Antarctica Off The Beaten Track

Expedition Ship: Akademik Ioffe
Length: 12 Nights

Only on this departure in Antarctica, extended hikes, snowshoeing, enhanced photography excursions, overnight sea kayaking and ski touring are possible combined on one voyage.

Passengers benefit from the expedition ship being used as a mobile basecamp wilderness lodge to discover the white continent at everyone’s own pace! Travelling on a true small expedition ship with high ice rating unlocks great wildlife sightings, because Chinstrap, Gentoo and Adelie penguin colonies, whales, seals and sea birds return to the plentiful feeding grounds of the Antarctic peninsula.

This voyage has been designed for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure lovers. It also has great appeal to those who wish to experience Antarctica in springtime. The added bonus is you will enjoy several additional days of exploration compared to the 10-night voyages.

Itinerary in Brief

Day 1            Ushuaia

Days 2-3       Drake Passage

Days 4-5       Antarctic Peninsula

Days 6-10     Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands

Days 11-12   Drake Passage and Cape Horn

Day 13          Ushuaia, Argentina

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1              Ushuaia

We board the ship this afternoon in Ushuaia. Excitement is in the air as we cast off. Next stop, Antarctica, and the adventure of a lifetime!

Days 2–3        Drake Passage

The great pelagic seabirds are constant companions as we cross the Drake Passage. Photographing these magnificent birds from the deck of the ship takes patience and skill and our photography expert will show you the best techniques. Throughout the day our onboard experts educate us with a series of informative and entertaining presentations.

Days 4–5        Antarctic Peninsula

We awaken today and the magnificent snowy peaks of Antarctica are laid out before us. Over the next week, our itinerary is intentionally flexible to account for early season ice conditions and to take advantage of optimal snow conditions. Our planned exploration starts in vicinity of Mikkelson Harbour and neighboring Cierva Cove – both beautiful locations and the perfect introduction to Antarctica.

Days 6–10      Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands

Our days are spent exploring on and off the ship in the company of our expert guides. Popular activities include guided hikes on shore, visits to wildlife colonies, and exploration of historic huts and science stations. Zodiac cruising in the ice is always a thrill. Based on site conditions, the ski touring group may set off to explore the pristine terrain with our experienced mountaineering guides. The expedition snow-shoe group may follow in the tracks of the skiers, climbing to high points which afford breathtaking views. The sea kayakers will head out on excursions which may last all day. Photography enthusiasts will enjoy the chance to spend an entire day with our expedition photographer on an all-day field workshop. Everyone aboard will have an opportunity to camp onshore for the night in Antarctica if the weather co-operates. In the comfort and safety of our expedition ship, we range as far south as ice conditions permit; hopefully we are able to navigate to Neko Harbour and into the Errera Channel. Witnessing the migration of the penguins early in the season, as they busily re-establish their rookeries and prepare nests, is a fascinating experience. Cuverville Island is always a highlight and is home to one of the largest gentoo penguin colonies on this stretch of coastline. Orne Harbour is dominated by Spiggot Peak – a towering landmark seen from miles away. There’s a great hike here up to a colony of chinstrap penguins. The adventure is not over and we plan an additional day of exploration in the South Shetland Islands. Prevailing weather conditions will dictate our landing locations which may include Hannah Point on Livingston Island. In the evening, we navigate into the Drake Passage, charting a course for South America.

Days 11–12    Drake Passage and Cape Horn

As we make our way back to Ushuaia we enjoy an entertaining and memorable voyage recap by our Expedition Leader. If weather conditions allow, we hope to make a rounding of Cape Horn. Approaching the entrance to the Beagle Channel we enjoy a special dinner attended by the Captain of the ship.

Day 13           Ushuaia, Argentina

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