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Weddell Sea & Antarctica | MV Ushuaia

11 Days
From AUD 13,830

Trip Code: ACTSWED

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Ushuaia, Argentina

Finish: Ushuaia, Argentina

SHIP: M/V Ushuaia

DestinationDestination

Antarctic Peninsula

DestinationDeparture Date

03/02/2026

TransportAccommodation

Cabin Onboard a Ship



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OVERVIEW

Take a journey to the Weddell Sea - the location of Ernest Shackleton's famous "Endurance" expedition - one of the most famous survival stories in modern human history. Following in Shackleton's footsteps, this unique trip journeys to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands & the Weddell Sea. Dramatic landscapes of rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers and sculptured icebergs, interwoven with spectacular wildlife encounters – this is a journey not to be missed! 

 

PLEASE NOTE: Pricing is subject to change and availability at the time of booking. Contact us for more information.

ITINERARY

Depart from Ushuaia

Embark the USHUAIA in the afternoon and meet your expedition and lecture staff. After you have settled into your cabins we sail along the famous Beagle Channel and the scenic Mackinlay Pass.

Crossing the Drake Passage Crossing - Day 2 & 3

Named after the renowned explorer, Sir Francis Drake, who sailed these waters in 1578, the Drake Passage also marks the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar water sinks beneath the warmer northern waters. This creates a great upwelling of nutrients, which sustains the biodiversity of this region. The Drake Passage also marks the northern limit of many Antarctic seabirds.

As we sail across the passage, Antarpply Expeditions' lecturers will be out with you on deck to help with the identification of an amazing variety of seabirds, including many albatrosses, which follow in our wake. The USHUAIA´s open bridge policy allows you to join our officers on the bridge and learn about navigation, watch for whales, and enjoy the view. A full program of lectures will be offered as well.

The first sightings of icebergs and snow-capped mountains indicate that we have reached the South Shetland Islands, a group of twenty islands and islets first sighted in February 1819 by Capt. William Smith of the brig Williams. With favorable conditions in the Drake Passage our lecturers and naturalists will accompany you ashore as you experience your first encounter with the penguins and seals on Day 3.

Exploring the Weddell Sea - Day 4 to 6

This is where huge tabular icebergs roam. In some years, the Erebus & Terror Gulf and Weddell Sea are chock-a-block full with ice, making for exciting ice navigation. Get up early and go out on deck. It may be 3:30h in the morning, but the sunrises will be unlike anything you´ve ever seen. Huge tabular bergs break from the Larsen, Ronne, and Filchner ice shelves and combine with one-year-old and multi-year sea ice to produce a floating, undulating panorama of rugged ice scenery. All-white Snow Petrels are likely to be coursing over the floes, often joined by Pintado Petrels.

The usual passage to the east side of the Antarctic Peninsula traverses the Antarctic Sound, which is 30 miles (48 km) long and 7-12 miles (11-19 km) wide and runs northwest-to-southeast. Hope Bay and the Argentine Station Esperanza, are located on the western side of the Sound. Brown Bluff, a promontory on the Tabarin Peninsula, is located south of Hope Bay. Both of them might be possible landing sites. The Weddell Sea represents the center of the Peninsula´s Adélie Penguin population. Devil Island, Paulet Island and the already mentioned sites, might give us ample proof of this. The numbers of penguins are breathtaking. Sometimes juvenile Emperor Penguins have been sighted, riding ice floes but are by no means regular in the area.

This region also teems with vibrant exploration history. The most bizarre of these tales involves the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-03 under the command of geologist Otto Nordenskjöld. Four visitor sites have links to this expedition: Hope Bay, Paulet Island, Snow Hill Island, and Cape Well-Met on Vega Island. Our expedition staff will be pleased to share their exciting story with you. Nordenskjöld´s expedition was the first to overwinter in the Peninsula. His ship the Antarctic, under the command of the famous Norwegian whaling captain Carl Anton Larsen, was trapped in the ice and sank, but the men survived on different locations and even managed to carry out significant scientific research in the area.

Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetlands - Days 7 & 8

The Antarctic Peninsula´s remarkable history will also provide you with a type of excitement often only associated with the early explorers. You will have plenty of time to explore its amazing scenery, a pristine wilderness of snow, ice, mountains and waterways and a wide variety of wildlife. Apart from Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins and other seabirds you are likely to encounter Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals as well as Minke whales and orcas at close range.

