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Emperor penguins in Antarctica

Antarctica - Weddell Sea Explorer Basecamp - free polar activities (kayaking, hiking, photo workshop

Ushuaia - Ushuaia - Example 13 Day Cruise aboard Ortelius
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Join a 13-day Antarctica-Weddell Sea Explorer Basecamp cruise aboard MV Ortelius filled with thrilling adventures. Begin in Ushuaia, sail through the Beagle Channel, and cross the historic Drake Passage. Spot whales and seabirds as you approach the Antarctic Convergence. Explore the Falkland Islands, encountering penguins, albatrosses, and seals on Carcass Island, Saunders Island, and Port Stanley. Continue to South Georgia, visiting Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plain, and Grytviken. Marvel at king penguins, seals, and Shackleton’s grave. Enter the Weddell Sea, where massive icebergs and dramatic landscapes await. Visit Antarctic Sound’s "Iceberg Alley," Brown Bluff, Herbert Sound, Devil Island, and Erebus and Terror Gulf. Conclude by crossing the Drake Passage, returning to Ushuaia with unforgettable memories.
Seals rest on a floating piece of iceMidnight sun over the flat-topped icebergs of the Weddell SeaKayaking glassy waters around incredible icebergsA leopard seal stretches out on the iceA whale comes up to say helloHiking for a stunning view of AntarcticaMinke whale swimming in the oceanThe port town of UshuaiaEmperor penguins in Antarctica
Highlights
  • Explore the southernmost city on the planet, Ushuaia, Argentina
  • Discover the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel on an evening sail
  • Experience the cool salt breezes and rolling seas of the Drake Passage
  • Witness the Antarctic Convergence and the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone
  • Encounter diverse marine and avian life in the Weddell Sea
  • Marvel at massive tabular icebergs in the Antarctic Sound
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Embark | Ushuaia, Argentina

Your voyage commences at the edge of the unknown. Ushuaia, Argentina, renowned as the southernmost city globally, is situated at the farthest end of South America. Departing in the afternoon, you set off from this cozy town in Tierra del Fuego, famously called "The End of the World," and navigate through the stunning Beagle Channel as dusk falls.

Day 2-3: Drake Passage

Experience the essence of the legendary polar explorers as you traverse the Drake Passage over the next two days. Be enchanted by the refreshing salt breezes, the rhythmic dance of the rolling seas, and the enchanting sight of a fin whale playfully spouting sea droplets. Journey beyond the Antarctic Convergence, the natural frontier of Antarctica where icy currents converge with warmer sub-Antarctic waters, leading you into the vibrant circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Prepare to witness a spectacular shift in the underwater and aerial realm. Encounter an assortment of avian wonders, from majestic albatrosses to elegant petrels, painting the skies with their beauty

Day 4-10: Weddell Sea

The great Weddell Sea features massive tabular icebergs, wildly dramatic landscapes, and fascinating historical sites. It is also one of the best places in Antarctica for viewing iconic wildlife like whales, seals, and rarely seen seabirds.

We may visit the following locations, depending on local conditions:

Antarctic Sound - Antarctic Sound is nicknamed “Iceberg Alley,” as we often see enormous tabular icebergs here.

Brown Bluff - Possibly the most scenic location in the northern Antarctic Continent, Brown Bluff is characterized by sheer canyon walls, fallen boulders, and beautiful volcanic creations capped with ice.

Herbert Sound - We will focus our attention on the visually impressive areas of Naze Peninsula and Comb Ridge.

Devil Island - This island offers a magnificent vantage point for hikers willing to foot it to the top of the hill. Melting ice sometimes forms a waterfall dropping from the cliffs close to Cape Well-met.

Erebus and Terror Gulf - Here we look for new activity opportunities and may visit Vega Island, experiencing the wilderness of Antarctica in its most remote places.

Day 11-12: At Sea

Our return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, we’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to us now, and us to them.

Day 13: Ushuaia | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Even great adventures must eventually come to an end. It’s now time to disembark in Ushuaia with memories that will accompany you wherever your next journey lies.

Ship/Hotel

Ortelius

m/v Ortelius at Orne Island
m/v Ortelius Reception
m/v Ortelius Reception area

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$9,700 2-3 travelers
M/V Ortelius Quadruple Porthole
Quadruple Porthole
4 quadruple cabins with 2 portholes, 2 upper / lower berths, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Hairdryer, Ample storage space.
M/V Ortelius Triple Porthole
Triple Porthole
4 quadruple cabins with bunk beds and private facilities (these can also be used as triple or twin cabins). Spacious outside cabins with a minimum of two portholes or windows per cabin
Twin Porthole on the Ortelius
Twin Porthole
23 twin cabins with 2 portholes, 2 lower berths, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Hairdryer, ample storage space.
Twin Window on the Ortelius
Twin Window
10 twin cabins with 2 windows, 2 lower berths, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Hairdryer, ample storage space.
M/v Ortelius Twin Deluxe
Twin Deluxe
6 superior cabins with 3 windows, 2 lower berths, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Small sofa, Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Hairdryer, ample storage space.
M/V Ortelius Superior Cabin
Superior
1 suite with 2 windows (minimum), 1 double bed, 1 single (sofa) bed, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, ample storage space.

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy.
- Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the double occupancy rate.
- Children between the ages of 3-15 will be discounted 40% in triple or quad cabins, one child per cabin.
- Due to the extreme nature of itinerary destinations, travel insurance is mandatory for all cruises aboard the Ortelius - including medical, accident and repatriation/evacuation insurance.
Included
  • 12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 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
  • Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
  • All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program
  • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
  • Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
  • All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
  • Comprehensive pre-departure material.
  • Upon boarding, passengers receive an internet voucher, providing 1.5 GB of free internet per day. This daily allowance resets every 24 hours. Supplementary internet vouchers are available to purchase on board for those requiring additional internet availability. This applies to all trips scheduled for the 2024-25 Antarctic season and will continue across all future motor vessel trips in both Antarctica and the Arctic.
  •  Luggage Transfer from Pick-up Point to the Vessel on the Day of Embarkation in Ushuaia
  • Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation)
  • During our “Basecamp” departures, all offered activities (including camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop) as well as our standard included shore excursions and zodiac cruises) are free of charge.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes
  • Pre- and Post Land Arrangements
  • Fuel Surcharge - to be invoiced separately
  • Meals ashore
  • Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
  • Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
  • Medical travel insurance, including emergency medical attention and evacuation coverage with a minimum of $100,000 of evacuation coverage is required.

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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

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