Antarctic Peninsula East and West

antarctica-adelie-penguins-interacting-astk

Antarctic Peninsula and the Weddell Sea

from £10746 excluding flights

11-14 nights
Mar, Nov-Dec

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Highlights

antarctica blue icebergs in tranquil channel sstock

Cruise in the shadow of vast icebergs

antarctica gentoo penguin with chick istk

Encounter gentoo, Adélies and other penguin species

Get involved with the Citizen Science programme

antarctica wildlife weddell seal pup istk

Search for seals, whales and seabirds

antarctic peninsula kayaking through icebergs pov istk

Camp on the 7th continent or kayak across icy bays

Why this trip...

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Expertly guided

In-depth knowledge and expertise will enrich your experience on this trip

Immersive exploration

Immerse yourself in your surroundings on a true exploration of remote and spectacular areas

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Like-minded travellers

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Overview

This voyage showcases the best of the Antarctic Peninsula, combining an exploration of the western side with a discovery of the less-visited, more remote eastern side – the Weddell Sea. Here you will find abundant penguin rookeries, incredible icebergs and unforgettable landing sites.

This variation on our Classic Antarctica itinerary allows a more wide-spread exploration of the peninsula, providing a fantastic opportunity to experience the continent’s scenery, wildlife and history.

Forever synonymous with Shackleton’s ill-fated ‘Endurance’ expedition, the Weddell Sea is home to vast icebergs and a Zodiac cruise amongst these impressive structures is a memorable experience. Other highlights include the countless Adélie penguins to be found on Paulet Island, as well as an insight into early polar exploration.

Itinerary

With a population of more than 63,000, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. Although the city has grown during the past few years, it retains an easygoing and accessible feel. Surrounded by the sea to the south and the mountains to the north, Ushuaia is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruise. After embarkation you will cruise down the historic Beagle Channel towards open sea.

The Drake Passage, named after Sir Francis Drake, is the infamous body of water that separates South America and Antarctica. Smooth or rough, the crossing of the Drake is a rite of passage for any true Antarctic adventurer. These two days will give you time to get to know the Expedition Team and your fellow shipmates.

Your time in Antarctica will be divided, subject to conditions, between the eastern and western sides of the Peninsula. Glaciers, penguin colonies and breaching humpback whales will highlight your days, while friendly seals are plentiful in these waters. You can also expect to encounter what is arguably the most formidable Antarctic predator – the leopard seal. The Antarctic Sound separates the western side of the Peninsula from the Weddell Sea and is often riddled with huge pieces of ice emanating from the Larsen Ice Shelf. The Antarctic Sound itself offers great places to get ashore and stretch your legs at landing sites that are home to nesting Adélie and gentoo penguins. Snow and pintado petrels as well as kelp gulls also call this area home. The Weddell Sea is as stunning as it is remote, and is best known as the location where Shackleton’s ‘Endurance’ came to its end, crushed by sea ice. Take a zodiac cruise amongst huge tabular icebergs and perhaps land on Paulet Island. The island is a 350 meter high volcanic cone that juts dramatically out of the sea. Over 100,000 pairs of Adélie penguins breed here, along with blue-eyed shags, snowy sheathbills and kelp gulls. Fur seals and Weddell seals haul out onshore, while leopard seals often hunt offshore.

Your time in Antarctica will be divided, subject to conditions, between the eastern and western sides of the Peninsula. Glaciers, penguin colonies and breaching humpback whales will highlight your days, while friendly seals are plentiful in these waters. You can also expect to encounter what is arguably the most formidable Antarctic predator – the leopard seal.

The Antarctic Sound separates the western side of the Peninsula from the Weddell Sea and is often riddled with huge pieces of ice emanating from the Larsen Ice Shelf. The Antarctic Sound itself offers great places to get ashore and stretch your legs at landing sites that are home to nesting Adélie and gentoo penguins. Snow and pintado petrels as well as kelp gulls also call this area home.

The Weddell Sea is as stunning as it is remote, and is best known as the location where Shackleton’s ‘Endurance’ came to its end, crushed by sea ice. Take a zodiac cruise amongst huge tabular icebergs and perhaps land on Paulet Island. The island is a 350 meter high volcanic cone that juts dramatically out of the sea. Over 100,000 pairs of Adélie penguins breed here, along with blue-eyed shags, snowy sheathbills and kelp gulls. Fur seals and Weddell seals haul out onshore, while leopard seals often hunt offshore.

antarctica paradise bay iceberg reflection istk

antarctica adelie penguins on ice davidmerron qe

As you cross the Drake on the way back to Ushuaia, keep an eye out for seabirds, attend some final lectures or simply reflect on your experiences of the past few days.

Arrive back in Ushuaia this morning and disembark, ready for your onward adventure.

All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only – embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes and landings will be dependent on weather, sea and ice conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions!
The above sample itinerary is based on the 12-day voyage aboard the Ocean Albatros. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, i.e. alternative embarkation or disembarkation ports, or do not include the pre-voyage hotel night. Please contact us for specific details.

