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Antarctic Small Ship Expedition

From Ushuaia to Antarctica

Trip Length: 10 Days
Group Size: 1-2
Difficulty: Easy
From: USD $9,495 Referential price - Low Season (Based on 2 Passengers)
Enquire now

Journey to the Edge: Exploring the Antarctic Frontier

Begin your Antarctic adventure in Ushuaia, Argentina, sail through the Beagle Channel, cross the Drake Passage, and explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula with expert-led excursions, before returning to Ushuaia.

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Highlights

Highlights

  • Explore Antarctica.
  • Observe various wildlife.
  • Sail through pristine landscapes.
  • Hop aboard a modern Antarctic Cruise.

Itinerary

Day 1: Embarkation in Ushuaia

Ushuaia, Argentina

Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Board your ship and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Antarctica.

Important note: Boarding in Ushuaia is exclusively between 15:00 hrs. and 16:00 hrs. At 16:00 hrs., boarding will close. Please be on time. Keep your passport on hand and allow enough time to clear port security and reach the vessel.

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Days 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage

Drake Passage

Sail towards Antarctica across the famous passage named in honor of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th-century British explorer. As you sail en route to the South Shetland Islands, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the glass-enclosed lounge or the outside decks. You may spot magnificent sea birds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to Antarctica. After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the environment changes noticeably. Keep your camera ready, as this is the time to watch for the first icebergs and the sight of Antarctic land.

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Days 4-7: Exploring Antarctica

Antarctica

Cruise through the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, exploring ice-filled fjords and icebergs while observing wildlife. Disembark daily with expert guides to explore, and enjoy views from the ship's lounge. Each journey is unique, with flexible itineraries set by the Expedition Team to maximize natural opportunities. Visits may include sites like Paulet Island and Paradise Bay. The adventure includes active landings, Zodiac cruises, and lectures, with departure on Day 8, weather permitting.

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Days 8-9: Sailing back to South America

Drake Passage

Return to South America with a northbound crossing of the Drake Passage. Relax and take the time to watch for wildlife from the bridge or outside decks and participate in the presentations offered on various Antarctic topics in the lounge.

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Day 10: Arrival & Disembarkation in Ushuaia

Ushuaia, Argentina

The program ends upon arrival at the port in Ushuaia.

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Included

Included

  • Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
  • For guests visiting Punta Arenas, exclusive access to Explorers House.
  • Ship cruise as indicated in the itinerary corresponding to each expedition.
  • Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship offering a variety of dishes.
  • Dinner served daily on board the ship offering a choice between one of three main courses.
  • Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board the ship.
  • Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship throughout the expedition.
  • Loan of waterproof boots for landing.
  • All guided shore excursions.
  • Lectures and entertainment on board.
  • Access to exclusive content on the Antarctica21 app on board Magellan Explorer.
  • Landing fees and IAATO passenger fee.

Not included

  • Flights, accommodation, meals, excursions, and transfers other than those included in the itinerary corresponding to each voyage.
  • Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
  • Gratuities.
  • Visas for Chile, Argentina, the UK and/or other destinations included in your itinerary, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.

Accommodation

Accommodation for this trip can be on either of these two vessels:

The Magellan Discoverer

The Magellan Discoverer offers a luxurious travel experience with modern amenities, spacious cabins, gourmet dining, and stunning views. Guests can enjoy a fitness center, sauna, and library, all supported by a professional crew for a memorable journey through pristine regions.

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The Magellan Explorer

The Magellan Explorer is a modern vessel for polar expeditions, offering comfortable cabins, gourmet dining, and leisure facilities like a gym, sauna, and library, all supported by an experienced crew for a safe and memorable journey through remote landscapes.

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 A21_MAG01_BB_ MAG_2019_TomArbanPhotography Cabins (11)A21_MAG01_BB_ MAG_2019_TomArbanPhotography Cabins (08) A21_MAG01_BB_ MAG_2019_TomArbanPhotography Cabins (16)

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Facts

Departures

March 11th to 20th, 2027.

For other dates, please inquire with our Travel Experience Designers.

Starting / finishing point

This trip starts and ends in Ushuaia.

Physical demands

This trip suits those not prone to seasickness and are able to walk gently over flat terrain. It is not physically demanding.

Group size

The Magellan Explorer has a capacity for 76 guests.

Transport

Transport outside the ship will be in 4 seat vehicles or vans.

Important Trip Details

Antarctica21's expeditions cater to adventurous travelers in good health, requiring flexibility due to changing conditions. Participants come from over 40 countries, sharing a passion for adventure. Travelers must complete an online Participation Form at least ninety days before departure and have adequate medical and cancellation insurance. While itineraries aim to be followed, changes may occur due to unpredictable weather, prioritizing safety. Clients are advised against using expensive luggage and should consider luggage insurance, as Antarctica21 is not liable for damage. English is the official language, and non-English speakers should travel with someone who understands it for safety and enjoyment.

Weather

The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to the winds that circle the Antarctic landmass, making the weather hard to predict. Fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning; even in summer (December to March), you should come prepared to find strong cold winds (up to 130km/hr) and rainfall. Summer’s average temperature is 11ºC (52ºF), ranging between 2 to 24ºC (35 to 75ºF).

What you need to bring

The average temperature in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) during the time of our visit is in the 5 - 10°C (40 – 50 °F) range. The average temperature in South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula area during the time of our visit is about 0°C (32°F), although sometimes it may feel a little lower because of the wind chill factor. For this reason, it is best to wear several layers of light, warm clothing. The suggested clothing for Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic regions is very similar to that recommended for skiing: thermal underwear, a couple of warm and wicking mid-layers, a windproof and waterproof jacket, plus pants as the outer layer. You will also need a hat, a scarf, waterproof and insulated gloves, and sunglasses with high UV protection. The pre-departure material provides further details. We also suggest packing comfortable clothes to wear on board, as well as rubber-soled shoes for walking around on the outside decks.

* Image courtesy of Antarctica21.

BOOK NOW

To book, please contact us at reservations@cascada.travel

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