Basecamp Antarctica Expedition Cruise

Day 1

Arrive in Buenos Aires. Transfer to your hotel in downtown Buenos Aires.

Upon your arrival at the airport, one of our local representatives will greet you and accompany you to your hotel in downtown Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires is a sophisticated, cultured, and cosmopolitan city, renowned for its intriguing museums and the captivating port area of La Boca, with its cobblestone streets and brightly coloured houses.

The city centre boasts the colonial heartland, government buildings, and churches, alongside chic shopping districts that exude a nostalgic Parisian ambiance. The bohemian neighbourhood of San Telmo is dotted with charming old houses, antique shops, tango bars, and elegant restaurants.

Slightly further from the centre is the Recoleta district, which vividly reflects French belle époque and Italian influences. Buenos Aires is also home to the widest avenue in the world, Avenida 9 de Julio, which is 140 meters wide and has up to seven lanes in each direction. Additionally, the city boasts the largest number of bookstores per capita in the world, making it a paradise for book lovers.

Stay at - Hotel Emperador

Day 2

City tour of Buenos Aires

Your city tour begins on Avenida 9 de Julio, where you’ll see the iconic Obelisk, a cherished symbol of Buenos Aires. Traveling along this grand avenue, you’ll encounter the 19th-century Teatro Colón, renowned globally for its remarkable architecture and exceptional acoustics. The tour then leads you to Plaza de Mayo, encircled by the historic Metropolitan Cathedral, the town hall, and the presidential palace, Casa Rosada.

If time allows, the tour extends to the enclave of La Boca, a neighbourhood initially established by Italian immigrants, celebrated for its vividly painted, corrugated iron houses. La Boca is also notable for its vibrant arts scene, featuring numerous street performers and artists who contribute to its lively atmosphere.

Stay at - Hotel Emperador

Day 3

Fly to Ushuaia, in Tierra del Fuego

Proceed to the airport and catch your flight to Ushuaia, located in Tierra del Fuego, at the southernmost tip of the continent. The flight duration is approximately 3-5 hours, depending on the number of stops.

Ushuaia has experienced rapid growth in recent years, driven by government incentives for settlers, its status as a Free Port, and its role as a tourist hub. Most Antarctic cruises depart from here. The city’s setting is breathtaking, with jagged mountains surrounding it down to the Beagle Channel’s shore.

Many voyage operators offer a pre-cruise overnight stay in Ushuaia. Some provide a direct transfer to the ship from the airport, while others leave the overnight stay up to you. When given the option, we always recommend an overnight stay to guard against potential flight delays.

Stay at - Hotel Albatros

Day 4

Embark the ship and Navigate the Beagle Channel

Transfer to the port and board your chosen vessel. After settling into your cabin, set sail and begin your navigation of the scenic Beagle Channel, surrounded by towering mountains. The channel is named after HMS Beagle, the ship that carried Charles Darwin during his famous voyage of discovery.

Stay at - Hondius

Days 5-6

Drake Passage crossing

Enter open water and traverse the Drake Passage. Crossing the Antarctic Convergence Zone, where three mighty oceans meet, can be a bumpy ride, but the upwelling and mixing of nutrients mean both marine and bird life are attracted in great numbers. Various species of albatross and petrels are often seen in the skies above, while up to 15 species of whale (including humpbacks and blues) could be spotted in the waves below.

Stay at - Hondius

Days 7-13

Landings and excursions around the Antarctic Peninsula

As you approach landfall, you’ll be greeted by dramatic landscapes of grey stone peaks dusted with snow, towering blue-white icebergs, and a variety of wildlife. Your journey will take you past the snow-capped Melchior Islands and through the Schollaert Channel, between Brabant and Anvers Islands.

As with all expedition cruises, your itinerary is flexible and subject to change at any time. No landings or excursions are ever guaranteed, but the experienced crew will ensure that the most is made of the time available and, while conditions may change the plan, they will not spoil the fun.

Potential destinations may include the following (note that different vessels may target different regions):

• Neumayer Channel: Here, the ship may anchor, allowing you to engage in various basecamp activities from the sheltered waters around Wiencke Island. Enjoy the alpine scenery with Zodiac and kayaking excursions, or venture inland for snowshoe hikes and gentle mountaineering, weather permitting.
• Port Lockroy: After navigating the Neumayer Channel, you might visit the historic British research station on Goudier Island, now a museum and post office. Activities around Jougla Point may include encounters with gentoo penguins and blue-eyed shags. Nearby sites like Damoy Point offer opportunities for snowshoeing to the old ski-way, a favourite camping spot.
• Pléneau & Petermann Islands: If ice conditions allow, sail through the Lemaire Channel in search of Adélie penguins and blue-eyed shags. This area is also known for sightings of humpback and minke whales, as well as leopard seals. Kayaking, glacier walks, and more challenging mountaineering are possible here.
• Neko Harbour: This stunning location, with its massive glaciers and wind-sculpted snow, offers Zodiac cruises and landings for close-up views of the surrounding peaks.
• Paradise Bay: Experience the ultimate polar adventure by camping overnight in this serene and beautiful bay.
• Errera Channel: Explore sites like Danco and Cuverville Islands, or the lesser-known but equally beautiful Orne Island and Georges Point on Rongé Island.

Stay at - Hondius

Days 14-15

Return across the Drake

As you cross the Drake Passage once more, you’ll be accompanied by the familiar seabirds you encountered on your journey south. The crossing is an opportunity to reflect on your experiences of the last few days, organise your photos and get some well-earned rest.

Stay at - Hondius

Day 16

Disembark the ship and fly to Buenos Aires

Disembark in Ushuaia, transfer to the airport and fly back to Buenos Aires. From here, either continue home, or extend your adventures elsewhere. Contact our team of Travel Experts, for ideas and inspiration.