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Enjoying some whale watching on an Antarctica cruise

Antarctic Small Ship Expedition

Ushuaia Roundtrip - Example 10 Day Cruise aboard Magellan Discoverer
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Set sail on a 10-day Antarctic Small Ship Expedition aboard Magellan Discoverer from Ushuaia roundtrip. Sail through the Beagle Channel before navigating the legendary Drake Passage. Spot seabirds like albatrosses, petrels, and whales along the way. Cross the Antarctic Convergence, where the environment shifts dramatically, revealing towering icebergs and breathtaking landscapes. Explore the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac to experience glaciers, ice-filled fjords, and abundant wildlife. Visit Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Deception Island, and Paradise Bay. Relax on the return crossing of the Drake Passage, enjoying onboard presentations and wildlife viewing.
Antarctica reflectedIcebergs at sunsetCruising around on a zodiacEnjoying some whale watching on an Antarctica cruise
Highlights
  • Cross the legendary Drake Passage, watching for whales and seabirds
  • Explore the South Shetland Islands, home to penguins and seals
  • Cruise through icy waters and dramatic fjords by Zodiac boat
  • Discover historic sites like Port Lockroy and Deception Island
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

Begin your journey in Ushuaia, Argentina. Board the ship and sail through the Beagle Channel toward Antarctica.

Important notes: Due to port operations, boarding in Ushuaia is open from 15:00 to 16:00 hrs. and closes promptly at 16:00 hrs. Arrive on time with your passport ready, allowing enough time to clear port security and reach the vessel.

Day 2-3: At Sea | Drake Passage

Sail toward Antarctica across the legendary Drake Passage, named after 16th-century explorer Sir Francis Drake. On the way to the South Shetland Islands, join expert-led lectures and presentations. Watch for wildlife from the glass-enclosed lounge or outside decks, spotting albatrosses, petrels, and whales. As you cross the Antarctic Convergence, prepare for stunning views of icebergs and Antarctic land.

Day 4-7: Exploring 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'll 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 is very active, with several daily landings and cruises in Zodiac boats, lectures, and a very enjoyable time on board. Departure from Antarctica is in the afternoon or evening of Day 7, depending on weather conditions.

Day 8-9: Sailing back to South America

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 Discoverer

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • Mar 11, 2027from $9,495
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Deals

2026-27 Sea Voyages Early Booking Promotion 27206
Book your 2026-27 Sea Voyages by March 31, 2025, and save:
  • $2,000 per person on Falklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia and Falklands (Malvinas), South Georgia & Antarctica sea voyages
  • $1,000 per person on Patagonia & Chilean Fjords sea voyages and Antarctic Small Ship Expedition
This offer is subject to availability for new individual reservations and cannot be combined with other discounts. The offer is capacity-controlled and will expire when the allocated space is sold out. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to Mar 11, 2027 departure

Per person starting at
$9,495
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Triple Veranda Suite
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Deluxe Veranda Cabin
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Family Suite
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Grand Veranda Suite
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Single Veranda Cabin
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.
  • Standard internet service is provided on a complimentary basis. Guests booked in Penthouse Suites on Magellan Explorer and Grand Veranda Suites on Magellan Discoverer enjoy complimentary premium internet service
  • For guests visiting Punta Arenas, exclusive access to Explorers House
  • Access to exclusive content on the Antarctica21 app on board Magellan Discoverer
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 
  • Parkas are not provided on your cruise. Please bring your own windproof, waterproof, insulated parka with you. You will want to make sure it is roomy enough to fit warm layers underneath. Click here for information about parka rentals for Antarctica voyages. 
  • 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.
  • Multi-entry visas for Chile, Argentina, the UK and/or other destinations included in your itinerary, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney

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