Tour Highlights
- Set sail along the famous Beagle Channel and the scenic Mackinlay Pass.
- Members of the Expedition Team keep everyone company on deck and educate travelers
- Identify seabirds that glide alongside of the ship for miles at a time
- Accompanied by lecturers and naturalists for the first encounter with penguins and seals.
- Visits to penguin rookeries, research stations and encounters
- Make at least two landings per day (Depending on weather conditions)
- Vast beaches ruled by Antarctic fur seals and Southern elephant seals
- Sail through the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island
- Witness Adelie and Chinstrap Penguins, Kelp Gulls, Blue-eyed Cormorants, and more
- Explore amazing scenery, pristine wilderness of snow, ice, mountains and waterways
Tour Overview
Discover Classic Antarctica on the Ushuaia, a small cruise ship which provides an intimate setting for your Antarctica journey to the only historically uninhabited continent on Earth. The trip begins in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, from here you will navigate through the historic Drake Passage, where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans meet, and on to Antarctica where a wealth of natural wonders await you.
On this journey you will navigate from the southern tip of America to the icy continent of Antarctica, passing the South Shetland Islands. Although not home to a native human population, Antarctica is a natural refuge for whales, elephant seals, penguins and albatross. You will have the opportunity to witness this amid the breathtaking backdrop of pristine glaciers, sudden islands amid icy waters, and an ever-changing sky. As part of a small onboard community of about 84 people, along with an expert expedition team to inform and guide you along the way, this adventure is surely one that will change your perspective of the world.
As there is no way to know what will be seen, each voyage is unique and the expedition team will provide formal presentations that are chosen specifically in response to the sightings and activities that you experienced. Also, a guest lecturer will be aboard each vessel to teach you about the many types of wildlife you will see.
Inclusions
This itinerary and rates are subject to change based on weather conditions and the ability to see wildlife.
Fuel surcharge may apply.
There are two shorter departures on January 23, 2015 - to February 01, 2015 and March 25, 2015 - April 3, 2015, (9 nights/10 days instead of the typical 10 nights/11 days). Please inquire with your Yampu Travel Consultant for details.
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: $7770
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
Embark the USHUAIA in the afternoon and meet your expedition and lecture staff. After you have settled into your cabins we sail along the famous Beagle Channel and the scenic Mackinlay Pass.
Embark the USHUAIA in the afternoon and meet your expedition and lecture staff. After you have settled into your cabins we sail along the famous Beagle Channel and the scenic Mackinlay Pass.
Crossing the Drake Passage
Named read more...
Named after the renowned explorer, Sir Francis Drake, who sailed these waters in 1578, the Drake Passage also marks the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar water sinks beneath the warmer northern waters. This creates a great upwelling of nutrients, which sustains the biodiversity of this region. The Drake Passage also marks the northern limit of many Antarctic seabirds.
As we sail across the passage, Antarpply Expeditions' lecturers will be out with you on deck to help in the identification of an amazing variety of seabirds, including many albatrosses, which follow in our wake. The USHUAIA's open bridge policy allows you to join our officers on the bridge and learn about navigation, watch for whales, and enjoy the view. A full program of lectures will be offered as well.
The first sightings of icebergs and snow-capped mountains indicate that we have reached the South Shetland Islands, a group of twenty islands and islets first sighted in February 1819 by Capt. William Smith of the brig Williams. With favorable conditions in the Drake Passage our lecturers and naturalists will accompany you ashore as you experience your first encounter with the penguins and seals on Day 3. ...read less
Crossing the Drake Passage
Continuance of Day 2
Continuance of Day 2
Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
The read more...
The South Shetland Islands are a haven for wildlife. Vast penguin rookeries, beaches ruled by Antarctic fur seals and Southern elephant seals make every day spent in this amazing island group unforgettable. Sailing through the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island is truly amazing.
