Embark on a 14-day expedition to the Weddell Sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot, a realm of pristine beauty and wildlife. Explore landscapes of glaciers and towering icebergs aboard a zodiac inflatable with expert naturalist guides. Learn from passionate specialists through onboard conferences, discussing the polar regions' flora, fauna and history. Encounter an array of wildlife, from emperor penguins to playful seals and whales. For the adventurous, thrilling activities await: kayak across crystal-clear waters, embark on scenic hikes, or try snowshoeing amidst the ice floes. The brave can even take a refreshing polar plunge!

Highlights

Explore into the almost inaccessible Weddell Sea
Explore glaciers & icebergs with expert guides
Learn about polar regions' wildlife & history from specialists
Encounter emperor penguins, seals, whales & more
Kayak, hike, or snowshoe through breathtaking landscapes

Activities

Places Visited

Activity Level: Variable

Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.

Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Santiago

Hotels

Arrive at Santiago, relax and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure.

*specific hotel and location to be announced

Day 2: Ushuaia | Embark

Ship
1 Dinner

In the morning, join the group transfer to the airport. Fly from Santiago to Ushuaia and hop on the group transfer to the port. Afterward, embark on Le Commandant Charcot for your Polar adventure.

Day 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage

Ship
2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Use your days spent in the Drake Passage to familiarise yourself with your ship and deepen your knowledge of the Antarctic. The Expedition Leader will first present the IAATO rules of conduct that must be observed during landings in the region and will explain everything you need to know about the zodiac outings. Lectures about the history and wildlife of the Antarctic will be an opportunity for you to learn more about this magical region, where every cruise is a unique experience. You will experience exceptional sailing moments on board and join the naturalist-guides on your ship’s exterior decks to look out for albatrosses, cape petrels, and other seabirds flying over the Drake Passage.

Day 5: North Antarctic Peninsula

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Throughout your time in the north of the Antarctic Peninsula, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. You will sail through the Antarctic Sound, named after Swedish explorer Otto Nordenskjöld’s ship, which was trapped by the ice during an important scientific expedition in 1902. The gateway to the Weddell Sea, this sound is filled with gigantic tabular icebergs and plates of sea ice drifting northward from the coastal areas of this vast sea. It is home to Adelie penguins and a great many leopard seals.

Day 6-11: The Weddell Sea Exploration

Ship
6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners

Impassable, extreme and captivating: this is the best way to describe the Weddell Sea, much of which is covered by a layer of thick, densely packed ice. It is a challenge and a privilege to sail upon this sea. Polar exploration finds its full meaning here. Heading towards the South is a real quest, with the promise of highly-charged encounters with the continent’s endemic fauna. This is the kingdom of the emperor penguin, the largest penguin in the world, renowned for its elegance. Unlike other penguins that live on the rocks, the emperor nests on the ice floe which it needs for its reproductive cycle. It is therefore on the ice floe that you will be able to observe it walking around with its characteristic gait. In this southern sea, where the ice changes and is transformed constantly, there is never any monotony. The new reliefs and new colours ensure never-ending wonderment. You will sail into the heart of the immaculate ice floe, which is dislocated or densely packed, into an alley of icebergs. Among them are immense blocks of ice, tabular icebergs, that drift and illuminate the ocean with their cerulean blue haloes. Aboard, on shore, on the ice, you will be as close as possible to the colonies of Adelie penguins, Weddell seals, Mink whales, orcas, snow petrels.… With a little luck, you will get a glimpse of a rare Ross seal with its silver pelage or of emperor penguins, waddling along the edge of the ice floe. A sight that is as fascinating as it is emotional.

Day 12-13: Crossing the Drake Passage

Ship
2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

If there is one place, one sea, one waterway dreaded by tourists, researchers and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to connect Antarctica to South America. Seasoned navigators will tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent! As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, Drake Passage harbors a very diverse marine fauna. Don't forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around your ship.

Day 14: Ushuaia | Disembark

1 Breakfast

After breakfast, say farewell to fellow travelers and ship crew before the disembarkation. Transfer to the airport in time for check-in of the flight back to Santiago.

Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible…

Ship/Hotel

Le Commandant Charcot

Name: Antarctica Cruises & Tours
Brand: Adventure Life
Rating: 4.8 (176 reviews)

Le Commandant Charcot

The polar explorer ship Le Commandant Charcot travels to remote regions of the Arctic and Antarctic. This expedition ship is unique because of its revolutionary and environmentally friendly design.

