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Antarctica Classic
Destinations
Antarctica
Activity
Cruise & Sailing, Active, Nature & Wildlife
Tour Type
Custom itinerary, Small group tour
Physical Level
Easy
Season Season
November - February

Good to know

  • Nine nights aboard the ice strengthened M/S Expedition.
  • Two landings per day at the Antarctic Peninsula.
  • Onboard library, gym and sauna.
  • Expert guides and lectures.
  • IAATO accredited.

A true adventure to the world's most remote wilderness, a world of immense scale and visual splendour. This 11-day expedition introduces you to the magic of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, home to some of the planet's most impressive wildlife and most dramatic landscapes. Encounter whales, huge icebergs, enormous rookeries of penguins and stunning landscapes that few have ever witnessed. Throughout this voyage, a team of onboard lecturers and guides will share their knowledge of the region's remarkable natural history.

Suggested itinerary

All days can be adjusted as required

Choose your direction

This is a customisable trip

Use the following itinerary for inspiration. Send us your preferences and we'll connect you with a specialist tour operator who will be happy to advise: all days, hotels and activities can be altered.

Arrival to Ushuaia

You'll be met at arrivals by a Chimu Adventures guide and taken to your pre-cruise hotel. Depending on your arrival time you'll have time to explore this, the southernmost city in the world. Your guide will be happy to offer dining recommendations.

Includes:
Where you'll stay
Hotel Albatross

Hotel Albatross

Embarkation

Spend the morning at your leisure, exploring the city or enjoying an optional visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park, or a hike to Marshall Glacier.

Embarkation time is set for 4:00pm, once on board your expedition leader will give you a welcome and expedition overview. As the sun sets over the Beagle Channel you'll enjoy your first night on the cruise of a lifetime.

Includes: breakfast, dinner
Where you'll stay
M/S Expedition

M/S Expedition

Crossing the Drake Passage

Your adventure begins with an 800km (497 mile) crossing of the passage that bears the name of the 16th century English explorer, Sir Francis Drake. The M/S Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic.

On the second day you'll cross the Antarctic Convergence, a meeting of cold polar water flowing north and warmer equatorial water moving in the opposite direction. This mixing pushes nutrient rich waters to the surface attracting a variety of seabirds, whales and other species.

Crossing the passage, you have time to become acquainted with the ship and its common areas, including the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where you meet your guides, ship’s crew and expedition staff. Also commencing are a series of lectures on the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region. Keep a look out for sightings of icebergs, whales and albatross following in the ship’s wake.

Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland

Finally, what you've been waiting for - a chance to step foot on the great White Continent itself! Over the next four days you'll navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and on to the Antarctic Peninsula.

The goal is to attempt two excursions per day while cruising, but the daily schedule is determined by local weather and ice conditions. During the voyage you'll learn about the Peninsula's remarkable history and encounter gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries, Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals as well as orca, humpback and minke whales.

Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Return Drake Passage crossing

The ship will plot its return course but the adventure is far from over. Heading back across the Drake Passage you'll enjoy more bird and whale watching and listen to some final lectures by the expedition staff. These final two days are the perfect opportunity to relax, enjoy the ship's facilities and review the highlights of the past week.

Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner

And so the expedition comes to a close. You'll say your goodbyes to your crew and new friends as you disembark back in Ushuaia.

Depending on your onward journey you'll be returned to the airport, hotel, or perhaps your onward destination in Patagonia. Speak to a Chimu Adventures advisor to discuss your options!

Includes: breakfast

Tour inclusions

Get in touch now for more details

Included Accommodation

Nine nights shipboard accommodation. One hotel night in Ushuaia.

Included Guided excursions

Expert guided landings and excursions on the Antarctic Peninsula, plus a series of lectures while onboard.

Included All meals

All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) aboard the ship.

Included Ground transfers

All ground transfers.

Reviews

What people are saying

C
Christine Cowen
01/10/2017

I would have to say the trip was truly a "once in a life time" and certainly would go again given the opportunity. I was fortunate to be upgraded which was a very pleasant surprise. The captain and crew were excellent and being allowed on the bridge was a bonus. The cabin crew were wonderful and looked after us well and kept the boat clean. They were always friendly and smiling. The scientists were always very keen to share their knowledge and were a fun group. The boat was a very relaxed place to be.

R
Roger Desmarchelier
05/07/2017

Antarctica was an amazing experience. The scenery, the wildlife and the Shackleton history made this trip so enjoyable. I found that part of my overall trip in South America, well exceeded my expectations.

Days

11

From only

$5,999 pp

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