Active & Adventure Trip Antarctic Basecamp 10% Advantage

During this expedition cruise with Oceanwide Expeditions, you will explore one of the most remote and largely untouched regions on Earth: Antarctica. You will spend several days on board the ship and undertake landings as well as Zodiac and kayak excursions, snowshoe hikes, and mountaineering trips to actively experience the landscape. During the passage across the Drake Passage, the expedition team will provide lectures on the wildlife, ice formations, and unique features of the region. Along the way, you can observe numerous bird species, including albatrosses and various storm petrel species. You will also have the opportunity to see penguins, seals, and whales in their natural habitats. The itinerary includes both well-known and less frequently visited sites such as Neumayer Channel, Port Lockroy, Pléneau and Petermann Islands, Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay, and the Errera Channel. At these locations, there are a variety of opportunities for Zodiac and kayak excursions, snowshoe hikes, as well as easier and more challenging mountaineering trips. On the return passage across the Drake Passage, you can reflect on the experiences of the expedition, share observations with the expedition team and fellow passengers, and enjoy the vastness of the ocean. The ships offer all the necessary amenities to ensure a comfortable journey. This expedition provides a comprehensive impression of Antarctica, its landscapes, wildlife, and the remoteness that makes this region such a unique destination.

Itinerary: Active & Adventure Antarctic Basecamp

Day 1: Arrival & Embarkation
Embarkation takes place in Ushuaia in the afternoon. You settle into a cozy cabin and prepare for exciting days ahead. Watch from the outer deck as the ship leaves the port and sets sail towards the Beagle Channel.

All pictures of this partner

Day 2-3: Drake Passage
After breakfast, you start your day and continue south across the Drake Passage. The sea can be rough here, though on some days it may also be calm. Use the time on board to prepare for Antarctica, attend lectures by the expedition team, or simply enjoy the vast ocean from the deck. After crossing the Antarctic Convergence – the zone where cold Antarctic waters meet warmer sub-Antarctic waters – you enter the Antarctic upwelling zone, where both marine life and birdlife change. Species you might see include wandering albatross, grey-headed albatross, black-browed albatross, light-mantled sooty albatross, cape petrel, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrel, blue albatross, and Antarctic petrel.

Day 4-10: Antarctica
Each day begins with breakfast. Weather and ice conditions determine the route, with your expedition team and captain ensuring the best possible opportunities for exploration. Activities such as kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, mountaineering, camping, photography workshops, and Zodiac excursions are already included and complete your programme in Antarctica. You will encounter a variety of landscapes: grey rock formations framed by snowfields, towers of broken blue-and-white ice, and a diverse array of wildlife both above and below you. You will pass the snow-covered Melchior Islands and the Schollaert Channel while navigating between Brabant and Anvers Islands. Possible sites visited include:

Neumayer Channel:
The ship can position here, and from the sheltered waters around Wiencke Island, a range of basecamp activities can commence. Zodiac and kayak excursions allow you to explore the area on the water, while snowshoe hikes and easier mountaineering trips are possible on land, depending on the weather.

Port Lockroy:
After passing through the Neumayer Channel, you may have the opportunity to visit the former British research station on Goudier Island, now serving as a museum and post office. At Jougla Point, activities can include observing gentoo penguins and blue-eyed shags. Nearby, at Damoy Point, there is the option to hike on snowshoes to the old ski lift, one of the preferred camping sites.

Pléneau and Petermann Islands:
If ice conditions allow, the route continues through the Lemaire Channel, providing opportunities to observe Adélie penguins and blue-eyed shags. Here, you may also spot humpback whales, minke whales, and leopard seals. Activities include kayaking, glacier hikes, and more challenging mountaineering trips.

Neko Harbour:
A landscape of large glaciers and wind-shaped snow offers opportunities for Zodiac excursions and landings, allowing you to view the surrounding peaks.

Paradise Bay:
Here, there is the possibility to camp and experience an overnight stay in Antarctica.

Errera Channel:
Potential sites in this area include Danco Island and Cuverville Island, as well as the less-known but scenically striking Orne Island and Georges Point on Rongé Island.

On the final day in Antarctica, you will pass the Melchior Islands again en route to open sea, keeping an eye out for humpback whales in Dallmann Bay. You may also visit Half Moon Island in the South Shetland Islands, with further opportunities for activities. Exact departure times depend on conditions in the Drake Passage. Near the South Pole, you will gather valuable impressions and gain insight into this extreme and largely inaccessible world.

Day 11-12: Drake Passage
On the return voyage across the Drake Passage, you may again encounter rough seas, though conditions can also be calm. Use the time to reflect on your experiences and share observations with the expedition team and fellow passengers.

Day 13: Disembarkation and departure
After a final breakfast on board, you will disembark and transfer to Ushuaia Airport.

Further Information:
This package starts and ends in Ushuaia. On the first day, luggage transfer from the city to the ship is included and arranged by yourself. On the final day, Day 13, the transfer from the ship to the airport is also included.

Expedition Ships:

MS Ortelius:
The MS Ortelius has the highest ice class (UL1, equivalent to 1A) and is therefore suitable for navigating both solid first-year sea ice and loose multi-year pack ice. The ship accommodates up to 108 passengers and has numerous open deck areas. Some cabins have partially obstructed views due to window size and structural features, for example by a gangway in the lower part of the window. The best views are from the open deck or the bridge. The Ortelius offers all standard amenities, including a bar and a lecture room, and is equipped with 10 Zodiacs with 60 hp engines for flexible landings and wildlife observation.

MS Hondius:
The Hondius is the world’s first registered Polar Class 6 ship and meets the latest Lloyd’s Register standards for ice-strengthened cruise ships. It exceeds the requirements of the Polar Code by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and is optimised for exploration cruises in polar regions. The ship uses LED lighting, steam heating, biodegradable paints and lubricants, as well as advanced energy management systems to minimise fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. Some cabins have partially obstructed views due to window size and structural features. The best views are from the open deck or the bridge. The Hondius accommodates up to 170 passengers.

MS Plancius:
The MS Plancius was used by the Royal Netherlands Navy as a research vessel from 1976 to 2004 and was converted by Oceanwide Expeditions into a passenger ship in 2009. It accommodates 108 passengers, all with private shower and toilet. Cabin layout: 4 quadruple cabins with portholes, 2 triple cabins with portholes, 9 double cabins with portholes, 25 double cabins with windows, 2 deluxe double cabins (approx. 12.5 m²), and 10 superior double cabins (approx. 21 m²). Some cabins have partially obstructed views due to ship design. The best views are from the open deck or the bridge. Facilities include a restaurant and lecture room on Deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge with a bar on Deck 5. The ship focuses on exploration and learning and is not a luxury vessel – the emphasis is on discovering and observing the environment.
Show all dates