Antarctica - Weddell Sea Explorer

This Antarctic expedition starts and ends in Ushuaia. After embarkation, the route follows the Beagle Channel and then crosses the Drake Passage. After passing the Antarctic Convergence, wildlife changes noticeably, with good opportunities to observe several albatross and petrel species. An early highlight is Point Wild on Elephant Island, closely linked to Shackleton’s Endurance expedition, where activities in the area are offered if conditions allow. The voyage then continues into the Weddell Sea, known for large tabular icebergs, striking coastal scenery and historical associations, and considered one of the better Antarctic regions for sightings of whales, seals and rarer seabirds. Depending on ice and weather, the ship may operate in areas such as Antarctic Sound, Brown Bluff, Herbert Sound, Devil Island and the Erebus and Terror Gulf, with a possible visit to Vega Island. The return route crosses the Drake Passage back to Ushuaia. Kayaking is optional.

Antarctica - Weddell Sea Explorer: The itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia and embarkation
Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, at the southern tip of South America on Tierra del Fuego. In the afternoon you embark on m/v Plancius in this small port town, widely used as a gateway for Antarctic voyages. After check in you settle into your cabin and receive initial information about life on board and daily procedures. The ship then departs and sails through the Beagle Channel for the remainder of the evening, a sheltered introduction framed by mountain scenery. As you move away from town, the view shifts from harbour surroundings to wider channel landscapes. The first evening is mainly for settling in before the open ocean conditions of the Drake Passage in the days ahead.

Day 2: Drake Passage, heading into Antarctic waters
The crossing of the Drake Passage begins. In these waters you experience some of the same conditions encountered by early polar explorers who charted this region, with cool salty air and rolling seas. With some luck you may see a fin whale spouting in the distance. During the day the ship approaches the Antarctic Convergence, Antarctica’s natural boundary formed where cold waters meet warmer sub Antarctic seas. After passing this zone you enter the circum Antarctic upwelling area, where ocean productivity increases. With this shift, not only marine life changes but birdlife as well, and time on deck becomes an important part of the day’s routine.

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Day 3: Drake Passage, seabirds and the ecological boundary of the Convergence
The Drake Passage continues, with the focus remaining on wildlife observation along the transition zones. Seabirds that may be seen in these latitudes include wandering albatrosses, grey headed albatrosses, black browed albatrosses, light mantled sooty albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels and Antarctic petrels. Many of these species follow the ship for extended periods or glide close to the waves, offering good viewing from deck. Sea conditions can be variable, and the day remains primarily a transit, but with a clear sense of entering Antarctic influenced waters. On board, planning is adjusted to weather and sea state, as the first activities near Elephant Island depend on local conditions.

Day 4: Elephant Island, Point Wild and Shackleton context
You reach Point Wild on Elephant Island early in the day. This site is historically significant because Shackleton’s crew first landed here after the loss of their ship Endurance. The coastline is considered inhospitable, and activity options depend strongly on weather, wind and swell. If conditions allow, activities are offered in the area around Point Wild before the ship continues toward the Weddell Sea. The visit combines a clear historical reference with the experience of an exposed Antarctic shoreline. There is also time to observe the coastal forms and local conditions that define this region. Afterward, m/v Plancius sets course for the ice dominated waters of the Weddell Sea.

Day 5: Entering the Weddell Sea and first iceberg areas
With entry into the Weddell Sea, the central section of the voyage begins. This sea is known for large tabular icebergs, distinctive landscapes and sites with historical associations. It is also considered one of the better Antarctic regions for observing whales, seals and rarer seabirds. Daily planning is expedition flexible and depends on ice, wind and visibility. Depending on conditions, the ship may operate in areas such as Antarctic Sound, often called Iceberg Alley because of the frequent presence of tabular bergs. Observation from deck and possible Zodiac activities are organised to use safe windows. The day introduces the ice landscapes and establishes a rhythm of navigation, observation and potential landings.

Day 6: Brown Bluff, coastal geology and possible landing
One possible objective is Brown Bluff, an area characterised by steep canyon like walls, fallen boulders and volcanic formations often capped with ice. Depending on conditions, a landing or a Zodiac approach may be possible to examine the coastline and geology more closely. The day remains focused on the interaction of ice, rock and sea, with continued wildlife watching throughout. Whales and seals can occur in Weddell Sea waters, and rarer seabirds are also possible. The exact sequence depends on ice drift and weather, as conditions can change quickly. The expedition team adjusts plans accordingly to use safe and meaningful time windows.

Day 7: Herbert Sound, Naze Peninsula and Comb Ridge
Herbert Sound is another potential operating area. Here the focus may be on visually striking features such as the Naze Peninsula and Comb Ridge. Depending on conditions, activities ashore or Zodiac cruising can be arranged to include viewpoints and coastal sections. The region often offers strong perspectives on ice and mountain forms, while wildlife observation remains part of the daily routine. As on other Weddell Sea days, planning depends heavily on ice and weather, so routing remains flexible. This is an expedition day where navigation and activities are closely linked, continuing exploration toward the best local conditions available.

Day 8: Devil Island or Erebus and Terror Gulf, with a possible Vega Island visit
Depending on local conditions, the ship may operate at Devil Island or in the Erebus and Terror Gulf. Devil Island offers a vantage point for hikers willing to walk to the top of the hill. At times, melting ice forms a waterfall dropping from cliffs near Cape Well met. In the Erebus and Terror Gulf the team looks for additional activity opportunities, and a visit to Vega Island is possible to experience the remoteness of the area. The day remains expedition flexible, with decisions guided by ice, wind and visibility. Wildlife watching accompanies activities, as whales, seals and seabirds can occur in these waters. Kayaking may be offered as an optional activity if conditions allow.

Day 9: Return across the Drake Passage, seabirds accompany the voyage
The return journey begins as m/v Plancius sets course for the Drake Passage. The crossing is far from lonely, as seabirds again appear in large numbers, often the same species seen on the southbound passage. Observation from deck remains worthwhile while the ship maintains its northerly course. Sea state can vary, and the day follows the rhythm of an open ocean transit with routine on board and continuous lookout. There is also time to organise impressions from the Weddell Sea days and to prepare for the return to Ushuaia. On board, information is typically provided about disembarkation procedures.

Day 10: Drake Passage, transit toward Tierra del Fuego
The passage toward South America continues. Weather systems in the Southern Ocean shape the day, and seabird observation remains possible. This is primarily a transit day, offering time to review the voyage and clarify arrival logistics. Depending on conditions, marine mammals may still be seen, though the focus is on a safe and steady crossing. On board, final information is shared regarding disembarkation timing and procedures for the following day. This completes the transition from expedition operations back to South American infrastructure.

Day 11: Ushuaia, disembarkation and departure
You arrive in Ushuaia. The package ends after breakfast on board with disembarkation. You then continue your onward travel independently.

Included Antarctica - Weddell Sea Explorer

- Pre-arranged group transfer from the ship to the airport in Ushuaia (immediately after disembarkation)
- Luggage transfer from the designated pick-up point to the ship on the day of embarkation in Ushuaia
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes
- Complimentary Wi-Fi: each guest receives 1.5 GB of data per day, renewed every 24 hours
- Complimentary Dopper water bottle for use during and after your expedition
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