Board the Ocean Diamond in Ushuaia and begin your 11-day polar adventure! Cross the Drake Passage - the next time you see land is in Antarctica. Enjoy zodiac excursions to explore bays, channels, and landing sites each day. Visit penguin rookeries and search for whales, seals, and arctic seabirds. Hike the Antarctic landscape for breathtaking views of your surroundings. As you soak it all in, prepare for your journey back across the Drake Passage.
Highlights
Experience abundant wildlife: penguins, seals, whales, and more!
Explore bays, channels, and landing sites each day
Watch glaciers calve into giant icebergs in Neko Harbor
Zodiac ashore each day and explore the polar landscape
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
With a population of more than 63,000 people, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. The city has grown over the past few years, yet it has retained an easy-going and accessible feel. With the sea to the south and mountains to the north, Ushuaia is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruise. If arriving early, spend some time in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, enjoy some Argentinean wines and barbecues in the city, or visit the many boutique shops and cafes before departing for Antarctica.
Embarkation occurs in the late afternoon, after which your vessel sails down the historic Beagle Channel. This historic channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of excitement upon departure - the next time seeing land is in the world’s most southern continent!
Prepare for potentially rough water, but hope for a smooth sailing as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing. Spend these first days getting to know your shipmates, while ship captains provide safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead.
Day 5-8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
When the Antarctic Convergence is left in your wake, begin your Antarctic adventure. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition. Begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time your ship has visited Antarctica something new or unexpected has been witnessed, meaning your expedition is unlike any other - creating a unique, personal experience.
Take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore bays, channels, and landing sites each day. With wildlife always at the forefront of your mind, visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of the southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal.
The majesty of the Peninsula’s mountains enchant as you scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360° views of your surroundings. One of these in particular, in Orne Harbor, gives the opportunity to visit a chinstrap penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here have the choice between going for a mountain hike or spending time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach to enjoy the antics of curious penguins. If feeling extra adventurous, participating in the Polar Plunge swim is about as crazy as it gets!
Amidst the peaceful silence of Antarctica, noisy interruptions become indelible memories such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles or the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbor. Make a bit of noise yourself too by listening to the echo of voices bounce off a giant glacier.
Every day is different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team so as to entertain and educate on this wonderful part of the world.
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides some final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy a few final presentations by your Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.
Day 11: Ushuaia | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning to continue your adventure on land or catch your flight home.
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.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Triple
Lower Deck, 200 sq feet. Two twin beds and an upper bed, two portholes, and private bath with shower.
Twin Obstructed View
Captains & Upper Decks, 200 sq feet, one double bed or two twin beds, picture window with a partially obstructed view, and private bathroom with shower.
Twin Window
Upper, Main & Captain´s Decks, 183-200 sq feet. One double bed or two twin beds, picture window, and private bathroom with shower.
Single with Porthole
Lower Deck, 200 sq feet, one double bed, two portholes, and private bathroom with shower.
Single Obstructed View
Captain's Deck, 200 sq feet, one double bed, picture window with obstructed view, and private bathroom with shower.
Suite
Main Deck, 400 sq feet, one double bed or two twin beds, two picture windows and separate sitting area with sofas, two easy chairs, small table and two private bathrooms with shower.
Balcony Suite
Observation Deck, 325 sq feet, one double bed or two twin beds, window and sliding glass door, private 96 sq ft deck, and private bathroom with shower.
Notes
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
- Standard Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the double occupancy rate. The supplement for a Premium Cabin is 2 times the shared rate.
Insurance: Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person is included. Travelers should have a minimum US$50,000 (or equivalent) of emergency medical coverage prior to embarkation. It is recommended that you and all members of your party have comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage, and repatriation. Contact us for details.
Initial deposit is 25% of cruise fare (minimum $1000) plus the cost of kayaking (if applicable), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Bank Transfer, Check, or Credit Card
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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
7 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.
