DEEP SOUTH BASE CAMP EXPERIENCE
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DEEP SOUTH BASE CAMP EXPERIENCE
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Ushuaia, Argentina | Embark in the southernmost city on the planet, set sail |
| Days 2 - 3 | At Sea | Enjoy cool salt breezes, rolling seas and the incredible bird and marine life following the ship |
| Day 4 | Pendleton Strait | Encounter the first Adelie penguins of the voyage and enjoy spectacular iceberg views |
| Days 5 - 8 | Marguerite Bay | Base for a variety of planned activities deep in Antarctica |
| Days 9 - 10 | The Gullet and Detaille Island | Towering mountains, incredible birdlife, playful seals and penguins |
| Days 11 - 12 | At Sea | Re-cross the Drake Passage and reflect on your incredible trip |
| Day 13 | Ushuaia, Argentina | Disembark and continue on your onwards journey |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Ortelius
The Ortelius was originally the Marina Svetaeva. Built in Gdynia, Poland in 1989, it served as a special-purpose vessel for the Russian Academy of Science. Later it was re-flagged and renamed after the Dutch/Flemish cartographer Abraham Ortelius, who in 1570 published the first modern world atlas: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum or Theatre of the World. The Ortelius can accommodate 108 guests and has an abundance of open-deck spaces for watching wildlife and the impressive scenery as you sail past. She also has the highest ice-class notation (UL1, equivalent to 1A) making her perfect for polar expeditions.
BASECAMP
The Deep South Base Camp Experience cruise offers you a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy the Antarctic Region. All offered activities, as well as the standard included shore excursions and zodiac cruises, are free of charge.
The Included Activities are:
Camping – Special gear and field equipment will be provided. Camping is subject to weather, local site and environmental regulations.
Kayaking – Basic kayaking experience is of advantage, but it is not a requirement. Physical fitness is essential. Kayaking is subject to weather and prevailing ice conditions.
Mountaineering –Mountaineering knowledge is preferable, but not required. Physical fitness is essential. Mountaineering must be pre-booked prior to departure. Mountaineering is subject to weather and local site conditions.
Photo Workshop – Participants with a special interest in photography will bring their personal photo equipment. The workshop must be pre-booked prior to departure.
Snowshoeing – Snowshoe walking is easy and does not require any technical skills. The snowshoes will fit all boot sizes and can be used in combination with Oceanwide’s rubber boots.
Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina
Your voyage begins where the world drops off. Ushuaia, Argentina, reputed to be the southernmost city on the planet, is located on the far southern tip of South America. Starting in the afternoon, you embark from this small resort town on Tierra del Fuego, nicknamed “The End of the World,” and sail the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the remainder of the evening.
Days 2 – 3 The Drake Passage
Over the next two days on the Drake Passage, you will enjoy some of the same experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first charted these regions: cool salt breezes, rolling seas, maybe even a fin whale spouting up sea spray.
After passing the Antarctic Convergence – Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic seas – you are in the Antarctic circumpolar current upwelling zone. Not only does the marine life change, the bird life changes too.
Wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, light-mantled sooty albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels are a few of the birds you might see.
Day 4 Pendleton Strait
Arrive at the Antarctic Peninsula near the Antarctic Circle. If sea ice conditions permit, you may continue through Pendleton Strait and attempt a landing at the rarely visited southern tip of Renaud Island. Here, you have the opportunity to encounter the first Adélie penguins of the voyage and enjoy spectacular views of icebergs in this surreal, snow-swept environment.
Later in the afternoon, continue your journey towards Adelaide Island and Marguerite Bay, crossing the Polar Circle. Spend the night in the area of Crystal Sound, where the scenery is so captivating it may keep you awake into the early hours. This region also offers the chance to spot orcas, humpback whales, and minke whales.
Days 5 – 8 Marguerite Bay
Over the coming days, experience a variety of planned activities in this incredible setting, deep in Antarctica. Places you might visit include:
Horseshoe Island – Named for its distinctive shape, it features an abandoned research station offering insight into the early days of scientific exploration. The hut is set amidst some of the most breathtaking scenery in Antarctica, offering views over the mountains and snow of Pourquoi Pas Island. This is a photographic landing in every sense.
Pourquoi Pas Island – Discovered and charted by the renowned explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Pourquoi Pas Island offers a scenic landing on a rocky beach set against the backdrop of the impressive Moider Glacier. A gentle walk from the landing site reveals stunning vistas, while Antarctic fur seals lounging just beyond the beach add a delightful wildlife encounter to your journey.
Stonington Island – A site of major research activity from the 1930s to the 1970s, Stonington Island features a variety of historic buildings and artifacts that tell the story of early Antarctic exploration. Once connected to the mainland by snow and ice, this evocative site now stands as a poignant reminder of Antarctica’s isolation. The blend of wildlife, natural grandeur, and preserved structures makes this an unforgettable stop, sure to leave a lasting impression.
Red Rock Ridge – Distinguished by its vivid red-hued cliffs, which stand out sharply against the icy surroundings and are visible from afar. If conditions allow, attempt a landing here. Encounter Adélie penguins and hope to spot seals and Antarctic shags that nest nearby.
Days 9 – 10 The Gullet and Detaille Island
If conditions allow, sail through The Gullet, one of the most impressive narrow channels in Antarctic, with towering mountains either side, birds following the ship and playful penguins and seals frolicking in the water as you sail through this very special part of the journey. If ice conditions allow, carry out a landing or cruise in the afternoon.
You may make a landing at an abandoned British research station here, taking in the island’s lofty position and imposing glaciers scenery.
Days 11 – 12 Drake Passage
Your return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to you now, and you to them.
Day 13 Ushuaia, Argentina
Even great adventures must eventually come to an end. It’s now time to disembark in Ushuaia with memories that will accompany you wherever your next journey lies.