Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent

Duration

11 days

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Uncover the landscape, wildlife and stillness of the remote Antarctic Peninsula on this 11-day adventure like no other. Conquer the famed Drake Passage, explore scenic natural environments and take daily Zodiac expeditions to the South Shetland Islands.

Highlights

Discover an unspoiled wilderness, looking out for polar wildlife like penguins, seals, whales and seabirds from your onboard deck and during your onshore landings on the White Continent.
Cruise the Antarctic waters during daily Zodiac excursions and take advantage of a range of adventurous options, like kayaking, camping, photography and snowshoeing.
Benefit from various onboard activities, including educational lectures on history, geology and ecology by your expert expedition team. You can also luxuriate in the amazing onboard amenities, like the spa, sauna and bar!
Explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula on an adventure from Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica – through the Drake Passage and the South Shetland Islands.
Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Antarctic, with an optional paddling excursion where you can get up close and personal to the icebergs and see things from a totally unique perspective.

Trip Details

Duration

11 days

Transportation

Expedition cruise ship,zodiac

Tour Type

Group Tour

Guide Language

English

Starts

Ushuaia, Argentina, Antarctica

Finishes

Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Antarctica

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Polar

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Welcome to Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica. Located at the southern tip of Argentina, these parts are known as Tierra del Fuego, often called ‘The End of the World’, but this is just the beginning of your Antarctic adventure. Those with a day or two may want to head to Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure, or if you've only got a few hours to kill, why not stroll around town and visit the waterfront overlooking the Beagle Channel. You might also like to sample some handcrafted chocolate at a local cafe in town. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at about 5 pm at your hotel, then you’re free to get ready for tomorrow!

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Embarkation in Ushuaia

This afternoon, you’ll board your ship and your epic adventure south will begin! Take some time to settle into your cabin as you begin cruising the stunning Beagle Channel, named after the famed vessel 'The Beagle' that facilitated some of Charles Darwin's most significant voyages. The channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, and you’ll wave goodbye to Argentina with the knowledge that the next time you see land, you’ll be gazing upon the White Continent of Antarctica.

Accommodation:

Expedition ship (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage

The infamous Drake Passage, named after the famous English explorer Sir Francis Drake, separates the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from the southernmost tip of South America. It is often rough and turbulent but sometimes as calm as a lake. The next two days at sea offer time to attend a presentation or two given by your expedition team to prepare you for what lies ahead, from the geology of Antarctica to the history, wildlife and even the ice! Sailing towards Antarctica, the temperature falls as you cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. The Antarctic Convergence is marked by an increased number of seabirds, whales and other species that are attracted by the nutrient-rich waters pushed to the surface by the colder waters of the polar region flowing north and meeting the warmer equatorial waters flowing south. Head out on one of the outer decks to look out for the mighty albatross that fly overhead. Scan the waters for breaching whales and icebergs or gaze out from the windows of the observation deck. Keep on the lookout for the first sighting of land early evening on day four – this is the White Continent!

Accommodation:

Expedition ship (Number of Nights: 2)

Day 5-8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

You’ll spend the next four days exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula – a region that has captivated explorers for centuries. Explore the region by Zodiac, cruising among the icebergs and making shore landings where you’ll see penguins, climb to vantage points for spectacular panoramic views, and maybe visit a scientific or historic base. There may even be opportunities to day-paddle and snowshoe. Antarctica has incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snow-capped peaks, icebergs and ice-strewn channels. The wildlife ranges from extensive colonies of chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins to crabeater, Weddell, fur and elephant seals and lots of birds. Look and listen for the mighty crack of a glacier calving. Maybe you’ll be one of the brave few to take a polar plunge into the icy Antarctic waters! Every day brings a new experience and new landing sites to explore. As you cruise from one landing site to the next, enjoy the continued lecture program and take in the scenery from the outer decks. An average day on board begins with a wake-up call from your Expedition Leader around 7 am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow expeditioners for breakfast. You’ll usually have two excursions per day – one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with lunch served onboard in between excursions. You’ll take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you’re hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or consorting with penguins.

Accommodation:

Expedition ship (Number of Nights: 4)

Day 9-10: Crossing the Drake Passage

The next two days will be the journey back across the Drake Passage, with final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, watch presentations from your Expedition Team and celebrate the experiences shared exploring Antarctica.

Accommodation:

Expedition ship (Number of Nights: 2)

Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia

Today, you’ll arrive in Ushuaia, where your adventure comes to an end. With no further activities planned, you’re free to leave at any time after disembarkation. If you’d like to extend your stay here, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $26,895

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 11 days

Trip Type: Group Tour

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 04 Nov 2025

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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