Antarctica by Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains & Remote Lands
Antarctica by Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains & Remote Lands
Antarctica by Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains & Remote Lands
12 Days Starting and ending in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Visiting: Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea, Drake Passage
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PUK
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 199
Age range:
18-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Offering helicopter adventures no one else can, our cutting-edge 12-day Antarctica by Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains and Remote Lands itinerary maximizes opportunities to explore the interior of the magical 7th Continent, as well as Erebus and Terror Gulf, Antarctic Sound and the great Weddell Sea.? Anticipate unrivalled views you never dreamt possible: sculpted icebergs arising from the depths of the sea; and snow-capped peaks you’re tempted to reach out and touch as you fly by. Enjoy two Heli Flightseeing adventures and one Heli Excursion—all included in the price of your voyage—while exploring in the comfort of Ultramarine.
You’ll learn what it's like to step out of a helicopter onto Antarctica and gaze upon polar landscapes previously seen by just a few fearless explorers. In fact, some areas of the east side of the Peninsula resemble the planet Mars.?Ultimately, this innovative voyage on board Ultramarine—with its two twin-engine helicopters—will translate into the expedition of a lifetime.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Buenos Aires, Argentina
Location: Buenos Aires
Accommodation Name: group hotel
You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel.
Day 2 : Fly To Ushuaia And Embark
Location: Ushuaia
Accommodation Name: Ultramarine
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier. After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next land you see will be the Antarctic!
Day 3 : Crossing The Drake: A Polar Rite Of Passage
Location: Antarctic Peninsula
Accommodation Name: Ultramarine
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Crossing the legendary 800-km stretch of water is a must-do for many travellers. Prepare yourself for dramatic seascapes as you stand on the deck of Ultramarine and gaze at the water stretching beyond the distant horizon. Be on the lookout for dolphins, whales, and seabirds, especially albatrosses, petrels and skuas as they glide over the sometimes rough waters. As the ship approaches the Antarctic Peninsula, keep your eyes peeled for your first glimpse of towering, multi-shaped icebergs.
Day 4 : At Sea With Polar Experts
Location: Antarctic Peninsula
Accommodation Name: Ultramarine
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we cross the Antarctic Convergence, moving into the biological Antarctic, where the warmer waters of the sub-Antarctic meet the cold Antarctic. Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.
Day 5 - 9 : Explore The Weddell Sea By Water, Land, & Air
Location: Weddell Sea
Accommodation Name: Ultramarine
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Helicopter operations in Antarctica are acutely weather-dependent. We have designed this itinerary so we can spend time each day in stunning locations that allow us to enjoy helicopter opportunities if the weather allows and, alternately, to maximize your experience of Antarctic wildlife, ice and landscapes when flying conditions are not favourable. Each day on the Antarctic Peninsula will showcase the flexibility and technical prowess of our industry-leading expedition team, pilots and crew.
As Ultramarine gains access to the Antarctic Peninsula, our team will look for opportunities to experience Antarctica beyond the coast and over the expansive glacial terrain of the last great wilderness.
Together, Antarctic Sound, Erebus and Terror Gulf and the north-western Weddell Sea are the theatre of this venture. Initially we plan to sail into Antarctic Sound where we will visit two towering geological features:
Madder Cliffs on Joinville Island, and Brown Bluff on the most northerly tip of the Antarctic Continent. Our goal is to visit large Adélie penguin colonies in this area by Zodiac. Gentoo penguins and seals also frequently roam this coast. There will be time to marvel at the impressive topography, namely the 678 metre (2,225-foot) volcanic rock cliffs at Brown Bluff- though, if weather allows, we may pivot from our marine operations and embark on our first flightseeing experience of the voyage. What you will have just seen from sea, you will now experience from the sky as you gaze over the vastness of Antarctica with the perspective of a snow petrel.
Continuing through Antarctic Sound and into Erebus and Terror Gulf, located on the tip of the southeast side of the Antarctic Peninsula, Ultramarine will be positioned to maximize both helicopter and Zodiac excursions. The James Ross Island group, which comprises several Islands, offers myriad opportunities to explore historically relevant sites that were discovered by the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04. Upon landing, we plan to hike to a summit to view an Adélie penguin colony, as well as the northern Weddell Sea. If the tide is low, there may be grounded bergs in the shallow waters— a surreal sight you're unlikely to encounter on many polar expeditions. These islands, highly valued for their geological significance, are home to fossil finds, ventifacts (ancient rocks polished smooth over time by wind and grains of sand) and the remains of the KT Boundary, which marks the transition between the Cretaceous Period (dinosaurs and reptiles) and the Tertiary Period (mammals). Our goal is to provide opportunities for you to see ventifacts up close, to better appreciate the significance of wind erosion-by sand or ice particles— over long periods of time. These ventifacts provide valuable information about the climatic history and prevailing wind patterns of the region.
As already mentioned, atmospheric conditions influence when and where we fly-on any day of our voyage-at any of the superb locations in the region.
