Antarctica Basecamp is a cruising experience, following the classic Peninsula route taking advantage of ice conditions to visit some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet. They are inclusive of activities such as snowshoeing, hiking, kayaking, zodiac cruises, photo-workshops, mountaineering, and camping.

Antarctica Basecamp
Activity Cruises

Cruises and Adventures With Cool Antarctica and Antarctica Travels

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Regions:  Antarctic Peninsula | South Georgia | South Shetland Islands | Falkland Islands - Arctic


Sail down the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula, past the snow-capped Melchior Islands and through the Schollaert Channel between Brabant and Anvers Islands, to where our itinerary will take place.

The exact locations we will visit on land and sea will depend partially on weather and ice conditions, but there will be a range of inclusive activities to partake in, surrounded by magnificent scenery and often abundant wildlife.

Places you may visit include:

Neumayer Channel: A possible location from which to launch the various basecamp activities from the protected waters around Wiencke Island. The sights of this mountainous environment can be enjoyed from the sea by Zodiac and kayaking boating trips. If you'd prefer to be on land, walks, snowshoe hikes and soft-climb mountaineering are options farther inland. Activities are always partially dependent on the weather conditions.

Port Lockroy: Through the Neumayer Channel, you will reach Port Lockroy on Goudier Island, where you may be able to visit the former British research station "Base A" now a post office and museum akin to entering a 1950's research station time capsule. At Jougla Point you may be able to meet gentoo penguins and blue-eyed shags, at nearby Damoy Point there may be the possibility to snowshoe to the old ski-way, one of our favourite camping sites.

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Antarctica Basecamp Cruises 2024 - 2025

Ship Hondius Ortelius Plancius
Pax 174
Departures 23 Nov '24
5 Dec '24
Prices $9,900 - $14,300

All these cruises are 13 days and sail from and back to Ushuaia in Argentina.

Notes

* Prices are per person. the lowest price is usually for triple occupancy in a basic cabin, the highest for double occupancy in the best available suite.

Options such as kayaking may be at additional cost, may have limited availability and are usually booked when the cruise is booked - it may be too late once the cruise has started.


Pleneau & Petermann Islands: If ice allows we can sail through the Lemaire Channel to look for blue-eyed shags and Adelie penguins. Humpback and minke whales are likely to be spotted here along with leopard seals. There are also more potential kayaking, glacier walks, and mountaineering opportunities.

Neko Harbour: A landscape of mammoth glaciers and endless wind-carved snow, opportunities for Zodiac cruises and landings surrounded by epic views of the surrounding peaks.

Paradise Bay: A camping possibility here, sleep under the stars like a polar explorer on an overnight Antarctic adventure.

Errera Channel: There are several possible sites in this area such as Danco Island, Cuverville Island, and lesser known Orne Island and Georges Point on Ronge Island.

On the last day of near-shore activities, you sail past the Melchior Islands once again towards the open sea this time, keeping a lookout for humpback whales in Dallmann Bay. There is also Half Moon Island, part of the South Shetlands group if there is time for further activities.

 Inclusions:

  •  For "Basecamp" departures, all offered activities including camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering and photo workshop as well as standard included shore excursions and zodiac cruises are fully inclusive.

  • Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as in the itinerary.

  • All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.

  • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.

  • Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.

  • Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.

  • Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.

  • Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).

  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.

  • Comprehensive pre-departure material.

 Exclusions:

  • Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights.

  • Pre- and post- land arrangements.

  • Passport and visa expenses.

  • Government arrival and departure taxes.

  • Meals ashore.

  • Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is mandatory).

  • Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.

  • The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).


Verdict

You will find here all of the reasons that you wanted to travel to Antarctica, scenery, wildlife and history. All activities are inclusive with the emphasis on finding locations to do them as often as possible. These cruises are perfect for those wanting to interact more intensely with the Antarctic environment, it's all about getting out there and taking part rather than standing or sitting back and looking from a distance.



Contact me about a trip to the Antarctic!

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Departures from late October to late March

Our partner company, Antarctica Travels, passionately help people to reach their ultimate destination.

All enquiries will be answered from our office in Patagonia, Argentina.

Dozens of trips - unique combinations of ship + itinerary

Choice of ships - 67 to 199 passenger capacity

$4,995 to $43,995

6 to 23 days

Please note - we cannot help directly to find employment in Antarctica, please do not use this form to request any other information than for Antarctic tourist trips

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