Group Tour Highlights
- Discover why this trip is perfect for first-time visitors to Antarctica
- Explore highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula
- Travel safely and comfortably aboard a small, ice-strengthened expedition vessel
- Learn about the environment and wildlife from on-board lecturers and specialists
- Experience abundant wildlife: penguins, seals, whales and more!
- Take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites
- While scrambling up snowy pathways, Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant
- Choice between mountain hiking or spending time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach
- Enjoy the antics of curious penguins scurrying over prized pebbles
- If feeling extra adventurous, participate in the Polar Plunge swim!
Tour Overview
Be an Antarctic Explorer and discover 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.
Gaze up at magnificent icebergs, explore islands guided by various species of penguin including chinstrap, gentoo and Adélie. Experience the incredible wealth of untamed wildlife in the unique and diverse archipelagos of the Southern Ocean.
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.
Cruise on a comfortable, well-appointed small expedition ship, Ocean Endeavour, expertly engineered to explore the Polar Regions. It features an ice-strengthened hull, Zodiacs for exploration and remote landings, generous deck space and advanced navigation equipment. The ship has many superb amenities including a nautical lounge, two restaurants, sundeck, and plenty of deck space for observation of polar landscapes, and lounges for learning and reflection. The ship’s interiors have a contemporary aesthetic that provides a bright and spacious feel to the cabins and common spaces.
Inclusions
Prices include lodging aboard the ship, all meals and drinks while on board, all excursions, and lectures. Prices do not include international nor domestic airfare. This itinerary and rates are subject to change based on weather conditions and the ability to see wildlife. Fuel surcharge may apply.
Notes: No visa is required for travel to Argentina as a U.S., Canadian or Australian citizen. A reciprocity fee must be paid prior to entering Argentina. The current amount that must be paid by U.S. citizens is $160 per person and $100 per person (single entry) for Canadian citizens.
Package Price: $9195
Package Price: From N/A
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Ushuaia, Argentina
With a population of more than 63,000, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. Although the city has grown during the past few years, it retains an easygoing and accessible feel. Surrounded by the sea to the south and the mountains to the north, Ushuaia is a spectacular departure point for an Antarctic cruise.
With a population of more than 63,000, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. Although the city has grown during the past few years, it retains an easygoing and accessible feel. Surrounded by the sea to the south and the mountains to the north, Ushuaia is a spectacular departure point for an Antarctic cruise.
Embarkation Day
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which the vessel will sail through the historic Beagle Channel. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation during departure—the next time land will be visible, it will be in the world’s most southern continent!
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which the vessel will sail through the historic Beagle Channel. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation during departure—the next time land will be visible, it will be in the world’s most southern continent!
Crossing the Drake Passage
Prepare for potentially rough water, but hope for a smooth sailing, as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing. Spend these first days getting to know shipmates while the Expedition Team provides safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead.
Prepare for potentially rough water, but hope for a smooth sailing, as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing. Spend these first days getting to know shipmates while the Expedition Team provides safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead.
Continuing Crossing the Drake Passage
Continuance of Day 4
Continuance of Day 4
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Once read more...
Once the Antarctic Convergence is left in the wake, travelers will truly begin an Antarctic adventure. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition. Begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time voyagers visit Antarctica, something new or unexpected is witnessed, which means that the expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience.
Each day, travelers will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront of everyone’s minds, voyagers will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal.
The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant while scrambling up snowy pathways to vantage points offering 360° views of the area’s surroundings. One of these in particular, in Orne Harbour, affords the opportunity to visit a chinstrap penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here, there will be the choice between mountain hiking or spending time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach, enjoying the antics of curious penguins. If anyone is feeling extra adventurous, participating in the Polar Plunge swim is about as crazy as it gets!
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 in Neko Harbour.
Each day will be different, having been carefully crafted by the Expedition Team to entertain and educate everyone about this wonderful part of the world.
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South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Continuance of Day 5
Continuance of Day 5
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Continuance of Day 5
Continuance of Day 5
Crossing the Drake Passage
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 the Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about the experiences.
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 the Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about the experiences.
Crossing the Drake Passage
Continuance of Day 9
Continuance of Day 9
Disembarkation in Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows one to continue the adventure on land or to catch flights home.
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows one to continue the adventure on land or to catch flights home.
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina
South Shetland Islands
Deception Island
Places You'll See
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Ushuaia
Regarded as the southernmost city of the world, Ushuaia has a lot of things to see. Take the End of the World Train to the Tierra del Fuego National Park for hiking on their well-marked trails. Sail around the Beagle Channel view gorgeous views of the mountains, as well as sea lions and penguins. Or visit the Presidio, the museum of the historical military prison of Ushuaia.
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Hotel Options
Testimonials
Eric and Karen
Traveled March 2016
This was our fourth major trip with Yampu and in our case they have been flawless
It is difficult to put into words that will mean anything just how spectacular our Antarctica trip was. It is certainly a destination relatively few will have the good fortune to enjoy. All our friends asked us, “Why do you want to go to Antarctica?” I couldn’t really answer before I left to those who do not travel much. However, now I can say it is the ultimate wilderness, probably one of the few left on earth.
The Expedition Crew was superlative. Their lectures onboard were both interesting and informative and this expertise was extended as they manned the zodiacs and continued to educate us on land.
The flights Yampu selected for us were very good. Yampu’s Ushuaia partner was fantastic – my highest commendations go out to them – delivering our bag to us AFTER the ship had left port. One more reason booking with Yampu pays in the long run.
People always ask us, “Why do you deal with people in the US?” My answer is simple – Yampu pays attention to our needs beyond anything I have seen elsewhere. They are there with suggestions and improvements and are always one step ahead. They put a network of companies in affect that look after the customer every step of the way. When things go wrong they are there with a solution. Somewhere in the vast network of travel today mistakes will happen. The true measure of an unbeatable company is how they solve those problems if and when they happen.
This was our fourth major trip with Yampu and in our case they have been flawless. That speaks volumes – why would we go anywhere else? I know the fine work ethic is your doing Jose as you have assembled a core of like-minded professionals. My Tilley hat is off to you!
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