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Antarctica I
Jan 3rd, 2025 – Jan 13th, 2025
11 days · 10 nights
Friday 3 Jan 2025 – Monday 13 Jan 2025•11 Days•10 Nights
Wander Expeditions
5+ years group traveling
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.
What this expedition offers
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* Hotel
GYM, 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.
Things to know
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5.0·123 reviews
L
Lucas
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·Stans VIII·4 days ago
This was my first time joining a group trip, and it turned out to be an unforgetable experience! The group was fantastic, which made the journey even better. The itinerary offered a perfect mix of adventure, culture and relaxation. Looking forward to repeat the experience in other destinations.
M
Mar "Cali"
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I think it is one of the best expeditions that you can do !
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Tahlia "Ouadane"
🇦🇺Australia·10 expeditions
·Antarctica I·12 days ago
I never imagined my Antarctica experience to be anything like this. I wouldn’t change a thing! Great itinerary, great boat and AMAZING group! Definitely a once in a lifetime experience!
S
Stef
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·Socotra II·19 days ago
Incredible expedition! The itinerary was excellent, gorgeous hikes, incredible beaches, local experiences, you name it! We had a wonderful group which elevated the experience even further. Not a day goes by where I don't think about our time in Socotra. I'm really looking forward to joining another expedition in the future
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Cristina
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·Eritrea & Djibouti I·20 days ago
My first expedition...great people, lot of fun and Alvaro was an amazing leader. Can't wait for the next expedition!
Wander Expeditions
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