Antarctica - Base Camp

Reviews 5/5 Stars - Based on 10 Reviews

Highlights of Antarctica - Base Camp

The   Antarctic Base Camp Cruise   will be an unforgettable trip. During 13 days you will travel through inhospitable areas, you will live the  unparalleled experience of camping  on the arctic ice   and you will travel from the  Drake Passage to the  Pléneau and Petermann Islands   with activities adventure activities such as kayaking, mountaineering and snowshoeing. 

Will be an experience in Antarctica aboard the Plancius Cruise,  where adventure tourism is combined, with the best postcards the end of the world. 

The  Plancius is a cruise able to circumvent the frozen waters of the south of the world, so in this experience, in addition to feeling the ice very close to your body, you will also travel almost unexplored areas, watching from the deck a bird show that will accompany the tour.

All activities are included , and you will be provided with the necessary equipment for each of them, from a sleeping bag for camping, to the company of expert guides who will be advising the entire route in a professional and fun way. 

USD 0

Availability of cabins
  • Departure range:
  • Rates per person in USD

Details of Antarctica - Base Camp

DESTINATIONS
Ushuaia (ARGENTINA)
ITINERARY
Day 1: End of the world begins a journey
Your journey begins where the world ends: Ushuaia, Argentina, known as the southernmost city in the world.  During the afternoon you will embark in this small city of Tierra del Fuego and sail the rest of the day through the impressive Beagle Channel flanked by mountains.

Days 2 - 3: The way of the polar explorers
During the next two days in the Drake Passage, you will live the experience of a polar explorer, touring the first mapped regions and enjoying fresh salty breezes and rough seas; it is possible that fin whales can be seen snorting marine spray.

When crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the temperature will drop and there is not only a change in the marine fauna but also in the avifauna. Wandering Albatross, Gray-headed Albatross, Black-browed Albatross, Light-mantled Albatross, Checkerboard Petrels, Storm Petrels, Blue Petrels, and Antarctic Petrels are some of the bird species that can be spotted.

Days 4 - 10: Entering Antarctica
First you will pass the snow-capped peaks of the Melchior Islands and the Schollaert Channel, sailing between the Brabant Islands and Antwerp. The unrivaled landscape: rocky gray peaks dotted with snow, whitish-blue cracked ice towers, and completely different fauna above and below. 

Some of the sites you can visit include:

- Canal Neumayer: It is possible that the ship will be positioned here, starting the many activities of the base camp in the protected waters around Wiencke Island. You can enjoy the splendor of this alpine environment with the Zodiac or kayak trips, or if you are in the mood to walk, inland there are possible snowshoe walks or low difficulty mountaineering options. Naturally favorable weather conditions determine the possible activities.

- Port Lockroy: After navigating the Neumayer Canal, you may be able to visit the old British base of Port Lockroy, which today operates as a museum and post office. It is also possible to carry out activities in the  neighboring Jougla Point, where you will find Gentoo penguins and blue-eyed cormorants. At nearby sites, such as Damoy Point, there may be the opportunity to snowshoe to the old ski slope, this is also one of the favorite camping sites.

- Pléneau and Petermann Islands: If ice conditions They allow it is possible to navigate the Lemaire Channel in search of Adélie penguins and blue-eyed cormorants. Kayaking, glacier hiking and more ambitious mountaineering are the potential activities on this site.

- Neko Harbor: An epic landscape of gigantic glaciers and endless snow, Neko Harbor offers opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and a landing that will allow you to see up close the surrounding alpine peaks.

< b> - Paradise Bay: Here you will have the opportunity to camp like a true polar explorer, enjoying a supreme adventure during the Antarctic night.

- Canal Errera: Possible landing sites in this area include Danco and Cuverville Islands.

Conditions in the Drake Passage will determine the exact time of departure.

Days 11 - 12: Known Seas, Known Friends
The return journey is far from lonely. During the crossing of the Drake he is once again greeted by the seabirds that accompanied him during the journey south. But this time they will be more familiar to you, and you to them.

