Antarctic Peninsula Discovery Whale Watching

Antarctic Peninsula Discovery Whale Watching Special 10 days

Prices From £4,605pp
March Only | 9 nights

Antarctic Peninsula Discovery Whale Watching Special 10 days

Aboard: M/V Hondius

On this classic Peninsula cruise focusing on whale watching, you will travel from Ushuaia to the wondrous landscapes of Antarctica, one of the most remote and spectacular environments on earth. On this voyage, expect not just spectacular scenery, but also amazing wildlife at sea, on land and ice and in the air. This expedition cruise passes through waters travelled by Humpback, Minke and Fin whales, as well as the usual Antarctica wildlife gems of abundant penguins, seals and seabirds. On this special discovery and learning cruise you will sail aboard the brand-new polar vessel m/v Janssonius which has been specially designed to offer an extensive array of activities entirely unique to the ship itself. A range of interactive workshops are likely to be offered, and may cover topics including botany, geology, navigation, astronomy, wildlife, photography or videography. This trip will bring you closer than ever to truly understanding this unique and fascinating region, and whether onboard or out in nature, there certainly won’t be a dull moment.
Please note: workshops offered may vary depending on the sailing. For clarification or more information on which workshops may be offered on your trip, please contact us and we will be happy to clarify.

Highlights

  • Interactive learning and discovery programme which may include workshops on photography, videography or other fascinating subjects (trip dependent)
  • A focus on marine mammals such as various whales and seals
  • Step foot on the Antarctic Peninsula and marvel in its splendour
  • See penguins and other birdlife up close
  • Spectacular scenery
  • Historic sites
  • Polar diving available (fees apply)

What's Included

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

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Ushuaia
1Day

Ushuaia

Your discovery and learning expedition will begin in Ushuaia, Argentina, where after having arrived independently you will embark your ship in the afternoon. As you settle in to your cabin on this brand new polar vessel, your ship will sail through the scenic waterway of the Beagle Channel. 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 and marine mammals 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 including fin whales, and your programme of entertaining and informative workshops, exhibitions 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 - 7Days

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. 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, and there are several fantastic localities which offer great opportunities for adventures, photographs and wildlife encounters.

One of the many areas we may visit is the picturesque Danco Island, where the main focus will be on the Gentoo penguins which nest on the island as well as the Crabeater and Weddell seals that can be found nearby. 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, for a thrilling Zodiac cruise, and in nearby Paradise Bay another Zodiac cruise through the ice-flecked waters should offer excellent chances of encountering humpback and minke whales.

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 Blue-eyed shags, as well as the humpback and minke whales which are frequently found here along with leopard seals.

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 and you could also take the chance to visit the famous Port Lockroy Post Office at the end of the world.

We will also visit Wilhelmina Bay, a great place to spot humpback whales, and enjoy a Zodiac cruise to the ghostly wreck of the Guvernøren, a whaling vessel that caught fire here in 1915. Around the Melchior Islands, amid a frozen landscape populated with icebergs, you may encounter even more whales, leopard seals, and Crabeater seals.

At Sea
8 - 9Days

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
10Day

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

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

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

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.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

As Senior Travel Expert, Simon has an absolute wealth of experience in adventure travel in some of the most fascinating places in the world. With in-depth knowledge and fantastic organizational skills, Simon’s first-hand experience and genuine passion drive him to work to create your perfect itinerary.

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.

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.

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

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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

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callback

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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