Ushuaia - Ushuaia
Dec 27 2025 - Jan 6 2026
10 Nights
Price from per person
£9,356
Price from per person
Price from per person
Price from per person
Price from per person
Price from per person
Price from per person
Embark on the journey of a lifetime with our classic Antarctic Explorer voyage, an 11-day odyssey that unveils the unparalleled beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula. Perfect for first-timers, this expedition invites you to navigate the legendary Drake Passage aboard a state-of-the-art polar-class ship equipped for maximum stability and comfort.
Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Antarctica, venturing out on Zodiac excursions and on-foot explorations to witness its majestic natural wonders up close. Encounter its most charming inhabitants in their untouched habitats, from playful penguins and graceful whales to a myriad of other wildlife. Enhance your understanding and appreciation of this remote wilderness with enriching lectures on polar history, biology, and glaciology delivered by our onboard experts. Enjoy adventures from kayaking among icebergs, a polar plunge or camping under the southern stars.
Your adventure begins in Ushuaia, a lively port town situated in South America's southernmost point. This charming Argentine town serves as the perfect launching pad for your voyage and offers a gateway to the wonders of southern Patagonia. Before embarking on your journey, take the opportunity to soak in the breathtaking mountain views or indulge in handcrafted chocolates at a local café.
Your late afternoon embarkation marks the beginning of your voyage. Your ship sets course down the storied Beagle Channel, cutting through the Tierra del Fuego archipelago at the southernmost tip of South America. As you sail away, a sense of excitement fills the air—the next landfall you make will be on the southernmost continent on Earth!
During your days at sea, immerse yourself in engaging presentations delivered by your Expedition Team, covering topics like photography, wildlife, glaciology, and historical explorations. Between these informative sessions, enjoy moments on deck spotting wildlife or share stories and drinks with fellow travellers at the bar.
Arriving on the 7th Continent often evokes a profound sense of wonder and respect. Antarctica's sheer pristine beauty is ineffable, a testament to its status as one of the last unspoiled places on Earth. You'll quickly understand the allure that has drawn explorers and adventurers to its icy shores for centuries. Antarctica reveals new surprises with each visit, guaranteeing that your journey will be a one-of-a-kind, deeply personal exploration.
Daily Zodiac outings will transport you from your ship into the heart of glaciated inlets, through narrow channels, and onto remote landing spots. Under the watchful guidance of your Expedition Team, you'll traverse the stark Antarctic terrain, pay visits to scientific stations, or mingle with the local inhabitants—chinstrap, Adélie, and gentoo penguins. Keep your eyes peeled for various seals, including Weddell, fur, crabeater, the elusive leopard seal, and whales that might include humpbacks, minkes, and possibly orcas during your Zodiac adventures. Each trip ashore or cruise promises new wildlife encounters that will captivate and demand your lens's attention.
In the tranquil silence of the Antarctic wilderness, the occasional sounds of nature, from penguins quarrelling over stones to the thunderous spectacle of glaciers calving, leave a lasting impression.
Your days will unfold in a tapestry of unique experiences meticulously curated by your Expedition Team to enrich and enlighten your understanding of this magnificent corner of the globe.
The return voyage through the Drake Passage offers one last chance to relish the brisk Antarctic breeze. Take advantage of this time on deck to spot seabirds and look out for whales, immerse yourself in captivating presentations from your Expedition Team, and toast to the unforgettable moments you've experienced while exploring the wonders of Antarctica.
Upon reaching Ushuaia in the morning, you can extend your travels or board your return flights home.
Zodiac inflatable boats are integral to every expedition and perfect for exploring the polar wilderness. Zodiacs are used to ferry you to the shore and mini explorations amidst icebergs, whales, and seabirds. Throughout your expedition, they enable you to reach secluded spots only accessible by these sturdy watercraft.
Driven by our expert team of knowledgeable polar guides, we will explore the Zodiac daily as part of your expedition.
Immerse yourself in the thrill of hiking across the polar wilderness, led by our seasoned polar guides. Wander the vast tundra, marvel at the majestic glaciers, and breathe in fresh air amongst the natural scenery. It's an adventure that brings you into the heart of the Arctic's untamed beauty.
During each voyage, we carve out a special moment for the Polar Plunge, a thrilling dive into the icy waters, scheduled just once for those daring enough to leap. Our Expedition Leader and Captain are always on the lookout, assessing the weather and sea conditions to pick the perfect spot and moment for this exhilarating experience. Whether it's from the shore, off the gangway, or the edge of a Zodiac, participants, clad in tethered harnesses for safety, leap into the chilly embrace of the polar sea amid the cheers and encouragement of their fellow adventurers and the Expedition Team.
Safety is our top priority during the Polar Plunge. The onboard physician is always present to oversee the event, ensuring everyone's well-being. Additionally, our guides, suited in survival gear, patrol the waters in Zodiacs, ready to assist as guests make their splash into the frigid waters, whether it's a bold jump or an adventurous cannonball.
You'll join a select group of explorers boarding one of Ultramarine's dual-engine helicopters, embarking on an exhilarating trekking expedition to regions accessible only by air. The helicopter ride presents a breathtaking panorama of the vast polar expanse below, setting the stage for what's to come. Once you touch down, whether walking, hiking, or snowshoeing, the adventure continues with magnificent vistas of untouched ridges, icy landscapes, and snow-crowned peaks. This extraordinary heli-trekking experience promises to immerse you in the awe-inspiring beauty of Antarctica, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.
*An extra cost is applicable. Please enquire about fees and availability at the time of reservation. Please note places do sell out in advance, so forward booking is essential. Available only on Ultramarine departures.Â
Together with a select group of adventurers and guided by seasoned experts, you'll board one of Ultramarine's dual-engine helicopters, setting off toward an untouched polar sanctuary unreachable by traditional maritime routes. The journey there promises panoramic vistas from above, offering a rare, bird’s-eye perspective of the world below. With only 12 guests per group and a maximum of four groups per landing, the experience ensures ample space and time for each participant to peacefully reflect on the stunning landscapes. After savouring the tranquil moments and breathtaking scenery, the helicopter will return to whisk you back to Ultramarine, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure.
Our expedition team thoughtfully curates each heli-landing, carefully considering the day’s conditions and the unique characteristics of each landing site, to create a truly personalised and memorable experience.
*An extra cost is applicable. Please enquire about fees and availability at the time of reservation. Please note places do sell out in advance, so forward booking is essential. Available only on Ultramarine departures.Â
Embarking on an Antarctic Camping adventure is magical. Following dinner onboard, you'll glide ashore via Zodiac, where you'll bed on the snow in a snug bivy sack, ready for the night (though tents are available if preferred). After choosing your perfect spot, you'll set up camp and sink into the tranquillity of an unfolding Antarctic night.
*An extra cost is applicable. Please enquire about fees and availability at the time of reservation. Please note places do sell out in advance, so forward booking is essential.Â
Experience the beauty of the polar regions from the intimacy of a sea kayak. The onboard Sea Kayak Program gathers adventurers with a shared passion to explore the stunning landscapes of fjords, glacial fronts, or intricate sea ice formations together.
This program welcomes both novices and experienced kayakers to discover the polar regions from a distinctive vantage point. Depending on weather and operational conditions, the goal is to get kayaking as frequently as possible. Sea kayaking adventures typically begin with a Zodiac boat transferring participants from the ship to an optimal launch site. After exploring the waters, kayakers are brought back to the ship via Zodiac.Â
For safety, a Zodiac operated by a dedicated driver remains close at hand to provide help if needed. These kayak trips usually last from one and a half to three hours, blending adventure with unparalleled natural beauty.
*An extra cost is applicable. Please enquire about costs and availability at the time of reservation. Please note places on sea kayaking do sell out in advance, so forward booking is essential.Â
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUPing) offers a unique way to connect with the outstanding nature in Antarctica. Every guest embarking on this adventure benefits from certified SUP instructors' onboard and in-water guidance, which ensures you're well-prepared to navigate the waters. For added peace of mind, a safety driver remains on standby in a Zodiac, ready to provide assistance whenever needed. This unique experience not only connects you with the untouched beauty of the Antarctic but does so in a way that's both serene and exhilarating.
*An extra cost is applicable. Please enquire about costs and availability at the time of reservation. Please note places do sell out in advance, so forward booking is essential.
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