We hope to navigate some of the most beautiful waterways: the Gerlache Strait, Errera Channel and Neumayer Channel. Possible landing sites may include: Paradise Bay, which is perhaps the most aptly named place in the world with its impressive glacial fronts and mountains, Cuverville Island, home of the biggest Gentoo Penguin colony in the Peninsula surrounded by glaciers and castellated icebergs, and the British Museum and Post office at Port Lockroy.

Further exploration will lead us to the South Shetland Islands. The volcanic island group is a haven for wildlife. Vast penguin rookeries and seals hauling out on the shorelines make every day spent here unforgettable. Sailing through the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island is truly amazing, so is visiting the crescent shaped island Half Moon, home to Chinstrap Penguins in breathtaking surroundings.

There might also be a chance to visit the enigmatic Elephant Island. Sir Ernest Shackleton fans will need no introduction to this historic windswept island. In 1916 Shackleton was forced to leave 22 of his men stranded on these shores, while he and five others embarked on an unbelievable last-ditch rescue attempt. What followed is one of the greatest rescue stories of all time. Every passenger will return with a greater knowledge of this gripping tale of adventure in a truly remarkable part of the world.

Crossing the Drake Passage - Day 9 to 10

We leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck as we search for seabirds and whales and enjoy some final lectures. Take the chance to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past days on the way back to Ushuaia.

Ushuaia – Disembark Ship

We arrive into Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark the M/V USHUAIA after breakfast.

*** Important - Please be sure not to book flights out of Ushuaia before 12PM (Noon) on the day of disembarkation from your cruise ship.

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WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?

  • In just under two weeks, you will get an introduction to the white continent and experience the highlights of this remote region.

  • This is one of the few tours that include the stunning, wild Weddell Sea region, where you will find yourself surrounded by tabular icebergs.

  • While crossing the Drake Passage, you might have the chance to spot a wide range of wildlife like dolphins, whales and orca, as well as seabirds like the mighty Albatross which follow the ship.

  • The South Shetland Islands are a haven for wildlife and are a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.

  • You will have the possibility to step foot on the great white continent to experience some of the most unique wildlife and inspiring scenery in the world.

M/V Ushuaia

M/V Ushuaia

The M/V Ushuaia started out in the service of the United States National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Agency. It was then transformed into an ice-strengthened Polar vessel, having undergone a complete refurbishment. With accommodation for up to 90 passengers in 46 comfortable cabins and suites, the ship also boasts a large dining room, observation lounge and bar, ample deck space, conference room with multi-media equipment, library, infirmary and an open bridge policy. Superb landings and wildlife viewing opportunities are possible due to the fleet of Zodiacs carried on board. The team of expedition leaders and lecturers are all extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic and dedicated to the protection of the environment, whilst the captain and crew are highly experienced in Antarctic navigation.

Why we like it "A true expedition ship, built with research in mind! It has all the quirks of a scientific ship but rebuilt a decade ago to carry passengers. The ships unique history makes any trip on her a true ‘living’ expedition. The Ushuaia has a fabulous expedition team and ample outside deck viewing areas. Accommodation is comfortable, and she is our biggest-selling budget Antarctica vessel – and has been for many years." Jason Dudson - Destination Specialist, Chimu Adventures

Ice Class: Length: 84.73 m / 278.3 feet
Breadth: 15.41 m / 51 feetMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 14 knots
Electricity: 110 V, 60 Hz Passenger
Capacity:
90 passengers

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Accommodation

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.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

Pricing per person & date

Weddell Sea & Antarctica | MV Ushuaia from AUD 13,830
Departing Ending Duration
03 Feb 202613 Feb 202611

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Important Information

  • Prices are based on per person, twin share* (unless otherwise stated for triple/quad cabins) 

    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

    Shipboard accommodation 

    All meals throughout the voyage

    All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by zodiac

    Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff

    All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program 

    Comprehensive pre-departure material 

    Detailed post-expedition log

     

    EXCLUSIONS

    Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flight

    Pre and post land arrangements

    Transfers to/from the port

    Passport and visa expenses

    Government arrival and departure taxes

    Meals ashore

    Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance

    Excess baggage charge

    All items of a personal nature such as bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charge

    Customary gratuity at the end of the voyage (guidelines provided)

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • No single surcharge for twin cabins, if willing to share  (C, B and A class only).

  • Departure date,  fuel surcharges, cabin category, currency fluctuations, seasonality and availability.