Antarctic Women's Expedition: Spirit of Antarctica

A women's-only voyage celebrating curiosity and leadership aboard the Sylvia Earle. Witness peak whale activity and explore the Antarctic Peninsula through Zodiac safaris and walks, engaging with the science, history, and unique beauty of this pristine continent.


Antarctic Peninsula
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Duration: 11 days / 10 nights
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyage

The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond our control. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.


Included
Optional


The Antarctic Women's Expedition aboard the Sylvia Earle is designed as a celebration of curiosity, resilience, and the unique perspectives women bring to exploration, science, and leadership. This voyage is more than just witnessing the majestic beauty of icebergs, penguins, and whales; it’s an invitation to engage deeply with the science, history, and environmental questions facing our planet today. The experience is enhanced by focusing on women in conservation and providing a range of excursion options catering to all interests, from leisurely walks to strenuous hikes and water-based activities like kayaking.

Sailing at the peak time for whale activity, particularly humpbacks, expeditioners have an exceptional chance to witness the beauty of nature. With approximately 18 hours of daylight on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula, the experienced team will design the voyage day by day, maximizing opportunities for Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs and landings at penguin rookeries and historic huts. Onboard amenities, including the sauna, jacuzzis, and gym, complement the adventure. The expedition is underpinned by strong biosecurity protocols and a commitment to flexibility, encouraging an adventurous attitude from all fellow female travelers.

Highlights:
Exclusive women’s-only expedition aboard the Sylvia Earle
Celebrate women in conservation and leadership
Sail at the peak time for whale activity, particularly humpbacks
Range of excursion options: Zodiac cruises, walks, and optional kayaking
Opportunity to join the exclusive Polar Plunge club

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina
Pre-voyage Logistics and Leisure
Upon arrival in Ushuaia, you will be transferred to your assigned pre-voyage hotel. If already in Ushuaia, guests must make their way to the hotel. An Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk will be open from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm for collecting luggage tags, confirming embarkation details, and signing up for the optional Lake Escondido tour. The remainder of the day is at leisure, with meals at your own expense.

Day 2: Embarkation and Scenic Drive Option
Andes Mountains, Fuegian Lamb, and Sailing
After breakfast and check-out, cabin luggage will be transferred directly to the port. Guests joining the optional Lake Escondido tour will enjoy an unforgettable panoramic drive through glacial valleys, forests, waterfalls, and rivers in the vast Andes Mountain Range. The tour includes reaching Garibaldi Pass for panoramic views of Lake Escondido and Fagnano Lake's shore, where you can enjoy a typical Fuegian Lamb barbecue. Alternatively, guests will be transferred to the pier for embarkation. Once settled, mandatory briefings will take place, followed by a welcome dinner as the ship pulls away from port, offering spectacular views over Ushuaia.

Days 3-4: Drake Passage Crossing
Lectures, Seabirds, and First Iceberg Sighting
As the Drake Passage crossing commences, the expedition team will prepare you for the first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures. The lecture program begins, covering Antarctica’s history, wildlife, and environment. Wildlife experiences include watching and photographing majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following the vessel. Nearing the South Shetland Islands on Day 4, the excitement builds as you enter the Antarctic Convergence, surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures, possibly attempting the first landing in the late afternoon.

Days 5-8: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
Zodiac Excursions, Shore Landings, and Polar Plunge
Arriving in Antarctica offers approximately 18 hours of daylight for extensive exploration of the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. The experienced expedition team will use their expertise to design the voyage daily, aiming for two landings or Zodiac excursions per day. Activities include cruising along ice cliffs, watching for whales, seals, and penguins, visiting rookeries, and exploring historic huts. Guests can stretch their legs on snow-covered ridgelines, participate in optional add-on activities, or take the exhilarating Polar Plunge. Ship cruising narrow straits allows for enjoying the observation lounges or the bridge for views of glaciers calving into the sea.

Days 9-10: Drake Passage Crossing
Final Morning Landing and Reflection
The return journey begins after a final morning landing opportunity in the South Shetland Islands. Lectures and film presentations conclude the Antarctic experience, allowing time for reflection and discussion about the sights and experiences. As the ship approaches the tip of South America, the Captain may sail close to the legendary Cape Horn, conditions permitting.

Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
Arrival in Ushuaia and Onward Travel
The ship cruises up the Beagle Channel during the early morning, quietly docking in Ushuaia for disembarkation around 8:00 am. Transportation to the hotel is arranged for guests who booked accommodations through Aurora or are staying in downtown areas. Guests with flights before 12:30 pm will be transferred directly to Ushuaia Airport, while those with later flights can explore Ushuaia before an afternoon transfer.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina
Pre-voyage Logistics and Leisure
Upon arrival in Ushuaia, you will be transferred to your assigned pre-voyage hotel. If already in Ushuaia, guests must make their way to the hotel. An Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk will be open from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm for collecting luggage tags, confirming embarkation details, and signing up for the optional Lake Escondido tour. The remainder of the day is at leisure, with meals at your own expense.

Day 2: Embarkation and Scenic Drive Option
Andes Mountains, Fuegian Lamb, and Sailing
After breakfast and check-out, cabin luggage will be transferred directly to the port. Guests joining the optional Lake Escondido tour will enjoy an unforgettable panoramic drive through glacial valleys, forests, waterfalls, and rivers in the vast Andes Mountain Range. The tour includes reaching Garibaldi Pass for panoramic views of Lake Escondido and Fagnano Lake's shore, where you can enjoy a typical Fuegian Lamb barbecue. Alternatively, guests will be transferred to the pier for embarkation. Once settled, mandatory briefings will take place, followed by a welcome dinner as the ship pulls away from port, offering spectacular views over Ushuaia.

Days 3-4: Drake Passage Crossing
Lectures, Seabirds, and First Iceberg Sighting
As the Drake Passage crossing commences, the expedition team will prepare you for the first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures. The lecture program begins, covering Antarctica’s history, wildlife, and environment. Wildlife experiences include watching and photographing majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following the vessel. Nearing the South Shetland Islands on Day 4, the excitement builds as you enter the Antarctic Convergence, surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures, possibly attempting the first landing in the late afternoon.

Days 5-8: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
Zodiac Excursions, Shore Landings, and Polar Plunge
Arriving in Antarctica offers approximately 18 hours of daylight for extensive exploration of the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. The experienced expedition team will use their expertise to design the voyage daily, aiming for two landings or Zodiac excursions per day. Activities include cruising along ice cliffs, watching for whales, seals, and penguins, visiting rookeries, and exploring historic huts. Guests can stretch their legs on snow-covered ridgelines, participate in optional add-on activities, or take the exhilarating Polar Plunge. Ship cruising narrow straits allows for enjoying the observation lounges or the bridge for views of glaciers calving into the sea.

Days 9-10: Drake Passage Crossing
Final Morning Landing and Reflection
The return journey begins after a final morning landing opportunity in the South Shetland Islands. Lectures and film presentations conclude the Antarctic experience, allowing time for reflection and discussion about the sights and experiences. As the ship approaches the tip of South America, the Captain may sail close to the legendary Cape Horn, conditions permitting.

Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
Arrival in Ushuaia and Onward Travel
The ship cruises up the Beagle Channel during the early morning, quietly docking in Ushuaia for disembarkation around 8:00 am. Transportation to the hotel is arranged for guests who booked accommodations through Aurora or are staying in downtown areas. Guests with flights before 12:30 pm will be transferred directly to Ushuaia Airport, while those with later flights can explore Ushuaia before an afternoon transfer.


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INCLUSIONS

All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Ushuaia on Day 1.
Lake Escondido tour in Ushuaia, on Day 2.
Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices during voyage.
Beer and house wine with dinner.
Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
Comprehensive pre-departure information.
Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
Wi-Fi*.

* Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable.

EXCLUSIONS

International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
Airport arrival or departure taxes.
Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages (outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges.

Note: A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.


Dates & Rates


Ship: Sylvia Earle | Date: 03 Mar 2028 - 13 Mar 2028 (4771)
Aurora Stateroom Triple Share
$16,195
$12,956
Aurora Stateroom Superior
$17,595
$14,076
Balcony Cat. C
$17,995
$14,396
Balcony Cat. B
$18,995
$15,196
Balcony Cat. A
$20,395
$16,316
Balcony Stateroom Superior
$22,295
$17,836
Junior Suite
$26,595
$21,276
Captain´s Suite
$30,395
$24,316

* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

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