Day 13: Round Trip
Every adventure, no matter how great, must eventually come to an end. It is time to disembark in Ushuaia, but with memories to accompany you wherever your next adventure may be.
INCLUDED
* The trip on board the ship mentioned as indicated in the itinerary.
* All meals during the trip on board the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
* All excursions and activities in Zodiac during the trip.
* Program of talks by notable naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition team.
* Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
* Transfer of luggage from the collection point to the ship on boarding day, in Ushuaia.
* Group transfer with prior notice from the ship to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
* All miscellaneous service and port taxes during the program.
* Comprehension material prior to departure.
* All activities offered, such as camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, hiking, mountaineering and photography workshop.
* Equipment necessary for all activities on land
NOT INCLUDED
* No airfare is already on scheduled or charter flights.
* Prior or subsequent arrangements on the ground.
* Passport and visa expenses
* Government arrival and departure taxes
* Meals on land.
* Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance
* Charges for excess baggage and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunications charges.
* Tips at the end of the trip for waiters and other service personnel on board (guidelines will be provided).
OTHER
Please keep in mind:

* The expedition is English speaking

* The itinerary is an orientation, activities and programs may vary according to local weather conditions and the state of the ice in order to take advantage of opportunities for wildlife watching. The expedition leader on board will determine the final itinerary.

* The itinerary may include places that require permission to board, which must be granted by the relevant national authorities. Such permission is not granted prior to the publication of these itineraries.

* Flexibility is crucial on expedition cruises.

* Average cruising speed for m/v Plancius is 10.5 knots.

* Tips: The usual tip for the ship`s crew and expedition leader is made as a blank contribution at the end of the voyage. You will receive detailed guidelines on board. Tipping is a very personal matter and the amount is at the discretion of each passenger. As a generally accepted guidance, we suggest USD 8.00 to USD 10.00 per person per day. It is better for the team if we hand over the money in dollars and in cash.
WHAT TO BRING?
* Insurance: It is recommended that all passengers have personal travel insurance.

* Recommendations for clothing: In keeping with the atmosphere of our expeditions, it is recommended to wear informal clothing on board. Wear casual and comfortable clothing for all activities. Note that much of the spectacular scenery can be seen from the deck, and it can be slippery there. Wear sturdy shoes with non-slip soles and make sure your jacket is always close at hand. Wear several layers of clothing, as it is warm on board, but it is cold on deck.

* Recommendations for the Camp: You should be ready for a night outdoors at polo. Regulations prohibit the grounding of any type of fuel or heating equipment. This means that you must bring: Thermal underwear - Sunscreen - Polar vest or jacket - Sunglasses - Thick socks (with extra pairs) - Down jacket - Warm gloves or mittens - Jacket and breathable pants (eg Gore - Tex) - Thermal inner gloves (fleece) - A fleece or similar turtleneck or scarf - Warm hat

* Kayak Recommendations: All kayaking trips are led by certified and experienced guides, but you should always be careful when kayaking in the polar regions. We will provide you with suitable outerwear for practice. Kayak excursions are limited to 14 passengers per kayak guide. This number allows the guides to keep track of everyone and make sure they provide support in scaling the tour to the skill level of the group. A safety boat will accompany the activity in case of emergencies. All the equipment for the activity is included (Paddles with anti-drip rings - Basic wetsuits (4 mm neoprene) in different sizes - Spray cover for kayak - Light waterproof jacket (cagoule) - Life jacket/kayak vest - Hiking boots neoprene).

Reviews of Antarctica - Base Camp

Write a review

Great experience in Ushuaia
27/03/2022
Reviews

If you are visiting Ushuaia for some days, consider the cruise Antarctica - Base Camp. We had a really great time!

Reviewed by Hellen
Best cruise in Ushuaia
07/03/2022
Reviews

If you are looking for a cruise in Ushuaia, you should consider booking the expedition Antarctica - Base Camp. It´ll be an experience you won´t forget!

Reviewed by Hellen