Antarctica – BASECAMP
SHIP: M/V PLANCIUS
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH SPEAKING VOYAGE
EMBARKATION: USHUIA
DISEMBARKATION: USHUIA
AVAILABLE CABINS: QUADRUPLE PORTHOLE, TRIPLE PORTHOLE, TWIN PORTHOLE, TWIN WINDOW,TWIN DELUXE, SUPERIOR
PLEASE NOTE:
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on weather and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availability, permissions, and environmental concerns per IAATO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with IAATO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed for our vessel is 10.5 knots.
IF YOU WISH TO ARRANGE LODGING, TRANSFERS, OR OTHER ACCOMMODATIONS BEFORE OR AFTER YOUR ADVENTURE, JUST LET US KNOW. WE’LL BE HAPPY TO ASSIST YOU!
Day 1: The end of the world, the start of a journey
Your voyage begins where the world drops off: Ushuaia, Argentina. This gorgeous resort town reputed to be the southernmost city on the planet, is the capital of Tierra del Fuego. And, while it may be nicknamed “The End of the World,” it marks the beginning of everything for South Adventure travelers!
Starting in the afternoon, you’ll embark from Ushuaia. You’ll take in the breathtaking mountain views as you sail the Beagle Channel into the evening.
Day 2 - 3: Path of the polar explorers
Over the next two days, you’ll travel along the Drake Passage. There, you’ll get to enjoy some of the same experiences as the great polar explorers who first charted these regions. From feeling the cool salt breezes to searching for spouting fin whales, you’ll become an explorer in your own right.
After passing the Antarctic Convergence – Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic seas – you’ll find yourself in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Here, you can encounter new marine and avian life.
Day 4 - 10: Entering Antarctica
As you enter Antarctica, you’ll experience a world of snowy gray stone peaks , broken blue-white ice towers, and dramatically different wildlife below and above.
After passing the snow-capped Melchior Islands and Schollaert Channel and sailing between Brabant and Anvers Islands,
places you might visit include:
Neumayer Channel – Our vessel may position itself here, launching its multiple basecamp activities from the protected waters around Wiencke Island. You can enjoy the splendors of this alpine environment at sea with Zodiac and kayaking trips, or if you’re in the mood for a walk, there are possible snowshoe hikes and soft-climb mountaineering options farther inland. Weather conditions will determine which activities are available. .
Port Lockroy – After sailing through the Neumayer Channel, you may get a chance to visit the former British research station – now a museum and post office – of Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. You may also be able to partake in activities around Jougla Point, meeting gentoo penguins and blue-eyed shags. At the nearby sites, such as Damoy Point, there may be an opportunity for snowshoeing to the old ski-way or enjoying a cozy campout.
Pléneau & Petermann Islands – If the ice allows it, you can sail through the Lemaire Channel in search of Adélie penguins and blue-eyed shags. There’s also a good chance you’ll encounter humpback and minke whales here, as well as leopard seals. Kayaking, glacier walks, and more ambitious mountaineering trips may also be available. .
Neko Harbour – An epic landscape of mammoth glaciers and endless wind-carved snow, Neko Harbour offers opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and landing that afford the closest views of the surrounding alpine peaks.
Paradise Bay – If you’re in the mood for an overnight adventure, you may have the chance to make camp here . . . just like a real polar explorer.
Errera Channel – Possible sites in this area include Danco Island and Cuverville Island, but also the lesser known (though equally picturesque) Orne Island and Georges Point on Rongé Island.
On your last day of near-shore activities, you’ll pass the Melchior Islands toward the open sea. Keep a sharp lookout for humpback whales in Dallmann Bay. You might also shoot for Half Moon Island, in the South Shetlands, with further chances for activities.
Conditions on the Drake Passage determine the exact time of departure.
Day 11 - 12: Familiar seas, familiar friends
Your return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you’ll be greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south.
Day 13: There and back again
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You’ll disembark and say your farewells back in Ushuaia, but don’t worry. The memories you’ve made will last a lifetime.
CONTACT US TODAY
If you're ready for the adventure of a lifetime, Antarctica Basecamp tour awaits. Contact us today to learn more or secure your spot on an extraordinary expedition. We look forward to traveling with you.
