Spirit of Antarctica
with Aurora Expeditions
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
USD
$13,195
|
Days
12
|
Nights
11
|
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
USD
$13,195
|
Days
12
|
Nights
11
|
Introduction
Embrace the spirit of polar exploration on this classic expedition to the coveted white continent.
Sail across the famed Drake Passage, admiring spectacular seabirds and approaching the ice as the explorers of old did: by sea. With a chance to Zodiac cruise through pack ice, set foot on the continent, choose from a range of adventure options and even perhaps camp under pastel polar skies, this is the quintessential Antarctic voyage for adventure-lovers.
Highlights include: Searching for orcas and minke whales in icy bays, observe busy penguin colonies building their nests and perhaps catch a glimpse of baby penguin chicks as they hatch. You may even want to take the polar plunge and join an exclusive club!
Your ship: Aurora Expeditions ships feature the streamlined Ulstein X-BOW, which cuts through the swell so you feel fewer vibrations and disturbances, making a quicker transits through waves. The ships carry 15 zodiacs, which you can board via four dedicated, sea-level launching platforms. Accommodating an average of 132 expeditioners per voyage within 76 cosy, comfortable cabins – all cabins have a view of the ocean and 85% of cabins have their own balcony. The ship also features a modern lecture lounge, multiple observation areas, zodiac launching platforms, a restaurant serving excellent meals, a gym and wellness centre, jacuzzis, a mudroom and many other amenities.
The Greg Mortimer: Accommodating an average of 132 expeditioners per voyage within 76 cosy, comfortable cabins – all cabins have a view of the ocean and 85% of cabins have their own balcony. The ship also features a modern lecture lounge, multiple observation areas, zodiac launching platforms, a restaurant serving excellent meals, a gym and wellness centre, a mudroom and many other amenities. The ship showcases other unique features such as custom-designed hydraulic platforms, sea-level Zodiac platforms for efficient loading off the ship, two jacuzzis and much more!
Sylvia Earle: Accommodating an average of 130-140 expeditioners per voyage, every cabin on the Sylvia Earle has an ocean view and nearly all have balconies. The ship also features a modern lecture lounge, multiple observation areas, Zodiac launching platforms, a restaurant serving excellent meals, a gym and wellness centre, jacuzzis, a mudroom and many other amenities.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon you’ll receive detailed information about activities and schedule available for your Antarctic journey. You’ll then have time at leisure to visit the town or just relax at your room.
NB: Today you can choose to add a visit to Beagle Channel and Isla de Los Lobos cruise (sea lion island) on day 2 of your journey.
Day 2 : Embarkation
After breakfast your luggage will be transferred ahead of your arrival on board. Your morning is at leisure to explore Ushuaia.
If you opted to join a catamaran cruise to Beagle Channel and Isla de Los Lobos, you’ll be met at 12:45 and transfer to the port at 1:00pm. You’ll board a catamaran and sail the Beagle Channel, towards the city’s iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. Crossing the Bridges Archipelago we’ll slow down to watch colonies of sea lions and imperial cormorants sun themselves on the rocky outcrops, while gulls, rock cormorants, skuas, petrels, albatrosses and cauquenes are often sighted.
Alternatively, enjoy your day at leisure and meet at your hotel lobby at 3.45 pm to be transferred to the pier for embarkation.
Once onboard, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin before a mandatory briefing. As the ship pulls away from port, you’ll gather on the deck to commence an adventure with spectacular views over Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego.
This evening enjoy a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling adventure to Antarctica.
Day 3 : Drake Passage crossing
As we commence the Drake Passage crossing, we make the most of our time getting comfortable with the motions of the sea. Our expedition team prepare you for our first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures, and start our lecture program to help you learn more about Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment. Our wildlife experiences begin as we enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following in our wake. They rise and fall skillfully, using air currents created by the ship to gain momentum.
Day 4 : Drake Passage crossing
Nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on day four, the excitement is palpable with everyone converging on one of the observation decks, watching for our first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once we are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first big iceberg sighting is likely to remain with you for a lifetime. Weather permitting, we may attempt our first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.
Days 5 – 9 : Antarctic Peninsula
It is almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever. Because you’ll be so far south, you’ll experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish.
