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Ushuaia

Echoes of the Deep: Whale & Science Expedition in Antarctica

Roundtrip Ushuaia - Example 13 Day Cruise aboard RMS St. Helena
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Travel on a 13-day expedition from Ushuaia aboard RMS St. Helena. Begin with embarkation in Ushuaia and a transit through the Beagle Channel before crossing the Drake Passage and the Antarctic Convergence. Attend onboard talks and observe seabirds and marine life en route to the South Shetland Islands. Spend several days along the Antarctic Peninsula focused on whale research operations, including Zodiac-based observation, fluke photo identification, and deployment of acoustic equipment. Take part in data review sessions and explore surrounding ecosystems through guided shore landings. Additional days allow flexible routing to revisit active whale areas or adjust research plans. Optional activities include kayaking, hiking, and polar plunge. Conclude with final landings before crossing north and returning to Ushuaia.
Navigate this icy maze by Zodiac.Set course to a striking landscape of ice covered waters, towering glaciers, and dramatic mountain backdrops.Close-up experience with seals.Visit vibrant penguin colonies and navigate among grounded icebergs.Ushuaia
Highlights
  • Cross Drake Passage from Ushuaia toward Antarctic Convergence zone
  • Reach South Shetland Islands with first sightings of icebergs
  • Conduct whale research operations along Antarctic Peninsula feeding areas
  • Explore Antarctic Peninsula through shore landings and guided excursions
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Ushuaia | Embark

Board the expedition vessel in the afternoon and meet the crew and other travellers. Settle into the cabin as the ship departs along the Beagle Channel. Spend the first evening at sea as the southern tip of South America moves out of sight.

Day 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage (Southbound)

Cross the Drake Passage, a stretch of open ocean that marks the Antarctic Convergence, where nutrient-rich waters support a wide range of marine life.

During the voyage, attend talks on Antarctica’s history, wildlife, and geology. Spend time on deck or on the bridge to look for albatrosses, petrels, and whales. Activities such as navigation workshops and safety briefings for kayaking and snowshoeing take place on board.

By the end of Day 3, sightings of icebergs and snow-covered land indicate arrival at the South Shetland Islands.

Day 4-7: Whale Research Operations - Antarctic Peninsula

Potential activities include (conditions permitting):

Zodiac-Based Whale Observation
Conduct whale observation and behavioral logging from Zodiac vessels in active feeding and transit areas.

Fluke Photo-ID sessions
Participate in fluke photo-identification sessions to help track individual whales across sightings.

Deployment and recovery of research equipment
Deploy and recover underwater acoustic instruments used to record and analyze marine mammal presence and communication.

Data Review & Processing
Engage in evening sessions reviewing collected data, processing video, and discussing preliminary findings onboard.

These days are based around collecting data through field operations and ecosystem-focused exploration. Shore landings may complement at-sea research, connecting whale behavior to broader Antarctic food web dynamics.
 

Day 8-10: Extended Science & Ecosystem Integration

These additional days allow flexibility to revisit productive whale areas or shift focus based on conditions and research progress.

Other included and optional activities during your time in Antarctica include kayaking, hiking, and taking a dip into the icy cold Antarctic Sea.

Adaptive Research Planning
Adjust routes and operations dynamically to maximize opportunities for meaningful observations and data collection.

Kayaking
Explore calm waters at close range, offering a unique perspective of the Antarctic environment.

Polar Plunge
Take an optional dip into the icy Antarctic waters for a memorable expedition experience.

Revisiting Whale Hotspots
Return to previously active marine areas to continue tracking whale presence and behavior patterns.

Hiking & Shore Exploration
Step ashore for guided hikes across glacial landscapes and panoramic viewpoints.

Day 11: Farewell Landings

As the expedition heads back north, there's an opportunity for a final landing or zodiac cruise. Weather and ice conditions permitting, explore destinations like Brown Bluff, where towering cliffs and an Adélie penguin colony await, or Paulet Island, home to historic sites and abundant wildlife.

Day 12: Crossing the Drake Passage (Northbound)

Relive the journey north — final lectures, seabird spotting, and a celebratory dinner.

