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polar regions: antarctica

Antarctic Explorer

Fully discover the 7th continent on the Antarctic Explorer cruise. This 10- to 12-day expedition offers the perfect chance to discover the best of the Antarctic Peninsula, the last continent’s most northern region. You’ll be delighted by penguins, seals and whales as they accompany you on your journey along the Antarctic coastline. Landing on the continent itself is a memorable highlight, where you’ll explore the iconic sights that make this one of the world’s most pristine, exotic and unforgettable natural environments. There is an in-depth education program, covering all aspects of the biology, politics and history of Antarctica. Beginning and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina, your small ship cruise to Antarctica will experience the wildlife and scenic highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. This expedition is delivered at a comfortable pace, perfect for first-time polar travelers or travelers with limited time to experience Antarctica.

The main Antarctic Explorer itinerary cruises over 12 days, and there are 10- and 11-day itinerary variations available. Three small ships operate the itinerary: the 112-guest Sea Spirit, the 122-guest Sea Adventurer and the 189-passenger Ocean Diamond. Each Antarctic Explorer departure includes up close exploration on guided hikes, shore walks and small craft excursions. Optional activities (additional cost) include kayaking, camping, cross-country skiing photography clinics and mountaineering. No experience is necessary for activities but advanced reservations are required as space is limited. Become one of the fortunate few to have set foot on the continent of Antarctica!

Day 1 - Ushuaia, Argentina

Upon arrival at the Ushuaia airport you are met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore this 'frontier town' at leisure. With a population of more than 63,000 people, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. The city has grown over the past few years, yet it has retained an easy going and accessible feel. With the sea to the south and mountains to the north, Ushuaia is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruise. If you arrive early, you can spend some time in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, enjoy some Argentinean wines and barbecues in the city or visit the many boutique shops and cafes before for your expedition to Antarctica.

Accommodations: Hotel Albatros or similar
Included Meals: n/a

Day 2 - Embark Antarctic Explorer Cruise

Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This historic channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of excitement upon departure - the next time you see land the ship will be in the world’s most southern continent!

Accommodations: Sea Spirit, Ocean Diamond or Sea Adventurer
Included Meals: dinner

Days 3-4 - Crossing the Drake Passage

Prepare for rough water, but do not be disappointed if your crossing is smooth sailing. The Drake is always changing! You’ll spend these first days getting to know your shipmates, while the ship's crew provides safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead.

Accommodations: Sea Spirit, Ocean Diamond or Sea Adventurer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 5-9 - South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

When the Antarctic Convergence is left in the ship's wake, you truly begin your Antarctic adventure. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition. You can begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every visit brings something new or unexpected, meaning your expedition will be unlike any other.

Take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore bays, channels and landing sites each day. Visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and Minke whales and search for a number of the southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal. The majesty of the Peninsula’s mountains will enchant you as you scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360° views of your surroundings. One of these in particular, in Orne Harbor, gives the opportunity to visit a chinstrap penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here you’ll have the choice between going for a mountain hike or spending time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach to enjoy the antics of curious penguins. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, participating in the Polar Plunge swim is about as crazy as it gets!

Amidst the peaceful silence of Antarctica, noisy interruptions become indelible memories such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles or the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbor. You can make a bit of noise yourself too by listening to the echo of voices bounce off a giant glacier. Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team so as to entertain and educate you on this stunning landscape.

Accommodations: Sea Spirit, Ocean Diamond or Sea Adventurer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 10-11 - Drake Passage to Ushuaia

The journey back across the Drake Passage provides you with some final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy a few final presentations by your Expedition Team or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.

Accommodations: Sea Spirit, Ocean Diamond or Sea Adventurer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12 - Disembark Ushuaia

Disembark after breakfast and transfer by bus to the Antarctic Unit office located at the entrance to the pier. Continue your adventure on land, or if you are departing on the morning flight, the transfer continues to the airport.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Alternative Itinerary: The itinerary presented here is for the 12-day voyage - the 11-day voyage has one less day along the Antarctic Peninsula, and the 10-day voyage has two less days along the Antarctic Peninsula. The February 13, 2014, 11-day voyage features a distinct itinerary, traveling to Antarctica via Cape Horn.

February 13, 2014 Antarctic Explorer Via Cape Horn
Day 1 - Ushuaia, Argentina
Day 2 - Embarkation
Day 3 - Cape Horn
Day 4 - Crossing the Drake Passage
Days 5-8 - South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Days 9-10 - Drake Passage to Ushuaia
Day 11 - Disembark Ushuaia

Sailing Schedule: This itinerary is operated by three small ships. See the table below to determine which ship operates on which date.

