Antarctic Peninsula and the Weddell Sea

Offer
applies

Antarctic Peninsula and the Weddell Sea

from £12,121 excluding flights

  • 13 nights
  • Mar
01737 214 250
Open today, 9am - 5pm
Our opening hours are:
  • Monday – Saturday
  • 9am to 5pm
  • Sunday
  • Closed
Call us: 01737 214 250
Enquire Now worldwide team lauren shorney bw

One of our specialists

Meet Lauren
antarctica adelie penguins diving from iceberg astk

Antarctic Peninsula and the Weddell Sea

from £12,121 excluding flights

  • 13 nights
  • Mar

Customers rate Discover the World

Average score 4.8/5

Based on 1186 reviews. Powered by

Highlights

In pictures
antarctica blue icebergs in tranquil channel sstock

Cruise in the shadow of vast icebergs

antarctica wildlife adelie penguins icehopping istk

Encounter cheeky Adélies and other penguin species

antarctica peninsula relaxing maelressos aurexped

Get involved with the Citizen Science programme

antarctica wildlife weddell seal pup istk

Search for seals, whales and seabirds

antartica peninsula kayaks with humpback adstk

Camp on the 7th continent or kayak across icy bays

Why this trip...

discover the world escorted holiday group whale fjord iceland expertly guided white

Expertly guided

In-depth knowledge and expertise will enrich your experience on this trip

Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska immersive exploration white

Immersive exploration

Immerse yourself in your surroundings on a true exploration of remote and spectacular areas

canada group hiking by mountain lake istk like minded travellers white

Like-minded travellers

Share your travel experiences with fellow travellers

Overview

This voyage showcases the best of the Antarctic Peninsula, combining an exploration of the western side with a discovery of the less-visited, more remote eastern side - the Weddell Sea. Here you will find abundant penguin rookeries, incredible icebergs and unforgettable landing sites.

This variation on our Classic Antarctica itinerary allows a more wide-spread exploration of the peninsula, providing a fantastic opportunity to experience the continent's scenery, wildlife and history.

Forever synonymous with Shackleton’s ill-fated ‘Endurance’ expedition, the Weddell Sea is home to vast icebergs and a Zodiac cruise amongst these impressive structures is a memorable experience. Other highlights include the countless Adélie penguins to be found on Paulet Island, as well as an insight into early polar exploration.

In addition is the opportunity to visit the sheltered western side of the peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, making this a comprehensive introduction to Antarctica.

Itinerary

Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina

Begin your journey to the Antarctic Circle with a night in a pre-departure hotel in the busy little port town of Ushuaia. Take the opportunity to relax at the hotel or explore the town.

Begin your journey to the Antarctic Circle with a night in a pre-departure hotel in the busy little port town of Ushuaia. Take the opportunity to relax at the hotel or explore the town.

Day 2 Embarkation Day

In the morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before exploring Ushuaia on a half-day city tour. After embarkation in the late afternoon, you will cruise down the historic Beagle Channel towards open sea. Stay on deck to keep watch for seabirds, penguins and rainbows.

In the morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before exploring Ushuaia on a half-day city tour. After embarkation in the late afternoon, you will cruise down the historic Beagle Channel towards open sea. Stay on deck to keep watch for seabirds, penguins and rainbows.

argentina ushuaia harbour sunset istk
argentina ushuaia sign adstk
arakur ushuaia mountain side location

Days 3-4 At sea

The Drake Passage, named after Sir Francis Drake, is the infamous body of water that separates South America and Antarctica. Smooth or rough, the crossing of the Drake is a rite of passage for any true Antarctic adventurer. These two days will give you time to get to know the Expedition Team and your fellow shipmates.

The Drake Passage, named after Sir Francis Drake, is the infamous body of water that separates South America and Antarctica. Smooth or rough, the crossing of the Drake is a rite of passage for any true Antarctic adventurer. These two days will give you time to get to know the Expedition Team and your fellow shipmates.

Days 5-11 Antarctic Peninsula & the Weddell Sea

Your time in Antarctica will be divided, subject to conditions, between the eastern and western sides of the Peninsula. Possible landing sites along the west coast include Melchiors, Wilhelmina Bay, Cuverville Island and Orne Harbour. Glaciers, penguin colonies and breaching humpback whales will highlight your days, while friendly seals are plentiful in these waters. You can also expect to encounter what is arguably the most formidable Antarctic predator - the leopard seal.

The Antarctic Sound separates the western side of the Peninsula from the Weddell Sea and is often riddled with huge pieces of ice emanating from the Larsen Ice Shelf. The Antarctic Sound itself offers great places to get ashore and stretch your legs at landing sites that are home to nesting Adélie and gentoo penguins. Snow and pintado petrels as well as kelp gulls also call this area home.

The Weddell Sea is as stunning as it is remote, and is best known as the location where Shackleton's 'Endurance' came to its end, crushed by sea ice. Take a zodiac cruise amongst huge tabular icebergs and perhaps land on Paulet Island. The island is a 350 meter high volcanic cone that juts dramatically out of the sea. Over 100,000 pairs of Adélie penguins breed here, along with blue-eyed shags, snowy sheathbills and kelp gulls. Fur seals and Weddell seals haul out onshore, while leopard seals often hunt offshore.

