Weddell Sea Expedition Antarctic Peninsula 14% Advantage

The focus of this expedition is the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula, including the Antarctic Sound and the Weddell Sea, a region known for extensive sea ice, immense tabular icebergs, and large Adélie penguin colonies. Unlike many routes that only touch the Weddell Sea briefly, this itinerary deliberately allows more time, so that, depending on ice drift and weather, you can spend several days in the more remote areas. The journey begins in Ushuaia with an overnight hotel stay and embarkation the following day, before you cross the Drake Passage and are prepared for Zodiac cruises and landings through onboard lectures and briefings. On site, the daily schedule is determined by conditions. The Expedition Team and bridge officers monitor charts, ice reports, and forecasts to find safe passages, approach the ice edge in a targeted way, and reach rarely visited sites. Repeated Zodiac outings are planned and, where possible, landings and short walks on uneven terrain. Wildlife viewing is a priority. In addition to very large Adélie penguin colonies, gentoo penguins are also possible and, with some luck, chinstrap penguins. There are also chances to see seals such as Weddell seals, crabeater seals, or leopard seals, as well as whales, primarily humpbacks and minkes, occasionally orcas, and, under suitable conditions, fin whales or southern right whales. The natural experience is complemented by the region’s geological and historical context, addressed in lectures and, where appropriate, during landings, for example through fossil sites on islands such as Vega Island or Cockburn Island and through volcanically coloured landscapes with red and brown tones. After the expedition days, the return journey crosses the Drake Passage again back to Ushuaia.

Itinerary: Weddell Sea Expedition Antarctic Peninsula

Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia
You may arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina at any time on Day 1. Based on the flight information you provide in advance, a transfer from the airport to your hotel will be arranged. Many travellers arrive one or two days earlier to explore the port town at the southern tip of South America and the Tierra del Fuego region. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to settle in and prepare for the sea days ahead. Overnight at a hotel in Ushuaia.

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Day 2: Embarkation and sailing through the Beagle Channel
Embarkation on Ocean Explorer takes place in the late afternoon. After settling into your cabin and receiving initial information on board, the ship departs via the historic Beagle Channel, passing through the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. As the vessel heads south, there is time to familiarise yourself with procedures and to meet fellow travellers and the Expedition Team. Once the South American coast is left behind, the destination becomes clear, as the next land you see will be Antarctica. Overnight on board en route towards the Drake Passage.

Day 3: At sea crossing the Drake Passage
Today you cross the Drake Passage, a route of around 800 kilometres between South America and Antarctica. The Expedition Team begins a programme of talks and introductions to prepare you for upcoming Zodiac cruises and landings. A key moment is crossing the Antarctic Convergence, a zone around 60 degrees south whose position fluctuates and which marks the transition into Antarctic waters. Alongside the onboard programme, there is time on deck to look out for seabirds and to settle into life on board. Overnight on board.

Day 4: At sea towards Antarctica
The crossing continues. Talks and briefings are continued so that you are well prepared for activities off the ship. Depending on conditions, time on the outer decks can be worthwhile for observing the sea and birdlife. The day also provides an opportunity to clarify questions with the Expedition Team and to become familiar with procedures for Zodiac operations. By evening, the ship remains on course for the Antarctic Peninsula.

Day 5: Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea start of expedition days
With arrival in the Antarctic Sound and the Weddell Sea, the expedition phase begins, with several days allocated to this remote region. Large tabular icebergs are typical here, formed from ice shelves and in some cases very substantial in size. Depending on ice and weather, the Expedition Team plans initial Zodiac cruises and possible landings. Daily planning remains flexible and is based on the best and safest options available.

Day 6: Weddell Sea ice and wildlife viewing
The route is strongly influenced by sea ice and weather. The Expedition Team and bridge use charts, ice reports, and forecasts to find openings and to approach the ice edge in a targeted way. A key focus is Adélie penguins. Gentoo penguins are also possible and, with some luck, chinstrap penguins. Zodiac cruises bring you close to ice formations and coastal areas. Optional kayaking excursions may be offered at an additional cost, provided conditions allow.

