Antarctic Explorer

Antarctic Explorer

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11 Days
From

$7976

$7757

Antarctic Explorer

11 Days Starting and ending in Ushuaia

Visiting: Ushuaia, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage, ሀመር።, South Shetland Islands, Alexander Island, Cape Horn

Tour operator:

Exodus

Tour code:

PSX

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 189

Physical rating:

Leisurely

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Activities:

Boat/Cruise Excursion

From:
$7976
$7757 (USD) The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$219
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Tour Overview

It is a heady and inspiring cocktail of towering blue icebergs which refract searing blues and greens, whether against piercing clear skies or slate grey ones. It is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife: penguins of almost all descriptions, Leopard and smaller seals and whales, seen from the shore, the Zodiacs and from on board. This is a journey that appeals to many: photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, ornithologists or those who simply want to marvel at the peaks of Deception Island or the striking colours of Iceberg Alley in the most immaculate wilderness anywhere.

Highlights

  • Travel on a small expedition vessel

  • Explore the remarkable Antarctic Peninsula

  • Incredible wildlife viewing including seabirds, penguins, seals and whales

  • Accompanied by extremely qualified Expedition Staff

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Start Ushuaia, Argentina
Location: Ushuaia
Meals Included: No Meals

Begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of

South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the

southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get

active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.



Day 2 : Board Ship And Sail Along The Beagle Channel.
Location: Beagle Channel
Meals Included: Dinner

The morning is free to explore Ushuaia and the surrounding area, to do some

last minute shopping, stroll around Ushuaia and down to the port or maybe go

for a walk in the nearby National Park. The transfer to the ship takes place

in the afternoon. Once on board there is a get together for introductions to

the expedition team, to learn about the ship and its layout, talk about the

itinerary for the next 10 days and participate in the obligatory lifeboat

drill. Departure from Ushuaia is normally around 6:00 p.m, and we set sail

through the Beagle Channel in the early evening. The long days mean plenty of

evening light in which to experience the beauty of the channel, and to

perhaps enjoy your first wildlife sightings.



Day 3 - 4 : Cross The Drake Passage.
Location: Drake Passage
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sea conditions in the Drake Passage can vary from dead calm (known as 'Drake

Lake'), to rough and stormy (known as 'Drake Shake'). As you cross the Drake

Passage our team of experts is out on deck to help you spot whales and

identify seabirds. There is also a programme of talks, covering the wildlife,

the ice, and polar history to prepare you for your adventure to the 'White

Continent'. The excitement intensifies as you cross the Antarctic

Convergence, where the cold waters of the Antarctic Ocean meet the warmer

waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. You feel the change as the air

gets cooler. Huge icebergs loom up against the horizon in increasing numbers,

and Wandering albatrosses, petrels and other birds which thrive in this cold,

remote ocean are frequently seen.



Day 5 - 8 : South Shetland Islands And Antarctic Peninsula
Location: South Shetland Islands
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of

reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as

untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this

region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travellers alike.

Every time we visit Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which

means that your expedition will be unlike any other - creating a unique,

personal experience.



Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local

bays, channels and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will take care of you

at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a

research station or consorting with Chinstrap, Adélie and Gentoo penguins,

all of which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, Fur, Crabeater

and Leopard seals as well as curious whales, such as Humpbacks, Fins, or

perhaps Orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new

collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.



Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible

memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and

crack of a calving glacier.



Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition

Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.



Day 9 - 10 : Sail Back Through The Drake Passage.
Location: Drake Passage
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving the Antarctic Peninsula behind, our ship heads back across the

Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage. The crossing is completed with

the rounding of Cape Horn, weather permitting.



Day 11 : Disembark And End In Ushuaia.
Location: Ushuaia
Meals Included: Breakfast

In the early morning we arrive back in Ushuaia where your voyage ends. You

will be transferred either to town on to the airport for your onward flight

to Buenos Aires.



What's Included

  • Meals
    4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners.


* All meals while on the ship
* All accommodation
* All transport and listed activities
* Tour leader throughout and qualified Expedition Staff
* We can include flights from the UK.  Please contact us for a quote.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Visas or vaccinations

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

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 voyage is offered on the  Ocean Explorer and the World Explorer which are Polar Adventure Ships. One night in a standard hotel in Ushuaia included. Full board accommodation on the ship, generally on a twin share basis in a variety of cabin types, all with en suite facilities. Please visit the Polar Fleet page for Ship Information and Deck Plans.



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, kayaking and many hours on deck in areas that other ships only dream about accessing. Food and staff are excellent 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

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Yes

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    We can include flights from the UK. Please contact us for a quote.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 from Travellers on this Tour

Worth every penny!

So many pinch me moments every single day... Pengu

So many pinch me moments every single day... Penguins are just incredible to see waddling along their penguin highways, spectacular whale watching, stunning icebergs. I'd go again tomorrow! Loved the camping, paddling and polar plunge. Do it all! You won't regret it. Fabulous trip, great bunch of people, delicious food.

ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

WE had a wonderful experience in the Antarctic and

WE had a wonderful experience in the Antarctic and also spending a few days in Ushuaia before our departure on the Clipper Adventurer. Thanks must go to Kim Christie for sorting us out with travel and accommodation when the Ship broke down in December, 2011. Within a few moments of returning Kim rang to check we were home safely and 24 hours later we we rebooked on the February trip.

ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

An absolutely amazing trip that surpassed all expe

An absolutely amazing trip that surpassed all expectations. The cabin was bigger than expected, the food great, the wildlife plentiful and close, the crew were friendly, organisation was superb and there was so much to do I didn't even get to read my book!

ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

An unforgetable trip, can't begin to really de

An unforgetable trip, can't begin to really describe the Antarctic, it has to be seen to be believed.

ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

An excellent and informative introduction to Antar

An excellent and informative introduction to Antarctica. You could not wish for a better trip.

ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

It's true what they say - nothing will prepare

It's true what they say - nothing will prepare you for Antarctica. Not just in the don't-forget-the-sunscreen sort of preparation but the sheer beauty, wildness and silence of the place. The ship, although it was only the second trip it had done for Quark, was brilliant and we honestly couldn't fault the crew, food, comfort (except we didn't have a window: if you're offered cabin 330 on the Sea Spirit, ask to change it!) and overall planning and preparation for the trip. The trip leaders oozed enthusiasm, they were knowledgeable and were able to make last-minute alterations to the schedule to allow us to make the most of every glorious moment of this holiday. I doubt if I will go to Antarctica again, but if I could, I would go again with Exodus and Quark. The free coat was pretty cool too. Only downside was the long journey with the stop at Sao Paulo and the overnight at Ushuaia. Aerolineas Argentinas was delightfully quirky but Exodus had the foresight to allow plenty of transfer time so we didn't miss any connections. And a special "thank you" to their out-of-hours service (and in-hours service too!) for sorting out a couple of minor hitches with all efficiency and politeness.

ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

The whole trip was exceptionally well organised an

The whole trip was exceptionally well organised and was up there with my most inspriational trip ever (and I have done a fair bit of travelling!!)) Antarctica is definately a place you should experience a once in a lifetime experience.

ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

I cannot remember a time when the Antarctic was no

I cannot remember a time when the Antarctic was not at the top of my wish list. This trip not only met all my expectations, it far exceeded them! It is difficult for any review to do both the location and the expedition team justice.

ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

Wonderful trip. Well worth the effort despite som

Wonderful trip. Well worth the effort despite some stressful moments in the beginning. Antarctica is a very special place. Cannot be compared to any other travel experience. So glad I went. Would have given 5 stars but for my experiences prior to and at the beginning of the trip.

ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

A magical adventure amongst the whales, penguins a

A magical adventure amongst the whales, penguins and spectacular ice formations. I would have given this 5 stars but I get terminally seasick and loathe boats so 4 was the best possible really!!

Read all 22 reviews

Dates & Availability

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Tuesday - Friday

Nov 05, 2024 - Nov 15, 2024
$9671 $9405 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$266 (USD)

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Thursday - Sunday

Nov 14, 2024 - Nov 24, 2024
$9796 $9527 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$269 (USD)

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Friday - Monday

Nov 22, 2024 - Dec 02, 2024
$9306 $9050 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$256 (USD)

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Saturday - Tuesday

Nov 23, 2024 - Dec 03, 2024
$9515 $9253 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$262 (USD)

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Sunday - Wednesday

Dec 01, 2024 - Dec 11, 2024
$9796 $9527 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$269 (USD)

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Tuesday - Friday

Dec 10, 2024 - Dec 20, 2024
$10871 $10572 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$299 (USD)

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Saturday - Tuesday

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 07, 2025
$13495 $13124 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$371 (USD)

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Wednesday - Saturday

Jan 22, 2025 - Feb 01, 2025
$9940 $9667 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$273 (USD)

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Friday - Monday

Jan 31, 2025 - Feb 10, 2025
$10496 $10207 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$289 (USD)

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Sunday - Wednesday

Feb 09, 2025 - Feb 19, 2025
$10496 $10207 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$289 (USD)

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Tuesday - Friday

Feb 18, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025
$9796 $9527 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$269 (USD)

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Tuesday - Friday

Mar 11, 2025 - Mar 21, 2025
$7976 $7757 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$219 (USD)

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Thursday - Sunday

Nov 06, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025
$10076 $9799 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$277 (USD)

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Monday - Thursday

Nov 24, 2025 - Dec 04, 2025
$10706 $10412 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$294 (USD)

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Monday - Thursday

Dec 01, 2025 - Dec 11, 2025
$11696 $11374 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$322 (USD)

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Wednesday - Saturday

Dec 10, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025
$11696 $11374 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$322 (USD)

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Friday - Monday

Dec 19, 2025 - Dec 29, 2025
$12446 $12104 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$342 (USD)

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Saturday - Tuesday

Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 06, 2026
$12956 $12600 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$356 (USD)

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Monday - Thursday

Jan 05, 2026 - Jan 15, 2026
$12556 $12211 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$345 (USD)

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Wednesday - Saturday

Jan 14, 2026 - Jan 24, 2026
$11771 $11447 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$324 (USD)

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Friday - Monday

Jan 23, 2026 - Feb 02, 2026
$11771 $11447 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$324 (USD)

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Thursday - Sunday

Feb 26, 2026 - Mar 08, 2026
$9236 $8982 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$254 (USD)

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Saturday - Tuesday

Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 17, 2026
$9236 $8982 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$254 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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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