The spectacular Antarctic Peninsula is the most accessible part of the continent. Only 40 hours or so south of Cape Horn by ship, this is a rugged spine of mountains flanked by huge glaciers. The western coast is etched with fjords; dozens of islands lie offshore.
The result is a glorious maze of sheltered channels and inlets, where modern scientific stations and reminders of early explorers and the whaling industry are scattered among penguin rookeries and seal colonies.We travel south from the Argentine port of Ushuaia, on the southern edge of Tierra del Fuego.
The journey provides time to ponder the immensity of the Southern Ocean, and learn about the frozen continent and its wildlife through a series of special lectures by Antarctic experts.
Our small group size makes it easier to truly appreciate the treasures of Antarctica, and our Zodiacs allow us to cruise among icebergs and whales - and make easy landings at sheltered sites. A highlight of our voyages to the Peninsula is spending an optional night camping. After a hearty dinner on the ship, we pitch our tents ashore - or you can choose to sleep in the open to maximise this unforgettable Antarctic experience!
Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina
Board our ship Polar Pioneer in the afternoon. Sail down the Beagle Channel in the evening.
Day 2 Drake Passage
Overnight, we enter Drake Passage. Lectures on the continent's natural history and briefings about landing in Antarctica are scheduled through the day, allowing plenty of time to watch graceful albatrosses and other seabirds from the outer decks.
Day 3 Antarctic Convergence
We cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of Antarctica, and may see our first icebergs. In the evening we approach the South Shetland Islands, a possible location for our first landing.
Days 4-9 Antarctic Peninsula
For six days we will explore the deep bays and fjords of the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula in our extremely maneuverable ship. Using our Zodiacs, we make close contact with whales, penguins and seals in the vicinity of Deception Island, Gerlache Strait, Paradise Bay, Andvoord Bay and the Lemaire Channel. There is time to visit scientific stations and historic sites but our emphasis is on the natural wonders.
Day 10 Drake Passage
Cruising out beyond the South Shetland Islands, we head north into the Drake Passage.
Day 11 At Sea
Our last day of lectures and a final opportunity for revelling in the rich seabird life of the Southern Ocean. If the weather permits, we will cruise past Cape Horn before enjoying a farewell dinner.
Day 12 Disembark in Ushuaia
We travel up the Beagle Channel in the early morning to disembark in Ushuaia where we farewell new-found friends.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is $1350, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/mail/fourways.php
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure, and most travelers will pay the final balance with a check, money order, or bank transfer. You can also pay the final balance by credit card, but please note there is a 3% convenience fee assessed to all credit card-not-present final payments.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 100 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 90 days or more | $1350 deposit |
| 0-90 days | 100% trip cost |
