What Makes Our Antarctica Trips Special?
- With over 30 years of experience in Antarctica, we know the continent intimately and have selected the best designed itineraries that combine adventure, style and safety.
- Small ships provide a wonderful advantage, letting you anchor closer to shore and allowing more time to explore on land—larger vessels are far less maneuverable, and because of regulations in Antarctica must have their passengers wait in shifts to make landfall.
- A stellar team of on-board experts accompanies you on twice-daily landings and provides fascinating presentations on their fields of expertise, from marine biology to Antarctic history.
- Each of the ships we’ve chosen have ice-strengthened hulls and advanced stabilization systems—and all adhere to the IAATO’s strict environmental guidelines designed to preserve Antarctica’s unique environment.
- The majority of the itineraries we’ve selected are aboard all-suite luxury expedition ships with ocean-view staterooms, and abundant public space for relaxing. A few adventure expedition ships are also featured which offer fascinating options to camp, ski, kayak and even scuba in Antarctica.
Overview
Antarctica is like no other place on the planet, and to experience its ethereal splendor is a rare privilege to savor for a lifetime. This unique expedition cruise first explores the Antarctic Peninsula then ventures south—far south!—to the legendary Antarctic Circle at 66° 33’ S. Few people have visited this extreme latitude, one of the five major parallels of the earth, with its eerie and spectacular light lasting nearly 24 hours in the austral summer. The Antarctic Circle marks the northern limit of the area within which, for one day or more each year, the sun does not set or rise! When you reach this imaginary boundary at the bottom of the world, you’ll toast the achievement with a glass of champagne on deck. As you explore the wonder of Antarctica aboard the expedition vessel Island Sky, you'll also enjoy Zodiac adventures among fantastic icebergs and walks ashore to observe seals, sea lions, colonies of penguins, and seabirds—all against a backdrop of some of the most incredible scenery on earth. Throughout the voyage, expert naturalists share their in-depth knowledge of this amazing continent.
I have only sailed on a cruise to Alaska on Princess and a small boat cruise on the Columbia River—both one-week trips that left me unprepared for such quality in a cruise. I joked that I lost weight on my past cruises, but there was no way this was going to happen on the Sea Spirit! The entire staff was unbelievable, and the cabins on the Sea Spirit were bigger than many hotel rooms I have stayed in. By the second day, the dining and front desk staff addressed you by name (even without your wearing an ID badge). The hotel staff actually liked their job and were great at interacting with the guests. The small size of the ship (80 guests and expedition leaders) made for an enjoyable use of all the facilities. I cannot think of one negative experience on the trip!
— Larry M., Spokane, WA
Note: This cruise is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as agent in booking your reservation with the ship operator. The itinerary, lecturers, and all other arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of the cruise line.
Itinerary
Day 1
Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia and transfer to your group hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore some of the sights that Ushuaia has to offer, from museums to Argentinean leather markets, or simply relax at the lovely Arakur. An optional evening briefing is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and to meet some of your fellow travelers.
Day 2
Ushuaia / Embark
After a complimentary breakfast at the hotel you’re free to explore Ushuaia or unwind at the resort until a mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. On board, you’ll be greeted by your Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers. A concise safety and orientation briefing will be followed by the Captain’s welcome dinner. After dinner, relax and take in the scenery on our early evening sail through the Beagle Channel, past Magellanic penguin, rock cormorant, and sea lion colonies.
Days 3-4
Drake Passage
As the ship makes its way ever closer to the white continent, numerous Polar Experts will prepare you with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. Eventually, you’ll cross the Antarctic Convergence where you’ll notice a distinct drop in temperature as you enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. Those interested in Citizen Science can take part in sea bird sighting surveys, or help collect salinity samples and weather data along the way. You’re likely to witness some spectacular sights, from icebergs to an array of seabirds and whale species. If you’re lucky, you may see some of them fully breach from the sea. Weather and time permitting, the Expedition Team may attempt your first landingin Antarctica by late afternoon.
Day 5-6
South Shetland Islands
In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, as much time as possible will be taken to explore by inflatable Zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature’s glory. The Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity. They will aim for the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies, and whale feeding areas, as well as sites of historic and scientific interest. Your first sight of land will likely be that of the South Shetland Islands. These highly volcanic islands offer amazing abundance and beauty. You may visit Half Moon Island, nestled inside Livingston’s eastern shore, or conditions permitting, visit historic Deception Island. Being further north, sub-Antarctic species are more commonly found here, including chinstrap penguins and southern elephant seals.
Days 7-9
Antarctic Circle
As you head south across the Bransfield Strait, you sail toward the Antarctic Circle. From the most southerly point (south of the Antarctic Circle), the ship will make its way back north, cruising through the narrow waterways and channels of the Antarctic Peninsula. Spectacular waterways such as Crystal Sound, or the living museums of Detaille or Horseshoe Island, are some of the less visited places of the Antarctic Peninsula. These waters are significantly farther south, making sea ice more common. The ice ultimately directs what adventures you will have in these lesser traveled waterways.
Days 10-12
Antarctic Peninsula
Heading north, the ship enters Gerlache Strait and Trinity Coast. Here you may explore picturesque Neko Harbour, sheltered Paradise Harbour, Wilhelmina Bay, favored by humpback whales, the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel. A stop may be made at an active scientific base such as Poland’s Arctowksi or Ukraine’s Vernadskiy as well as a historic base such as U.K.’s Port Lockroy or Wordie House. Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins abound, and Weddell and crabeater seals are often found hauled out to rest along with predatory leopard seals and the assertive Antarctic fur seal. Minke and humpback whales are frequent visitors in the late season and orca sightings are also common.
Days 13-14
Drake Passage
As you leave this magical place and make your way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage, presentation series and wildlife spotting will continue. Sailing back to Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel, you'll celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow.
Day 15
Ushuaia / Disembark
Morning disembarkation lets you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.
Crossing the Antarctic Circle
Highlights
Highlights
Details
11-day expedition cruise, nature walks on uneven ground, Zodiac cruising with wet landings, possibility of rough seas and cold weather
