trip specifics

price

reservations are recommended.

The Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp cruise is geared toward the adventure traveler interested in actively exploring Antarctica up close, away from the ship. This Antarctic adventure cruise spends more time in fewer locations allowing for more exciting adventures and more up close wildlife encounters. Choose from numerous activities such as kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, camping, mountaineering, photography workshops and scuba diving. An international team of Antarctic expedition leaders provide leadership and insights into the nature and history of Antarctica with lectures, briefings and field excursions. Cruise aboard the recently refurbished 110 passenger Motor Vessel Plancius. This is no ordinary Antarctic tour.

The Antarctic Peninsula is part of the Antarctic Continent and is the southern continuation of the mountain chain that runs from North America through South America into the Scotia Sea. Here it continues as a mainly sub-marine ridge, the Scotia Ridge, until it comes above sea-level at the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. The peninsula consists of an 500 mile long mountain chain, the highest peaks rising to approximately 9,186 feet, and numerous off-lying islands. The Antarctic Peninsula offers the most dramatic scenery and biggest variety of wildlife in Antarctica. Visitors are easily overcome by sensory overload by the huge amount of ice-bergs, glaciers, high mountains and the abundant and tame wildlife.

Day 1 - Ushuaia, Argentina

In the afternoon, embark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world located at the Beagle Channel and cruise through this scenic waterway for the rest of the evening.

Accommodations: M/V Plancius
Included Meals: dinner

Days 2-3 - The Drake Passage

Cruise across Drake Passage. This famous passage is notorious for its high winds and rolling seas and crossing it is as much a part of the Antarctic experience as penguins and krill. All the great explorers have braved the Drake Passage. When we cross the Antarctic Convergence, we arrive in the circum-Antarctic up-welling zone. In this area we may see varieties of albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars, and petrels. Near the South Shetland Islands, we glimpse our first icebergs. If the winds are favorable we might do our first landing in Antarctic waters in the evening of the third day at Aitcho Island or Penguin Island at the South Shetlands. These volcanic islands are windswept and often shrouded in mist and fog, but do offer subtle pleasures. There is a nice variety of flora (mosses, lichens and flowering grasses) and fauna, such as gentoo penguins, chinstrap penguins and southern giant petrels.

Accommodations: M/V Plancius
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 4-9 - High Antarctica Adventure

Cruise directly to “High Antarctica”, passing the Melchior islands and the Schollaert Channel between Brabant and Anvers Island. Cruise to the Neumayer Channel, to position our ship for the multi activity base camp. The protected waters around Wiencke Island will become our playground for all activities. In this alpine environment there great opportunities to scout the region on foot, per zodiac and during kayak trips. Walkers will find opportunities to use snowshoes on hikes near the shore lines and the mountaineers will find their challenge by climbing hills and view points further inland, ie. Jabet Peak (540 m). All climbs and excursions can only be conducted in good weather conditions.

Plan to stay two overnights at anchored aboard the Plancius in order to implement two camp nights and two full activity days. Visit the British research station and post office Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Close to Port Lockroy we may also offer a landing on Jougla Point with Gentoo Penguins and Imperial Shags. Cruise through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Pleneau and Petermann Island where we can find Adelie Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags. In this area there are good chances to encounter Humpback Whales, Minke Whales and Fin Whales.

Our second Basecamp night will be erected near the continent, choose a camp site which is suitable and close to next days activity. The mountaineers hope to reach the summit of Mt Demaria (640 m) at Waddington Bay. A visit to one of the scientific stations in Antarctica will give you an insight about the life of modern Antarcticans working on the White Continent. Further south we may have time to visit the Ukrainian Vernadsky Station, where we will receive a warm welcome from the station crew.

When cruising to Paradise Bay, with its myriad icebergs and deep cut fjords, the opportunity for zodiac cruising and kayaking between the icebergs in the inner parts of the fjords is available. In this area we have good chances to see Humpback Whales and Minke Whales. Hikers, mountaineers and photographers will spend time ashore.

