South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

This is a classic 10-day voyage to the Great White Continent.

Experience the incredible wildlife, stunning mountain scenery and gigantic icebergs in 10 action-packed days.


Antarctic Peninsula
© Agustin Ullmann

Zodiac cruising and shore landings are an important and considerable part of the planned itinerary, enabling all expedition guests to set foot several times on the Antarctic continent, as well as the many surrounding sub-antarctic islands.

Duration: 10 days
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyage


Included
Optional


Departing Ushuaia in Argentina, we cross the mighty Drake Passage en-route for the South Shetland Islands, making Zodiac landings at penguin rookeries, research stations and fascinating lookouts along the way. Continuing southward, deep into the inlets of Antarctica, we pass the famous Gerlache Strait, where 3000-ft ice cliffs rise straight out of the still water. On no other journey can you experience so much pristine nature and varied wildlife in so few days!
When the ship returns to Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia, depending on weather conditions, we might pass close to the mythical Cape Horn - the southernmost point on South America; a celebrated maritime landmark.

Itinerary

© ALB
© ALB
© Jonas Beyer

DAY 1 | ARRIVAL USHUAIA
Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. It's a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. In the afternoon, we board our ship.

Our journey begins as we navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.

DAY 2-3 | AT SEA - CROSS DRAKE PASSAGE
Sailing onward, you cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard this expedition vessel, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice!

In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. Weather permitting, you will catch our first sight of seals and penguins! The area is also well-know for its abundance of birds.

DAY 4-7 | SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
Over the next two days, you will begin the exciting Antarctic experience your ancestors only dreamed of. During these days you will explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marveled by the captivating landscapes we will encounter along the way.
Weather permitting, your projected landfalls include: King George Island; Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels and chinstrap penguins.
As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on your horizon, the presence of wildlife multiples by tens of thousands with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals.
Wildlife abounds along the projected route along the Antarctic Peninsula: leopard, fur and Weddell seals of Cuverville Island; humpback whales of Gerlache Strait; Paradise Bay; the dramatic Lemaire Channel's orcas and much more.
The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.
Please note that all the outings and landings rely on weather, sea and ice conditions being favorable both for the ship to access the areas, as for the zodiacs and kayaks to maneuver under adequate conditions, ensuring the safety of all our passengers and staff.

For this reason, during moments of harsh weather and throughout the entire trip, the ship offers excellent public areas such as wellness/sauna, restaurant, bar and a library for our passengers to spend their spare time. These ships are staffed by experts in the field who will also share great lectures along the way, ranging from exploration history to biology, geology, ice and wildlife.

DAY 8-9 | DEPART ANTARCTICA - AT SEA
You depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on our way back to the calms of Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. En-route, you will cross Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America.
During your time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board which will provide the perfect opportunity to socialize with fellow travelers equally passionate for discovering the world, enjoy the lectures by our expedition on board, visit our shop or relax at leisure on our ship’s facilities, designed to provide a comfortable, relaxing time.

DAY 10 | BACK TO USHUAIA AND DISEMBARKATION
This morning, you arrive back in Ushuaia for the conclusion of your tour, where you can continue your adventures or begin your return home.

Itinerary

DAY 1 | ARRIVAL USHUAIA
Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. It's a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. In the afternoon, we board our ship.

Our journey begins as we navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.

DAY 2-3 | AT SEA - CROSS DRAKE PASSAGE
Sailing onward, you cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard this expedition vessel, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice!

In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. Weather permitting, you will catch our first sight of seals and penguins! The area is also well-know for its abundance of birds.

DAY 4-7 | SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
Over the next two days, you will begin the exciting Antarctic experience your ancestors only dreamed of. During these days you will explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marveled by the captivating landscapes we will encounter along the way.
Weather permitting, your projected landfalls include: King George Island; Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels and chinstrap penguins.
As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on your horizon, the presence of wildlife multiples by tens of thousands with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals.
Wildlife abounds along the projected route along the Antarctic Peninsula: leopard, fur and Weddell seals of Cuverville Island; humpback whales of Gerlache Strait; Paradise Bay; the dramatic Lemaire Channel's orcas and much more.
The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.
Please note that all the outings and landings rely on weather, sea and ice conditions being favorable both for the ship to access the areas, as for the zodiacs and kayaks to maneuver under adequate conditions, ensuring the safety of all our passengers and staff.