Your time in Antarctica will be divided, subject to conditions, between the eastern and western sides of the Peninsula. Possible landing sites along the west coast include Melchiors, Wilhelmina Bay, Cuverville Island and Orne Harbour. Glaciers, penguin colonies and breaching humpback whales will highlight your days, while friendly seals are plentiful in these waters. You can also expect to encounter what is arguably the most formidable Antarctic predator - the leopard seal.

The Antarctic Sound separates the western side of the Peninsula from the Weddell Sea and is often riddled with huge pieces of ice emanating from the Larsen Ice Shelf. The Antarctic Sound itself offers great places to get ashore and stretch your legs at landing sites that are home to nesting Adélie and gentoo penguins. Snow and pintado petrels as well as kelp gulls also call this area home.

The Weddell Sea is as stunning as it is remote, and is best known as the location where Shackleton's 'Endurance' came to its end, crushed by sea ice. Take a zodiac cruise amongst huge tabular icebergs and perhaps land on Paulet Island. The island is a 350 meter high volcanic cone that juts dramatically out of the sea. Over 100,000 pairs of Adélie penguins breed here, along with blue-eyed shags, snowy sheathbills and kelp gulls. Fur seals and Weddell seals haul out onshore, while leopard seals often hunt offshore.

antarctica paradise bay iceberg reflection istk
antarctic gentoo penguins against epic backdrop stock
Weddell seal in Antarctica

Days 12-13 At sea

As you cross the Drake on the way back to Ushuaia, keep an eye out for seabirds, attend some final lectures or simply reflect on your experiences of the past few days.

As you cross the Drake on the way back to Ushuaia, keep an eye out for seabirds, attend some final lectures or simply reflect on your experiences of the past few days.

Day 14 Disembarkation, Ushuaia

After breakfast aboard the ship, disembark in Ushuaia.

After breakfast aboard the ship, disembark in Ushuaia.

Vessel Finder

There are a choice of vessels available for this voyage. Compare the facilities of up to three ships at a glance then talk to our Travel Specialists who will be happy to advise which one is right for you.

greg mortimer at sea

Greg Mortimer

A custom-built expedition ship featuring cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.

A custom-built expedition ship featuring cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.

  • Category: Deluxe
  • Passengers: 120
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony cabins
  • Sauna
  • Jacket to keep
  • Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional activities available
sylvia earle exterior render

Sylvia Earle

The sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features the same cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.

The sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features the same cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.

  • Category: Deluxe
  • Passengers: 126
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony cabins
  • Pool/Hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Jacket to keep
  • Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional activities available
ms seaventure expedition ship exterior artist rendering pl

Seaventure

A classic and strong Polar expedition ship, the MS Seaventure immerses passengers in their surroundings with opportunities to participate in important scientific research projects and activities including kayaking and camping.

A classic and strong Polar expedition ship, the MS Seaventure immerses passengers in their surroundings with opportunities to participate in important scientific research projects and activities including kayaking and camping.

  • Category: Standard
  • Passengers: 139
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony cabins
  • Pool/Hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Jacket to keep
  • Load of Rubber boots
  • Optional activities available

Select 2-3 vessels to compare.

Prices and Departures

Price from £12,121 excluding flights

Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

What's Included

  • Shipboard accommodation
  • All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
  • Tea & coffee available around the clock
  • All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
  • Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
  • Expedition jacket - yours to keep
  • Loan of rubber boots during voyage
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
  • No surcharge guarantee
  • Full financial protection

2023-25 Departures

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. Due to fluctuating currencies our advertised voyage prices are indicative, and where applicable will be recalculated based on the exchange rate of the day at the time of enquiry.

Departure Duration Vessel Activities Prices from (pp) Special Interest
01 Mar 2024 14 days Greg Mortimer £13,913
24 Mar 2024 14 days Sylvia Earle £13,079
18 Dec 2024 13 days MS Seaventure £12,121 Citizen Science
06 Mar 2025 12 days Greg Mortimer £12,246
24 Mar 2025 12 days Sylvia Earle £12,163

Activity Icon Key

  • activity camping Camping
  • activity diving Diving
  • activity kayaking Kayaking
  • activity snorkelling Snorkelling
  • activity kayak tester Kayak taster session

  • All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only – embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes and landings will be dependent on weather, sea and ice conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions.

Offers

Meet our expert

worldwide team lauren shorney bw
One of our specialists
Meet Lauren

You may also like

Tailor made trips

As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.

pillars

Travelling sustainably

We believe travel is about finding the right balance between minimising our impact on the environment and broadening minds through new experiences and cultural interaction.

How to Book
Call us on 01737 214 250 to discuss your plans or
Enquire Now
Browse the website

Find a holiday idea or suggested itinerary that inspires you, then send an enquiry or call us

Personalised Quote

Your dedicated travel specialist will create a quote based on your preferences

Refine & Book

Together we’ll refine your itinerary until you’re happy and ready to book

You’re in safe hands

From the moment you book until you return home we’re here for you no matter what