Off to the eternal ice - Antarctica boot camp

This expedition offers an exciting, varied experience for adventure seekers and allows you to explore the breathtaking Antarctic through various activities such as hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing and mountaineering. The journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, and includes a scenic cruise through the Beagle Channel. During the trip, you will have the opportunity to experience diverse wildlife and fascinating landscapes. The itinerary is flexible and adapted to weather conditions and environmental concerns to ensure a unique, safe experience for all. Enjoy comfortable accommodation on board the m/v Plancius, including all meals and numerous excursions. This trip is perfect for those who want to combine adventure with the beauty of nature in one of the most remote places on earth.

Off to the eternal ice - Antarctica boot camp: The itinerary

Day 1: The end of the world, start of your journey
Your journey starts in Ushuaia, Argentina, the gateway to Antarctica. You are welcome to arrive a few days earlier and explore this lively city in Patagonia, enjoy a walk through the surrounding forests or take a trip to the untouched Tierra del Fuego. This island is a true hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flowering meadows and moorlands. The tour begins in the afternoon: board the ship waiting for you in the harbor. From there you set off to sail through the picturesque Beagle Channel. Enjoy the views of the imposing mountains as you look forward to the adventures ahead.

Day 2 - 3: The path of the early explorers - Drake Passage
Over the next two days, you will cross the Drake Passage, where you will encounter the harsh elements of nature. Keep an eye out for fin whales that animate the waters around the ship. You will immerse yourself in the lives of polar explorers and gain exciting insights into the marine ecosystem while enjoying the crashing waves and cool breeze.
After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, which is the natural border to the Arctic, you will experience the transition to the cold waters of the Antarctic. Here, not only the marine life changes, but also the bird life. The expedition team will introduce you to the different bird species you can observe during your crossing, including wandering albatrosses, gray-headed albatrosses, Cape petrels, storm petrels and many more. Keep your camera ready while you enjoy the impressive views that await you.

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Day 4 - 10: Arrival in Antarctica
Welcome to Antarctica! Over the next few days, you will observe snow-covered rock formations and towers of broken blue-white ice. First, the snow-covered Melchior Islands will pass you by before you sail through the Schollaert Channel. Your ship will dock at various locations depending on the weather and environmental conditions, including the Neumayer Channel, where you will have the opportunity to kayak and explore the surroundings. Here you can enjoy the splendor of the alpine environment while exploring the protected waters in a Zodiac boat. Your guides will show you the best places to experience the breathtaking glacier fronts and wildlife up close. You can also go ashore and explore the surroundings on foot or with snowshoes. Some mountain ascents (easy climbing) are also possible further inland.
After the Neumayer Channel, visit the historic research station in Port Lockroy, where you can learn more about the history of Antarctic research and experience the fascinating wildlife up close. During activities around Jougla Point, you may spot blue-eyed shags or gentoo penguins. Damoy Point is close by, offers a snowshoe hike to an old ski trail and is one of the best places for an overnight stay on the ice. If conditions permit, you can also cruise the Lemaire Channel and potentially spot Adéline penguins, humpback whales, minke whales and leopard seals.
On the Pléneau and Petermann Islands, glacier hikes and ambitious mountaineering are potentially part of the program. In Neko-Harbour, unimaginable landscapes of endless glaciers and snowfields await you. You can marvel at these up close on an excursion by zodiac or on a shore excursion. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to spend a night on the ice in Paradise Bay like a real polar explorer - there is no more authentic Antarctic experience!
On your further route through the Errera Channel, you can visit picturesque places such as Danco Island, Cuverville Island, Orne Island and Georges Point on Rongé Island. Finally, you will pass the Melchior Islands again and head back towards the open sea. In Dallmann Bay, you may have the chance to see humpback whales. You may also make a detour to Half-Moon Island, one of the South Shetland Islands, and take part in other activities.

As the weather and ice conditions can never be accurately predicted, the exact departure times, possible shore excursions, routes and activities will be determined on the spot. Please bring the flexibility that is essential on such an expedition cruise. Your expedition team will make every effort to provide you with the ultimate Antarctic experience.

Day 11 - 12: Familiar sea, familiar friends
The return journey through the Drake Passage offers you another opportunity to observe the impressive seabirds that have kept you company on your way south. During this time, the crew will again provide you with interesting information about the wildlife and geography of the region as you prepare for your return to Ushuaia. Enjoy the last days at sea and reflect on the great experiences of the past days. In the evening, you can take part in further lectures that will give you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of Antarctica.

Day 13: Back at the starting point
On the last day of your expedition, it's time to say goodbye. After a final breakfast on board, you pack up your memories and disembark in Ushuaia. This journey will not only provide you with unforgettable experiences, but also a sense of adventure and discovery that will accompany you wherever you go.

Including Antarctica - Basecamp

- Travel on board the specified ship according to the itinerary
- All meals during the voyage, including snacks, coffee and tea on board the ship
- All land excursions and activities during the voyage including Zodiac cruises
- Lectures by renowned scientists and guidance by an experienced expedition team
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes
- Luggage transfer from the pick-up point to the ship on embarkation day in Ushuaia
- Group transfer from the ship to the airport in Ushuaia directly after disembarkation
- All additional service charges and port taxes during the planned program
- Comprehensive travel documents before departure
- All activities offered (subject to weather and ice conditions), including camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, mountaineering and photography workshops
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