King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands, features colonies of nesting Adélie and Chinstrap Penguins, Kelp Gulls, Blue-eyed Cormorants, Antarctic Terns and Southern Giant Petrels and is home to scientific bases of many different countries. Macaroni, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins as well as elephant seals await you at Livingston Island.
The Antarctic Peninsula’s remarkable history will provide you with a type of excitement often only associated with the early explorers. You will have plenty of time to explore its amazing scenery, a pristine wilderness of snow, ice, mountains and waterways, and an incredible wide variety of wildlife. Apart from penguins and seabirds you are very likely to see Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals as well as Minke, killer (orca) and humpback whales at close range.
We hope to navigate some of the most beautiful waterways (depending on the ice conditions): the Gerlache Strait, the Neumayer Channel, and the Lemaire Channel, the latter are narrow passages between towering rock faces and spectacular glaciers.
We plan to make at least two landings per day and possible landing sites may include:
Paradise Bay is perhaps the most aptly named place in the world and we attempt a landing on the continent proper. After negotiating the iceberg-strewn waters of the Antarctic Sound, we hope to visit the bustling Adélie Penguin (over 100,000 pairs breed here) and Blue-eyed Cormorant colonies on Paulet Island. The Nordenskjöld expedition built a stone survival hut here in 1903. Today its ruins have been taken over by nesting penguins.
Further exploration may take you to Melchior Island, Cuverville Island, Portal Point, Neko Harbour, Pléneau Island and if ice conditions permit, to Petermann Island for a visit to the southernmost colony of Gentoo Penguins. ...read less
Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
Continuance of Day 4
Continuance of Day 4
Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
Continuance of Day 4
Continuance of Day 4
Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
Continuance of Day 4
Continuance of Day 4
Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
Continuance of Day 4
Continuance of Day 4
At Sea crossing the Drake Passage, northbound
We leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck as we search for seabirds and whales and enjoy some final lectures. Take the chance to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past days on the way back to Ushuaia.
We leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck as we search for seabirds and whales and enjoy some final lectures. Take the chance to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past days on the way back to Ushuaia.
At Sea crossing the Drake Passage, northbound
Continuance of Day 9
Continuance of Day 9
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
We arrive at the port of Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark the USHUAIA after breakfast.
Please note: The above itinerary is a guide only. Our exact route and program will vary to take best advantage of local weather and ice conditions and opportunities to view wildlife. Changes will be made by the Captain and/or Expedition Leader to facilitate the best results from the prevailing conditions. A daily program sheet will be issued on board. Flexibility is the key to success.
We arrive at the port of Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark the USHUAIA after breakfast.
Please note: The above itinerary is a guide only. Our exact route and program will vary to take best advantage of local weather and ice conditions and opportunities to view wildlife. Changes will be made by the Captain and/or Expedition Leader to facilitate the best results from the prevailing conditions. A daily program sheet will be issued on board. Flexibility is the key to success.
ushuaia, tierra del fuego - Avenida San Martín, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina
South Shetland Islands
Deception Island
King George Island
Drake Passage
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.
Media Gallery
Hotel Options
Featured Accommodation
Ushuaia Polar Vessel
Originally built for the United States agency NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration), the ice-strengthened polar vessel USHUAIA is very well appointed and provides ample deck space and an open bridge policy. The full complement of inflatable landing craft ensures superb landings and wildlife viewing opportunities on the otherwise inaccessible coastline. All cabins include ample storage space. Public areas feature a large dining room (one sitting), an open-plan observation lounge / lecture room with modern multimedia equipment, bar and a well-stocked library. There is also a changing room and a small infirmary. The expert captain, officers and crew are highly experienced in Antarctic navigation and have a great love of nature.A specialist team of international expedition leaders and lecturer is provided,, all extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic, helpful and dedicated to the protection of the environment. The chefs prepare excellent cuisine including many local specialties and the bar is well-stocked with carefully selected wines and spirits.
Facilities
Four decks, dining room, observation lounge/lecture room, bar & library, panorama deck, gift shop, infirmary, zodiacs
Antarctica , ANTARCTICA
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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