Basecamp Antarctica Activity Special

Basecamp Antarctica - Activities Included - 13 days

Prices From £6,886pp
November to March | 12 nights

Basecamp Antarctica - Activities Included - 13 days

Aboard: MV Plancius MV Ortelius M/V Hondius

This unique and exciting Antarctica cruise combines spectacular scenery, excellent wildlife encounters and a thrilling range of adventure activities. On this exciting expedition you will sail from Ushuaia through the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula where a base camp will be set up to allow for a variety of activities. These activities offer unique and exhilarating ways of discovering the pristine wilderness of Antarctica, its environment and wildlife. All activities mentioned are included in the price of your voyage, allowing for kayaking, mountaineering, snowshoeing and overnight camping on the ice excursions. There will also be professional photographic workshops available to all guests so that you can get those wildlife and scenery pictures just right. Overall this is one of the most adventurous itineraries to the Peninsula on offer, and provides a truly once in a lifetime experience.

This trip operates on various dates aboard 3 different vessels. Mentioned activities may not be applicable to all departure dates. 12 and 13 day itineraries available. Please enquire for full rates and dates.

Highlights

  • Choice of free basecamp activities including kayaking, snowshoeing, mountaineering and camping on ice (options may vary by departure date)
  • Expert-led photography workshops
  • Discover the incomparable beauty of Antarctica as you step foot on the White Continent
  • Penguins and other birdlife
  • Marine mammals
  • Spectacular scenery
  • Historic sites

What's Included

  • Luggage transfer to ship and group transfer from ship
  • Full board accommodation on board
  • All activities mentioned
  • All zodiac excursions and landings with expert guides
  • Programme of expert lectures
  • Loan of rubber boots

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Ushuaia
1Day

Ushuaia

Your thrilling expedition will begin in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, where after having arrived independently you will embark your ship in the afternoon. As you settle in to your new surroundings your ship will sail through the scenic waterway of the Beagle Channel, and you may want to spend some time on deck capturing the sight of the city fading into distance behind you and looking out for the seabirds that follow the ship.

At Sea
2 - 3Days

At Sea

During these two days we will sail across the famous Drake Passage, encountering a variety of seabirds along the way. You may want to spend some time on deck in search of bird sightings including wandering, grey-headed, black-browed and the beautiful light-mantled sooty albatross, southern fulmars, Wilson's storm, blue, Cape and Antarctic petrels. There may also be whale sightings, and your programme of entertaining and informative lectures and presentations will begin, along with safety and bio-environmental briefings for your time in Antarctica. As we pass the Antarctic Convergence and sail close to the Shetland Islands we will spot the first of many icebergs.

Antarctic Peninsula
4 - 10Days

Antarctic Peninsula

Welcome to Antarctica! As we arrive in the pristine wilderness of the “White Continent” we will sail directly to “High Antarctica”, passing the Melchior islands and the Schollaert Channel between Brabant and Anvers Island. The Basecamp concept on this unique expedition means that we will stay in certain locations for longer than normal in order to conduct the activities and allowing for in-depth exploration. As with all Antarctica expeditions the weather and ice conditions may dictate which areas we visit, with your captain choosing each day the best course to take, but there are several fantastic localities which offer great opportunities for adventures.

Firstly we may position the ship in the Neumayer Channel to begin the multi activity basecamp. The protected waters around Wiencke Island are the perfect location from which to explore the area by Zodiac or by kayak, moving through the frigid waters surrounded by nothing but silence and stunning landscapes. The alpine environment of this area is also perfect for exploration on foot, with ample opportunities for hiking and snowshoeing near the shoreline and soft-climb mountaineering further inland. Naturally, the weather conditions will determine the availability of all activities but every opportunity for adventure will be taken.

At the former British research station of Port Lockroy on Goudier Island the activities will be mostly centred around the good populations of blue-eyed shags and gentoo penguins that are found here, with kayaking and snowshoeing being great ways to get up-close to the penguins along the shore. You could also take the chance to visit the famous Port Lockroy Post Office at the end of the world. Camping on Ice may also be an option here, and this thrilling experience will surely live long in the memory. Throughout your time in Antarctica a wide range of activities will be enjoyed daily, but for many the ultimate experience is a camping on ice expedition. You will have the chance to make camp like a true polar adventurer, with quality tents provided, and spent the night surrounded by nothing but ice and the Antarctic silence. Paradise Bay is another preferred location for this supreme overnight Antarctic adventure.

