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Antarctica
- Trip dates: January 3rd - 13th 2025
- 11 days
- 10 nights
itinerary
A voyage to Antarctica is a one in a lifetime adventure, so we made sure we got you:
- The best Travel Fam for a fun & fulfilling voyage.
- The best vessel for a comfortable journey.
- The best season to experience Antarctica’s wildlife.
- The best price, because you shouldn’t pay more for all of the above.
Look no further, it’s time to realize your Antarctica dream with us!
If you have time, join us a few days early for our New Years plans in Uruguay and Buenos Aires (more info upon booking).
Day 1: Ushuaia.
- Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina – the world’s southernmost city. Free day to explore this vibrant Patagonian city, or stretch your legs in the surrounding forests. In the evening, welcome dinner with our newfound Antarctica Fam!
- Overnight: Hotel in Ushuaia.
Day 2: Ushuaia, embarkation
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In the afternoon, we board our vessel, The Ocean Victory. After the mandatory safety drill, our expedition begins as we navigate through the calm waters of the famous Beagle Channel (named for Charles Darwin’s legendary ship). This steep-sided strait divides southern Tierra del Fuego between Chile and Argentina, and has been the jumping-off point for thousands of expeditions into the unknown of the deep South. Watch out for whales and dolphins as we sail off the edge of the map into the tempestuous Drake Passage.
Day 3-4: At Sea – Crossing the Drake Passage Southbound
- Sailing onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage – the body of water separating Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula. The Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, nicknamed the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest comfortably aboard our expedition vessels, which are purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and manned by a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement – and you will complete the crossing twice!
- Our days in the Drake Passage will be put to good use preparing for our arrival in Antarctica – we will brief you comprehensively on how to stay safe and minimise your impact on this precious wilderness, as well as briefing you thoroughly on our plans for our time spent exploring, including hints and tips for wildlife watching. Our dedicated crew will assist you to biosecure your clothing and equipment (a vital process to protect Antarctica’s delicate ecology), as well as sharing tailored lectures on Antarctic exploration history, wildlife, geology, glaciology and more!
- We will cross into the Antarctic Convergence on the third day of our voyage – watch the mercury plummet as we sail southwards into Antarctic waters, an abrupt cooling that marks the intersection of Antarctic waters with the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. As the sea cools, wildlife multiplies; these are some of the most biologically productive water on Earth, so expect to see petrels, albatrosses and potentially penguins, seals and whales in abundance. Weather permitting, we may be able to make landfall in the South Shetland Islands (a small but spectacular archipelago to the north of the Antarctic Peninsula) on the afternoon of our second day in the Drake Passage, marking the start of our exploration on the Last Continent.
Day 5-7: South Shetland Islands & the Antarctic Peninsula
- Arriving in Antarctica in the height of summer is an unparallelled experience. Enter a world where the mountains themselves are bright glittering white, and wildlife has no fear of humans.
- We will begin out time on Antarctica in the South Shetland Islands. This chain of rugged rocks marks the northernmost point of Antarctica, and the most exposed to the fury of the Southern Ocean. Because of this, it is also one of the richest in terms of wildlife, with large Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies. The ice-clad mountains of Livingstone, Greenwich and King George Islands give us a glimpse of what is to come as we venture further south.
- The following days will be spent exploring further south on the Antarctic Peninsula in the Gerlache Strait region. This region is typically icy, so our exact route will be subject to careful planning by the Captain – however we will aim to visit a range of sites which showcase the best of this staggeringly beautiful region. Consisting of the ‘spine’ of the Antarctic Peninsula and a large number of glaciated and mountainous islands, the Gerlache Strait is what comes to mind when most people think of Antarctica.
- As the ocean warms during the fleeting summer, gentle giants arrive from warmer climes. Pods of elegant humpback whales frolic in the crystalline waters of the Antarctic peninsula, feasting on the krill which blooms in these waters each summer. And where there are whales, hunters are not far behind – pods of orcas, intelligent and cunning, patrol these waters on their never-ending search for prey.
- At this point in the summer, there is no true night; spectacular sunsets merge into breathtaking sunrises, and the weather is as kind as it gets in Antarctica, offering superlative opportunities to explore. While wind, ice and sea conditions will dictate our precise destinations and timings, our plans will be explained to guests during regularly scheduled evening briefings; these nightly sessions are also an excellent opportunity to hear from our knowledgeable crew, who will explain and expand on our experiences to ensure guests get the most from their voyage.
Day 8-9: At Sea – Crossing the Drake Passage Northbound
- We eventually depart Antarctica, and spend two days at sea on our way northwards back across the infamous Drake Passage towards the more welcoming shores of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board. Relax with an expertly crafted cocktail in the Nordic Bar in the company of new friends, soak up the knowledge during lectures in the Shackleton Lounge, or simply enjoy the flight of the albatross which accompany us northwards.
