South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula by Albatros Expeditions

On this classic 10-day expedition cruise to the Great White Continent experience the incredible wildlife, stunning mountain scenery and gigantic icebergs as you set sail with Albatros Expeditions.

Get close to the dramatic coastlines of this frozen, remote wilderness. Enjoy zodiac cruising and shore landings where you'll set foot on the Antarctic continent, as well as the many surrounding sub-antarctic islands, something very few have done before.

Depart Ushuaia and cross the mighty Drake Passage, en-route to the South Shetland Islands. Here you'll explore penguin rookeries, research stations and fascinating lookouts. Your ship will then continue south, deep into the inlets of Antarctica, passing the famous Gerlache Strait. On no other journey can you experience so much pristine nature and varied wildlife in so few days.

Any voyage to Antarctica is an adventure, but with a maximum capacity of 198 guests aboard Ocean Atlantic or 186 guests aboard Ocean Victory/Ocean Albatros, this voyage offers a unique experience for the few. Shore landings, excursions, lectures and whale safaris are easily accommodated to help you enjoy a unique expedition experience

Highlights

• Cross the Antarctic Circle, an experience very few get in their lifetime
• Traverse the Drake Passage, a crossing the most spirited sailors consider a lifetime achievement
• Marvel at wildlife such as whales, sea lions, elephant seals, sea birds and penguins

Quick Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
Days 2 & 3: At Sea - Cross the Drake Passage
Days 4 & 5: South Shetland Islands
Days 6 & 7: Antarctic Peninsula
Days 8 & 9: At Sea
Day 10: Disembarkation in Ushuaia

Departures and Prices

Ocean Victory

17th November 2021 - 26th November 2021

Prices from £4,699 pp

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Ocean Victory

10th December 2021 - 19th December 2021

Prices from £4,699 pp

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Ocean Victory

19th December 2021 - 28th December 2021

Prices from £9,299 pp

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Ocean Victory

6th January 2022 - 15th January 2022

Prices from £6,899 pp

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Ocean Victory

12th February 2022 - 21st February 2022

Prices from £5,489 pp

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Ocean Victory

21st February 2022 - 2nd March 2022

Prices from £5,489 pp

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Ocean Victory

19th November 2022 - 28th November 2022

Prices from £5,629 pp

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Ocean Victory

28th November 2022 - 7th December 2022

Prices from £5,629 pp

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Ocean Victory

7th December 2022 - 16th December 2022

Prices from £5,999 pp

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Ocean Victory

4th January 2023 - 13th January 2023

Prices from £6,839 pp

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Ocean Albatros

5th January 2023 - 14th January 2023

Prices from £5,999 pp

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Ocean Victory

18th February 2023 - 27th February 2023

Prices from £5,999 pp

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Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Arrive in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten track to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. This is a hiker's paradise, with rugged, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. In the afternoon, you'll board your ship and your journey begins as you navigate through the Beagle Channel.

Days 2 & 3: At Sea - Cross the Drake Passage

Sailing onward, you will cross the Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest assured aboard your ship, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly-qualified crew. In the Drake, excitement builds as Antarctica comes into view, perhaps you will catch your first sight of seals and penguins!

Days 4 & 5: South Shetland Islands

Over the next two days, you will explore the sub-Antarctic Islands of the South Shetland chain. Projected landfalls include Elephant Island, home to elephant seals, sheer cliffs rising from the sea and snow-covered peaks; King George Island; Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels and chinstrap penguins.

Days 6 & 7: Antarctic Peninsula

As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on the horizon, the presence of wildlife multiples by tens of thousands with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals. Wildlife abounds on the Antarctic Peninsula: leopard, fur and Weddell Seals of Cuverville Island; humpback whales of Gerlache Strait; Paradise Bay; the dramatic Lemaire Channel's orcas, explore as far south as possible to Pleneau and Petermann Islands, Crystal Sound and Fish Island. Visit research stations and the Antarctic Circle.

Days 8 & 9: At Sea

Today you'll depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on your way back to the calms of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia. En-route, cross the Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America. Enjoy a variety of activities onboard during your time at sea.

Day 10: Disembarkation in Ushuaia

Arrive back in Ushuaia this morning for disembarkation and return to the airport for your journey home.

Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000