True Antarctic Peninsula Expedition
True Antarctic Peninsula Expedition
This eleven-day expedition is built for travellers who want to be active in Antarctica, not simply to observe it. The route follows the classic Peninsula pattern, from Ushuaia across the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, but the emphasis falls on getting out among the ice. Alongside the Zodiac cruises and shore landings, you can sea kayak through still, mirrored bays, hike to high vantage points for panoramic views, paddle a stand-up board in sheltered water, or camp a night on the ice under the polar sky. Each day is shaped by the conditions and led by a seasoned expedition team, and there is always the choice between a fuller, more active agenda and quieter time on deck. For those who want their Antarctica close-up and hands-on, this is the expedition.
Itinerary highlights
Follow the classic Peninsula route from Ushuaia, sailing the Beagle Channel and crossing the Drake Passage to the far south.
Sea kayak through sheltered, ice-strewn bays, paddling in Antarctic stillness as penguins swim alongside.
Hike snow paths to high vantage points for sweeping views over the peninsula's mountains and glaciers.
Explore by Zodiac among icebergs and ice floes, with up to two outings a day shaped by weather and wildlife.
Camp a night ashore on the ice, conditions permitting, for the deepest immersion in the polar wilderness.
Take the bracing polar plunge into the Southern Ocean, cheered on by your fellow travellers and the expedition team.
Encounter gentoo, chinstrap and Adelie penguins, several seal species and whales including humpbacks, minkes and orcas.
Travel with an expert expedition team and refine your photography with guidance from onboard specialists.
True Antarctic Peninsula Expedition
This eleven-day expedition is built for travellers who want to be active in Antarctica, not simply to observe it. The route follows the classic Peninsula pattern, from Ushuaia across the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, but the emphasis falls on getting out among the ice. Alongside the Zodiac cruises and shore landings, you can sea kayak through still, mirrored bays, hike to high vantage points for panoramic views, paddle a stand-up board in sheltered water, or camp a night on the ice under the polar sky. Each day is shaped by the conditions and led by a seasoned expedition team, and there is always the choice between a fuller, more active agenda and quieter time on deck. For those who want their Antarctica close-up and hands-on, this is the expedition.
Itinerary highlights
Follow the classic Peninsula route from Ushuaia, sailing the Beagle Channel and crossing the Drake Passage to the far south.
Sea kayak through sheltered, ice-strewn bays, paddling in Antarctic stillness as penguins swim alongside.
Hike snow paths to high vantage points for sweeping views over the peninsula's mountains and glaciers.
Explore by Zodiac among icebergs and ice floes, with up to two outings a day shaped by weather and wildlife.
Camp a night ashore on the ice, conditions permitting, for the deepest immersion in the polar wilderness.
Take the bracing polar plunge into the Southern Ocean, cheered on by your fellow travellers and the expedition team.
Encounter gentoo, chinstrap and Adelie penguins, several seal species and whales including humpbacks, minkes and orcas.
Travel with an expert expedition team and refine your photography with guidance from onboard specialists.
What's Included
- One night's hotel accommodation in Ushuaia before embarkation
- Arrival and departure transfers
- All shipboard accommodation aboard a small expedition vessel
- All meals on board throughout the voyage
- Zodiac excursions, shore landings and guided hiking with an expert expedition team
- Daily lectures, the onboard educational programme and photography guidance
- Loan of expedition boots for shore landings
- An expedition parka to keep
- Port taxes and fees
What's Included
- One night's hotel accommodation in Ushuaia before embarkation
- Arrival and departure transfers
- All shipboard accommodation aboard a small expedition vessel
- All meals on board throughout the voyage
- Zodiac excursions, shore landings and guided hiking with an expert expedition team
- Daily lectures, the onboard educational programme and photography guidance
- Loan of expedition boots for shore landings
- An expedition parka to keep
- Port taxes and fees
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Ashley | Expedition Planner
FAQs
Alongside the included Zodiac cruising and shore landings, this expedition is built around active options such as sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, guided hiking and, on select departures, camping a night on the ice. The polar plunge is a popular addition. Some activities are bookable in advance at extra cost and run when conditions allow.
Most activities are designed for reasonably fit beginners and are led by experienced guides, though sea kayaking usually asks for some prior paddling experience given the cold-water conditions. You choose your level of activity each day, from a full active agenda to quieter time on deck.
You cross the Drake Passage over days three and four heading south, and again on days nine and ten returning north. Each crossing takes about two days, with conditions ranging from calm to lively.
The route and Drake timing are the same, but this itinerary places active pursuits, kayaking, hiking, paddling and camping, at the centre of the experience rather than offering them only as occasional extras. It suits travellers who want to be physically immersed in the landscape.