Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent - 12 days

Aboard Ultramarine – 199 passengers

If this is your first visit to the White Continent, the classic Antarctic Explorer voyage gives you the best of the stunning Antarctic Peninsula in 12 days. Conquer the famed Drake Passage in a stabilized, polar-class vessel; explore majestic natural environments by zodiac and on foot; get up close and personal with penguins, whales and other wildlife; and enjoy talks on history, biology and glaciology by onboard polar experts. You can personalize your adventure with options that suit your interests, and cross the 7th Continent off the list—your way.

Tour Dates

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its vibrant Argentinian culture, European architecture and cosmopolitan vibe, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and embarkation 
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to explore this quaint port town on your own before making your way to the designated meeting spot pier. After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Excitement builds in anticipation of your next stop: the Antarctic!

Days 3 & 4: Crossing the Drake Passage
The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself. While being well taken care of by our expert onboard staff and leaders, you’ll  have plenty of time to gaze out at the ocean, take pictures of seabirds swooping around the ship, and get to know your Expedition Team and fellow travelers.

Days 5 – 9: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula 
Once the Drake Passage is left in our wake and the South Shetland Islands come into view, your Antarctic adventure truly begins. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. On every visit to Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means your expedition will be unlike any other—a unique, personal experience. 

Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal.

The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you hike snowy pathways to vantage points offering panoramic views of your surroundings. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence, and the next you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear.

Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes—such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles—become indelible memories. Each day will be different, carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.

Days 10 & 11: Crossing the Drake Passage
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides a final opportunity to enjoy the invigorating Southern Ocean air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, and celebrate the experiences you’ve shared exploring the remarkable world of Antarctica.

Day 12: Disembarkation in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. You will then make your way towards your group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

EXPEDITION SPIRIT: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team  must  consider  the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you may experience on this voyage; please  be  aware  that  no  specific  itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same  token,  wildlife  encounters  as  described  are  expected,  but  not  guaranteed.  Your  Expedition  Team  will  use  their  considerable  experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed.

Route Map

Trips and Rates

Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Explorer Triple
$16,295
Save 20%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$12,384
Limited
Explorer Suite
$19,095
Save 20%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$14,512
 
Balcony Suite
$21,095
Save 20%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$16,032
 
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$24,895
Save 20%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$18,920
 
Terrace Suite
$25,795
Save 20%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$19,604
Limited
Penthouse Suite
$27,695
Save 20%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$21,048
 
Owner's Suite
$34,395
Save 20%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$26,140
Limited
Ultra Suite
$38,195
Save 20%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$29,028
Limited
Solo Panorama
$26,795
Save 20%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$20,364
Limited
Transfer Package
$995
 
Explorer Triple
$16,295
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$13,158
Limited
Explorer Suite
$19,095
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$15,419
 
Balcony Suite
$21,095
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$17,034
 
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$24,895
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$20,103
 
Terrace Suite
$25,795
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$20,829
Full
Penthouse Suite
$27,695
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$22,364
 
Owner's Suite
$34,395
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$27,774
Limited
Ultra Suite
$38,195
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$30,842
Limited
Solo Panorama
$26,795
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$21,637
Full
Transfer Package
$995
 
Explorer Triple
$17,095
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$13,804
Limited
Explorer Suite
$20,095
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$16,227
 
Balcony Suite
$22,195
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$17,922
 
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$26,195
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$21,152
 
Terrace Suite
$27,195
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$21,960
Full
Penthouse Suite
$29,195
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$23,575
 
Owner's Suite
$36,195
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$29,227
Limited
Ultra Suite
$40,195
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$32,457
Limited
Solo Panorama
$28,195
Save 15%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$22,767
 
Transfer Package
$995
 
Explorer Triple
$17,095
Save 20%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$12,992
Limited
Explorer Suite
$20,095
Save 20%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$15,272
 
Balcony Suite
$22,195
Save 20%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$16,868
 
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$26,195
Save 20%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$19,908
 
Terrace Suite
$27,195
Save 20%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$20,668
Full
Penthouse Suite
$29,195
Save 20%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$22,188
 
Owner's Suite
$36,195
Save 20%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$27,508
Limited
Ultra Suite
$40,195
Save 20%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$30,548
Limited
Solo Panorama
$28,195
Save 20%
Early Payment Discount 5%
$21,428
 
