Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
11 Days Starting and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina
Visiting: Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GQME
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 138
Age range:
8-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent" tour, a breathtaking expedition that takes you from Ushuaia, Argentina, through the legendary Drake Passage to the pristine wilderness of Antarctica. This adventure offers a unique opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring landscapes and diverse wildlife of the White Continent, including penguins, seals, and whales. Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions, with options for kayaking, camping, and snowshoeing, as you explore the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Onboard, indulge in luxurious amenities and enrich your journey with educational lectures on the region's history, geology, and ecology. This unforgettable voyage combines thrilling exploration with the comfort of an expedition cruise, promising an unparalleled experience in one of the world's most remote and captivating destinations.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
Location: Ushuaia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Welcome to Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica. Located at the southern tip of Argentina, these parts are known as Tierra del Fuego, often called ‘The End of the World’, but this is just the beginning of your Antarctic adventure. Those with a day or two may want to head to Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure, or if you've only got a few hours to kill, why not stroll around town and visit the waterfront overlooking the Beagle Channel. You might also like to sample some handcrafted chocolate at a local cafe in town. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at about 5 pm at your hotel, then you’re free to get ready for tomorrow!
Day 2: Embarkation In Ushuaia
Location: Ushuaia
Accommodation: Expedition ship
Accommodation Name: Expedition ship
Meals Included: Dinner
This afternoon, you’ll board your ship and your epic adventure south will begin! Take some time to settle into your cabin as you begin cruising the stunning Beagle Channel, named after the famed vessel 'The Beagle' that facilitated some of Charles Darwin's most significant voyages. The channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, and you’ll wave goodbye to Argentina with the knowledge that the next time you see land, you’ll be gazing upon the White Continent of Antarctica.
Day 3-4: Crossing The Drake Passage
Location: Drake Passage
Accommodation: Expedition ship
Accommodation Name: Expedition ship
The infamous Drake Passage, named after the famous English explorer Sir Francis Drake, separates the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from the southernmost tip of South America. It is often rough and turbulent but sometimes as calm as a lake. The next two days at sea offer time to attend a presentation or two given by your expedition team to prepare you for what lies ahead, from the geology of Antarctica to the history, wildlife and even the ice!
Sailing towards Antarctica, the temperature falls as you cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. The Antarctic Convergence is marked by an increased number of seabirds, whales and other species that are attracted by the nutrient-rich waters pushed to the surface by the colder waters of the polar region flowing north and meeting the warmer equatorial waters flowing south.
Head out on one of the outer decks to look out for the mighty albatross that fly overhead. Scan the waters for breaching whales and icebergs or gaze out from the windows of the observation deck. Keep on the lookout for the first sighting of land early evening on day four – this is the White Continent!
Day 5-8: South Shetland Islands And Antarctic Peninsula
Location: South Shetland Islands
Accommodation: Expedition ship
Accommodation Name: Expedition ship
You’ll spend the next four days exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula – a region that has captivated explorers for centuries. Explore the region by Zodiac, cruising among the icebergs and making shore landings where you’ll see penguins, climb to vantage points for spectacular panoramic views, and maybe visit a scientific or historic base. There may even be opportunities to day-paddle and snowshoe.
Antarctica has incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snow-capped peaks, icebergs and ice-strewn channels. The wildlife ranges from extensive colonies of chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins to crabeater, Weddell, fur and elephant seals and lots of birds. Look and listen for the mighty crack of a glacier calving. Maybe you’ll be one of the brave few to take a polar plunge into the icy Antarctic waters! Every day brings a new experience and new landing sites to explore.
As you cruise from one landing site to the next, enjoy the continued lecture program and take in the scenery from the outer decks.
An average day on board begins with a wake-up call from your Expedition Leader around 7 am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow expeditioners for breakfast. You’ll usually have two excursions per day – one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with lunch served onboard in between excursions. You’ll take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you’re hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or consorting with penguins.
Day 9-10: Crossing The Drake Passage
Location: Drake Passage
Accommodation: Expedition ship
Accommodation Name: Expedition ship
The next two days will be the journey back across the Drake Passage, with final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, watch presentations from your Expedition Team and celebrate the experiences shared exploring Antarctica.