Nov 15 - Nov 24, 2013 - Sea Adventurer
Nov 22 - Dec 03, 2013 - Sea Spirit
Dec 01 - Dec 11, 2013 - Ocean Diamond
Dec 10 - Dec 20, 2013 - Ocean Diamond
Dec 19 - Dec 29, 2013 - Ocean Diamond
Dec 28 - Jan 07, 2014 - Ocean Diamond
Jan 04 - Jan 15, 2014 - Sea Spirit
Jan 06 - Jan 16, 2014 - Ocean Diamond
Jan 14 - Jan 25, 2014 - Sea Spirit
Feb 06 - Feb 17, 2014 - Sea Spirit
Feb 13 - Feb 23, 2014 - Ocean Diamond
Mar 01 - Mar 11, 2014 - Sea Spirit

Itinerary Notes: 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.

Included: One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation with breakfast as indicated in the itinerary. (The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel.) Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping. All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage. (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.). All shore landings and Zodiac excursions per the daily program. Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities. Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled. Photographic Album on DVD. A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings. Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin. A Quark Expeditions parka. Coffee, tea, cocoa and bottled water available around the clock. Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader. A group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local airport. All baggage handling aboard ship. All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program. Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum of $100,000 per person.

Exclusions: Airfares to the embarkation point and from the disembarkation point; adventure options; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; hotel accommodations; supplement for single hotel accommodations; any meals ashore; baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance; excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for those who have served you aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Make your expedition experience even better by reserving a beverage package before you travel. Offered is both an all-inclusive (all beverages) and a non-alcoholic beverage package on all departures aboard the Ocean Diamond and Sea Adventurer ships. Choose from alcoholic beverages including a wide selection of domestic and imported beers, spirits, mixed drinks, cocktails and two varieties of red and white wine. Non-alcoholic drinks include unlimited soft drinks, water and juice. Prices start from $99 for non-alcoholic packages and $299 for all-inclusive packages. 2013/14 season beverage packages are $350 Ocean Diamond and $275 Sea Adventurer for all inclusive, and $150 Ocean Diamond and $120 Sea Adventurer for non-alcholic; all beverages are included aboard Sea Spirit.

Room Configurations: Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. For those who desire single occupancy, cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the twin rate.

Families & Children: At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 8 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 64lbs or 29kg and 48 in. or 1.2 m. tall) must be met. Children under 16 years of age must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times, and may not participate in adventure options.

Arrival & Departure: When considering flights for your Antarctic Explorer Cruise plan to arrive Ushuaia, Argentina (USH) at any time on day 1. Plan flights to depart no earlier than 12 noon on the final day. Get a free flight quote.

Payment & Cancellation: A deposit of 20% (minimum $1,000 per person) is required to confirm a reservation on this Antarctic voyage. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. Payments by bank wire transfer, check, money order or major credit card are accepted. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Cancellations are subject to the following fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
180 days or more - $1000 per person admin fee
179 to 120 days - per person deposit amount is forfeited
119 days or less - all deposits and tariffs, whether paid or not

Terms & Conditions: 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 and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: Emergency evacuation insurance, to a maximum benefit per paying traveler of $100,000 USD, is included in the cost of this trip. In addition to the emergency evacuation insurance, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. 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. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Activities: Kayaking, camping, mountaineering, snowshoeing and/or cross-country skiing may be available on your Antarctic Explorer cruise. The following table details what activities may be available on each departure and their per-person cost. Key: (K) kayaking $950 Sea Spirit/Sea Adventurer, $895 Ocean Diamond; (C) camping $225; (S) snowshoeing included; (P) photography included; (CC) cross-country skiing $575; (M) mountaineering $595. The Ocean Diamond offers a kayak and camp package at $995 per person. Please call AdventureSmith for more details and to reserve activity space.

Nov 15 - Nov 24, 2013 - Sea Adventurer - S
Nov 22 - Dec 03, 2013 - Sea Spirit - C, K, S
Dec 01 - Dec 11, 2013 - Ocean Diamond - C, K, CC, P, S, M
Dec 10 - Dec 20, 2013 - Ocean Diamond - C, K, CC, P, S, M
Dec 19 - Dec 29, 2013 - Ocean Diamond - C, K, CC, P, S, M
Dec 28 - Jan 07, 2014 - Ocean Diamond - C, K, CC, P, M
Jan 04 - Jan 15, 2014 - Sea Spirit - C, K
Jan 06 - Jan 16, 2014 - Ocean Diamond - C, K, CC, P, M
Jan 14 - Jan 25, 2014 - Sea Spirit - C, K
Feb 06 - Feb 17, 2014 - Sea Spirit - C, K
Feb 13 - Feb 23, 2014 - Ocean Diamond - K, P
Mar 01 - Mar 11, 2014 - Sea Spirit - K

Qualifications: Antarctic Explorer 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.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com