Antarctica Off the Beaten Track

Antarctica Off The Beaten Track 13 days

Prices From £7,060pp
7 NOV, 2018 | Up to 12 nights

Antarctica Off The Beaten Track 13 days

Aboard: Akademik Ioffe

The route taken on this expedition will be a variation on the classic Antarctic Peninsula theme but with emphasis on adventure activities such as kayaking, camping, skiing and hiking. There are also photographic experts available with advice on making the most of the amazing scenery and wildlife opportunities.

Highlights

  • Adventure activity options such as kayaking, camping, skiing and snowshoeing
  • Spectacular scenery
  • Amazing marine wildlife
  • Myriad birdlife

What's Included

  • Full board accommodation on board ship
  • Loan of waterproof boots
  • All zodiac excursions and landings
  • Programme of expert lectures
  • Hiking, camping and classic snowshoeing

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Ushuaia
1Day

Ushuaia

Today is the first day of our adventure. We board the vessel, in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city at the tip of Argentina, and, in the early evening, set sail and begin our voyage charting a course through the Beagle Channel.

Drake Passage
2 - 3 Days

Drake Passage

Crossing the Drake Passage, our numerous Polar experts and educational professionals prepare us for our adventures with presentations and courses on everything Antarctic, from wildlife and history, to first aid and snow safety. Eventually, we will cross the Antarctic Convergence where we notice a distinct drop in temperature as we enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. Along the way, we will witness many spectacular sights from icebergs to an array of seabirds and even several whale species some of which are known on occasion to breach from the sea.

Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
4 - 10Days

Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands

In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, we make as much time as possible to explore by inflatable Zodiacs to incorporate our expedition goals and marvel up close at nature's glory. Planned excursions may include Neko Harbour, Wilhelmina Bay and the southerly Petermann Island, where we will observe Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals, skuas and other seabirds as well as an abundance of penguins including some very large colonies of Adelies.

Amongst these varied landing sites and extraordinary bays for cruising, we find ourselves delving into our expedition field photography programme as well as our hiking, snow shoeing, sea kayaking, and ski touring. Using the weather as our guide, we endeavour to extend ourselves beyond the standard limits of expedition cruising itineraries.  

Once alongside the peninsula we plan to launch our overnight kayaking experience. After packing the kayaks with the necessary gear for our adventure we leave the ship and paddle into our chosen destination. Once we land we expect to spend about 2/3 hours stretching our legs and exploring. Some of you may ascend to a walkable summit to take in the views, and massive icebergs in every direction. We also look for a possible campsite and assemble our tents for the wonderful experience of overnight kayak camping in Antarctica.

Specifics for our ski touring programme will depend on weather and avalanche safety. With our focus on the experience rather than the number of penguins we see, we have the flexibility to take our time to launch our outdoor pursuits in the right area for the required length of duration. We envisage the ability to offer a couple of ski touring options throughout the time in Antarctica.

Drake Passage
11 - 12Days

Drake Passage

We leave this magical place and make our way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage before rounding Cape Horn and sailing up the Beagle Channel.

Ushuaia
13Day

Ushuaia

In the early morning, we will arrive back in Ushuaia. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for onward or return flights.

A view from Above

All Aboard

Akademik Ioffe
Adventure vessel

Akademik Ioffe

Built in Finland in 1989 as a Russian polar research vessel, the Akademik Ioffe, was operating as One Ocean Navigator until recently, is a comfortable, stable, ice-strengthened ship with all the facilities for modern expedition cruising. There is a mixture of suites and cabins, all with windows or portholes and some with private facilities. Public areas include dining room, lounge, bar, library with forward facing windows, multi-media room with Apple Mac computers and photo management software, presentation room, mud room, passenger lift and gift shop. There is also a wellness centre, sauna, spa, salt-water plunge pool, fitness room and infirmary. Along with plenty of open deck space, there is a top deck with 360degrees views and a small observatory with spotting scope. The ship has an open-bridge policy.

we work hard to earn passionate reviews from our clients.

4.9
44 Google reviews

Now that I am back from my odyssey voyage, I thought I would let you know that after all that planning it really did exceed my expectations – we managed landings everywhere even on Tristan da Cuhna and had great bird sightings. The guides all knew what they were talking about too and made sure I got some great photos – still sorting them all out! Thanks for everything and see you at Birdfair!

Dave Martin

I want to thank you for all you did to make my recent Falklands trip run so smoothly and comfortably. Thank you for all your help over the diet too.

Dr Lorna Mairs

Just a quick note to express my sincere thanks to you and all your staff for making this an epic adventure of immense proportions. Everything went smoothly, pickups, hotels and most of all the expedition itself. Truly a mind blowing experience unlike any I have ever taken.

Mr J Borg, Malta

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Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Antarctica adventure for you.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Having amassed a host of extraordinary adventures in destinations all over the world, Sheena’s experience, skills and enthusiasm for helping clients plan their ideal itinerary will help make your holiday unforgettable, action packed and life-changing.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

Simon’s deep passion for and first-hand knowledge of a vast range of destinations all over the world gives him the ideal skills to help you create a truly unforgettable wildlife inspired adventure to the most exciting places on the planet.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than 15 years of experience in the travel industry and continues to be inspired by the people, places and wildlife he discovers. His in-depth personal knowledge of a diverse range of destinations ensures your adventure itinerary will be a holiday like no other.

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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