Title
Antarctica - Discovery and Learning
Start – End
Tripcode
HDS25-28
Language
English
Ship
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Ushuaia - Ushuaia
Nights / Days
9 nights
Voyage overview
This Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands cruise delivers you into a landscape of dark rugged rock, pure white snow, and a fantastic variety of wildlife. Come say hello to whales, seals, and thousands of penguins.
Long hikes: -
Long walks in Antarctica are designed for small groups of up to 24 passengers, accompanied by at least two expedition staff with experience in this terrain. These walks offer an immersive experience in the pristine polar landscape, requiring participants to be prepared for up to three to four hours of hiking on semi-rough, rocky and snowy terrain with notable elevation changes. While the pace will be steady and manageable, the conditions can be demanding and change quickly. A good level of fitness and willingness to walk for extended periods are essential. The total duration will vary depending on site conditions and explore the untouched expanses of the Antarctic wilderness. For those who prefer not to join the long hikes, alternative activities or shore landings will be available during this time.
Day 1: End of the world, start of a journey
Day 2 - 3: Path of the polar explorers
Day 4 - 7: Enter the Antarctic
Port Lockroy – After sailing through the Neumayer Channel, you may get a chance to visit the former British research station – now a museum and post office – of Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. You may also be able to partake in activities around Jougla Point, meeting gentoo penguins and blue-eyed shags.
Day 8: Scenes of South Shetland
Day 9 - 10: Familiar seas, familiar friends
Day 11: There and back again
Highlights you might experience
A pleasant beach in Antarctica’s larger Andvord Bay, Neko Harbour is a scenic landing site that offers great views of gentoo penguins and a nearby glacier
A classic route for our expeditions to Antarctica, this iconic waterway serves as the gateway to the southern Antarctic Peninsula
A former British base built in 1944, Port Lockroy is located on Goudier Island near the Antarctic Peninsula
A breathtakingly beautiful bay offering classic views of colossal ice formations and iconic Antarctic wildlife
Home to thousands of gentoo penguins, this island lies just off the Antarctic mainland
A volcanic island in the South Shetlands, north of the Antarctic Peninsula
Named after the British navigator and sailor James Weddell, these extensively studied seals live farther south than any other mammal
These hygienic divers are the only penguin species whose population is currently increasing along the Antarctic Peninsula
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
Always wanted to try out kayaking? Now is the time to do exactly what you always dreamed of. You will be offered at least one outing in the morning or afternoon. No skills required.