Antarctica and mid-Atlantic Islands trips
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Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic Islands are some of the last truly unspoilt regions of the world. The mysterious White Continent, with its multi-coloured ice caps, glistening glaciers and towering snow-capped mountains, offers unparalleled scenery and photographic opportunities. Enormous numbers of penguins, whales, seals and seabirds congregate in the food-rich waters along the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic shores.
Our small, specially designed expedition ships journey south, taking full advantage of the long hours of daylight during the austral summer, their ice-strengthened hulls allowing us to navigate safely through the pack ice and narrow waterways. Our zodiac excursions, guided by foremost Antarctic experts, offer the freedom to explore remote locations and observe Antarctica's abundant wildlife.
Season 2013 - 2014
All of our voyages to Antarctica depart from the city of Ushuaia, the southernmost town of Argentina and, in fact, of the world. This pioneer town was founded in 1868 by British missionaries as a refuge for the Yaghan, the threatened native inhabitants of Tierra del Fuego. From Ushuaia the ships first sail through the scenic Beagle Channel. Ships heading straight for Antarctica now have to negotiate an infamous stretch of water between Ushuaia and the South Shetland Islands, the Drake Passage. This passage can be seen as the threshold of Antarctica because of its notoriously bad weather and heavy seas. The 800 kilometres (500 miles) long passage was named after the British navigator and pirate, Sir Francis Drake. But the Drake Passage is not only infamous, as during the two days' crossing numerous bird species can be observed, includingBlack-browed, Light-mantled Sootyand tGrey-headed Albatrosses. Even the world's largest flying bird, the Wandering Albatross, is frequently met in the Drake Passage. Marine mammals such as the Hourglass Dolphin can also be often observed.
Some of our itineraries head from the Beagle Channel for the Falkland Islands following our "Grand Tour". This is a somewhat longer voyage visiting some of the magnificent south-Atlantic islands of the Falklands and the even more astonishing sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia, together with the South Orkney Islands, the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Travel information
How to get there?
The starting point of your voyage to Antarctica is Ushuaia, the southern most city in South America.
We can assist you in planning your travel schedule to Buenos Aires and from there onward to Ushuaia.
Most airlines fly from every big city in Europe and the US direct or with one stop over to Buenos Aires.
From there direct flights fly within 5 to 6 hours to Ushuaia.
Ushuaia: 'Gateway to Antarctica'
Upon arrival in Ushuaia you can take a taxi to your hotel or directly to the ship. It is only a few minutes from the airport. A taxi will currently cost approximately US$5.00.
We do recommend that you arrive a day earlier in Ushuaia to have some additional time in case of flight delays and lost luggage on the day of arrival. Please note that the vessel will sail at 6 pm.
On the day of departure please proceed on your own to the pier. Boarding time is at 4 pm on the day of departure.
There is only one pier in Ushuaia located in the main port on Maipu street. The entrance to the pier is opposite of Lasserre street, the Government building and the Hotel Albatros. Passengers must be able to show their Boarding Pass, otherwise access can be denied by port authorities.
Weather
Our expedition cruises are scheduled for the summer months in the Southern Hemisphere, also known as the Austral summer.
December - March is summer in Argentina. If your travelschedule allows you to spent some time in Buenos Aires, expect temperatures in the high 80's to 90's F or 20's to 30's Celsius, with high humidity during the day and a little bit cooler at night. Light-weight summer clothing is advisable for your days in Buenos Aires.
Ushuaia, the starting point of your voyage to Antarctica is often cool and windy, and rain is possible. Temperatures can range between 40º and 50º F (5º - 10ºC).
While traveling to Antarctica you will experience several distinct climate conditions. Our advise is to dress as you would go on a skiing holiday.
Mid-Atlantic Islands
The embarkation and disembarkation points of your Atlantic Odyssey are either Ushuaia, Ascension Island, Azores or the UK and the Netherlands.
We can assist you in planning your travel schedule to these destinations.
Please contact us for further details on flights and port information.
Ascension Island
If Ascension Island is your embarkation or disembarkation point of the Atlantic Odyssey you fly come and go either by Royal Air Force Tristar departing from the United Kingdom (Brize Norton) or the Falkland Islands.
Only 20 seats per flight are allocated to civilians, therefore advance bookings are recommended.
All visitors must be in possession of a full medical insurance policy which covers medical evacuation by air, if necessary.
Required documents
Valid passport or Visa. Please make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your trip ends. Since visa requirements differ for each nationality, we ask that you check with the nearest consulates/embassies for Argentina, Chile, Great Britain, Cape Verdes and Portugal and secure visas if required.
Vaccinations are not required in conjunction with this cruise. However if you are visiting certain parts of Asia, Africa or South America prior to joining this expedition, you may be visiting areas infected with yellow fever, in which case you will need a yellow fever inoculation. Please consult the Public Health Service nearest to you.
Please click below on the trip of your choice to see more details (prices, day by day itinerary, etc.)
* = Departure is currently under charter or sold out.