If the ice conditions allow, we may sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to the Pléneau and Petermann Islands where we are likely to find Adélie penguins and more Blue-eyed shags. Kayaking in this area is a wonderful experience as you may be lucky enough to float by the humpback and minke whales which are frequently found here along with leopard seals. Scenic glacier walks are always an option and for the more ambitious there are excellent opportunities for mountaineering.

Although activities will be the main focus of this expedition there will be ample time for photographic opportunities as we sail to and Zodiac cruise around some of the Peninsula’s most scenic areas. It is likely that we will visit Neko Harbour, an epic landscape of mammoth glaciers and endless wind-carved snow, and sail through the Errera Channel to discover sites such as Danco Island, Cuverville Island and the lesser known (yet equally picturesque) Orne Island and Georges Point on Rongé Island.

On the last day of our time in Antarctica your ship will sail past the Melchior Islands towards the open sea, and there may be chances of spotting humpback whales in Dallmann Bay. Alternatively, if time and conditions allow we may head for Half Moon Island in the South Shetlands where there may be the opportunity for one last activity.

At Sea
11 - 12Days

At Sea

As our exhilarating time in Antarctica comes to end it’s time to head back north through the Drake Passage where again the ship will be followed by a vast array of seabirds. Enjoy the last presentations from your team of noted naturalists and take the time to dissolve all of the unforgettable memories you will have made on your once in a lifetime expediton.



Ushuaia
13Day

Ushuaia

As we sail back through the scenic Beagle Channel and arrive in Ushuaia in the early morning it’s sadly time to say goodbye to your crew and fellow shipmates. After breakfast you will disembark and a group transfer will be provided to the airport for onward or homewards journeys.

A view from Above

All Aboard

MV Plancius
Mid range vessel

MV Plancius

Plancius was built as a Dutch oceanographic research vessel and refurbished as a passenger ship in 2009. It has ice strengthened bow and stern and is ideal for polar sailing. There is a mixture of suites and cabins, all with window or porthole. There are twin, triple and quadruple cabins suitable for sharing. Public areas are a spacious observation lounge and bar, library, lecture theatre and dining room along with plenty of outside deck space and an open-bridge policy. Rubber boots are supplied for all passengers.

MV Ortelius
Mid range vessel

MV Ortelius

Ortelius was built as a Russian scientific survey ship with ice strengthened hull, ideal for polar sailing. She has been completely refurbished for polar expedition travel and has a selection of suites and cabins with windows or portholes and private facilities. There are twin dining rooms, a lecture room, bar and observation lounge and lots of open deck space plus an open-bridge policy. Ortelius also has a helicopter landing pad and helicopter excursions are available on some itineraries.

M/V Hondius
Luxury vessel

M/V Hondius

A brand-new (2019) deluxe vessel that has been built to the very highest Polar Class for ice-strengthened vessels. The first civilian vessel in the world to receive a Polar Class 6 notation and designed to fully comply with the mandatory requirements of the Polar code, the M/V Hondius leads the way for both safe ship operation and protection of the Polar environment.

Providing deluxe accommodation for up to 170 passengers, the M/V Hondius offers one of the highest comfort experiences of all vessels which operate in the Polar Regions. The accommodation onboard is provided in numerous suites of varying sizes, from the Hondius Suite to quadruple porthole cabins, with all cabins having either a balcony, large windows or portholes. Each cabin has been custom-designed and impeccably outfitted in a stylish décor.

The M/V Hondius has been designed to offer a deluxe feel whilst still maintaining a sense of cosy camaraderie, with welcoming communal, observation and dining areas. An entire deck has been dedicated to space for lectures and presentations, and every element of the vessel has been thoroughly thought-out to provide the very best passenger experience.

The vessel features a sheltered Zodiac boarding zone making joining and returning from land-based excursions fast and easy, and has been built to exceed the latest Green requirements imposed by the International Maritime Organisation to ensure that your trip causes as little impact as possible on the areas you will visit.

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

Overall I think that it was an excellent trip that was well worth the price paid and I would have no hesitation recommending your company to others.

Steve Sutton

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

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

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

Sheena’s abiding love of adventure travel has taken her to some of the most incredible wildlife-rich places on Earth. Her vast experience and genuine desire to share her knowledge makes her an outstanding and invaluable person to help you organise your wildlife adventure trip.

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 lives and breathes adventure travel and has a wealth of experience in some of the most exciting and inspirational destinations in the world. His expertise and first-hand experience afford him the skills to help build holidays to remember.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

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

Chat Now

Request a
callback

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

text
close

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

Request a
callback

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

Your Details

It would be great to know...

We are always looking for ways to improve the service we offer to our customers, so we would love to know...

1) How do you rate our website?
2) Where did you hear about us:

Tell us about your ideal trip

What are your interests?