Antarctica - Polar Circle - Deep South Discovery voyage - Aurora Australis / Southern Lights

Price start from :
$

10,950

06 March 2027 - 18 Mar 2027

13 Days/12 Nights

Ushuaia - Ushuaia

Antarctica - Polar Circle - Deep South Discovery voyage - Aurora Australis / Southern Lights - gallery 0

This Polar Circle and Antarctic Peninsula voyage navigates waters frequented by Humpback, Minke, and Fin whales. With stops at numerous locations throughout the region, the journey provides opportunities to hike and explore the icy depths through diving in the iceberg-laden waters.

Description

All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations.

During this expedition, there's a good chance to see the stunning southern lights. While not guaranteed, the long nights and clear skies make it possible to witness this magical event.

Start of the Journey

Your expedition begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. In the afternoon, you leave this small town on Tierra del Fuego, known as ""The End of the World,"" and cruise through the Beagle Channel.

Path of the Explorers

For two days, you cross the Drake Passage, experiencing what early explorers did: cool breezes, rolling seas, and maybe a glimpse of a fin whale. After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the marine and bird life changes. You might see wandering albatrosses, cape pigeons, and Antarctic petrels.

Antarctic Sights

During late summer, the Antarctic Peninsula offers many activities. Humpback whales feast on krill, and penguin chicks are active on the beaches. Possible sites include:

Livingston Island: Home to gentoo and chinstrap penguins, giant petrels, and elephant seals.
Deception Island: A natural harbor with an abandoned whaling station and various bird species.
Cuverville Island: Hosts a large colony of gentoo penguins and brown skuas.
Neko Harbour: Offers views of glaciers and a chance to set foot on the continent.
Paradise Bay: Zodiac cruises may reveal humpback and minke whales.
Pléneau & Petermann Islands: Possible sightings of Adélie penguins, whales, and leopard seals.
Crystal Sound: Journey south to this ice-filled area and cross the Polar Circle.
Detaille Island: Visit an abandoned British research station.
Fish Islands: Home to Adélie penguins and blue-eyed shags.
Melchior Islands: Rich with icebergs, seals, and whales, offering diving opportunities.

Departure time depends on Drake Passage conditions.

Return Journey

On the way back, you’ll see familiar seabirds from the journey south.

End of the Adventure

Your adventure ends as you disembark in Ushuaia, taking with you memories for your next journey.

Highlights You Might Experience

Light-mantled Albatross

Black-browed Albatross

Grey-headed Albatross

Southern Elephant Seal

Weddell Seal

Wilson's Storm Petrel

Activities You might Participate

$ 1.050

Activity

Scuba Diving Trips in Antarctica and the Arctic

Our polar voyages provide maximum firsthand contact with local wildlife and terrain, as well as unparalleled adventures below the waves.

Cabins and Pricing

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Quadruple Porthole

2 upper / lower berths

Complete Cabin

USD

43800

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

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Sharing Cabin

USD

10950

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

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Triple Porthole

1 upper / lower berth + 1 single lower berth

Complete Cabin

USD

40500

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

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Sharing Cabin

USD

13500

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

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Twin Porthole

2 lower berths

Complete Cabin

USD

27000

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

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Single Cabin

USD

22950

Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).

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Sharing Cabin

USD

13500

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

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More Details

Twin Window

2 lower berths

Complete Cabin

USD

28100

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

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Single Cabin

USD

23885

Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).

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Sharing Cabin

USD

14050

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

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More Details

Twin Deluxe

2 lower berths

Complete Cabin

USD

30900

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

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Single Cabin

USD

26265

Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).

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Sharing Cabin

USD

15450

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

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Superior

1 double bed, 1 single (sofa) bed

Complete Cabin

USD

32600

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

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Sharing Cabin

USD

16300

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Map

Route of Antarctica - Polar Circle - Deep South Discovery voyage - Aurora Australis / Southern Lights

IMPORTANT

EXCLUDED

INCLUDED

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel
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.
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.

FAQ

What happens if we cannot camp?

Our expedition leaders always do their best to ensure the camping activity is carried out, but sometimes this is impossible due to unsafe environmental conditions. If such is the case, we may offer camping on the outer decks of the ship.

Can I access any digital reading material while on board?

Yes, we offer an app called PressReader that gives you access to a number of magazines and periodicals while you're on board. Simply connect to the ship's Wi-Fi, use the QR code or link to access the app, and enjoy reading.

Can I get a cash advance on board the ship?

No, you are not able to get cash advances on the vessel.

What form of payment do you accept on board?

Aboard Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius, and Rembrandt van Rijn, refreshments and souvenirs will be charged to your cabin. The day before disembarking, you can settle your bill with the hotel manager and pay by Visa or MasterCard, Diners Club/Discover, Union Pay, or cash (Euro or USD). The prices and standard currency on board all of our vessels is the Euro.

What Unique Features Does the South Shetland Islands Have?

The South Shetland Islands are volcanic, primarily mountainous and approximately 80 percent glaciated. A voyage to the South Shetland Islands will often provide visitors with the opportunity to see penguins and seals. Deception Island is always a highlight, and it is uninhabited aside from Spanish and Argentinean research bases. The glaciers and steep peak on the eastern side of the island provide a challenging environment for hiking. Kayaking is also an exciting way to explore Port Foster - the flooded caldera of Deception island.

What is the Temperature and Weather Like in the South Shetland Islands?

The climate in this area is typically very cool and corresponds well with the rest of the northern Antarctic Peninsula.The average summer temperature only reaches 1.5 degrees Celsius (34.7 degrees Fahrenheit), and the typical winter temperature hovers around -5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit). Even in the summertime, the South Shetland Islands retain an ice and snow coverage of 80 percent. It is humid and often cloudy, and the sunniest days are typically accompanied by colder temperatures. Due to this, anyone who is taking a expedition cruise to the South Shetland Islands needs to bring the proper type of clothing with them.

When was the Ortelius built?

The Ortelius was built in Poland in 1989 for the Russian Academy of Science.

How many people can travel on board the Ortelius?

The number of passengers is limited to approximately 116 on the Ortelius. Furthermore the vessel is manned by 20 highly experienced international nautical crew, 19 international hotel crew, including stewardesses, 7 expedition staff in Antarctica (1 expedition leader and 6 guides/lecturers) and 1 doctor.

What is the average visibility during polar diving?

This varies with weather, plankton blooms, and proximity of glaciers, making each site's visibility highly variable and impossible to predict in advance.

Is previous experience required for polar diving?

Yes, diving in the polar regions is not for beginners. You will have to be a very experienced diver with at least 30 logged cold-water, dry suit dives. Before departure, you will have to submit an internationally accepted diving certificate to Nexta Expeditions.

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