You will get to conquer the notorious Drake Passage, learn from polar experts about the wonders of the Antarctic region, come face-to-face with amazing polar wildlife, marvel at immense icebergs, spend time on deck spotting whales and watching soaring albatross

This 13-day expedition introduces you to the magic of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, but adds on two additional days to better explore its majesty. Part of the reward of arriving in Antarctica is the challenge of negotiating the Drake Passage – and the MS Expedition will bring you there safely.

Encounter leopard seals lazing on ice floes and immense rookeries of penguins surrounded by towering glaciers. The Expedition’s expert guides and lecturers offer knowledge and insight that really bring the nature and history of the region to life, creating the adventure of a lifetime.

 

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Ushuaia
Arrive at any time (arrival transfer included). Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.

Day 2 Ushuaia
Embarkation on the MS Expedition begins late in the afternoon, around 4pm at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.

Day 3-4 Drake Passage
Our adventure begins with a 800km (497 mi) crossing of the passage named in honour of 16th-century English sea captain and privateer Sir Francis Drake. The ship is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean. Take in daily lectures from your expedition team and keep an eye out for your first sightings of icebergs, whales, and albatross following in the Expedition's wake.

Day 5-10 Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
With a total of six nights to explore the worlds most southerly ecosystem, you'll have more time to encounter the unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery of the Antarctic. Our goal is to get you ashore twice per day to encounter penguin rookeries, get a good look at the variety of seal species, and keep an eye out for the whales that feed in the peninsula's cold, fertile waters. During the voyage, you'll learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Take an optional polar plunge, visit an abandoned whaling station or a working scientific research station and gain a new perspective on this part of world.

Day 11-12 Drake Passage
Begin your journey north to your home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of your Antarctic experience with our lecturers and staff. Keep your eyes open on the observation deck for some last-minute whale sightings.

Day 13 Depart Ushuaia
Disembark in the morning.

 

What's Included

  • 11 nts aboard the MS Expedition. Arrival transfer from airport in Ushuaia to hotel. 1 nt accommodation with breakfast in Ushuaia. Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team. Lectures and educational programs. Waterproof boots supplied for men's USA sizes 8-14 and women's USA sizes 3-9. Expedition parka. Antarctica destination guidebook.
  • All meals included aboard the MS Expedition. Breakfast included at the hotel.
  • Twin-share hotel (1 nt), aboard the MS Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window) (11 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have 1 queen bed.
  • MS Expedition, Zodiac, private bus.
  • 1 Expedition team member per 10 guests.

 

Trip Specifics

  • Cost: Prices from £5499 (see website for a price in different currency)
  • Duration: 13 days
  • Start/Finish: Ushuaia to Ushuaia
  • Trip Code: XVAESX