Remote Weddell Sea Explorer – including helicopter

Dive into an extraordinary adventure through the remote wilderness of Antarctica, starting in the charming city of Ushuaia. This expedition takes you to the impressive landscapes of the Weddell Sea, where massive tabular icebergs and diverse wildlife await. Experience the majestic beauty of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands while following in the footsteps of the legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Onboard the MS Ortelius, enjoy comfortable accommodations and engaging lectures that enrich your journey. Flexibility is key on this remarkable expedition, offering a unique chance to experience the fascinating world of Antarctica up close.
 

Itinerary: Weddell Sea Expedition – including helicopter

 
Day 1: The End of the World, the Beginning of a Journey
Your journey begins where the world seems to end: Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world, located at the southern tip of South America. This picturesque town, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the sparkling waters of the Beagle Channel, offers a captivating starting point for your adventure. In the afternoon, embark from this small resort town on Tierra del Fuego, nicknamed “The End of the World,” and sail through the Beagle Channel for the rest of the evening. As you glide through this majestic waterway, you are greeted by a preview of the wonders that await. On the way to South Georgia, you will cross the Antarctic Convergence, where cold northern waters meet the warmer subantarctic seas. Nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, attracting a variety of seabirds to the ship, including several species of albatrosses, petrels, prions, and skuas. This vibrant display of wildlife offers an unforgettable introduction to this remote region.
All pictures of this partner
 
Day 2-6: Journey to South Georgia
Over the next several days, you will sail across the Southern Ocean toward South Georgia, passing through a region rich in marine life. During this voyage, the ship is often accompanied by albatrosses, petrels, and other seabirds, and you may spot whales and playful dolphins as they ride the bow waves. As the vessel nears South Georgia, the Shag Rocks appear 240 km west of the main island, home to thousands of South Georgia shags. Upon arrival, there are numerous landing opportunities to explore the island’s highlights. In Fortuna Bay, a glacial valley hosts king penguins and seals, and you can follow part of Shackleton’s final overland route to the abandoned whaling station at Stromness. Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, and Gold Harbour feature three of the largest king penguin colonies on South Georgia, alongside vast numbers of fur seals and molting elephant seals. At Grytviken, the abandoned whaling station, king penguins stroll through the streets while elephant seals lounge along the shoreline; visitors can also see the South Georgia Museum and Shackleton’s grave. Zodiac excursions in Cooper Bay and Moltke Harbour offer further wildlife sightings, including macaroni penguins, king penguins, giant petrels, and a variety of seabirds. These six days provide a rich combination of spectacular scenery, fascinating wildlife, and historical exploration.
 
Day 7-8: Sea Days
Like Shackleton in December 1914 during the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (Endurance Expedition), we depart South Georgia for the South Sandwich Islands and the Weddell Sea. On this route, sea ice may appear, and along its edge, South Polar skuas and snow petrels may join the other seabirds following the ship southward.
 
Day 9: South Sandwich Islands
Landing is generally not possible on these remote islands, but conditions permitting, we will Zodiac through the dramatic landscapes of this volcanically active region. Between Thule and the Cook Islands, the size and remoteness of the islands leave a lasting impression. Humpback and dwarf whales are frequently sighted in the waters surrounding the islands. Brown skuas, chinstrap penguins, Adélie penguins, and several albatross species—including grey-headed, black-browed, and wandering albatrosses—may also be observed.
 
Day 10: On the Way South
We sail toward the Antarctic continent, entering the region of Queen Maud Land and Neuschwabenland on the northeastern edge of the Weddell Sea. The pristine environment and striking ice formations provide a breathtaking backdrop as we advance into these remote areas.
Day 11–12: Continued Southward Transit
These days are spent sailing deeper into the Southern Ocean toward the Weddell Sea. The ship passes vast ice fields, and there are opportunities for wildlife observation from the deck. Sea ice and icebergs dominate the landscape, with seabirds such as skuas, petrels, and albatrosses frequently accompanying the vessel. Occasional whale sightings add to the excitement, and lecturers onboard provide context on the Antarctic ecosystem and the history of exploration in the region.
 
