Weddell Sea - Basecamp

This Antarctic expedition starts and ends in Ushuaia and crosses the Drake Passage to reach the Weddell Sea. After passing the Antarctic Convergence, both marine life and birdlife change noticeably, with good opportunities to observe several albatross and petrel species. In the Weddell Sea, landings and activities are planned depending on conditions in areas such as Antarctic Sound, Brown Bluff, Herbert Sound, Devil Island and the Erebus and Terror Gulf. The Basecamp format supports flexible daily planning with kayaking, snowshoeing and hikes, complemented by a photography workshop and the option to camp if weather and safety permit. On the return crossing of the Drake Passage, seabirds accompany the ship again before disembarkation in Ushuaia.

Weddell Sea - Basecamp: The itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia arrival and embarkation
Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, often described as the southernmost city in the world, at the far tip of South America. In the afternoon you embark on MS Hondius in this small resort town on Tierra del Fuego. After check in and settling into your cabin, there is time to get oriented and familiar with the routines of an expedition voyage. The ship then departs and sails through the Beagle Channel for the rest of the evening. These sheltered waters provide a calm start before the open ocean conditions of the Drake Passage in the days ahead. The first evening is mainly about arriving on board while the scenery shifts from harbour views to the wider perspectives of the channel.

Day 2: Drake Passage, following the route of early polar explorers
You begin the crossing of the Drake Passage, experiencing some of the conditions faced by early polar explorers who first charted these waters. The day is shaped by cool salty air and rolling seas, and with some luck you may see a fin whale blowing in the distance. As the ship approaches the Antarctic Convergence, the natural boundary where cold southern waters meet warmer sub Antarctic seas, the marine environment starts to change. After crossing this zone you enter the circum Antarctic upwelling area, known for higher productivity. With this shift, both marine life and birdlife become more varied, and time on deck becomes an important part of the day. The ship continues south while planning on board adapts to weather and sea state.

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Day 3: Drake Passage, seabirds and transition into Antarctic waters
The crossing continues, with a continued focus on observing changing wildlife. Seabirds commonly seen in this region can include wandering albatrosses, grey headed albatrosses, sooty albatrosses, cape petrels, southern fulmars, silver 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 vary, and the day remains primarily a transit, but with a clear sense of entering a different ecological zone. Toward the end of this stage the ship positions to begin operations in the Antarctic region, depending on weather and ice ahead.

Day 4: Entering the Weddell Sea and starting the Basecamp programme
On entering the Weddell Sea you reach an area known for large tabular icebergs, stark landscapes and sites of historical interest. From here the Basecamp concept becomes central, allowing the expedition team to adjust daily activities to local conditions. Depending on weather, wind and ice, opportunities for kayaking, snowshoeing and hiking are used, alongside time for observation and orientation. The Weddell Sea is considered one of the better Antarctic regions for spotting whales, seals and rarer seabirds, so planning also responds to sightings. Depending on ice conditions, operations may begin in areas such as Antarctic Sound, sometimes called Iceberg Alley because of the frequent presence of massive tabular bergs.

Day 5: Weddell Sea operations, possible landing at Brown Bluff
Expedition days continue with a programme shaped by ice, wind and visibility. One possible site is Brown Bluff, characterised by steep canyon like walls, fallen boulders and volcanic formations often covered by ice. Landings here can be combined with shorter hikes to examine coastal forms and geological structures at close range. Within the Basecamp approach, groups can rotate between activities, so kayaking may be offered in suitable sea conditions and snowshoeing when snow cover allows. Wildlife observation remains part of the routine, as seals and whales can appear near the ship or along ice edges. The ship may reposition during the day to make best use of local conditions.