Santiago - Hotels

Hotel Cumbres Lastarria

Hotel Cumbres Lastarria is located in the heart of the Lastarria Quarter, famous for its wealth of cultural history, well-known museums, stores, and a wide range of eateries, all within an informal Bohemian and vibrant atmosphere.

Le Reve Hotel Boutique

Le Reve Hotel Boutique is known as the most charming hotel in Santiago. This sophisticated hotel is located in Orrego Luco 023, Providencia Santiago de Chile.

Upgrade

Casa Bueras Boutique Hotel

Built in 1927 this boutique hotel is located in one of Santiago's most bohemian boroughs. This hotel offers guests the chance to discover the diversity of the city from the hotel's doorstep.

More Santiago Hotels

Dates & Prices

Per person starting at

$27,740 2-3 travelers

Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.

Select a Date

Prestige Stateroom Deck 6

20m² and a 5m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower, dressing table with hairdryer, flat-screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe

Select a Date

Prestige Stateroom Deck 7

20m² and a 5m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower, dressing table with hairdryer, flat screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe

Select a Date

Prestige Stateroom Deck 8

20m² and a 5m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower, dressing table with hairdryer, flat screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe

Select a Date

Deluxe Suite Deck 6

28m² and a 5m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower, dressing table with hairdryer, flat-screen tv, wifi, minibar, and safe

Select a Date

Deluxe Suite Deck 7

28m² and a 5m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower, dressing table with hairdryer, flat-screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe.

Select a Date

Deluxe Suite Deck 8

28m² and a 5m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower, dressing table with hairdryer, flat-screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe.

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Prestige Suite Deck 7

40m² and a 10m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with two showers, dressing table with hairdryer, flat screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe

Select a Date

Prestige Suite Deck 8

40m² and a 10m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with two showers, dressing table with hairdryer, flat screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe

Select a Date

Grand Prestige Suite

42m² and a 12.5m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub, dressing table with hairdryer, butler service, flat screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe

Select a Date

Privilege Suite

48m² and a 12.5m² private balcony, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub, dressing table with hairdryer, butler service, flat screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe

Select a Date

Suite Duplex

48m² and a 26m² private balcony with jacuzzi, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub, dressing table with hairdryer, butler service, flat screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe

Select a Date

Owner's Suite

114m² and a 186m² private balcony with jacuzzi, king-sized bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub, dressing table with hairdryer, butler service, flat screen tv, wifi, minibar and safe

Notes

Please note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and are subject to change without notice.

Payment Details

Terms & Conditions

Operated by Ponant

Included

12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners
13 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Ponant Activities: A variety of excursions and activities will be offered during your cruise, weather dependent, and can be reserved on board
Port Fees
Unlimited Wifi
Onboard Entertainment
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
Gratuities to Onboard Crew
“Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
24h Room Service (special selection)
English-Speaking Lecturer
Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite.
1-night accommodation in a 5* hotel the night before embarkation.
Transfers to/from the airport to PONANT selected hotel
Return flight Santiago/Ushuaia/Santiago selected by PONANT, in economy class

Excluded

Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Visa Fees
Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
Luggage Handling
Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions
Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses

Map

When to Go

Jan

Feb

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May

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Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

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We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.

KC Chan

TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews

TrustScore 4.8 of 5

Based on 176 reviews on

1 day ago

Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.

Scott Trochim

3 days 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

5 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

6 days ago

Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.

Tina

1 week ago

Rapid response.

kym

The Emperor Penguins of Weddell Sea

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Santiago

Day 2: Ushuaia | Embark

Day 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage

Day 5: North Antarctic Peninsula

Day 6-11: The Weddell Sea Exploration

Day 12-13: Crossing the Drake Passage

Day 14: Ushuaia | Disembark

Ship/Hotel

Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot

Santiago - Hotels

Hotel Cumbres Lastarria

Le Reve Hotel Boutique

Casa Bueras Boutique Hotel

More Santiago Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Notes

Map

When to Go

Inquire

We Love to Talk Travel

Antarctica Travel Guide

Favorite Antarctica All Trips

Why Travel With Adventure Life

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