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Penguins in Antarctica

Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent plus Cape Horn & Diego Ramirez

Example 13 Day Cruise aboard Ultramarine
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Antarctica is an incredible destination with the power to transform those who are fortunate enough to experience it. This classic Antarctic Explorer voyage gives you the best of the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, and on this special 13-day departure aboard the pioneering new vessel, Ultramarine, you have the chance to land at the historical landmark of Cape Horn, and potentially visit albatross nesting grounds at the Diego Ramírez Islands. Conquer the famed Drake Passage; explore majestic natural environments by Zodiac and on foot; get up close and personal with penguins, whales, and other wildlife; and enjoy talks on history, biology, and glaciology by onboard polar experts.
Cape Horn Lighthouse and Albatross MonumentKayaking around the incredible Antarctic coast.Cape Horn BiosphereAn incredible view while hiking in AntarcticaWhale sighting in Polar waters!Cape HornPenguins in Antarctica
Highlights
  • Sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego
  • Visit Diego Ramírez Islands, the most southern point of South America
  • Scout for humpback whales, visit penguin rookeries, and search for leopard seals
  • Be enchanted by the majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula mountains
  • Enjoy Flightseeing tours in twin-engine helicopters
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, transfer independently to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia & Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
After an early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport and board your private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, transfer from the airport to a central downtown location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier.

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.

Day 3: Cape Horn & Diego Ramirez

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Depending on conditions, aim to start your journey to the “edge of the earth” with a visit to historic Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). At the southernmost point of the Tierra del Fuego (“Land of Fire”) archipelago, the most isolated place in the Americas, this steep, rocky headland on Hornos Island marks the northern boundary of the famous Drake Passage, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet. From the 1700s to the early 1900s, before the opening of the Panama Canal, this cape was part of a major global trade route. If sea and weather conditions allow, you may go ashore for a hike out to the lighthouse, the tiny Stella Maris (“Star of the Sea”) Chapel, and the albatross-shaped monument honoring the many mariners who lost their lives attempting to “round the Horn.” Atop the 1,394-foot (425 meters)-high windswept promontory, pause for a moment to take in the panoramic view and to enjoy the peaceful solitude that can only be found at one of the most southern stretches of land in the world.

Your ship then continues cruising farther south, to the Diego Ramírez Islands, the most southern point of South America and one of the least-explored places on the planet. This small archipelago was thought to be the southernmost landmass in the world when it was discovered in 1619 by the Spanish Garcia de Nodal expedition. Named after the expedition’s cosmographer, the archipelago held this distinction for 156 years until Captain James Cook discovered the South Sandwich Islands in 1775. Weather-permitting, Zodiac cruise around these grass-covered tussock islands to admire the abundant birdlife. The archipelago is home to millions of breeding seabirds and an exceptional place for birdwatching. Binoculars in hand, birders, marvel at the sight of multiple albatross species (these islands are the southernmost albatross breeding ground in the world), including black-browed albatross, shy albatross, and grey-headed albatross. Sightings of dolphins, South American fur seals, rockhopper, macaroni, and Magellanic penguins are also possible.

If conditions look more promising toward the end of your expedition, this itinerary day may occur after your Antarctic Peninsula exploration.

Day 4-5: Crossing the Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself. While being well taken care of by the expert onboard staff and leaders, have plenty of time to gaze out at the ocean, take pictures of seabirds swooping around the ship, and get to know your Expedition Team and fellow travelers.

Day 6-10: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

  • Ship
  • 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners
Once the Drake Passage is left in your wake and the South Shetland Islands come into view, your Antarctic adventure truly begins. Begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. On every visit to Antarctica, visitors witness something new or unexpected, which means your expedition is unlike any other—a unique, personal experience.

Each day, take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels, and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront, visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for several southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal. The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains enchants as you hike snowy pathways to vantage points offering panoramic views of your surroundings. Discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment, be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence, and the next to be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear. Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles. Each day is different, carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this beautiful part of the world.

Day 11-12: Crossing the Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides a final opportunity to enjoy the invigorating Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team and celebrate the experiences you’ve shared exploring the remarkable world of Antarctica.

Day 13: Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires

  • 1 Breakfast
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a little taste of Patagonia with a Tierra del Fuego National Park tour before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

Ship/Hotel

Ultramarine

Ultramarine
Ultramarine Dining Room
Bistro 487

Buenos Aires - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$15,995
Ultramarine - Solo Panorama Cabin
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Solo Panorama
Located on Deck 6, approximately 132 sq. ft. Features a single bed, floor-to-ceiling window, desk, refrigerator, TV, a private bathroom with shower and heated floors.
Ultramarine - Explorer Triple Cabin
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Explorer Triple
Located on Deck 3, approximately 285 sq. ft. Features three single beds (two of which can be combined into a double bed), sitting area, picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors.
Ultramarine - Explorer Suite Cabin
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Explorer Suite
Located on Deck 3, approximately 285 sq. ft. Features one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors.
Ultramarine - Balcony Suite Cabin
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Balcony Suite
Located on Decks 4 and 6, with approximately 226 sq. ft. Features one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors.
Ultramarine - Deluxe Balcony Suite Cabin
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Deluxe Balcony Suite
Located on Decks 4 and 6, with approximately 299 sq. ft. Features one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
Ultramarine - Terrace Cabin
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Terrace Suite
Located on Deck 6, with approximately 350 sq. ft. Features one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private extra-wide balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
Ultramarine - Penthouse Suite Cabin
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Penthouse Suite
Located on Deck 7, with approximately 369 sq. ft. Features one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
Ultramarine - Owner's Suite Cabin
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Owner's Suite
Located on Deck 6, with approximately 446 sq. ft. Features one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room.
Ultramarine - Ultra Suite Cabin
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Ultra Suite
Located on Deck 6, with approximately 563 sq. ft. Features one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet, private balcony, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom.

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.

- Standard Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the double occupancy rate. The supplement for a Premium Cabin is 2 times the shared rate.
Included
  • 12 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
  • 12 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Coffee, Tea and Cocoa Available Around the Clock
  • Leadership throughout the expedition by our experienced Expedition Leader
  • Loan of Waterproof Boots for Landings
  • Official Expedition Parka to Keep
  • Select Beer and Wine During Dinner
  • Photographic Journal Documenting the Expedition
  • All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • All shore landings as per the daily program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Buenos Aires Hotel tax (up to $2 per person/night) - paid at checkout
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes
  • Internet & Phone Charges
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Mandatory Waterproof Pants for Zodiac Cruising & Any Other Gear Not Specifically Mentioned
  • Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
  • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
  • Mandatory Transfer Package fees not included, prices vary by departure

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

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