Day 7: Large penguin colonies and possible landing sites
If conditions permit, the expedition aims to visit large Adélie penguin colonies, for example at Brown Bluff, Paulet Island, or Tay Head. Colonies can range from around 20,000 to several hundred thousand birds, in some cases alongside gentoo penguins. During landings, you observe penguin behaviour from an appropriate distance and experience the coastal landscape of snow, rock, and ice. Which sites are visited depends on ice drift and weather windows.

Day 8: Birdlife, seals, and currents
The Weddell Sea offers good opportunities for birdwatching, especially cape petrels, snow petrels, and southern giant petrels. There are also chances to see Weddell seals, crabeater seals, or leopard seals, often on drifting ice or near the coast. Sightings may occur in areas such as Kinnes Cove or Active Sound, depending on conditions. Zodiac cruises also highlight the dynamics of currents that can drive ice through narrow passages.

Day 9: Whales as well as history and geology
When areas open up in the northwestern Weddell Sea, whales often follow. Humpbacks and minke whales are most commonly observed, with occasional orcas. Under suitable conditions, there may also be opportunities to reach areas with fin whales and possibly southern right whales. The day is complemented by the region’s historical and geological context, including references to Shackleton and Nordenskjöld, as well as fossil sites on islands such as Vega Island or Cockburn Island. Volcanic influences colour some landscapes in red, orange, and brown, creating clear contrasts with the ice.

Day 10: At sea return crossing of the Drake Passage
The return journey crosses the Drake Passage again. You can spend time on deck looking out for seabirds and whales, or attend further presentations by the Expedition Team. The day offers space to organise impressions and to continue the voyage at a calmer pace. Overnight on board.

Day 11: At sea towards Ushuaia
The final full day at sea is dedicated to approaching Tierra del Fuego. Depending on the weather, you can use the observation decks or the ship’s facilities such as lounge areas, library, fitness centre, sauna, and jacuzzis. Talks and discussions with the team continue, and there is time for practical preparation for disembarkation. Overnight on board.

Day 12: Disembarkation in Ushuaia and departure
The ship is scheduled to arrive in Ushuaia between 7 am and 8 am. After docking, you say goodbye to the Expedition Team and complete disembarkation. You then use the included transfer to the airport, or, depending on your flight time, explore Ushuaia independently and travel later by taxi. The travel package ends with disembarkation in Ushuaia.

Accommodation:
During the sea voyage you stay on the expedition ship Ocean Explorer, a modern vessel designed for polar travel with capacity for 138 passengers. On board there are various shared spaces, including a main restaurant and a separate dining area, a bar, a library, and an observation lounge. For relaxation and activity there is a dry sauna, a fitness centre, and jacuzzis. The outer decks are designed for observation and offer good opportunities to follow ice and wildlife. Time in Ushuaia includes one hotel night before embarkation, arranged as part of the arrival planning.

Included:

• Transfer from the airport to the hotel in Ushuaia on Day 1 according to the arrival details provided in advance
• Expedition cruise as per itinerary on Ocean Explorer
• Expert Expedition Team and onboard lecture programme
• Zodiac cruises
• Shore landings and walks where conditions allow
• Photography support by guides
• Polar Plunge where conditions allow
• Onboard catering including meals and beverages according to the onboard concept
• Alcoholic beverages on board according to the onboard concept
• Wi Fi on board
• Expedition parka to keep
• Transfer to the airport in Ushuaia on Day 12

Not included:

• International travel to and from Ushuaia
• Visas and official fees where required
• Travel insurance
• Mandatory expedition gear and personal clothing
• Onboard expenses outside the included services
• Chargeable adventure options and possible trip extensions

Optional upgrades:

• Sea Kayaking
• Paddling Excursion

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