- During your last evening onboard, join the Captain and Officers for the Farewell Cocktail Party.
Day 10: Back to Ushuaia and disembarkation
- On the morning of the final day of our voyage, we will arrive back at the pier of Ushuaia, Argentina. Trees, grass and a busy city may seem strange to you after the white wilderness of Antarctica! After a hearty breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the Crew and descend the gangway back to dry land with memories of the voyage of a lifetime.
- Overnight in Hotel in Ushuaia
Day 11: Fly home, or continue exploring with our Patagonia Expedition Add-on.
Included
Not included
THE BEST TRAVEL FAM!
You dont want to be stuck in a boat to Antarctica with the wrong people. Experiences are all about the company, so share this adventure with the best possible Travel Fam!EXPEDITION LEADER: ALVARO
This Antarctica Expedition will be lead by Alvaro, our founder.COMFORTABLE & HIGH QUALITY VESSEL
Enjoy the comforts and amenities of the Ocean Victoria, our vessel for this voyage. Built in 2021, the unique X-Bow design of the Ocean Victoria vessel offers exceptional stability at sea, giving you a smoother ride across some of Earth's most challenging waters. It has a max capacity for 170 people.ACCOMODATION
- On Board the Ocean Victoria vessel: Category F: Triple Cabin Porthole. -- (For Category D State Cabin Porthole Twin room, price will be different and depending on availability). -- In Ushuaia: 3*- 4* HotelGYM, JACUZZIS AND SWIMMING POOL
Asides from a gym and a spa, the ship features two jacuzzis on the upper outside deck, allowing spectacular views of the polar landscape outside in a relaxing environment. You can also Polar Plunge off the ship for free!ZODIAC LANDINGS
For a perfect voyage, without any issues with weather, we would do 2 landings in South Shetland Islands and 5 landings on Antarctic Peninsula. While January is the middle of the Summer and the best time to visit Antarctica, please keep in mind that the itinerary and outdoor activities during each voyage are dependent on weather conditions. The route and shore landings are determined by the captain and expedition leader who will communicate this to guests through regularly scheduled briefings. Ocean Victory crew reserves the right to modify the landings and locations visited during a voyage based on the prevailing weather conditions to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all our guests and staff.MEALS: FULL BOARD ON THE SHIP
Buffet Breakfast and à la carte lunch & dinner, snacks + free tea and coffee available 24 hours while on the vessel.COMPLIMENTARY DRINKS
Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served at our à-la-carte dinners). Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Parties.EXPEDITION PARKA & RUBBER BOOTS
Expedition parka and Rubber Boots: Ocean Victory offer sturdy, high-quality boots free of charge for the duration of your trip. These boots will be your personal pair for the entire voyage to wear during landings and hikes. They have boots in the size 35 to 47 (EU sizes)SHUTTLE TRANSFER
Embarkation shuttle transfer to the vessel from Ushuaia city centre and shuttle transfer after disembarkation from the ship to Ushuaia city centre or airport.LECTURES
The primary focus is knowledge, and Ocean Victory crew apply this to every aspect of a journey. From the staff that forms their team, to the routes our ship follows, and of course, the program onboard.
January 3rd – 13th 2025
Our Selection Process takes only 10 minutes and it helps us create the best travel family!
FAQ
WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO GET THERE?
Wander Expedition does not handle flight bookings on your behalf and is not ultimately responsible for your flight connection. However, we can provide guidance and support as you research the best options for your journey.
Our Expedition will start and finish in Ushuaia (Argentina).
WHO IS THIS EXPEDITION FOR?
This Expedition is designed for everyone seeking a fun time, off-the-beaten-path exploration, the opportunity to make new travel friends, and create unforgettable travel stories.
We are offering this Expedition with a high quality vessel and affordable price. If you are planning to visit Antarctica, this is the best way to do it with the best travel Fam!
PASSPORT & VISA
Each guest is responsible for ensuring that he/she meets the applicable passport and visa requirements (Argentina is visa free for most nationalities) for the duration of the trip. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after arriving home from your destination.
TYPICAL EXPEDITION DAY
After crossing the Drake Passage, you’ll be exploring Antarctica. The goal for the days around the South Shetland islands and Antarctic peninsula is to offer activities which will allow everyone to explore off the ship as much as possible (weather permitting). Weather dependent, we will try to offer two activities per day, usually either a landing or a Zodiac cruise.