Day 13: New Swabia
Our first Antarctic destination is Neuschwabenland (New Swabia), located between 20°E and 10°W in Queen Maud Land. This area was explored in early 1939 by Germany’s third Antarctic expedition under Alfred Ritscher. The goal was to identify potential sites for a German whaling station and naval base. Along the coast, German flags were placed on the sea ice, and surveying flights dropped aluminum markers with swastikas to assert the claim.
Day 14–17: Tristan da Cunha, Nightingale & Inaccessible Island
The remote Tristan da Cunha islands are famed for their rich birdlife, including rockhopper penguins, various albatross species, petrels, skuas, and terns. Visit the main settlement on the west side, Seal Bay, and Sandy Point. Nightingale and Inaccessible Islands offer spectacular birdwatching from yellow-nosed albatrosses to brown noddies, as well as sub-Antarctic fur seals. Two days are reserved as a weather contingency.
 
Day 18-23: Deep in the Weddell Sea - Filchner, Ronne, and Larsen Ice Shelves
As we sail deep into the Weddell Sea, we hope to see Weddell seals, crabeater seals, leopard seals, and with luck, emperor penguins. Humpback whales, dwarf whales, and orcas are common here. The ship is accompanied by a diverse array of seabirds. Ice conditions vary seasonally, offering a true sense of nautical wilderness. We navigate past the Brunt Ice Shelf and along the Luitpold Coast, named by Wilhelm Filchner during Germany’s 1911–12 Antarctic expedition. Weather permitting, we may Zodiac and even land on ice floes. Our route continues to the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf and then north along the east coast of the Antarctic Peninsula and the Larsen Ice Shelf, near the location where Shackleton’s Endurance became trapped in pack ice during the 1914–17 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. The wreck was finally discovered on 5 March 2022, 107 years after it sank. Nearby, colonies of 6,500 emperor penguins offer chances to spot these iconic birds. Further north, we reach the Erebus and Terror Gulf region, where emperor penguins on the ice provide additional wildlife viewing opportunities. Landings on James Ross Island may be possible.
 
Day 24: Brown Bluff and Kinnes Cove
Brown Bluff features steep canyon walls, fallen rocks, and stunning volcanic formations covered in ice. We hope to land here in the morning to observe large Adélie penguin colonies, as well as gentoo penguins and nesting snow petrels. Across Antarctic Sound lies Kinnes Cove, where you can explore Madder Cliffs with their subtle red hues and nearby gentoo penguins. Both sites offer remarkable scenery and wildlife observation.
 
Day 25: The Legendary Elephant Island
The starting point of Shackleton’s 1916 journey in the James Caird lifeboat. Seeing Elephant Island emerge on the horizon highlights the enormity of his crew’s achievement. Shackleton’s mission was to rescue 22 stranded members of his Endurance Expedition. The island’s rugged cliffs and ice formations make it a dramatic and historically significant location. Zodiacs may take us to Point Wild, where Shackleton’s crew miraculously survived.
 
Day 26: Familiar Seas, Familiar Friends
On the return through the Drake Passage, you may encounter wildlife seen at the start of your journey: albatrosses, petrels, and even dwarf whales. These familiar sights are a fitting end to an incredible expedition.
 
Day 28: There and Back Again
Every adventure must end. Today, you disembark in Ushuaia with memories of breathtaking landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and inspiring encounters that will accompany you on your future journeys.
 
Additional Information: The specified itinerary serves merely as a guideline and can vary due to ice, weather, and wildlife observations. Landings depend on availability, permissions, and environmental regulations. The expedition leader has the authority to determine the final schedule, making flexibility essential during the journey. Helicopter transfers are planned, but specific timeframes cannot be guaranteed, as local conditions may impact possibilities. Safety is the top priority, and no claims can be accepted.
 

Included Voyage Services:

- Voyage and overnight accommodations on board the booked ship according to the published itinerary
- All meals during the entire voyage on board the ship, including snacks, coffee and tea
- All land excursions and activities throughout the voyage, including Zodiac cruises
- Program of lectures by renowned naturalists and guidance by experienced expedition team
- Free use of waterproof neoprene expedition boots and snowshoes
- Luggage transfer to the ship on the day of embarkation in Ushuaia
- Group transfer from the ship to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation)
- All other service charges and port fees during the program
- Comprehensive preparation material before departure
- 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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