ANTARCTIC EXPLORER – DISCOVERING THE 7th CONTINENT
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ANTARCTIC EXPLORER – DISCOVERING THE 7th CONTINENT
Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries. And this expedition offers you the chance to discover why, with an unforgettable journey through the spectacular wilderness of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll encounter a world where nature creates the rules, her unpredictable temperament making each trip unique, exciting and personal.
Imagine cruising in a Zodiac through crackling sea ice like shattered glass, witnessing penguins building their nests, or navigating through a maze of icebergs, each one uniquely shaped by its journey through the sea. You’ll enjoy iconic Antarctic highlights, exhilarating adventures and be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Transfer from airport, overnight hotel |
| Day 2 | Embarkation Ushuaia | Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia to board your cruise |
| Days 3 - 4 | At Sea | Crossing the Drake Passage |
| Days 5 - 8 | South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula | Chinstrap, Adelie and gentoo penguins, many species of seals and whales, incredible glaciers and scenery |
| Days 10 and 11 | At Sea | Crossing the Drake Passage |
| Day 12 | Ushuaia - Buenos Aires | Disembark your cruise in Ushuaia then transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires |
SHIPS OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
World Voyager
Launched in 2021, the World Voyager is a modern expedition ship. Taking 168 guests every cabin has a balcony. There are plenty of public areas to relax after a day filled with excursions including the presentation theater and Science Hub, embody the spirit of discovery. The health and wellness facilities include spa, sauna, swimming pool, Jacuzzis and outdoor running track.
Two Rolls-Royce hybrid-electric engines provide comfortable, fuel-efficient sailing experience as World Voyager navigates the Antarctic waters.
Day 1 Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).
Day 2 Embarkation in Ushuaia
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board a private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to explore this quaint port town on your own before making your way to the designated meeting spot for transfer to the ship. After a late afternoon embarkation, sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Excitement builds in anticipation of your next stop: the Antarctic.
Days 3 – 4 Drake Passage
Legendary for its high winds and rolling seas, you may get lucky and have surprisingly calm seas through the Drake Passage. Spend your time in the lounge or chatting with your fellow travelers. As you gain your sea legs during the crossing, the Expedition Team will begin their series of presentations to help prepare you for your upcoming Zodiac and land excursions. You officially enter Antarctica when your ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence, a biological boundary that fluctuates around 60° south.
Days 5 – 8 Antarctic Peninsula
The most common reaction upon reaching the 7th Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or consorting with chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, all of which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals as well as curious whales, such as humpbacks, minkes, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new array of creatures to fascinate you and keep your camera busy. Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier. Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.
Days 9 – 10 Drake Passage & Beagle Channel
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team and celebrate the experiences shared exploring Antarctica.
Day 12 Ushuaia / Buenos Aires
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. Your Charter Flight & Hotel Package includes a transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.
We will tailor the perfect holiday to suit your needs.
Extend your trip to Patagonia
To make the most of your time in South America we can tailor a holiday to Patagonia to suit your voyage dates. If you have a bit more time we can create a tailor-made itinerary to some of the highlights of South America. Take a look at the Patagonia sample itineraries below and contact us to begin creating your perfect holiday.