Day 11: Disembarkation In Ushuaia
Location: Ushuaia
Today, you’ll arrive in Ushuaia, where your adventure comes to an end. With no further activities planned, you’re free to leave at any time after disembarkation. If you’d like to extend your stay here, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
What's Included
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Accommodation
1 night comfortable hotel, 9 nights expedition cruise ship -
Meals
10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners -
Polar Wildlife Viewing
Discover an unspoiled wilderness, looking out for polar wildlife like penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds from your onboard deck and during your onshore landings on the White Continent.
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Zodiac Excursions
Cruise the Antarctic waters during daily Zodiac excursions.
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Onboard Educational Lectures
Benefit from various onboard activities, including educational lectures on history, geology, and ecology by your expert expedition team.
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Onboard Amenities
Luxuriate in the amazing onboard amenities, like the spa, sauna, and bar.
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Exploration of Antarctic Peninsula
Explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula on an adventure from Ushuaia through the Drake Passage and the South Shetland Islands.
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Expedition Cruise Ship
Travel on an expedition cruise ship with Zodiac excursions.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional paddling excursion and other adventure options like kayaking, camping, and snowshoeing are available at an additional cost.
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Booking Conditions
A deposit of 25% of the total invoice amount is required at the time of booking, with balances due 120 days prior to departure.
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Additional Costs for Some Activities
Some activities must be booked prior to departure and incur an additional cost.
Transport
Expedition cruise ship , zodiac
Accommodation
1 night comfortable hotel, 9 nights expedition cruise ship
Important Information
This trip is operated on either the World Explorer or Ocean Explorer ship. Please check the dates and availability section to see which which ship is used on each voyage.Your voyage is operated by our sister company, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.One nights pre expedition hotel is included in Ushuaia. The exact hotel will be provided on your final documentation.Your trip finishes in Ushuaia at the port on day 11 in the morning after breakfast, please do not book onwards flights on this day untill after 12 pm midday."BOOKING CONDITIONSTo confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.Please refer to our ""Booking terms and conditions"" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions, http://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions"ADVENTURE OPTIONSSea kayaking, camping and Padding excursions are available to book on the Ocean Explorer ship.Sea kayaking, camping, Stand Up Paddleboarding and Padding excursions are available to book on the World Explorer ship.Some activities must be booked prior to departure and incurs an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking.Camping is only offered on the early season voyages November, December and early January.
Mode of Transport
Travel aboard an expedition cruise ship, complemented by daily Zodiac excursions, providing an immersive and adventurous journey through the Antarctic waters.
Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay with 1 night in a hotel and 9 nights aboard an expedition cruise ship, offering a unique blend of relaxation and adventure as you explore the Antarctic region.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the Antarctic Explorer tour?
During the Antarctic Explorer tour, you can expect to see a variety of polar wildlife including penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds. The region is home to extensive colonies of chinstrap, gentoo, and Adelie penguins, as well as crabeater, Weddell, fur, and elephant seals.
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What activities are available during the Antarctic Explorer tour?
The tour offers a range of activities including daily Zodiac excursions, kayaking, camping, photography, and snowshoeing. Onboard activities include educational lectures on history, geology, and ecology, as well as access to amenities like the spa, sauna, and bar.
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What is the typical daily schedule like on the Antarctic Explorer tour?
A typical day on the tour begins with a wake-up call from the Expedition Leader around 7 am, followed by breakfast. There are usually two excursions per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with lunch served onboard in between. Excursions include Zodiac trips to explore glaciated bays, channels, and landing sites.
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What should I expect when crossing the Drake Passage?
Crossing the Drake Passage can be rough and turbulent, but sometimes it is as calm as a lake. During the crossing, you can attend presentations by the expedition team and look out for wildlife such as seabirds and whales from the deck.
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Are there any optional excursions available on the tour?
Yes, optional excursions such as sea kayaking, camping, and paddling are available. These activities must be booked prior to departure and incur an additional cost. Spaces are limited, so it's recommended to inquire at the time of booking.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions