Antarctica - Elephant Island - Weddell Sea - Polar Circle

Price start from :
$

11,200

09 March 2026 - 23 Mar 2026

15 Days/14 Nights

Ushuaia - Ushuaia

Antarctica - Elephant Island - Weddell Sea - Polar Circle - Aurora Australis / Southern Lights - gallery 0

This expansive expedition takes you into the Antarctic Circle, where the rich wildlife of the Weddell Sea intertwines with the surreal landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula. Legendary sites like Elephant Island and the stunning Crystal Sound make this voyage truly exceptional.

Description

Note: This itinerary is a guide. Plans may change due to ice, weather, and wildlife. Landings depend on site availability, permissions, and environmental concerns.

During this cruise, you might see the stunning southern lights. While not guaranteed, the long nights and clear skies make it possible.

Start of the Journey

Your expedition begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. In the afternoon, you leave this small town and sail through the Beagle Channel.

Crossing the Drake Passage

For two days, you cross the Drake Passage, experiencing the same conditions as early explorers. You might see fin whales and various seabirds like albatrosses and petrels.

Point Wild and Weddell Sea

Arrive at Point Wild, Elephant Island, where Shackleton’s crew first landed. If conditions allow, enjoy activities here before heading to the Weddell Sea.

Weddell Sea Adventures

Explore the Weddell Sea, visiting places like Beak Island and Devil Island, known for their stunning scenery and pack ice.

Remote Exploration

Continue exploring Erebus and Terror Gulf, seeking new activities and visiting remote places like Vega Island.

Whale Watching in Orléans Strait

Sail down the Antarctic Peninsula, entering Orléans Strait to spot humpback and orca whales, then head to Mikklesen Harbor.

Port Charcot and Wildlife

Pass through Lemaire Channel to Port Charcot, then visit Petermann Island for birdlife and Zodiac cruises among icebergs.

Detaille Island

Reach Crystal Sound, view ice formations, and land at Detaille Island, home to a historic British research station.

Argentine Islands

Visit Yalour Islands, home to Adélie penguins and unique plant life, including moss and lichen.

Farewell to Antarctica

Say goodbye to Antarctica in the Melchior Islands before heading back through the Drake Passage.

Return Journey

Cross the Drake Passage again, accompanied by familiar seabirds.

End of the Expedition

Disembark in Ushuaia, taking home unforgettable memories.

Highlights You Might Experience

Light-mantled Albatross

Black-browed Albatross

Grey-headed Albatross

Southern Elephant Seal

Weddell Seal

Wilson's Storm Petrel

Emperor Penguin

Activities You might Participate

$ 1.075

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.

$ 780

Activity

Explore the Arctic and Antarctic Coastline in a Kayak

Even after exploring shores, mountains, and spotting wildlife, there’s a whole world to discover on the water. Polar kayaking offers a unique way to experience the blue-and-white beauty of the polar seas, visiting stunning ice formations and waterways too small for our ships.

Cabins and Pricing

More Details

Quadruple Porthole

2 upper & lower berths

Complete Cabin

USD

44800

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

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Sharing Cabin

USD

11200

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

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Triple Porthole

1 upper berth & 2 lower berths

Complete Cabin

USD

41100

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

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Sharing Cabin

USD

13700

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

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Twin Porthole

2 lower berths

Complete Cabin

USD

27400

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

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Single Cabin

USD

23290

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

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Sharing Cabin

USD

13700

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

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More Details

Twin Window

2 lower berths

Complete Cabin

USD

28600

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

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Single Cabin

USD

24310

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

Request

Sharing Cabin

USD

14300

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

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More Details

Twin Deluxe

2 lower berths

Complete Cabin

USD

31200

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

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Single Cabin

USD

26520

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

Request

Sharing Cabin

USD

15600

Share your cabin with others for the best price.

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More Details

Superior

1 double bed, 1 sofa bed

Complete Cabin

USD

33300

Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.

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Sharing Cabin

USD

16650

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Map

Route of Antarctica - Elephant Island - Weddell Sea - Polar Circle - 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

Can I watch movies, TV shows, or any other such content on the ship?

Yes, we have an onboard entertainment system that gives you access to movies and series as well as information about our menus, daily activities, and related trip information. Just connect to the vessel's Wi-Fi, click on the link or scan the QR code, and search for media at your leisure.

Can I join your trips if I am in a wheelchair or disabled?

Unfortunately, we're only able to provide voyages to passengers who meet a certain level of physical ability. Rough seas, rugged terrain, and physically demanding weather conditions are all commonly encountered during our voyages, which can at times be challenging even for people in peak physical fitness. The added difficulty of a wheelchair or other physical disability, therefor, could prevent us from making safe and timely shore landings, which in turn may undermine our voyage schedules and potentially put other passengers at risk.

What is the currency used aboard the ship?

The currency used on all vessels is the Euro, but you can also pay with USD.

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 Antarctic Peninsula Have?

The Antarctic Peninsula is one of the most beautiful regions of the entire continent. Your cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula will reveal the most diverse mixture of wildlife throughout Antarctica. The scenery in this region is dramatic, filled with icebergs and of course, very photo-worthy. The prevalence of penguins is a highlight during most expeditions, and a visit during the summer can even reveal plant life such as the area's only two flowering plants: the Antarctic pearlwart and Antarctic hair grass.

What is the Temperature and Weather Like in the Antarctic Peninsula?

The climate in the Antarctic Peninsula is much milder than most people would imagine because it is located near the most northerly part of Antarctica. If you travel to the Antarctic Peninsula during January, which is summertime, you can expect an average temperature of 1 to 2 degrees Celsius (33.8 to 35.6 degrees Fahrenheit). June is the coldest part of the year, and the temperature range is typically -20 to -15 degrees Celsius (-4 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit) during this part of the winter. Precipitation amounts vary throughout the region. On your voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula you can expect at least some rain on occasion. On the other hand, the interior of Antarctica is similar to a desert in that it only receives an annual precipitation amount of 10 cm (3.93 inches).

How many cabins are there on the Plancius?

There are in total 50 cabins at the Plancius: 4 quadruple cabins with private toilet and shower 9 twin porthole cabins 25 twin cabins with window 2 twin deluxe cabins (ca 15 square meters) 10 superior cabins (ca 21 square meters)

When was the Plancius built?

The ship Plancius was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy.

How long are the kayak excursions?

Kayak excursions normally last three to four hours. We leave after breakfast or lunch and are back on the ship for the next meal. The kayak excursions run parallel to the normal expedition program.

Where do we go during the kayaking activity?

The kayaking program runs parallel to the regular program. When the non-kayakers go for a landing or Zodiac cruise, the kayakers go kayaking. This means you can always join the regular program. The kayaking is done near the landing sites of the regular program. These sites are mentioned in your itinerary. As the itineraries are different for each trip, you have to look at your program to find roughly the area where kayaking will be done.

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