On this 12-day cruise aboard MV Plancius, you sail from Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel and cross the Drake Passage toward Antarctica. After passing the Antarctic Convergence, you enter waters rich in seabirds and marine life. You visit historic Point Wild on Elephant Island before continuing into the Weddell Sea, known for massive tabular icebergs and dramatic polar landscapes. Depending on conditions, you explore Antarctic Sound, Brown Bluff, Herbert Sound, Devil Island, and the Erebus and Terror Gulf. Throughout the expedition, you observe whales, seals, and seabirds while experiencing remote Antarctic scenery. You return across the Drake Passage and conclude your voyage back in Ushuaia.
Highlights
Sail across the Drake Passage, following historic polar routes
Visit Point Wild on Elephant Island, tied to Shackleton’s expedition
Explore Antarctic Sound, known as Iceberg Alley
Discover volcanic cliffs and icy scenery at Brown Bluff
Observe whales, seals, and rarely seen Antarctic seabirds
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.
You begin your voyage in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. In the afternoon, you board the ship and sail from this small town on Tierra del Fuego, called “The End of the World,” through the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the evening.
Over the next two days on the Drake Passage, you encounter rolling seas, cool breezes, and may see a fin whale. After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, you enter the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone, where marine life and seabirds are more common.
Arrive early at the famous Point Wild, Elephant Island, where Shackleton’s crew made their first landing after the loss of their ship, Endurance. This inhospitable spit of land is a favorite among guests, and if conditions permit, activities around the point are offered before setting off for the 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.
You may visit the following locations, depending on local conditions:
Antarctic Sound - Antarctic Sound is nicknamed “Iceberg Alley,” as enormous tabular icebergs are found 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 -You focus your 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 you look for new activity opportunities and may visit Vega Island, experiencing the wilderness of Antarctica in its most remote places.
Your return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to you now, and you to them.
Day 12: Ushuaia | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. It’s now time to disembark in Ushuaia, but with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.
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.
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
- Single occupancy: All cabins 1.7 times the share twin price
-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 Plancius - including medical, accident and repatriation/evacuation insurance.
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
11 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.
Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation)
Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia
Complimentary Dopper water bottle for use during and after your expedition
Complimentary use of waterproof neoprene expedition muck boots and snowshoes
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 — is required, with a minimum of EUR/USD 50,000 per person for Arctic trips, EUR/USD 100,000 per person for Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands, and EUR/USD 300,000 per person for the Ross Sea. A comprehensive travel insurance policy should typically meet these requirements.
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