Vessel Finder

There are a choice of vessels available for this voyage. Compare the facilities of up to three ships at a glance then talk to our Travel Specialists who will be happy to advise which one is right for you.

Greg Mortimer

This custom-built expedition ship features cutting-edge design, superior comfort for 130 passengers and environmentally friendly technology.

Launched in 2019, the Greg Mortimer is a custom-built expedition ship featuring cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology with an X-BOW® and virtual anchoring.

Maximum passengers: 130

Compare

Passengers: 130
Class: Ice-strengthened
Balcony Cabins
Sauna
Jacket: Jacket to keep
Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
Optional Activities

Sylvia Earle

The sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features the same cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology for…

The sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features the same cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.

Maximum passengers: 130

Compare

Passengers: 130
Class: Ice-strengthened
Balcony Cabins
Pool/Hot tub
Sauna
Jacket: Jacket to keep
Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
Optional Activities

Seaventure

A classic and strong Polar expedition ship, the MS Seaventure immerses passengers in their surroundings with opportunities to participate in important scientific…

A classic and strong Polar expedition ship, the Seaventure immerses passengers in their surroundings with opportunities to participate in important scientific research projects and activities including kayaking and camping.

Maximum passengers: 139

Compare

Passengers: 139
Class: Ice-strengthened
Balcony Cabins
Pool/Hot tub
Sauna
Jacket: Jacket to keep
Rubber Boots: Load of Rubber boots
Optional Activities

M/V Plancius

The M/V Plancius is a traditional ex-research vessel, with proven experience in icy waters.

The M/V Plancius is a traditional ex-research vessel, with proven experience in icy waters. The ship was completely refitted as a 116-passenger vessel in 2009 and now takes advantage of its impressive power and strength to glide through the icy landscapes of the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

Maximum passengers: 116

Compare

Passengers: 116
Class: Ice-strengthened
Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
Optional Activities

Select 2-3 items to compare.

Prices and Departures

Price from £10746 excluding flights

Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

Voyage prices shown are standard but you can be assured that any relevant offers will be applied with your quote.

What's Included

Shipboard accommodation
All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
Tea & coffee available around the clock
All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
Expedition jacket - yours to keep
Loan of rubber boots during voyage
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
No surcharge guarantee
Full financial protection

2024/25 Departures

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. The indicative prices shown in the table below are the standard voyage fare and do not reflect any applicable special offers or discounts. Single, triple and quad cabins are also available. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage and cabin type.

Departure	Duration	Vessel	Prices from (pp)	Special Interest
18 Dec 2024	13 days	MS Seaventure	£11,363	Citizen Science
06 Mar 2025	12 days	Greg Mortimer	£11,756
09 Mar 2025	15 days	M/V Plancius	£10,773
24 Mar 2025	12 days	Sylvia Earle	£11,676

2025/26 Departures

Departure	Duration	Vessel	Prices from (pp)	Special Interest
08 Nov 2025	12 days	Ocean Albatros	£10,316
18 Dec 2025	12 days	Seaventure	£11,932	Citizen Science
17 Feb 2026	13 days	Sylvia Earle	£17,516
09 Mar 2026	15 days	M/V Plancius	£11,318

Activity Icon Key

Camping
Diving
Kayak taster session
Kayaking
Photography
Snorkelling

NOTES

Inclusions are dependent on the vessel chosen, though those referenced above are applicable to all
One pre-voyage night in a hotel are included with all voyages apart from, M/V Plancius, M/V Hondius and M/V Ortelius
All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only – embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes and landings will be dependent on weather, sea and ice conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions.

Current Offers

Special Offer

BLACK FRIDAY SALE! Antarctica 2024/25: Up to 25% off select voyages PLUS £1,600 air credit per person!

Expires: 3rd December 2024

Book your Antarctica voyage aboard the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle today to receive amazing savings!

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Special Offer

BLACK FRIDAY SALE! Antarctica 2024/25: Up to 30% off select voyages aboard the G Expedition

Expires: 30th November 2024

Book today to take advantage of these great savings!

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Special Offer

BLACK FRIDAY SALE! Antarctica 2024/25: Up to 35% off select voyages aboard Ocean Endeavour

Expires: 5th December 2024

Discover Antarctica with these great savings!

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Special Offer

Antarctica 2024/25: Up to 30% off Antarctic voyages

Expires: 31st October 2024

Journey to Antarctica aboard the Ocean Explorer, World Explorer or Ultramarine.

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Special Offer

Antarctica 2025/26: Save up to 25% off selected voyages!

Expires: 31st October 2024

Book now for great savings aboard the Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle and Douglas Mawson

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Special Offer

Antarctica 2025/26: Save up to 20% on select voyages aboard the Seaventure

Expires: 31st October 2024

Book your Antarctica adventure now for great savings!

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Antarctic Peninsula and the Weddell Sea

Highlights