Depart Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world, to cross the infamous Drake Passage to reach Antarctica. Spend two days exploring the sub-Antarctic South Shetland islands, which abound with volcanic landscapes, massive glaciers, towering icebergs, and abundant wildlife. Look for multiple species of seals, countless penguin rookeries, and the blows of whales. Continue further south to the Antarctic peninsula, and set foot on this remote, pristine continent. Marvel at the soaring icy cliffs, gigantic icebergs, and powerful glaciers that form the breathtaking landscape of Antarctica, and keep your eyes open for the ever-present wildlife.
Highlights
Safely sail across the infamous Drake Passage
Look for seals, whales, penguins, and more spectacular wildlife
Explore the volcanic landscape of the South Shetland Islands
Set foot on the Antarctic continent with landings on the peninsula
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Sail two days across the Drake Passage, a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, rest confidently aboard the expedition vessel, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice! In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. Weather permitting, you'll catch your first sight of seals and penguins! The area is also well-know for its abundance of birds.
Over the next two days, begin the exciting Antarctic experience and explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and marvel at the captivating landscapes along the way. Weather permitting, projected landfalls include: King George Island; Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels and chinstrap penguins.
The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.
As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on the horizon, the presence of wildlife multiplies by tens of thousands with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals. Wildlife abounds along the projected route along the Antarctic Peninsula: leopard, Antarctic fur, and Weddell seals off Cuverville Island; humpback whales in Gerlache Strait and Paradise Bay; orcas in the dramatic Lemaire Channel, and much more.
The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.
Please note that all the outings and landings rely on weather, sea and ice conditions being favorable both for the ship to access the areas, as for the zodiacs and kayaks to maneuver under adequate conditions, ensuring the safety of all passengers and staff.
Depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on the way back to the calms of Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. En-route, cross Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America. During your time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board which will provide the perfect opportunity to socialize with fellow travelers equally passionate for discovering the world, enjoy the lectures by the expedition team on board, visit the shop or relax at leisure in ship’s facilities, designed to provide a comfortable, relaxing time.
Day 11: Ushuaia, Argentina | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Return to Ushuaia and disembark after breakfast. Transfer to the airport to continue your independent travels or return home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$10,290
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Category G
Single Stateroom (Porthole) - 14 m2
Standard single Stateroom onboard, located on deck 3. This is a conveniently located State Room close to the Mudroom which facilitates access to the Zodiacs during embarkation and disembarkation to begin your adventures.
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Category F
Triple Stateroom (Porthole) - 22 m2
There are four Triple Staterooms on board Ocean Albatros featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
Triple staterooms are normally with twin beds however a double bed can be accommodated.
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Category E
French Balcony Stateroom - 14 m2
The French Balcony Suite is a standard Stateroom with a French balcony, a double bed, floor-to-ceiling windows and a bathroom. All French Balcony Suites are located on Deck 7.
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Category D
Albatros Stateroom (Porthole) - 13-22 m2
The standard Stateroom on Ocean Albatros is close to the Mudroom and has quick access to the Zodiac platforms for disembarkation during landings. This is very convenient if you have more limited mobility and would like a short distance to the Zodiacs. The State Rooms are perfect for those who wish a comfortable base during their stay onboard Ocean Albatros. The standard State Rooms all have a double bed or 2 single beds and a bathroom. The State Rooms are located on deck 3 and 4.
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Category C
Balcony Stateroom - 18-22 m2
The most abundant type of Stateroom on Ocean Albatros located on decks 4 & 6. They have a balcony, a double bed or two single beds, a bathroom and a sofa that can be used as a bed for a child if traveling as a family. If you desire to book two staterooms with connecting doors, this is also a possibility within this category.
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Category Csp
Superior Balcony Stateroom (48) app. 24 sqm, including Balcony.
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Category Cxl
Grand Balcony Stateroom (4) app. 30 sqm, including Balcony.
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Category B
Balcony Suite approximately - 25-32 m2
Ocean Albatros has 6 Balcony Suites on board located on decks 4 & 6. The suites feature double or twin beds and a seating area, bathroom, and a large balcony. The balcony suites can host 2 people.
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Category A
Junior suite - 39 m2
The 4 junior suites aboard Ocean Albatros have a great view from their location high up on the ship on deck 7.
The suites feature a double bed or twin beds, sofa bed, seating area, a spacious bathroom and a private balcony. The suite can accommodate up to 3 people.
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Premium Suite (Freydis Suite)
Premium suite - 45 m2 – FS (Freydis Suite)
The second largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Albatros is the Premium Suite. This 2-bedroom suite features a double bed (or twin beds), a sofa bed, table and chair, a balcony and a spacious bathroom. Located on deck.4.
This category is available upon request. Please refer to Albatros Expeditions for price.
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Family Suite (Brynhilde Suite)
Family suite - 52 m2 – BS (Brynhilde Suite)
The largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Albatros is the Premium Suite. The Double-Bedroom, Family Suite is going to be located on Deck 7, featuring two interconnecting French Balcony Suites, accommodating up to 5 people on two double beds and a sofa bed.
This category is available upon request. Please refer to Albatros Expeditions for price.
Notes
Kayaking activities available on both Arctic and Antarctic voyages.
Although kayaking opportunities are possible in most locations during each excursion in the Antarctic region, weather, sea, and ice conditions will dictate the when and where to ensure your safety and improve your experience.
In order to sign up for this activity, you need to have previous kayaking experience and attend a mandatory safety briefing by the Kayak Master. The cost is $345/person per outing and it can only be booked onboard.
Possible shared staterooms for same-gender, single travelers: Category C (Balcony Stateroom) and Category F (Triple Porthole Stateroom)
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. Only Visa and Mastercard are accepted for deposit. The operator does NOT accept AMEX or Discover
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