When not flying, we'll shift our focus from geology to wildlife. For instance, we could Zodiac cruise to Devil Island and head out on a hike that will allow participants to appreciate the twin towering cones of ash and hardened lava that rises from a bay on the north shore of Vega Island. Alternatively, we may aim for renowned Paulet Island, home to one of the largest Adélie penguin rookeries in the area, as well as the historic hut built by members of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04. A cross marks the grave site of Ole Wennersgaard, a member of the crew.
Another potential destination for helicopter operations includes the dramatic headland on the north-eastern tip of Joinville island. One of the first features you'll see as we approach the island by air is, of course, the distinct rocky headland sticking out of the rugged, icy landscape. This prominent landmark has proven useful for navigation and exploration over the years.
Expect a dramatic finale to the helicopter-focused segment of the expedition as we prepare to return back across the Drake Passage. While our team has devised multiple back-up plans-crucial on any polar expedition- our ultimate goal at this point is a heli-flightseeing excursion to Livingston Island, home of the most spectacular mountains of the South Shetland Islands. Among the towering peaks you'll see from air are the Tangra Mountains (stretching 32 kilometres long by 8.5 kilometres wide), Mount Friesland (rising to 1,700 metres/ 5,578 feet) , Bowles Ridge and Pliska Ridge (667 metres/2,188 feet).
Another landing option is Deception Island. Along with waddling penguins and lounging seals, you can also see the rusting remnants of long-ago whaling operations on the beach. The landscape of Deception Island often presents opportunities for longer walks to striking vistas. The stark contrast between snow and dark volcanic sand, and the geothermic steam along the shoreline gives this location an atmospheric feel.
Day 10 : At Sea Day: Rejuvenate And Relax On Ultramarine
Location: Drake Passage
Accommodation Name: Ultramarine
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take some time, as we journey back across the 800-kilometre Drake Passage, to relax after your off-ship adventures.
Ultramarine is home to Tundra Spa, where you can book a soothing facial treatment or massage. Additionally, you can also relax in the sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows that keep you connected to the polar seas while you rejuvenate indoors.
Day 11 : At Sea Day
Accommodation Name: Ultramarine
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your polar learning isn't over. Join our on-board experts as they continue to share their vast polar expertise through scheduled presentations in our Ambassador Theatre. The state-of-the-art, high-resolution LED screen wall in the main theatre ensures high-definition viewing of presentations from your Expedition Team from any angle. This is an excellent opportunity to ask any lingering questions you have about any aspect of your Antarctic experiences.
Day 12 : Disembark In Ushuaia And Fly To Buenos Aires
Location: Ushuaia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Iou will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a taste of Patagonia with a Tierra del Fuego National Park tour before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
What's Included
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All meals while on the ship
All meals are included while on the ship, offering a variety of international menus including vegetarian options.
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Beer and wine at dinner
Beer and wine are included with dinner.
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All accommodation
All accommodation during the tour is included.
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All transport and listed activities
All transport and activities listed in the itinerary are included.
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Tour leader throughout and qualified Expedition Staff
A tour leader and qualified expedition staff will accompany you throughout the journey.
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Mandatory transfer package
The mandatory transfer package includes return charter flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.
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Flights from the UK
Flights from the UK can be included upon request.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Single accommodation
Single accommodation is not included but is available on request.
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Visas or vaccinations
Visas or vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately.
Accommodation
The Antarctica by Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains & Remote Lands is offered on the Ultramarine, a Polar Adventure Ship. These small ice-rated vessels are well-suited for Polar waters, offering intimate adventures with flexible itineraries and superb food and staff, maximizing the polar experience.
Food
All meals while on the ship included.
Typical Meals
The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide variety of drinks from around the world on sale.
Breakfast: Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal.
Lunch: Three course set meal or buffet, or the occasional BBQ.
Dinner: Three or four courses with a starter of soup and/or salad, a choice of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a dessert, with tea and coffee.
Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday - please do inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so that our local team can be well prepared.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes a mandatory transfer package with return charter flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. The journey to Antarctica is aboard the Ultramarine, a Polar Adventure Ship, with helicopter excursions and Zodiac trips for exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and Weddell Sea.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including dolphins, whales, seabirds such as albatrosses, petrels, and skuas, as well as Adélie and Gentoo penguins and seals along the coast.
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Are there any educational opportunities during the tour?
Yes, there are educational opportunities during the tour. The Expedition Team will lead presentations on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. Additionally, there are scheduled presentations in the Ambassador Theatre on board the ship.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes helicopter flightseeing excursions, heli-landings, off-ship excursions by Zodiac, and opportunities for hiking and exploring historical sites. There are also opportunities to relax and rejuvenate on the ship with facilities like the Tundra Spa and sauna.
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What is the significance of the ventifacts and KT Boundary on the tour?
The ventifacts are ancient rocks polished smooth over time by wind and grains of sand, providing valuable information about the climatic history and prevailing wind patterns of the region. The KT Boundary marks the transition between the Cretaceous Period and the Tertiary Period, offering insights into geological history.
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What is the role of the Expedition Team during the tour?
The Expedition Team is responsible for leading presentations, guiding excursions, and ensuring a flexible and enriching experience. They are highly qualified and work alongside pilots and crew to maximize the tour experience, especially during helicopter operations.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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