In afternoon at Neko Harbor enjoy the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Continent in a magnificent landscape of huge glacier and enjoy the landscape during zodiac cruises, hikes and kayak excursions. A small group of mountaineers may climb up on higher grounds of the glacier. Spend the night at Neko or near Paradise Bay with a camp erected ashore.

Back aboard the Plancius leave Neko Harbor in the early morning after breaking our last camp. Cruise via Melchior Islands towards the open sea of the Drake Passage. We have again a chance of seeing many seabirds.

Accommodations: M/V Plancius
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10&11 - At Sea

In the Drake Passage, again have the chance of seeing many seabirds and taking advantage of the knowledge of our lecture team.

Accommodations: M/V Plancius
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12 - Ushuaia, Argentina

Arrive in the morning and disembark in Ushuaia.

Accommodations: M/V Plancius
Included Meals: breakfast


Images by Franco Banfi

Notes on Itinerary: Read this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife we encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Field Camping: On some Antarctic voyages we offer an exciting ‘open air’ camping option, which gives an intensive experience of the Antarctic wilderness. Special gear and field equipment will be provided: tents, wind and waterproof bivouac bags (lightweight alternative to a tent system). This shelter will protect you from the elements during the night in the open air of the Antarctic. Mattresses and polar sleeping bags provide comfort during the night. The maximum number of participants for this camping option is 30 participants per night. One expedition guide will conduct the activity ashore. Camping is always subject to weather, local site and environmental regulations. 1 night has to be booked prior to the trip; any extra nights (if those are possible) must be arranged onboard. Additional nights will be charged by the Hotel Manager. For more details please refer to the activity manual.

Hiking: During designated hiking voyages we exceed our normal shore excursion walking program. In general we plan to offer 3 possibilities to become active ashore. There will be easy, moderate and more demanding walks available in the vicinity of the landing sites. There will be walks available to suit everyone’s capability. In the Antarctic we are planning on two hikes per day, each 2 - 3 hours long during morning and / or afternoon landings. In the Arctic we also offer several full day walks (5 – 7 hrs) with packed lunch. The final decision on those hiking options will be met by the Expedition Leader on the day of the excursion. We recommend bringing a proper pair of hiking boots and gaiters. Snowshoes will be provided (for hikers only) on board. Those will fit all boot sizes and can be used in combination with Plancius’s rubber boots. Hiking is free of charge.

Kayaking: In general we plan to at least offer 4 kayaking days. Basic kayaking experience is required and physical fitness is essential. Parallel to all other activities we are planning on offering kayaking excursions during morning and / or afternoon landings. The final decision on those excursions will be met by the Expedition Leader. Plancius will provide kayaks and neoprene wet suits. Kayakers will bring their own personal gear. Kayaking is subject to weather and prevailing ice conditions.

Mountaineering This is a technical and more strenuous activity for mountaineers who wish to walk beyond the shore radius in order to reach higher grounds and view points. Mountaineers walk in rope parties under the leadership of a certified mountain guide mostly across glaciated environment in Antarctica. Depending on the landing site, glacier walks can vary from half day to full day outings.In general we plan to offer 3-4 glacier excursions parallel to all other activities during designated “Basecamp Plancius” voyages. Mountaineering knowledge is preferable, but not required. Physical fitness is essential. The maximum number is limited to 6 mountaineers per rope party. Special glacier equipment will be provided: ropes and carabiners, harnesses, helmets, ice axes and crampons. Participants will bring their personal protective outdoor clothes, mountaineering boots (leather or plastic) suitable for using crampons. A qualified mountain guide and assistant will supervise and guide the activity for a maximum of 12 mountaineers at a time.

Photo Workshop: Photo workshops for beginners and advanced photographers under the supervision of a photo expert on board are available on selected Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp cruises. Everybody is welcome to participate, no previous experience required. The workshop group (up to 20 participants per guide per landing, and up to 14 participants per guide on other voyages) will be accompanied by the photo expert during activity ashore. Participants with a special interest in photography will bring their personal photo equipment. During cruise days everybody will be able to listen into photo lectures and workshops in order to learn more about objects, exposures and photo composition. The workshop does not intend to instruct on how to use specific camera models, but more to give an insight on better photo results by respecting basic rules of photography. Photographers can also take part in other activities of their choice. Photo workshops are free of charge on Basecamp voyages, and supplemented on other coded voyages. The photo workshop must be pre-booked prior to departure.

