South Shetland Islands
& Antarctic Peninsula

South Shetland Islands
& Antarctic Peninsula

start from

$5,590 USD  (per person)

start from

$5,590 USD  (per person)

Itinerary

10 Days

Departing From

Ushuaia, Argentina

Ship

Ocean Victory / Ocean Albatros

This is our classic 10-day voyage to the Great White Continent. Experience the incredible wildlife, stunning mountain scenery and gigantic icebergs in action-packed days.

Onboard our strong, ice-classed expedition vessels, we are sure to get close to the dramatic coastlines. Zodiac cruising and shore landings are an important and considerable part of the planned itinerary, enabling all expedition guests to set foot several times on the Antarctic continent, as well as the many surrounding sub-antarctic islands.

Departing Ushuaia in Argentina, we cross the mighty Drake Passage en-route for the South Shetland Islands, making Zodiac landings at penguin rookeries, research stations and fascinating lookouts along the way. Continuing southward, deep into the inlets of Antarctica, we pass the famous Gerlache Strait, where 3000-ft ice cliffs rise straight out of the still water. On no other journey can you experience so much pristine nature and varied wildlife in so few days!
When we return to Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia, depending on weather conditions, we might pass close to the mythical Cape Horn – the southernmost point on South America; a celebrated maritime landmark.

Any voyage to Antarctica is an adventure, but with a maximum capacity of 198 guests aboard Ocean Atlantic or 186 guests aboard Ocean Victory/Ocean Albatros, these cruises offers a unique experience for the few. Shore landings, excursions, lectures and whale safaris are easily accommodated to help you enjoy a matchless expedition experience.

With the patented X-BOW design, the Ocean Victory and Ocean Albatros will offer you a smoother sailing across the Drake passage, and due to the speed of the vessels, we might be able to do a first landing or activity in the South Shetland islands on Day 3 late afternoon.

Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina – the world’s southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. It’s a hiker’s paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. In the afternoon, we board our ship.

Our journey begins as we navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.

Sailing onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage – a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our expedition vessel, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice!

In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. Weather permitting, we will catch our first sight of seals and penguins! The area is also well known for its abundance of birds.

Over the next days, we will begin the exciting Antarctic experience our ancestors only dreamed of. During these days we will explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marveled by the captivating landscapes we will encounter along the way.
Weather permitting, our projected landfalls include: King George Island; Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson’s storm petrels and chinstrap penguins.

As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on our horizon, the presence of wildlife multiples by tens of thousands with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals. 
Wildlife abounds along our projected route along the Antarctic Peninsula: leopard, fur and Weddell seals of Cuverville Island; humpback whales of Gerlache Strait; Paradise Bay; the dramatic Lemaire Channel’s orcas and much more.
The itinerary and activities over these next days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.
Please note that all the outings and landings rely on weather, sea and ice conditions being favorable both for the ship to access the areas, as for the zodiacs and kayaks to maneuver under adequate conditions, ensuring the safety of all our passengers and staff. 

For this reason, during moments of harsh weather and throughout the entire trip, our ships offer excellent public areas such as wellness/sauna, restaurant, bar and a library for our passengers to spend their spare time. Our ships are staffed by experts in the field who will also share great lectures along the way, ranging from exploration history to biology, geology, ice and wildlife. 

We depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on our way back to the calms of Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. En-route, we will cross Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America.
During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board which will provide the perfect opportunity to socialize with fellow travelers equally passionate for discovering the world, enjoy the lectures by our expedition on board, visit our shop or relax at leisure on our ship’s facilities, designed to provide a comfortable, relaxing time.

This morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia for the conclusion of our tour, where you can continue your adventures or begin your return home. 

INCLUSIONS:

  • 10-day cruise with accommodation in a shared double stateroom featuring ensuite facilities
  • Shuttle transfers to ship from city centre/from the ship to city centre or airport (Ushuaia)
  • All Zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary
  • Expedition parka
  • Rubber boot on loan
  • Guiding and lectures by our expedition leader and team
  • English-speaking expedition team
  • Full board on the ship – breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks
  • Free tea and coffee 24 hours daily
  • Taxes
  • Guiding and lectures by our experienced expedition leader and team
  • Special photo workshop
  • Welcome and farewell cocktails
  • Digital visual journal link after voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list and more!

EXCLUSIONS:

  • Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
  • Meals not on board the ship
  • Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
  • Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day)
  • Personal expenses
  • Anything not mentioned under ’Inclusions’
  •  Ocean Victory 

        11.19 -11.28, 2022

        12.26, 2023 – 1.05, 2023

        1.22 – 1.31, 2023

  • Ocean Atlantic 

        11.05 – 11.14, 2022

        11.14 – 11.23, 2022

        11.23 – 12.02, 2022

        12.02 – 12.11,2022

        12.11 – 12.20, 2022

        1.18 – 1.27, 2022

Need more dates?

Contact us

Kayaking

Glide through the waters and take in the royal grace of the icebergs, see the varied birds and seals, and maybe even the whales in their natural habitat under the supervision of experienced kayak guides, who will ensure your safety during each outing.

OPEN AIR CAMPING IN THE ANTARCTIC

Would you like to experience the ultimate Antarctic expedition adventure, like the original explorers did? Then join us for a night under the open skies on the actual Antarctic Peninsula! Cuddled up in a warm, snug and weatherproof sleeping bag, listening to the sounds of distant whale blows, penguins’ squeaks and shifting icebergs, Antarctic Open Air Camping with Albatros Expeditions is truly a memorable experience. After dinner onboard the ship, our expedition team will take you to shore, where you will be a part of preparing your camp for the night. Once you decide on the location within the set perimeter, you will level out your own spot in the snow, fix the base cover, insulated pad, and warm sleeping bag - and get ready for a night like no other.

SNOWSHOEING

Snowshoeing is an activity that allows you to hike across soft, powdery snow up gentle slopes to reach to unique vantage points without the hassle of sinking into deep snow. Snowshoeing is as basic as hiking and you do not need to have previous experience.

South Shetland Islands
& Antarctic Peninsula

Itinerary

10 Days

Departing From

Ushuaia, Argentina

Ship

Ocean Victory / Ocean Albatros

Start from
$5,590 USD 
(per person)

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Maple Explorer was established in Vancouver in 2015 with a focus on providing comprehensive travel experiences in the polar regions. We are dedicated to facilitating greater access to the wonders of the Antarctic, the Arctic, and the Tibetan Plateau, allowing people to discover the stunning beauty and cultural richness of these extraordinary places on our planet.

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