Seasoned guides have noticed year after year that, as the Antarctic summer comes to a close, the marine mammals come to life! Through a collaborative effort with the Marine laboratory of Duke University, Akademik Ioffe is excited to invite you on the launch of this expedition, which takes advantage of all the most up-to-date technology to provide you unparalleled encounters with humpback whales, the elusive minke whale, leopard seals, and penguins.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Begin your adventure as you board the Akademik Ioffe in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city at the tip of Argentina. Familiarize yourself with your new "home" for the next ten days and as you do, stop to wonder about the exciting journey ahead. Set sail in the early evening on a course through the Beagle Channel.
Much excitement is in the air as you cross the Drake Passage, ever closer to the white continent. As you cross these fabled waters, on-board naturalists split their time between whale watching from the deck and leading lively discussions in the ship's presentation room about Arctic marine life. Scan the frigid waters for whales feasting on krill, icebergs, and an array of seabirds.
Your route through the Antarctic Peninsula is primarily based on typical marine mammal activity for this time of year. Armed with knowledge of marine mammal feeding grounds, your crew picks and chooses the best areas to explore. Based on weather conditions, you may explore the Gerlache Strait area and work your way into the coast's deep bays. Weather permitting, spend time exploring by inflatable zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature's glory.
Antarctica's best known locations are tentatively on the itinerary as you take in magnificent scenery and observe Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals, skuas and other seabirds, as well as an abundance of penguins. Several great hikes also offer excellent opportunities to take in the oddly-shaped and colossal tabular icebergs that break away from the continent.
If weather is mild enough, you may have the opportunity to step foot on the continent itself. Camping overnight on shore is optional, but whatever your vantage point - whether it is on board or on shore, expect to feel transformed as you experience twilight and the abundance of wildlife from the very bottom of the planet.
Make your way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage before rounding Cape Horn. Spend this time sharing and reflecting on the wonderful adventure of the last few days. Onboard photographic experts provide tips and tricks for managing your digital photos to ensure the preservation of your memories once you are back on shore. Throughout the passage, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for marine life, as Commerson's, Peale's and Dusky dolphins are all frequent visitors to this area. Celebrate the conclusion of your Polar expedition with a special dinner.
Day 11: Ushuaia / Disembark
1 Breakfast
Arrive in Ushuaia early today. Following breakfast on board, say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Transfer to your hotel or airport, whichever your individual plans may provide for.
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.
$9,195
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Main Deck Triple
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Twin Semi-Private
Deck 4. Two lower berths (one which can be converted to a sofa during the day), a writing desk/chair, bookshelf and tall wardrobes with internal shelving for storage. Facilities are semi-private (one bathroom between two cabins) and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
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Twin Private
Deck 4 and 5. Two lower berths (one which can be converted to a sofa during the day), a writing desk/chair, bookshelf and ample storage. Facilities are private and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
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Superior
Deck 6. Two lower berths, a sofa, a writing desk/chair and ample storage. Facilities are private and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
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Shackleton Suite
Deck 4 & 5. One double bed, one sofa bed, separate sleeping quarters, up-graded bedding, a writing desk/chair, IPod alarm clock, mini stereo, capsule coffee maker, mini bar. Private facilities. Large window that can be opened.
Notes
- 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.
- Twin and superior cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.5 times the shared price, suites for 2 times the shared price. Single supplement is not available in triple cabins.
- Child and Youth Prices: 25% discount for young people aged up to 17 years, and 20% off for those aged from 18-21 years who can prove they are in full-time education.
Initial deposit is $1700 , 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. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
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.