Single Travelers: Standard twin cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the share price. Request the Twin or Quadruple Share Program where we match you with a cabin mate(s) of the same gender. Even if we are unable to find a cabin mate for you, no single supplement will be charged.

Children: There is no age requirement, however we recommended minimum age of 12 years old for this expedition. - Children must be able to safely navigate a steep gangway, by themselves, in variable conditions. Expedition Leaders will determine if children are allowed on shore excursions and landings. If an Expedition Leader determines a child's participation in these activities is unsafe the child must stay on board, accompanied by an adult. On board our vessels we do not have any children facilities or activities, parents must bring all games, etc. Parents must be aware there is no hospital nearby and it may take several hours, sometimes even days to eventually get to the hospital. Parents are responsible for their children at all times, on land and on board. There is no babysitting available. There is no running around in or outside the vessel. Parents must provide a child’s life vest in order for the child to go into the zodiac.

Arrival/Departure Information: The Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp cruise aboard M/V Plancius begins and ends in Ushuaia. Embarkation time is between 4:00 – 5:00pm on day of departure. We strongly advise all passengers to arrive the night prior to departure and get a hotel in Ushuaia to avoid baggage and flight delays. The ship sails around 6:00pm on day of departure. Disembarkation is after breakfast on final day between 8:30 – 9:00am. Please schedule flights based on these time frames. Get a free flight quote.

Land Cost Includes: Voyage aboard the designated vessel as indicated in the itinerary; All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea; Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes aboard ‘Plancius’; Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation); All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac; Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff; All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; Comprehensive pre-departure material. Expedition jackets can be pre-irdered for a special price.

Not Included: Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post land arrangements; transfers to the vessel; passport and visa expenses; Government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Fuel Surcharge: If world fuel prices will reach or exceed US $ 80 per Barrel Brent 90 days prior to departure, we reserve the right to levy a fuel surcharge of US $ 25 per night per passenger, to be paid.

Reservations and Payment: A deposit of $1,000 per person is required to confirm a reservation on this Antarctic voyage. The deposit may be paid by bank wire transfer, check, money order or major credit card. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. We do NOT accept credit cards for Final Payment. Final payment can be made by check , money order or bank wire transfer. All prices and payments are in US dollars and no other currencies can be accepted.

Cancellation Policy: A special cancellation policy applies to all Antarctic and Arctic trips, which is stricter than the AdventureSmith Explorations policy. All requests for cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received:
Outside 60 days prior to departure deposits are forfeited.
Between 59-30 days prior, 30% of total price is forfeited.
Inside 29 days, all deposits and tariffs are forfeited.

Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is required for this trip. Consider Travelex Select or Max policies to ensure the best level of coverage. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Vessel Descriptions: Click vessel links above for individual vessel descriptions. Motor Vessel Plancius accommodates up to 110 passengers and have ice-strengthened hulls designed specifically for polar travel.

Accommodations and Services Aboard: Vessels accommodate passengers in comfortable cabins. Public areas include a Lounge and bar with facilities for slide shows and lectures; Views are excellent from the large, open decks and the navigation bridge, where passengers are always welcome. The chefs produce a varied menu and the comfortable bar is stocked with a good selection of wine. Inform us of any special dietary requirements; however, note that the galleys unfortunately can not prepare kosher meals. The ship officers and crew are all highly experienced in ice navigation. The atmosphere aboard is relaxed and informal, more like a private expedition than a cruise.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health, has full mobility, and leads an active life. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join any off-vessel excursions, passengers must be able to navigate the steep, 30-stair, gang-way, un-assisted both down and up. Daily excursions from the boat will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will take excursions to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist. You are traveling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition, or need daily medical treatment.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.


We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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