Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent plus Cape Horn & Diego Ramirez
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent plus Cape Horn & Diego Ramirez
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent plus Cape Horn & Diego Ramirez
13 Days Starting and ending in Buenos Aires
Visiting: Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Cape Horn, Diego Ramírez Islands, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PUE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 199
Physical rating:
Leisurely
Age range:
18 to 99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Antarctica is an incredible destination with the power to transform those who are fortunate enough to experience it. This voyage has been designed to give you the very best of the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, and the chance to land at the historical landmark of Cape Horn, and potentially visit albatross nesting grounds at Diego RamÃrez Islands as well. Conquer the famed Drake Passage; explore majestic natural environments by Zodiac and on foot; get up close and personal with penguins, whales and other wildlife; and enjoy talks on history, biology and glaciology by our onboard Polar experts.Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries—now it’s your turn. Be among the first guests on our pioneering new vessel, Ultramarine. This purpose-built vessel is designed to extend the boundaries of Polar exploration and offer an unmatched Antarctic experience, including a flightseeing tour you’ll never forget and a range of adventure options more extensive than any other ship in its class. We’re excited to host you on your unforgettable adventure!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Buenos Aires, Argentina
Location: Buenos Aires
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
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 : Â Fly To Ushuaia And Embark
Location: Ushuaia
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.Â
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.Â
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.
Day 3 : Cape Horn & Diego Ramirez
Location: Cape Horn, Diego Ramírez Islands
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depending on conditions, we aim to start our journey to the 'edge of the
earth' with a visit to historic Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). At the
southernmost point of the Tierra del Fuego ('Land of Fire') archipelago, the
most isolated place in the Americas, this steep, rocky headland on Hornos
Island marks the northern boundary of the famous Drake Passage, where the
Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet. From the 1700s to the early 1900s, prior to
the opening of the Panama Canal, this cape was part of a major global trade
route. If sea and weather conditions allow, you may go ashore for a hike out
to the lighthouse, the tiny Stella Maris ('Star of the Sea') Chapel, and the
albatross-shaped monument honoring the many mariners who lost their lives
attempting to 'round the Horn.' Atop the 1,394-foot (425 metre)-high
windswept promontory, pause for a moment to take in the panoramic view and to
enjoy the peaceful solitude that can only be found at one of the most
southern stretches of land in the world.
Our ship will then continue cruising farther south, to the Diego RamÃrez
Islands, the most southern point of South America and one of the
least-explored places on the planet. This small archipelago was actually
thought to be the southernmost land mass in the world when it was discovered
in 1619 by the Spanish Garcia de Nodal expedition. Named after the
expedition’s cosmographer, the archipelago held this distinction for 156
years, until Captain James Cook’s discovery of the South Sandwich Islands
in 1775. Weather-permitting, we’ll Zodiac cruise around these tussock
grass-covered islands to admire the abundant birdlife. A designated Important
Bird Area, and part of the recently-designated Diego Ramirez Islands and
Drake Passage Marine Park, the archipelago is home to millions of breeding
seabirds, and an exceptional place for birdwatching. Binoculars in hand,
birders will marvel at the sight of multiple species of albatross (these
islands are the southernmost albatross breeding ground in the world),
including Black-browed albatross, Shy albatross and Grey-headed albatross.
Sightings of dolphins, South American Fur seals, and Rockhopper, Macaroni and
Magellanic penguins are also possible here.
If conditions look more promising toward the end of your expedition, this
itinerary day may take place after your Antarctic Peninsula exploration.
Day 4 - 5 : Crossing The Drake Passage
Location: Drake Passage
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself.
While being well taken care of by our expert onboard staff and leaders,
you’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the ocean, take pictures of
seabirds swooping around the ship, and get to know your Expedition Team and
fellow travellers.
Day 6 - 10 : South Shetland Islands And Antarctic Peninsula
Location: South Shetland Islands
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Once the Drake Passage is left in our wake and the South Shetland Islands
come into view, your Antarctic adventure truly begins. You will begin to
appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and
travellers alike. On every visit to Antarctica, we witness something new or
unexpected, which means your expedition will be unlike any other—a unique,
personal experience.Â
Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local
bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront of
our minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for Humpback
and Minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species,
including the cunning Leopard seal.Â
The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you hike
snowy pathways to vantage points offering panoramic views of your
surroundings. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one
moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence,
and the next you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into
a brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear.Â
Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes—such as penguins
squabbling over prized pebbles—become indelible memories.Â
Each day will be different, carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to
inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.Â
Day 11 - 12 : Crossing The Drake Passage
Location: Drake Passage
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides a final opportunity to
enjoy the invigorating Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck watching for
seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition
Team, and celebrate the experiences you've shared exploring the remarkable
world of Antarctica.Â
Day 13 : Disembark In Ushuaia And Fly To Buenos Aires
Location: Ushuaia, Buenos Aires
Meals Included: Breakfast
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The
mandatory transfer package includes a little 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.Â
What's Included
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Meals
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners. -
Beer and wine at dinner
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All accommodation
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We can include flights from the UK. Please contact us for a quote.
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All transport and listed activities
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All meals while on the ship
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Tour leader throughout and qualified Expedition Staff
What's Not Included
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Single accommodation (available on request)
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Mandatory Charter Flights Buenos Aires to Ushuaia Return - from £850 (or equivalent in booking currency) paid on booking
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Travel insurance
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Visas or vaccinations
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.
Accommodation
The Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent plus Cape Horn & Diego Ramirez is offered on the Ultramarine which is a Polar Adventure Ship. Polar Adventure Ships These are small ice rated vessels well qualified for Polar waters. Intimate adventures are always more enjoyable with like-minded passengers and staff, so these voyages are for people who like flexible itineraries and plenty to keep them busy. Activities include frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking and many hours on deck in areas that other ships only dream about accessing. Food and staff are superb and every guest benefits from the technical advances of this superb fleet. Rest assured our Polar Adventure Ships enable any traveller to maximize their experience sensitively in the Poles.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
199
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. No visa required for holders of British passport.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
18+ people czn go on this tour
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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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.
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus 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 charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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