Title
Weddell Sea - Basecamp
Start – End
Tripcode
HDS23-26
Language
English
Ship
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Ushuaia - Ushuaia
Nights / Days
12 nights
Voyage overview
The Weddell Sea Basecamp voyage offers you a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy the wildlife-rich Weddell Sea. During this expedition in one of the most remote regions of the world, we will do all kinds of activities such as kayaking, snowshoeing, hiking, a photography workshop and if conditions allow even camp out under the Southern Polar skies. This trip is a true expedition for the real adventurers.
Day 1: End of the world, start of a journey
Your voyage begins where the world drops off. Ushuaia, Argentina, reputed to be the southernmost city on the planet, is located on the far southern tip of South America. Starting in the afternoon, you embark from this small resort town on Tierra del Fuego, nicknamed “The End of the World,” and sail the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the remainder of the evening.
Day 2-3: Path of the polar explorers
Over the next two days on the Drake Passage, we enjoy some of the same experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first charted these regions: cool salt breezes, rolling seas, maybe even a fin whale spouting sea spray. After passing the Antarctic Convergence – Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic seas – you are in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Not only does the marine life change, the avian life changes too. Wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, light-mantled sooty albatrosses, cape petrels, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels are a few of the birds you might see.
Day 4-10: Entering the Weddell Sea
The great Weddell Sea features massive tabular icebergs, wildly dramatic landscapes, and fascinating historical sites. It is also one of the best places in Antarctica for viewing iconic wildlife like whales, seals, and rarely seen seabirds.
We may visit the following locations, depending on local conditions:
Antarctic Sound - Antarctic Sound is nicknamed “Iceberg Alley,” as we often see enormous tabular icebergs here.
Brown Bluff - Possibly the most scenic location in the northern Antarctic Continent, Brown Bluff is characterized by sheer canyon walls, fallen boulders, and beautiful volcanic creations capped with ice.
Herbert Sound - We will focus our attention on the visually impressive areas of Naze Peninsula and Comb Ridge.
Devil Island - This island offers a magnificent vantage point for hikers willing to foot it to the top of the hill. Melting ice sometimes forms a waterfall dropping from the cliffs close to Cape Well-met.
Erebus and Terror Gulf - Here we look for new activity opportunities and may visit Vega Island, experiencing the wilderness of Antarctica in its most remote places.
Day 11-12: Familiar seas, familiar friends
Our return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, we’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to us now, and us to them.
Day 13: There and back again
Even great adventures must eventually come to an end. It’s now time to disembark in Ushuaia with memories that will accompany you wherever your next journey lies.
Highlights you might experience
Explore the polar coastlines and inlands with a wide variety of invigorating hikes designed for all hikers to enjoy
Kayaking is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the beautiful blue-and-white world of the peaceful polar seas
On select voyages, professional photographers will help you get the most out of your personal camera equipment
Slabs of frozen fresh water, icebergs are the free-floating offspring of glaciers and ice shelves
A towering, ice-capped volcanic cliff on the southeast side of the Antarctic Sound, Brown Bluff is located near the northern coast of the Weddell Sea
Named after the British navigator and sailor James Weddell, these extensively studied seals live farther south than any other mammal
Akin to their blue whale relatives both in size and the low frequency of their song, these "razorbacks" have asymmetrically colored faces thought to help them while hunting
These gallant-fighting, deep-diving namesakes of the French-claimed Antarctic Adélie Land are among the four penguin species on mainland Antarctica
What Our Travelers Say
This trip was superb from beginning to end. We were told it wasn't a cruise but an "Expedition" and how right they were. The Hondius is a fantastic ship with all the comforts a great crew, hospitality and expedition leaders team that were so helpful, educated and made it a fantastic trip. After crossing the Drakes passage which was relatively smooth we visited Wihemina Bay & Neko Harbour. We were soon out in the Zodiac boats exploring the Bays seeing Humpback Whales & Killers Whales. The ice conditions allowed us to cross the "Antarctic Circle" with Petrals, Albatrosses & Fulmars following us. We had a spectacular ship cruise through the "Gunnel" towards Marguerite Bay a place I had heard alot about and it was fantastic with incredible icebergs and Peninsular beauty in the background. We visited Stonington Island and with old USA and British Antarctic Bases, what a piece of history, very interesting. Moving back up the west coast of the Peninsular we also visited Salpetiere Bay and Peterman Island. Back in the Zodiacs again to explore and most days we were out in them morning and afternoon. Back for lunch in-between and superb dining. More Whales spotted at Foyn Harbour & Cievra Cove and visited the Guvernoren Shipwreckand old Whaling Ship. We also saw the old Argentinian Primavera Base on a rocky outcrop. We then visted eEephant Point and walked along the beach by the massive Elephant Seals, what a sight. At Whalers Bay and Deception Island we went on land again and joined the "Antarctic Swimming Club" Wow ! what an experience. This was a great end to the Antarctic Peninsular and then out run a hurricane to cross the Drakes Passage again back to Ushuaia and through the famous Beagle Channel. Incredible trip balanced with very knowledgeable lectures on the Ship and light entertainment it truly was a trip of a life time and good value for money; highly recommend. Thank you OceanWide, the crew, the expedition leaders (circa 20 of them) and the ship's hospitality team.
We saw so many beautifull animals and surroundings! It feels unreal when you are there. Very happy we also did the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. Great expeditionteam and hospitalityteam on the ship.