For this reason, during moments of harsh weather and throughout the entire trip, the ship offers excellent public areas such as wellness/sauna, restaurant, bar and a library for our passengers to spend their spare time. These ships are staffed by experts in the field who will also share great lectures along the way, ranging from exploration history to biology, geology, ice and wildlife.

DAY 8-9 | DEPART ANTARCTICA - AT SEA
You depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on our way back to the calms of Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. En-route, you will cross Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America.
During your time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board which will provide the perfect opportunity to socialize with fellow travelers equally passionate for discovering the world, enjoy the lectures by our expedition on board, visit our shop or relax at leisure on our ship’s facilities, designed to provide a comfortable, relaxing time.

DAY 10 | BACK TO USHUAIA AND DISEMBARKATION
This morning, you arrive back in Ushuaia for the conclusion of your tour, where you can continue your adventures or begin your return home.


© ALB
© ALB
© Jonas Beyer


INCLUSIONS

10-day cruise with accommodation in a shared double stateroom featuring ensuite facilities
Embarkation shuttle transfer to the vessel from Ushuaia city centre
Shuttle transfer after disembarkation from the ship to Ushuaia city centre or airport
All Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary, guided by our Expedition Team
Expedition parka
Rubber boots loan scheme
Briefings and lectures by our Expedition Leader and Team
English-speaking Expedition Team
Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served at our a-la-carte dinners)
Free tea and coffee available 24 hours
Taxes and landing fees
Special photo workshops
Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Parties
Digital visual journal link distributed after the voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list and more!

EXCLUSIONS

Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
Meals not on board the ship
Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day)
Personal expenses (e.g. Albatros Polar Spa services, Albatros Ocean Boutique purchases)
Anything not mentioned under 'Inclusions'


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ocean Victory | Date: 19 Nov 2024 - 28 Nov 2024 (2384)
Cat G
$13,595
Cat F
$7,895
Cat E
$11,355
Cat D
$10,495
Cat C
$12,895
Cat B
$13,495
Cat A
$18,995
Premium Suite
$21,945
Ship: Ocean Albatros | Date: 06 Dec 2024 - 15 Dec 2024 (2798)
CAT G - Single
$15,195
CAT F -Triple
$8,995
CAT E
$12,795
CAT D
$11,695
CAT C
$13,795
CAT B
$15,695
CAT A
$21,395
Premium Suite
$24,095
Family Suite
$26,695
Ship: Ocean Victory | Date: 09 Dec 2024 - 18 Dec 2024 (2385)
Cat G
$14,295
Cat F
$8,495
Cat E
$11,995
Cat D
$10,995
Cat C
$12,995
Cat B
$14,285
Cat A
$19,995
Premium Suite
$22,795
Ship: Ocean Albatros | Date: 26 Dec 2024 - 04 Jan 2025 (2689)
CAT G - Single
$16,195
CAT F -Triple
$9,395
CAT E
$13,495
CAT D
$12,395
CAT C
$14,595
CAT B
$15,995
CAT A
$22,595
Premium Suite
$25,595
Family Suite
$28,195
Ship: Ocean Albatros | Date: 21 Jan 2025 - 30 Jan 2025 (2799)
CAT G - Single
$15,995
CAT F -Triple
$9,495
CAT E
$13,495
CAT D
$12,395
CAT C
$14,595
CAT B
$16,095
CAT A
$22,695
Premium Suite
$25,595
Family Suite
$28,195
Ship: Ocean Victory | Date: 16 Feb 2025 - 25 Feb 2025 (2801)
Cat G
$15,095
Cat F
$8,995
Cat E
$12,895
Cat D
$11,895
Cat C
$13,595
Cat B
$15,295
Cat A
$21,695
Premium Suite
$24,095
Ship: Ocean Victory | Date: 25 Feb 2025 - 06 Mar 2025 (2386)
Cat G
$15,095
Cat F
$8,995
Cat E
$12,895
Cat D
$11,895
Cat C
$13,595
Cat B
$15,295
Cat A
$21,695
Premium Suite
$24,095
Ship: Ocean Albatros | Date: 03 Mar 2025 - 12 Mar 2025 (2379)
CAT G - Single
$14,395
CAT F -Triple
$8,495
CAT E
$12,095
CAT D
$11,095
CAT C
$12,995
CAT B
$14,395
CAT A
$20,195
Premium Suite
$22,795
Family Suite
$25,095

* 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.
** 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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