Transfer Package
$995
 
Explorer Triple
$17,295
Save 15%
$14,701
Full
Explorer Suite
$19,995
Save 15%
$16,996
Limited
Balcony Suite
$22,095
Save 15%
$18,781
Limited
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$26,395
Save 15%
$22,436
Limited
Terrace Suite
$26,995
Save 15%
$22,946
Full
Penthouse Suite
$29,095
Save 15%
$24,731
 
Owner's Suite
$36,095
Save 15%
$30,681
Full
Ultra Suite
$39,895
Save 15%
$33,911
Limited
Solo Panorama
$27,995
Save 15%
$23,796
Limited
Transfer Package
$995
 
Explorer Triple
$17,495
Save 15%
$14,871
Full
Explorer Suite
$20,495
Save 15%
$17,421
 
Balcony Suite
$22,595
Save 15%
$19,206
 
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$26,695
Save 15%
$22,691
Limited
Terrace Suite
$27,695
Save 15%
$23,541
Full
Penthouse Suite
$29,795
Save 15%
$25,326
 
Owner's Suite
$36,995
Save 15%
$31,446
Full
Ultra Suite
$41,095
Save 15%
$34,931
Full
Solo Panorama
$28,795
Save 15%
$24,476
Full
Transfer Package
$995
 
Explorer Triple
$16,195
Save 20%
$12,956
Full
Explorer Suite
$18,895
Save 20%
$15,116
Limited
Balcony Suite
$20,995
Save 20%
$16,796
Limited
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$24,795
Save 20%
$19,836
Full
Terrace Suite
$25,895
Save 20%
$20,716
Full
Penthouse Suite
$27,495
Save 20%
$21,996
 
Owner's Suite
$33,995
Save 20%
$27,196
Full
Ultra Suite
$37,695
Save 20%
$30,156
Full
Solo Panorama
$26,395
Save 20%
$21,116
Full
Transfer Package
$995
 
Explorer Triple
$15,395
Save 25%
$11,546
Limited
Explorer Suite
$17,995
Save 25%
$13,496
Limited
Balcony Suite
$19,995
Save 25%
$14,996
Full
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$23,595
Save 25%
$17,696
Full
Terrace Suite
$24,595
Save 25%
$18,446
Full
Penthouse Suite
$26,195
Save 25%
$19,646
 
Owner's Suite
$32,295
Save 25%
$24,221
Limited
Ultra Suite
$35,895
Save 25%
$26,921
Full
Solo Panorama
$25,195
Save 25%
$18,896
Full
Transfer Package
$995
 

Transfer Package is an additional cost and not included in the cabin pricing. See the neon green box in the pricing grid for the cost of transfer package, which varies based on departure.

A 5% Goods & Services Tax (GST) will be added to both the cabin & transfer package cost on all “Canada’s Remote Arctic” and “Arctic Express Canada” departures and is not included in the above prices.

Single Travelers:

  • Can book a dedicated Solo Panorama at the pricing listed above
  • Can book into a share cabin in the following categories: Explorer Triple, Explorer Suite & Balcony Suite
  • Can book a twin cabin at solo occupancy at 1.7x the per person share price in Explorer Suite & Balcony Suite and 2x the per person price for all other categories

Adventure Options:

  • Kayaking (full program, multiple paddles): $1,795/person – requires experience
  • Paddling (one-time): $295/person
  • Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience: $125/person
  • Greenland Camp Experience: $795/person
  • Mountain Biking: $195/person
  • Exclusive Heli-Landing: $395/person

Mandatory Transfer Package is $995/person and not included in the cabin cost. Transfer package includes a hotel night in Buenos Aires on Day 1 and roundtrip flights between Buenos Aires & Ushuaia. See additional notes in the Inclusions section on itinerary page.

Single Travelers:

  • Can book a dedicated Solo Panorama at the pricing listed above
  • Can book into a share cabin in the following categories: Explorer Triple, Explorer Suite & Balcony Suite
  • Can book a twin cabin at solo occupancy at 1.7x the per person share price in Explorer Suite & Balcony Suite and 2x the per person price for all other categories

Adventure Options:

  • Kayaking (full program, multiple paddles): $1,995/person – requires experience
  • Paddling (one-time): $395/person
  • Exclusive Heli-Landing: $395/person
  • Stand-Up Paddleboarding: $295/person

Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime. Please contact us for the real time availability & prices.

Cabin Descriptions

Ultra Suite

Located on Deck 6, with approximately 563 sq. ft. (52.3m2) of interior living space, and a 46 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests who want to travel without compromise. The largest and most luxurious suite features the most sleeping, entertainment and storage space onboard the ship. Features one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room. Amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, slippers, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, complimentary water bottle, upgraded bedding, in suite coffee, binoculars on loan.