Typically, there will be a morning activity after breakfast and an afternoon activity after lunch. We always try our hardest to meet this expectation, but because weather in Antarctica can be extremely unpredictable, we ask everyone to be mindful of our remote location and thank everyone in advance for their flexibility. Activities we offer include landings, Zodiac cruises and ship cruises. Regulations in Antarctica limit the number of people ashore at any time, so we will usually aim to offer a Zodiac cruise while our first group of guests are ashore, and reverse this for the second group ashore to maximise exploration time. No matter the day’s planned activities, the onboard Expedition Team and Expedition Leader will work as hard as possible in conjunction with the Captain and Crew to maximize exploration opportunities.
LANDING IN ANTARCTICA: SET FOOT ON THE LAST CONTINENT
Landings are a great opportunity to stretch your legs and set foot on Antarctica to visit the dense penguin colonies, vast snowfields, and dramatic landscapes of the last continent. Our experienced Expedition and Deck Teams will assist guests to board and disembark the Zodiacs, the only means by which we can access these remote and rugged shores. Our friendly team will always be on shore to help you spot and identify the different species of penguins and other wildlife, guide hikes and other excursions, interpret what you are seeing, as well as keep our guests safe on shore from any potential hazards. Different landing sites exhibit a variety of Antarctic experiences – these could include penguin or other wildlife colonies, historical sites, active research stations, or simply locations of exceptional natural beauty. Our knowledgeable crew will always try to ensure landing sites are selected with variety of experiences in mind to exhibit the best of the White Continent.
GEARING UP: WHAT TO BRING
An expedition cruise requires a relatively large variation of clothing as the temperature at each location, and day-to-day conditions will vary. On shore, as well as outdoors on board the ship, warm wind- and waterproof clothes, gloves and hats are necessary. So, what is the secret of keeping warm? Layers! They insulate trapped air, and you can adjust them as needed.
We highly recommend you bring:
• Thermal base layer
• Mid-layer fleece
• Waterproof jacket/shell
• Waterproof pants (a must for Zodiac cruises and landings)
• Hiking shoes – sturdy, non-slip sole (rubber boots are available on board on a loan basis,
but not very suitable for hikes)*
• Thick socks (wool socks)
• Insect repellant/headnet
• Swimsuit – for Polar Plunge/jacuzzi
• Seasickness medication
• Sun hat
• High-protection sunglasses
• Sunscreen (high SPF) & SPF lip balm
• Waterproof backpack (additional drybags for phone/camera equipment)
• Waterproof bags for separating clean clothes from wet clothes
ANTARCTIC TEMPERATURES: Navigating the Climate of the White Continent
Whilst Antarctic weather is consistently chilly, the summer months can be surprisingly mild, and generally have temperatures ranging from -2°C (28°F) to 6°C (46°F). The extended daylight during the summer warms up more sheltered areas and on calm windless days, a t-shirt can even be of more use than a parka! However, Antarctic weather is highly changeable and can harbor storms, snow fall, rain or fog, which can occur at a moment’s notice at any time of year. Bigger storms are rare but can lead to further rapid drops in temperature, and glacially-generated katabatic winds can blow out of nowhere. In other words, we would remind our guests that it is crucial to be ready for any weather conditions! Waterproof layers are an essential for any venture off the ship, and we advise guests to dress in several warm layers (including hats, gloves, scarfs etc.) to adjust as the weather dictates – woolen, down or synthetic fibres are prefereable to cotton or other materials. We also highly advise guests to consider sun protection – the lack of ozone over Antarctica means direct and reflected sunlight can burn skin very quickly; sunglasses are essential! We will provide sturdy landing-appropirate waterproof insulated rubber boots for all guests, as well as an expedition parka for Antarctic voyages.
INTERNET AND PHONE
Keep in mind, that we will be cruising in a very remote region of the world. Where accessible, internet access is available for an extra charge. Mobile phone reception may be possible in select regions along our route.
SAFETY AND SECURITY ON BOARD
The ship comply with all safety regulations and are ice-class vessels suitable for sailing in polar environments. Upon arrival on the vessel, there will be a mandatory passenger briefing and safety drill before departure. We will provide security information and practical details regarding life onboard and introduce key personnel. You will be informed where the safety equipment is located and how it is used. Each stateroom is equipped with lifejackets. Once onboard, please familiarize yourself with the ship’s emergency rescue plan.
SEASICKNESS AND STABILISATORS
The ship is equipped with stabilizers in order to reduce the ship’s roll. However, these expeditions are hosted in remote regions, and it is possible to periodically encounter changing environments and climate patterns, including rough seas and large swells. Seasickness medication work solely or in part to help cure nausea for most people. These medicines can cause sleepiness. If you are prone to motion sickness, consult with your doctor prior to departure to help ensure your comfort while travelling.
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