Your experienced expedition team will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. Generally there’ll be landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day.
You will want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula. While ashore, wander along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below.
If you have chosen an optional activity, you will have the option to do participate in the activity whenever conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters – conditions permitting!
In addition, cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge (open at the captain’s discretion) for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour. Listen out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve into sea. Take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of the pristine paradise of the splendid white continent.
Days 10 & 11 : Drake Passage Crossing
Today, our landings come to an end as we enter the Drake Passage for our return journey to South America. With lectures and film presentations to complete our Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and experienced, and the impact this voyage has had on our attitude to life. As we approach the tip of South America, our Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.
Day 12 : Ushuaia
During the early morning, we cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where you will be free to disembark around 8:00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as we all continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature.
NB: At the conclusion of the voyage, we do not recommend booking flights departing Ushuaia prior to 12:00 pm on the day of disembarkation in case there are delays.
Need Help?
Pricing
Pricing (per person), USD
TYPE |
TWIN from |
SINGLE from |
EXTRA from |
---|---|---|---|
2024 | |||
27 October, Greg Mortimer | |||
Aurora Stateroom Twin |
US$13,195 |
||
Balcony Stateroom B |
US$15,095 |
||
Balcony Stateroom Superior |
US$17,695 |
||
Junior Suite |
US$22,195 |
||
12 November, Sylvia Earle | |||
Aurora Stateroom Superior |
US$14,895 |
||
Balcony Stateroom B |
US$16,095 |
||
Balcony Stateroom Superior |
US$18,895 |
||
Junior Suite |
US$23,795 |
||
22 November, Sylvia Earle | |||
Aurora Stateroom Superior |
US$15,595 |
||
Balcony Stateroom B |
US$16,895 |
||
Balcony Stateroom Superior |
US$19,895 |
||
Junior Suite |
US$24,895 |
||
8 December, Greg Mortimer | |||
Aurora Stateroom Twin |
US$15,395 |
||
Balcony Stateroom B |
US$17,595 |
||
Balcony Stateroom Superior |
US$20,695 |
||
Junior Suite |
US$25,995 |
||
2025 | |||
6 January, Greg Mortimer | |||
Aurora Stateroom Twin |
US$15,995 |
||
Balcony Stateroom B |
US$18,295 |
||
Balcony Stateroom Superior |
US$21,495 |
||
Junior Suite |
US$26,995 |
||
Sole occupation of a cabin incurs a 60% surcharge. |
Special Offer
Savings & Credits!
Book and pay your deposit by 28 June 2024 to save from 10% to 20% on departures Oct 2024 – Jan 2025.
Plus, enjoy a US$2,000 per person credit on the Oct/Nov 2024 departures.
Savings vary per departure and apply to the voyage only. The credit may be used to decrease the voyage cost. As the promotion is capacity controlled, the offer is subject to availability at the time of booking.
Solo Traveller Offer
Aurora Expeditions can pair you with a like-minded traveller based on gender and your selected cabin category, to save you paying the solo surcharge. If they are unable to find you someone to share with, the solo surcharge is waived.
Departs
2024 | 2025 |
27 Oct | 6 Jan |
12, 22 Nov | |
8 Dec |
Included
• Arrival transfer from airport to hotel
• One night’s hotel accommodation with breakfast in Ushuaia
• Ushuaia city tour (lunch not included)
• Onboard accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
• All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage
• Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner
• Captain’s Welcome and Farewell reception
• All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
• Educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team
• Onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
• A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
• Complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage
• Comprehensive pre-departure information
• Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
• Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
Not Included
Optional activities including:
• Sea kayaking
• Ski/snowboard touring
• Snowshoeing
• Camping
• Please enquire about pricing of optional activities.
Gratuity
• A US$15 per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or increase/decrease the amount) when you settle your bill. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.
• It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members.
Important Notes
• Pricing is dynamic and subject to change and availability
• At the conclusion of the voyage, we do not recommend booking flights departing Ushuaia prior to 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation in case there are delays
• This itinerary as a guide only, as changes may occur due to unpredictable sea and weather conditions – flexibility is key these expeditions
Please refer to World Journeys terms & conditions
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