Owners Suite

Owner's Suite

Located on Deck 6, with approximately 446 sq. ft. (41.4 m2) of indoor living space and a 46.3 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests who want it all. A large, luxurious suite featuring a private bedroom, full bathroom, powder room, and two separate living spaces. This suite is perfect for families or couples who want all the comforts of home onboard the ship. Features one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room. Amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, slippers, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, complimentary water bottle, upgraded bedding, in suite coffee, binoculars on loan.

Penthouse Suite

Penthouse Suite

The only suite category to be located on Deck 7, with approximately 369 sq. ft. (34.3 m2) of indoor space, and a 67 sq. ft. (6.2 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting to wake up to unobstructed polar views from the warmth and comfort of their bed onboard the ship. These suites offer the best of everything—views, spacious interiors, full bathrooms and generous balcony sizes—as well as easy access to the wellness centre. Features one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors. Amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, slippers, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, complimentary water bottle, upgraded bedding and in suite coffee. 

Terrace Suite

Terrace Suite

Located on Deck 6, with approximately 350 sq. ft. (32.5 m2) of indoor living space, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting generous interiors with a wide layout and the largest balconies on the ship. Centrally located on Deck 6, guests will enjoy minimal movement and motion from the comfort of these suites. Features one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private extra-wide balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors. Amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, slippers, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, complimentary water bottle, upgraded bedding and in suite coffee. 

Deluxe Balcony Suite

Deluxe Balcony Suite

Located on Decks 4 & 6, with approximately 299 sq. ft. (27.8 m2) of indoor space and a 70 sq. ft. (6.5 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting a larger living space, full bathroom, and a substantial balcony. Deluxe Balcony Suites are the first suite type to offer additional privacy in the bathroom with an enclosed toilet, a full bath and shower to make it easier for guests to get ready together in the morning. Featuring one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors. Amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, slippers, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, complimentary water bottle.

Balcony Suite

Balcony Suite

Located on Decks 4 & 6 with approximately 226 sq. ft. (21 sq. m) of indoor space and a 52 sq. ft. (4.8 sq. m) balcony. The Balcony Suite is the entry level balcony cabin. Featuring one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, slippers, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, complimentary water bottle. Some suites in this category offer interconnecting rooms. The balconies in suites 421, 422, 423, and 424 are partially enclosed.

Explorer Suite

Explorer Suite

Located on Deck 3, and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 m2). Large entry-level double occupancy suites maximizing interior living space while still offering guests the opportunity to stay connected to the outdoors. Featuring one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Cabin amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, slippers, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, complimentary water bottle.  Suites 319 and 322 offer modified layouts and bathrooms for wheelchair accessibility.

Explorer Triple

Explorer Triple

Located on Deck 3, and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 m2). This cabin is for solo passengers looking to share a cabin with other passengers of the same gender or 3 people traveling together. Featuring three separate single beds (two of which can be combined into a double bed), sitting area, picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Cabin amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, slippers, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, complimentary water bottle.

Solo Panorama cabin

Solo Panorama

Located on Deck 6, and approximately 132 sq. ft. (12.3 m2). This suite is perfect for solo guests who appreciate privacy and want to wake up to sweeping views from the comfort of their bed. These are the only solo suites with floor-to-ceiling windows available onboard any ship in its class. Features a single bed, floor-to-ceiling window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Cabin amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, slippers, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, complimentary water bottle.

Deck Plan

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions: 

  • Leadership throughout your voyage by experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
  • An official expedition parka to keep
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
  • All shore landings as per the daily program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage. Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals
  • Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
  • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
  • A photographic journal documenting your expedition
  • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
  • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • One 10-to15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather and logistics permitting)

* Mandatory Transfer Package ($995/person) Includes: 

  • One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
  • Group flight departing from Buenos Aires’ domestic airport (Aeroparque/AEP) to Ushuaia, and returning to Buenos Aires’ international airport (Ezeiza/EZE)
  • Group transfer from hotel to airport in Buenos Aires
  • Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship, and return (Note: Transfer on arrival in Buenos Aires from airport to hotel at the beginning of the journey is not included. Please make your way to the included hotel.)
  • Combined airport transfer and express bus tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park after disembarkation in Ushuaia

Exclusions: 

  • International airfare
  • Passport and applicable visa expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
  • Meals unless otherwise specified
  • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
  • Excess-baggage fees on international flights and domestic flights
  • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
  • Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
  • Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
  • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
  • Additional overnight accommodation
  • Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
  • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities