Take a 14-day trip to Antarctica, departing from Ushuaia and crossing the Drake Passage to the White Continent. Explore the landscapes of Antarctica and participate in activities on the Antarctic Peninsula such as kayaking, camping, snowshoeing, and snorkeling. Optional activities, like the polar plunge, are also available. Along the way, enjoy wildlife sightings and take in the surroundings.
On the return trip through the Drake Passage, attend lectures, take photos, and reflect on the experiences. The trip ends in Ushuaia, where you depart, leaving behind Antarctica’s remote and untouched landscapes.
Highlights
Cross the Drake Passage to explore the White Continent
Encounter the diverse wildlife that calls the Antarctic Peninsula home
Enjoy paddling, camping, snowshoeing, and snorkeling included in the trip
Attend lectures and capture memorable moments in the pristine wilderness
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.
Arrive in Ushuaia, where a representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in the city center.
In the afternoon, visit the hospitality desk in the lobby between 8:00 am and 12:00 pm or 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm to pick up your luggage tags and confirm your spot on tomorrow’s Beagle Channel and Isla de Los Lobos Cruise (sea lion island). The team will provide details for embarkation day, address any questions, and share dining and shopping options.
Spend the rest of your day at your leisure.
Included accommodation in Ushuaia will be provided upon confirmation.
Start your day with breakfast and check out. Ensure your cabin luggage is clearly labeled with your name and cabin number. By 11:00 am, drop off your cabin luggage at the hotel reception for transfer directly to the port. Your luggage will be delivered to your cabin onboard. Keep valuables and personal items with you for the day.
Spend the morning exploring Ushuaia at your leisure.
If you’re joining the afternoon catamaran cruise, meet in the hotel lobby at 12:15 pm for a 12:30 pm transfer to the port. Board the catamaran to sail the Beagle Channel, passing the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. As we navigate the Bridges Archipelago, enjoy close views of sea lions, imperial cormorants, and a variety of bird species like gulls, skuas, petrels, and albatrosses. The cruise also provides panoramic views of Ushuaia and surrounding mountains, accompanied by stories of the region’s history and people.
If you prefer a relaxed day, enjoy Ushuaia at your own pace and meet in the hotel lobby at 3:00 pm, or at 3:30 pm near the pier (details provided by staff), for your transfer to the port for embarkation.
Once onboard, settle into your cabin and attend mandatory safety briefings. As the ship departs, head to the deck for stunning views of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego as your adventure begins.
In the evening, join a welcome dinner to meet fellow travelers and the expedition team, marking the start of your unforgettable journey to Antarctica.
As you commence the Drake Passage crossing, make the most of your time getting comfortable with the motions of the sea. Your expedition team prepares you for your first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures and starts your lecture program to help you learn more about Antarctica’s history, wildlife, and environment.
Your wildlife experiences begin as you enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following in your wake. They rise and fall skilfully, using air currents created by the ship to gain momentum.
Your wildlife experiences begin as you enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following your vessel. On sea days, you may enjoy the facilities on board the vessel including the gym, and wellness center, or the relaxing in one of the observation lounges.
Nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on the afternoon of day four, the excitement is palpable with everyone converging on one of the observation decks watching for your first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once you are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first big iceberg sighting is likely to remain with you for a lifetime. Time and weather permitting, you may attempt your first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.
It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the freshest, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever.
The Antarctic Peninsula is a bustling metropolis of wildlife in late spring, but despite the frenetic pace of life for the locals, you have ample time to immerse yourself in the wonders of the surrounding environment. Over the next eight days, you will settle into the natural rhythms of life in the Antarctic Peninsula.
With extra time for exploration, they plan to show you your favorite spots along the peninsula and possibly discover new future favorites along the way.
Once you arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are yours to explore, and you have a host of choices available to you. Because you are so far south, you will experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish.
Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions, and wildlife opportunities.
Enjoy a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before you re-enter the Drake Passage for our return journey to South America.
With lectures and film presentations to complete our Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and discussion about what you have seen and experienced. The cruise company hopes you become ambassadors for Antarctica telling your family, friends, and colleagues about your journey to this magical place, advocating for its conservation and preservation so that they might one day visit the region to experience what you have been lucky to see and do here.
As you approach the tip of South America, your Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.
Day 14: Ushuaia | Disembark
1 Breakfast
During the early morning, you cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where you disembark from approximately 8.00 am. Farewell to your attentive crew, expedition team, and fellow passengers as you continue your onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature. A transfer to Ushuaia airport or to your hotel is included in the voyage fare.
Note: At the conclusion of the voyage, the operator does not recommend booking flights departing from Ushuaia prior to 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation in case there are delays.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$16,9952-3 travelers
Aurora Stateroom Triple
22.67m2 (244ft2) - There are two Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
Aurora Stateroom Superior
19.9m2 - 20.8m2(214.2ft2 - 223.9ft2) - Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Balcony Stateroom C
19.5m2 - 28.7m2 (209.9ft² - 308.9ft2) - 11 Balcony Stateroom C cabins - most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are scattered throughout Deck 6.
Balcony Stateroom B
19.5m2 - 28.7m2 (209.9ft² - 308.9ft2) - 17 Balcony Stateroom B Cabins - standard cabin, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6.
Balcony Stateroom A
19.5m² - 28.7m² (209.9ft² - 308.9ft²)- 23 Balcony Stateroom A cabins - premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
Balcony Stateroom Superior
29.2m2 - 35.2m2 (314.3ft2 - 378.9ft2) - Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
Junior Suite
Up to 41.6m2 (447.8ft2)- 4 Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
Captain’s Suite
43.8m2 (471.5 ft2) - Captain's Suite - the largest of all our rooms, will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you'll need to get in early to secure this suite.
Initial deposit is $2,500 plus $250 USD deposit for any activities at the time of booking, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 Days prior to departure by Only Visa, Mastercard and Amex credit cards are accepted
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners
13 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Comprehensive pre-departure information
Beer, House Wine, and Soft Drinks with Dinner
Educational Lectures and Guiding Services from Expedition Team
Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
Wifi
Port Surcharges, Permits, and Landing Fees
Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
Complimentary use of Muck boots during the voyage
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
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
Airport Departure Tax - Airport arrival or departure taxes
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, or phone charges
Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
Optional activity surcharges
Reciprocity and Vaccination Charges
Passengers traveling with Aurora Expeditions are required to be covered by a reputable travel insurance policy that includes baggage loss, cancellation & curtailment of the holiday, medical, accident, and repatriation/emergency evacuation coverage worth at least $250,000 USD.
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Adventure Life has a great team. They were very knowledgeable and responsive and helped us choose the right Arctic Expedition for us. We would recommend them.
Kbear
5 months ago
Friendly representative, ease of booking and bountiful information along the way.
Gary Brodarick
6 months ago
Erin was really helpful during the booking process! She met with me, answered all my questions and made the booking process really easy!
Adrianne Trogden
8 months ago
This was a life changing trip of a lifetime and exceeded my expectations. No details were left out during the planning of this trip by Adventure Life. The entire crew on the ship could not have been more helpful and kind. Everyone went out of their way to make this trip as pleasurable as possible.