Most of the time it was enjoyable, there were a few instances where I was hurt or it was really unpleasant.
One of the best cruise and trip I join so far. The expedition team really go way beyond, very passionate about their job. The activities very well organized. Even the lecture was very informative. I definitely will join this expedition again in future.
m/v Hondius
Hondius is the world’s first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel and was built from the ground up for expedition cruising.
Full ship info »
Activities you can participate in
On Basecamp voyages, all activities are free of charge and do not require pre-booking, unless stated otherwise on the itinerary page. Our expedition team will organize daily signups and registration for activities on board during your polar adventure!
Special gear and field equipment will be provided. Camping is subject to weather, local site and environmental regulations.
There will be easy, moderate and more demanding walks available in the vicinity of the landing sites. Rubber boots with a grip sole appropriate for hiking will be provided on our motor vessels but not on our smaller sailing vessel- for our sailing vessel you should bring your own sturdy ankle-high hiking boots and gaiters.
Our standard kayak program uses hard-shell double-seat kayaks. Basic kayaking experience is helpful but not required. As a supplemental activity, we accommodate a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 14 kayakers on PLA & OTL. On HDS, we accommodate 4 to 28 kayakers. On Basecamp voyages, kayak outings are included in the cruise cost, with no limit on participants.
Mountaineering knowledge is preferable, but not required. Physical fitness is essential. Mountaineering is subject to weather and local site conditions.
Participants with a special interest in photography will bring their personal photo equipment.
Snowshoe walking is easy and does not require any technical skills. The snowshoes will fit all boot sizes and can be used in combination with Oceanwide’s rubber boots
Cabins & Prices
Quadruple Porthole
- Cabin size between 15,3 m² and 16 m²
- 2 portholes
- 2 upper & lower berths
- Small sofa
- Private shower & toilet
- Flatscreen TV
- Desk & chair
- Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
- Hair dryer
- Cabinet
- Safe deposit box
- Wardrobe
- This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin
Complete cabin
40600 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Sharing berth
10150 USD
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Triple Porthole
- Cabin size between 15,9 m² and 16 m²
- 2 portholes
- 1 upper berth & 2 lower berths
- Small sofa
- Private shower & toilet
- Flatscreen TV
- Desk & chair
- Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
- Hair dryer
- Cabinet
- Safe deposit box
- Wardrobe
- This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin
Complete cabin
27300 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
34200 USD
Sharing berth
9100 USD
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
11400 USD
Twin Porthole
- Cabin size between 13,3 m² and 16 m²
- 2 portholes
- 2 single beds
- Small sofa
- Private shower & toilet
- Flatscreen TV
- Desk & chair
- Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
- Hair dryer
- Cabinet
- Safe deposit box
- Wardrobe
- Please note that all cabins will not necessarily have the same layout and surface area, nor will they be identical to the examples used in the photos
Complete cabin
25000 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Single cabin
21250 USD
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
Sharing berth
12500 USD
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Twin Window
More photos
- Cabin size between 12,1 m² and 14,3 m²
- 1 window
- 2 single beds
- Small sofa
- Private shower & toilet
- Flatscreen TV
- Desk & chair
- Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
- Hair dryer
- Cabinet
- Safe deposit box
- Wardrobe
- Please be aware that the view from some windows might be partially obstructed due to the design requirements of the ship
- Please note that all cabins will not necessarily have the same layout and surface area, nor will they be identical to the examples used in the photos
Complete cabin
21000 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
26300 USD
Single cabin
17850 USD
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
22355 USD
Sharing berth
10500 USD
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
13150 USD
Twin Deluxe
- Cabin size between 19,4 m² and 21,3 m²
- 2 windows
- 2 single beds
- Sofa
- Private shower & toilet
- Flatscreen TV
- Desk & chair
- Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
- Refrigerator
- Coffee & tea maker
- Bathrobe
- Hair dryer
- Cabinet
- Safe deposit box
- Wardrobe
Complete cabin
23000 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
28700 USD
Single cabin
19550 USD
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
24395 USD
Sharing berth
11500 USD
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
14350 USD
Superior
- Cabin size between 20,7 m² and 21,3 m²
- 2 windows
- 1 double bed
- Sofa
- Private shower & toilet
- Flatscreen TV
- Desk & chair
- Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
- Refrigerator
- Coffee & tea maker
- Bathrobe
- Hair dryer
- Cabinet
- Safe deposit box
- Wardrobe
Complete cabin
24100 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
30100 USD
Single cabin
20485 USD
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
25585 USD
Junior Suite
- Cabin size between 19,2 m² and 20 m²
- 1 double window
- 1 double bed
- Private shower & toilet
- Flatscreen TV
- Desk & chair
- Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
- Refrigerator
- Coffee & tea maker
- Bathrobe
- Hair dryer
- Cabinet
- Safe deposit box
- Wardrobe
Complete cabin
25700 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
32100 USD
Single cabin
21845 USD
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
27285 USD
Grand Suite with private balcony
- Cabin size 26,7 m²
- 1 double window
- 1 double bed
- Sofa
- Private balcony
- Private shower & toilet
- Flatscreen TV
- Desk & chair
- Telephone and WiFi (supplemented)
- Refrigerator
- Coffee & tea maker
- Bathrobe
- Hair dryer
- Cabinet
- Safe deposit box
- Wardrobe
Complete cabin
28700 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
35900 USD
Single cabin
24395 USD
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
30515 USD
