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This expedition offers you the ideal introduction to the Great White continent. Albatross and petrels will escort us across the Drake Passage until we spot our first huge icebergs and we eagerly anticipate land. Our first landing on King George Island will give us our first taste of Antarctica before continuing onto the Peninsula via the Bransfield and Gerlache Straits and Neko Bay. Besides the magnificent scenery you can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife including seals, an abundance of penguin and other birdlife. We spend as much time as possible on this voyage looking for the wide variety of whales which frequent the rich feeding grounds of the Peninsula in summer. Imagine walking straight into a wildlife documentary and you could well be on the volcanic Deception Island amongst a teeming colony of hundred's of thousands of Chinstrap Penguins. As we head further south the magnificence of the natural beauty of Antarctica takes your breath away.
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Day 1
Embark Ushuaia
In the afternoon we embark from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. The voyage will depart through the Beagle Channel and sail through this scenic waterway for the rest of the evening.
Meals: D
Day 2-3
Crossing the Drake Passage
During these two days we sail across the Drake Passage. When we cross the Antarctic Convergence, we arrive in the circum-Antarctic up welling zone. In this area we may see 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. Near the South Shetland Islands, we spot our first icebergs.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 4-8
Antarctic Peninsula
Gray stone peaks sketched with snow, towers of broken blue-white ice, and dramatically different wildlife below and above. You first pass the snow-capped Melchior Islands and Schollaert Channel, sailing between Brabant and Anvers Islands. Sites you may visit include: Danco Island – Activities here may focus on the gentoo penguins nesting on the island, in addition to the Weddell and crabeater seals that can be found nearby. Neko Harbour – An epic landscape of mammoth glaciers and endless wind-carved snow, Neko Harbour offers opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and landing that afford the closest views of the surrounding alpine peaks. Paradise Bay – You may be able to take a Zodiac cruise in these sprawling, ice-flecked waters, where there’s a good chance you’ll encounter humpback and minke whales. Pléneau & Petermann Islands – If the ice allows it, you could sail through the Lemaire Channel in search of humpback and minke whales, as well as leopard seals. Port Lockroy – After sailing through the Neumayer Channel, you may get a chance to visit the former British research station – now a museum and post office – of Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. You may also be able to partake in activities around Jougla Point, meeting gentoo penguins and blue-eyed shags. At the nearby sites, such as Damoy Point there may be the opportunity for snowshoeing to the old ski-way, this is also one of our favourite camping sites. Wilhelmina Bay & Guvernøren – This is a great place to spot humpback whales. You also may embark on a Zodiac cruise ending at the ghostly wreck of the Guvernøren, a whaling vessel that caught fire here in 1915. Around the Melchior Islands, amid a frozen landscape peopled with icebergs, you may encounter even more whales, leopard seals, and crabeater seals. Charlotte Bay - We might encounter a variety of wildlife, including gentoo penguins, Weddell seals and possibly some migrating whale species such as humpback whales or minke whales. Conditions on the Drake Passage determine the exact time of departure.
Day 9-10
Drake Passage
In the Drake Passage we have again a chance of seeing many seabirds and to take advantage of the knowledge of our lecture team.
Day 11
Disembark Ushuaia
We arrive in the morning in Ushuaia and disembark.
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
Our voyages are designed for curious travellers — not just passengers. While our itineraries offer a range of activities, from gentle Zodiac cruises to more challenging hikes and paddles, it’s important to understand the nature of this experience before you join us. These expeditions are suitable for most travellers with an adventurous spirit, good health, and the ability to move confidently around a vessel — especially in variable weather and sea conditions. Some shore landings and excursions may involve uneven terrain, wet landings, or light scrambling. Boarding Zodiacs and navigating the ship may require balance and agility, though our experienced team is always on hand to assist. Each trip may include a variety of optional activities, most of which require no prior experience. You might find yourself kayaking past icebergs, snowshoeing across pristine landscapes, or even camping on the ice for a night under the stars. Of course, all activities are optional — you’re always welcome to stay aboard and enjoy the ship at your own pace. Not sure if this trip is right for you?
Get in touch with our team — we’re here to help you choose the experience that best suits your interests, comfort, and curiosity.
M/v "Plancius" was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and was named "Hr. Ms. Tydeman". The ship sailed for the Dutch Navy until June 2004. The vessel was completely rebuilt in 2009 and complies with the latest SOLAS-regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea).
Superior
This cabin has 2 windows, 1 double bed and a sofa bed. A private shower & toilet, a desk & chair, Flatscreen TV plus a telephone and internet connection point. Refrigerator and coffee/tea making facilities. A hair dryer and ample storage space. Capacity 2 people.
Cabin size between 21 m² and 23 m²
Twin Deluxe
This cabin has 2 windows and 2 lower berths. A private shower & toilet, a desk & chair, Flatscreen TV plus a telephone and internet connection point. A hair dryer and ample storage space. These cabins are corner cabins and are slightly more spacious than the normal twin porthole/window cabins. Capacity 2 people.
Cabin size 13,5 m²
Twin Window
This cabin has 1 window and 2 lower berths. A private shower & toilet, a desk & chair, Flatscreen TV plus a telephone and internet connection point. A hair dryer and ample storage space. Capacity 2 people.
Cabin size between 12,5 m² and 13,5 m²
Twin Porthole
This cabin has 1 porthole and 2 lower berths. A private shower & toilet, a desk & chair, Flatscreen TV plus a telephone and internet connection point. A hair dryer and ample storage space. Capacity 2 people.
Cabin size 12 m²
Quadruple Porthole
This cabin has 1 porthole, 2 upper & 2 lower berths (bunks). A private shower & toilet, a desk & chair, Flatscreen TV plus a telephone and internet connection point. A hair dryer and ample storage space. This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin. Capacity 4 people.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Explore places the big ships can’t with the widest selection of genuine small-ship, activity-first cruising. On Water Expeditions offers exceptional value, quality services, no hidden costs, and plenty of inclusions.
Don't watch the action sail past your window, dive into it! Designed for active travellers, these itineraries give you more time to adventure off the boat.
Activity is built into every journey. From paddling to hiking, enjoy a basecamp-style experience that injects fun, meaningful connections and thrilling adventure into it.
Each voyage is thoughtfully selected for low-impact exploration, supporting genuine conservation and sustainability while respecting local communities and environments.
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