The Weddell Sea & Larsen Ice Shelf by Ponant

A 13-day itinerary by Ponant sailing into the heart of the ice of the Weddell Sea, discovering impressive Larsen Ice Shelf and its immense table top icebergs. From Ushuaia, cross the Drake Passage, explore the South Shetland Islands and the North Antarctic Peninsula. Sail the Weddell Sea and be amazed at the colossal Larsen Ice Shelf.

Insurmountable, extreme and captivating is the best way to describe the Weddell Sea, mostly frozen by a thick and compressed ice floe, it is both a challenge and a privilege to sail on it, You'll experience exceptional landscapes and original encounters as you advance across this immense polar expanse. To the north-west of the Weddell Sea, stretching along the eastern coast of the Antarctic Peninsula stands an imposing ice shelf known as the Larsen Ice Shelf. An extension of the ice sheet into the sea, it generates some of the largest icebergs ever seen.

This 13-day voyage, allows you to come as close as possible to the Weddell Sea and its many inhabitants.

Highlights

• Sail into the heart of the ice of the Weddell Sea, discovering the impressive Larsen Ice Shelf and its immense table top icebergs

• Outings and shore visits in Zodiac inflatables

• Onboard lectures and information sessions hosted by naturalist-guides

• Alpine landscapes, table top icebergs, glaciers and ice floes

• Weddell seals, crabeater seals and leopard seals, Adelie penguins, humpback whales and sea birds

Quick Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia
Days 2 & 3: Crossing the Drake Passage
Day 4: South Shetland Islands
Day 5: North Antarctic Peninsula
Day 6: The Weddell Sea
Days 7 & 8: Sailing towards Larsen Ice Shelf
Days 8 & 9: The Weddell Sea
Days 10 & 11: Crossing the Drake Passage
Day 12: Disembarkation in Ushuaia

Departures and Prices

Le Commandant Charcot

2nd December 2021 - 14th December 2021

Prices from £10,780 pp

Enquire >

Le Commandant Charcot

27th December 2021 - 8th January 2022

Prices from £11,710 pp

Enquire >

Le Commandant Charcot

24th March 2022 - 5th April 2022

Prices from £10,780 pp

Enquire >

Day 1: Ushuaia

Arrive in the capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province. Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Embark your ship here, ready to set sail in the early evening.

Days 2 & 3: Crossing the Drake Passage

The ship will navigate across the iconic Drake Passage. Use your days to familiarise yourself with your ship and expand your knowledge of the Antarctic region. Enjoy lectures from onboard experts about the history and wildlife of Antarctica and enjoy exceptional views on deck as your guides look out for albatrosses, cape petrels and other seabirds flying over the Passage.

Day 4: South Shetland Islands

Today you'll explore the South Shetland Islands. Surreal and mysterious volcanic islands home to scientific research stations and a large number of animal species including chinstrap penguins, crabeater seals and Weddell seals, Antarctic terns, giant petrels and elephant seals have also taken up residence here.

Day 5: North Antarctic Peninsula

The North Antarctic Peninsula is today's destination. You'll sail through the Antarctic Sound, the gateway to the Weddell Sea, filled with gigantic tabular icebergs and plates of sea ice drifting northward from the coastal areas of this vast sea. It is home to Adelie penguins and a great many leopard seals.

Day 6: The Weddell Sea

Today you will wind your way through a labyrinth of dense ice floe and majestic table icebergs as your ship navigates the Weddell Sea. A landscape unlike any other it is populated by fur seals, penguins, albatross and many other seabirds. The Weddell seal is the king of this realm though, and you'll hear his cry pierce the surrounding silence. You might have to wait a while to spot one though, as they can stay underwater for more than an hour!

Day 7 & 8: Sailing towards Larsen Ice Shelf

Sail close to the gigantic Larsen ice shelves which help to prevent erosion of the Antarctic ice sheet. In 2017, a portion of the ice shelf was broken off, forming one of the largest tabular icebergs in the world.

Days 8 & 9: The Weddell Sea

Sail back across the Weddell Sea as you make your journey back towards the Drake Passage. Marvel again at the amazing ice floes and massive table top icebergs.

Days 10 & 11: Crossing the Drake Passage

Navigate the Drake Passage, the shortest route to connect Antarctica to South America. Look to the sky as you sail to witness albatross and cape petrels playfully floating along in the wind above your ship

Day 12: Disembarkation in Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia in the early morning for disembarkation and return to the airport for your return flights

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