It can be a lifelong ambition – to reach the Seventh Continent. It is certainly one of the most unique places on earth – where nature rules and where mankind has collectively agreed to manage this vast continent through the Antarctic Treaty in pursuit of peace and science. The wildlife and astonishing landscapes will amaze even the most seasoned traveler. The Classic itinerary cruises the Southern Ocean to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula seeking some of the best historic and wildlife sites of the Continent.
Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina
Our journey begins in the Tierra del Fuego city of Ushuaia, Argentina. Some call it "the end of the earth"! From this charming city, we board the M/V Polar Star and head down the Beagle Channel.
Days 2-3 Drake Passage and Antarctic Convergence
Our two-day open sea voyage is across the famed Drake Passage, escorted by petrels and albatrosses. Once past the Antarctic Convergence and into colder waters we begin to see the splendid icebergs sailing by. By late afternoon, with amenable weather, we hope to have our first landing in the South Shetland Islands.
Days 4-6 Antarctic Peninsula
With a background of high ice-capped mountains, crevassed glaciers and endless white expanses we will cruise the ice-filled fjords of the Antarctic Peninsula and its surrounding islands. We plan for two Zodiac landings each day accompanied by our specialist lecture staff who can help us understand and appreciate our experiences to the fullest. All of this area has rugged and dramatic scenery. There are many sites with an abundance of wildlife, especially the penguin rookeries, primarily Adelie, Gentoo and Chinstrap. As we travel by Zodiacs to shore, and cruise among the icebergs, we hope to see seals in the water and basking on the ice, the most common being leopard, crabeater, weddell and elephant seals. The waters around the Peninsula are rich in food for all of the seals, penguins and other seabirds that breed here. These waters, rich in krill, also feed the whales, and we have a good chance of close encounters with minkes and humpbacks, among others. As always in Antarctica, the choice of places to visit is weather dependent, but some of the favourites include Deception Island, King George Island, the Gerlache Strait, the Neumayer Channel, Paradise Bay, Petermann Island, The Lemaire Channel, the Antarctic Sound, and research or historic stations such as Port Lockroy and Vernadsky. At the end of day 6, we leave this spectacular area of natural beauty and activity to head for the Drake Passage.
Days 7-8 South Shetland Islands
These islands are volcanic in origin with striking features. On Deception Island, a landing at Whalers Bay is often shrouded in fog from the hot black sand beach.
Days 9-10 Drake Passage and Beagle Channel
We now head back across the Drake Passage and weather permitting, will pass Cape Horn. We then turn back up the Beagle Channel arriving in Ushuaia to depart the ship after breakfast.
Day 11 Ushuaia, Argentina
We return to Ushuaia to close out our trip.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is $600, 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 70 days prior to departure.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 70 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 60 days or more | deposit |
| 45-59 days | $1100 |
| 0-44 days | 100% trip cost |
