STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACOWW10
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish: Ushuaia, Argentina
SHIP: Plancius
Antarctic Peninsula
23/03/2026
All Meals On board The Ship
Group Transfers On Disembarkation To The Airport
Cabin on board a ship
Daily Antarctica Excursions in location, Zodiac Cruising, On board Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team
NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather & ice conditions
Cruise by Zodiacs amongst the beautifully sculpted icebergs and take excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites
When conditions allow, passengers will receive two excursions per day.
Spot penguins from your zodiac or hiking in Antarctica. Common species on the peninsula are the Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins.
On this Antarctic Peninsula tour, you will see untamed white snow, craggy rock, and an amazing array of wildlife. Come greet the seals, penguins, and whales.
*Rates are subject to currency fluctuation and availability at the time of booking. Please contact us for the latest pricing and availability.
Your voyage begins where the world drops off. Ushuaia, Argentina, reputed to be the southernmost city on the planet, is located on the far southern tip of South America. Starting in the afternoon, you embark from this small resort town on Tierra del Fuego, nicknamed “The End of the World,” and sail the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the remainder of the evening.
Over the next two days on the Drake Passage, you enjoy some of the same experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first charted these regions: cool salt breezes, rolling seas, maybe even a fin whale spouting up sea spray. After passing the Antarctic Convergence – Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic seas – you are in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Not only does the marine life change, the avian life changes too. Wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, light-mantled sooty albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels are a few of the birds you might see.
The Antarctic landscape presents a stunning spectacle of gray stone peaks dusted with snow and towering formations of broken blue-white ice, amidst a diverse array of wildlife both above and below. As you navigate past the snow-capped Melchior Islands and through the Schollaert Channel between Brabant and Anvers Islands, several notable sites await exploration:
Danco Island offers opportunities to observe gentoo penguins nesting on the island, along with sightings of Weddell and crabeater seals nearby.
Neko Harbour boasts mammoth glaciers and wind-carved snow, providing ideal conditions for Zodiac cruises and landings with close-up views of the surrounding alpine peaks.
Paradise Bay invites you to embark on a Zodiac cruise through sprawling, ice-flecked waters, with a high likelihood of encountering humpback and minke whales.
Pléneau & Petermann Islands, weather permitting, allow for a potential passage through the Lemaire Channel in search of humpback and minke whales, as well as leopard seals.
Port Lockroy, accessible via the Neumayer Channel, offers the opportunity to visit the former British research station on Goudier Island, now transformed into a museum and post office. Activities around Jougla Point may include encounters with gentoo penguins and blue-eyed shags.
At nearby sites like Damoy Point, you may have the chance for snowshoeing to the old ski-way, a favorite camping site.
Wilhelmina Bay & Guvernøren provide excellent opportunities for spotting humpback whales. You may also embark on a Zodiac cruise culminating at 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, further encounters with whales, leopard seals, and crabeater seals are possible.
Please note that departure times are subject to conditions in the Drake Passage.
Your return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to you now, and you to them.
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. It’s now time to disembark in Ushuaia, but with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.
M/V Plancius started life as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy. After a change of owner, the ship underwent a complete refit and refurbishment to be converted into a comfortable ice-strengthened vessel, that now cruises the polar regions. Accommodating up to 108 passengers, M/V Plancius has 50 cabins, all with private bathrooms. The cabins come in a range of configirations, with quadruple, triple and twin/double cabins available. Quadruple cabins include two bunk beds, triple cabins feature 1 bunk bed plus 1 single bed. The ship has a large restaurant/lecture room and a spacious observation lounge with bar and huge panoramic windows. There are large open deck spaces, including full walk-around possibilities on one deck, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting and to feast on the spectacular scenery. The 10 Zodiacs and 2 gangways ensure a swift Zodiac operation, so no time is wasted getting you ashore to explore the stunning beauty and amazing wildlife of the Antarctic and the Arctic regions.
Ice Class:
Length: 89 m / 293 feet
Breadth: 14.5 m / 47 feetMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 12 knots
Electricity: 240 volts Passenger
Capacity:108
View Ship Details
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.
Hiking excursions are among the most popular options in Antarctica as many itineraries are short and suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Guided hikes lead you to amazing vantage points and allow even closer interaction with local wildlife, so don’t forget to pack your camera!
Learn MoreFor photography enthusiasts of any skill level. You will receive expert advice on taking and producing amazing photos of Antarctica.
Learn MoreAntarctica Whale Watching 10 Day | Plancius from NZD 14,310 | ||
Departing | Ending | Duration |
---|---|---|
23 Mar 2026 | 01 Apr 2026 | 10 |
Prices are based on per person, and may be based on quad/triple/twin share.
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.
INCLUSIONS
Cabin Accommodation on board MV Plancius
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
Group departure transfers in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation)
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme
Comprehensive pre-departure material
Access to 1.5 GB of free internet connectivity per person, which resets every 24 hours. Supplementary vouchers available to purchase on onboard. Subject to satellite coverage
EXCLUSIONS
Airfares to/from disembarkation city
Visa & passport fees (if applicable)
Travel insurance
Beverages (other than tea & coffee)
Meals ashore
Personal expenses such as laundry & bar
Gratuities for the crew (guidelines will be provided)
Pre and post land arrangements
Government arrival or departure taxes (if applicable)
Additional optional activities
Available upon request. Please contact us for more details. No single supplement will apply if willing to share in selected cabins.
Departure Date, Fuel Surcharges, Cabin Category, Currency Fluctuations, Seasonality & Availability.