Day 6: Herbert Sound, Naze Peninsula and Comb Ridge
Another potential operating area is Herbert Sound, where attention may focus on visually striking sections such as the Naze Peninsula and Comb Ridge. The day can include hikes aimed at viewpoints and shoreline terrain, while maintaining the safety margins required in Antarctic conditions. As on other days, the programme remains adaptable and the ship can reposition to take advantage of the best local opportunities. Marine mammal sightings remain possible, especially along ice margins and in calmer waters. Overall, this is a working expedition day balancing activity options with the realities of weather and ice.

Day 7: Devil Island, viewpoint walk and seasonal coastal features
Devil Island is another possible destination, offering a viewpoint for those willing to walk to the top of the hill. From higher ground the surrounding ice distribution and coastal structure can be assessed, which can also support operational decisions. At times, melting ice forms a waterfall dropping from cliffs near Cape Well met, highlighting seasonal change. Depending on wind and sea state, the day may again combine hiking with other Basecamp activities such as kayaking in sheltered waters or snowshoeing on suitable terrain. The expedition team continues to scan for seals and whales, as the Weddell Sea can provide productive conditions for sightings. The day remains focused on active exploration and observation.

Day 8: Erebus and Terror Gulf, searching for activity opportunities
Operations may shift toward the Erebus and Terror Gulf, where the plan is to look for additional activity opportunities and suitable landing sites. A visit to Vega Island is possible, offering a sense of Antarctic wilderness in a particularly remote setting. The Basecamp format is useful here, allowing quick adjustments to ice conditions and supporting choices between kayaking, hiking and snowshoeing depending on feasibility. The day remains centred on experiencing the region through active excursions while keeping time for observing wildlife and ice features. Historical context may also be discussed on board, as several Weddell Sea areas are linked to early Antarctic exploration.

Day 9: Basecamp day with photography workshop and possible camping
A further day in the Weddell Sea allows continued use of the Basecamp concept, with activities planned around the best available conditions. Kayaking may take place in sheltered waters, while snowshoeing and hiking are offered on suitable terrain. A photography workshop is part of the programme, supporting participants in working with light, ice textures and wildlife observation from both ship and shore. As on previous days, the ship may reposition to access safe landing areas and to maximise time in productive wildlife zones. If conditions permit, the option of camping under the southern polar sky may be considered as part of the Basecamp concept. Whether this is implemented depends on local weather and safety.

Day 10: Final Weddell Sea operations and preparation for the return crossing
The last planned day in the Weddell Sea continues with landings and activities as conditions allow, while also preparing for the northbound return. The expedition team balances remaining opportunities for kayaking, snowshoeing and hiking with the need to position the ship for the Drake Passage. Wildlife watching remains important, as whales and seals can still be encountered near ice edges and in open leads. The day also provides time to take in the character of the Weddell Sea, defined by large tabular icebergs and shifting ice conditions. By the end of the day the ship begins transitioning away from the operational area, setting up the return route.

Day 11: Drake Passage northbound, seabirds return
The return journey begins with the Drake Passage crossing. The voyage is not solitary, as seabirds again appear in numbers, often the same species seen on the southbound crossing. Time on deck remains worthwhile for observation while the ship maintains its course north. Sea state can vary, and the day is structured around open ocean travel with the familiar routine of watch and observation. A sense of recognition often develops, as birdlife and ocean conditions connect the outbound and inbound legs. The day also offers time to rest after the active Weddell Sea programme.

Day 12: Drake Passage, continued transit toward South America
The northbound crossing continues. Seabirds remain present, and progress is shaped by weather systems moving through the Southern Ocean. This day is primarily a transit, providing time to review the voyage and prepare for arrival logistics. Depending on conditions, marine mammal sightings can still occur, though the focus is on completing the passage safely and efficiently. On board, practical information is typically shared regarding disembarkation procedures and timing for the following day. The ship continues toward the Beagle Channel region.

Day 13: Ushuaia disembarkation
You arrive back in Ushuaia. The package ends after breakfast on board with disembarkation. You then continue your onward travel independently, taking with you the experiences of the Weddell Sea and the expedition days in Antarctic waters.

Included Weddell Sea - Basecamp

- 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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