Day 13: Ushuaia | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Arrive back in Ushuaia — disembark with stories to last a lifetime.

Please note: The above itinerary is a general guideline. The precise route and activities are adjusted to optimise wildlife viewing and adapt to prevailing weather and ice conditions. The Captain and Expedition Leader make necessary changes to ensure the best possible experience — a daily programme is provided onboard. Flexibility is essential for a successful Antarctic expedition.

Ship/Hotel

RMS St. Helena

RMS St. Helena

The (formally RMS) St. Helena, originally built to serve a remote community, is a British-built, 2022-refurbished vessel with a rich legacy. Now part of the Terra Nova fleet, she offers adventure-filled Antarctica voyages that are uniquely capable and character-rich small expedition ship delivering value and purpose in every journey.
St Helena's outdoor common area
St Helena indoor common areas
St. Helena's dining space.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$13,140 2-3 travelers
Discovery Quad Cabin
Discovery Quad Cabin
The Discovery Quad Cabins measure approximately 14 square metres (150 sqft). Located on the Promenade and Deck “A” and feature a desk, a window, two bunk beds (pullman style), and an en-suite bathroom.
Discovery Triple Cabin
Discovery Triple Cabin
The Discovery Triple Cabins measure approximately 14 square metres (150 sqft). Located on Deck “A” and feature a desk, a window, one bunk bed (pullman style), one single bed, and an en-suite bathroom.
Odyssey Twin Cabin
Odyssey Twin Cabin
The Odyssey Twin Cabins measure approximately 10 square metres (107 sqft). Located on Decks “A” and “B” and features a desk, a window, one bunk bed (pullman style), and an en-suite bathroom.
Odyssey Single Cabin
Odyssey Single
The Odyssey Single Cabins measure approximately 8 square metres (85 sqft). Located on the Boat Deck and features a desk, a window, an en-suite bathroom, and one single bed.
Superior Cabin
Superior Cabin
The Superior Cabins measure approximately 14 - 16 square metres (150 sqft). Located on Decks “A” and “B” and features a desk, a window, two single beds, and an en-suite bathroom. Superior Cabins on deck B feature a slightly larger size and a sofa bed, and a porthole instead of a window.
Deluxe Cabin
Deluxe Cabin
The Deluxe Cabins measure approximately 15 square metres (162 sqft). Located on the Promenade Deck, and features a desk, a window, an en-suite bathroom, and one double (King-sized) or two single beds.
Premium Cabin
Premium Cabin
The Premium Cabins located on the Promenade Deck measure approximately 18 square metres (194 sqft) and feature a desk, a window, an en-suite bathroom, and one double (King-sized) or two single beds.
Owner’s Suite
Owners Suite
The spacious Owner’s Suites measure approximately 40 square meters (430 sqft). Located on the Boat Deck and features a seating area, a meeting area, an en-suite bathroom, a walk-in closet, and one double (King-sized) bed.
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
  • Shore Excursions: Guided walks, daily shore excursions, and Zodiac cruises.
  • Adventure Activities: Kayaking, Snowshoeing, Camping, Yoga (Subject to weather and operational conditions).
  • Expedition Team: Led by experienced guides.
  • Lectures: Educational talks and expert guiding services.
  • Pre-departure Info: Comprehensive materials and an Antarctic booklet.
  • Port Fees: Includes port surcharges, permits, and landing fees.
  • Wi-fi: Basic Wi-fi complimentary; upgrade available for a fee.
  • Crew Tips/Gratuities
  • Daily Meals, snacks, tea, coffee, and house beer, soda, and wine during lunch and dinner.
  • Expedition Equipment: Loaned muck boots, a waterproof/windproof outer shell jacket, and access to the onboard doctor and medical clinic.
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Beverages: Alcoholic drinks and sodas outside of happy hour / dinner time.
  • All passengers travelling with Terra Nova Expeditions on Antarctic Expeditions are required to carry travel insurance that includes emergency evacuation and repatriation from Antarctica, with a minimum coverage of $250,000 USD.

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
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