Antarctica Small Ship Expedition | Magellan

From Ushuaia to Ushuaia
  • All Antarctic Cruises
  • Antarctic Peninsula
  • Small Ship Cruising
  • Wildlife and Nature
View Similar Tours

Tour Description

Discover Antarctica on a small ship expedition cruise.

This exciting expedition will see you discovering the white continent of Antarctica onboard the Magellan Explorer. Sail the infamous Drake Passage from Ushuaia to Antarctica. Then explore ice-filled fjords, dramatic bays and inlets witnessing majestic mountains and spectacular icebergs. Take zodiac cruises and make shore landing to spot sea birds, a variety of penguins, seals, and whales along with expert polar guides.

The Magellan Explorer is modern expedition ship built in 2019 for polar expeditions. She takes a maximum of 96 guests and most cabins feature private balconies. The Magellan Explorer features a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, a well-stocked bar, a library, a meeting room, a gym, a sauna, and a medical clinic. The forward-facing observation deck leads to the ship’s bow, which is accessible to guests to offer proximity to marine wildlife. The ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching, perfect for your Antarctic adventure!

Viva's Best Bits...

Discover Antarctica's icy fjords and mesmerizing icebergs, a realm of unparalleled natural beauty.

A small ship adventure in Antarctica with less than 100 passengers means it will feel like your have these immense majestic landscapes almost to yourself!

Daily zodiac explorations and shore landings with skilled polar guides accompanied by enriching lectures, ensuring an unforgettable adventure.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Embarkation in Ushuaia

Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Board your ship and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Antarctica.

Important note: Boarding in Ushuaia is exclusively between 15:00hrs and 16:00hrs

Day 2
Crossing the Drake Passage

Sail towards Antarctica across the famous passage named in honour of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th-century British explorer. As you sail enroute to the South Shetland Islands, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the glass-enclosed lounge or the outside decks. You may spot magnificent sea birds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to Antarctica. After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the environment changes noticeably. Keep your camera ready, as this is the time to watch for the first icebergs and the sight of Antarctic land.

Day 4
Exploring Antarctica

Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Each day, disembark by Zodiac boat and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. From the ship enjoy spectacular vistas from the glass-enclosed lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests. No journey is the same as flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience each time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several locations that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel, or many other magnificent places. Our adventure will be very active, with several daily landings and cruises in Zodiac boats, lectures and a very enjoyable time on board. Departure from Antarctica will be in the afternoon or evening of day 8, depending on weather conditions.

Day 8
Sailing back to South America

Return to South America with a northbound crossing of the Drake Passage. Relax and take the time to watch for wildlife from the bridge or outside decks.

Day 10
Disembarkation in Ushuaia

The expedition ends upon arrival at the port in Ushuaia.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 9 nights accommodation onboard
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals onboard
  • Included Copy 20 Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner onboard
  • Included Copy 20 Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks onboard
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 All guided shore excursions and zodiac cruises
  • Included Copy 20 Lectures and entertainment on board
  • Included Copy 20 Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material
  • Included Copy 20 Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica
  • Included Copy 20 Landing fees and IAATO passenger fee
  • Included Copy 7 Domestic and International Airfares & Travel insurance. Personal expenses such as laundry onboard
  • Included Copy 31 Optional Activities: kayaking, snowshoeing
Transportation

Magellan Explorer

100 (75 on fly-cruise) Passengers

Activities

  • Included Sail across the Drake Passage, named after Sir Francis Drake.
  • Included Attend engaging lectures and presentations.
  • Included Watch for diverse wildlife from the ship's lounge or decks.
  • Included Encounter sea birds, penguins, seals, and whales.
  • Included Shore landings in Antarctica and zodiac expeditions
  • Included Optional kayaking and snowshoeing
Click here for dates & prices
Duration

10 days

Price from

$6,995 USD

Per person, twin share

Based on a porthole cabin

Select Date