
  • Kayaking option should be booked upon reservation (10 spots available for 2024/25 season and 20 spots for the 2025/26 season)
  • Hiking & Snowshoeing Option (Booked and paid on board)

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

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