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Antarctic Peninsula and the Weddell Sea

From £10316

Excluding Flights

11-14 Nights

Feb-Mar & Nov-Dec

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.

Itinerary

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!
The below sample itinerary is based on the 12-day voyage on the Ocean Albatros. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, i.e. alternative embarkation or disembarkation ports, or do not include the pre-voyage hotel night. Please contact us for specific details.

With a population of more than 63,000, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. Although the city has grown during the past few years, it retains an easygoing and accessible feel. Surrounded by the sea to the south and the mountains to the north, Ushuaia is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruiseAfter embarkation you will cruise down the historic Beagle Channel towards open 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.

Your time in Antarctica will be divided, subject to conditions, between the eastern and western sides of the Peninsula. 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.  

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.

Arrive back in Ushuaia this morning and disembark, ready for your onward adventure.  

New Scientist

Explore the world, discover the science

New Scientist, a leading science and technology platform since 1956, covers global news and big-picture questions. In collaboration with AE Expeditions, these immersive journeys feature expert-led talks, workshops and floating safaris. Discover incredible landscapes and unique wildlife, these expeditions bring science to life, fostering insightful discussions and a deeper understanding.

Travel with like-minded people explorers who share a passion for nature and discovery. Carefully curated activities take you deep into the polar environment, while onboard talks enrich your experience. Flexible itineraries adapt to conditions and wildlife sightings, ensuring the best possible encounters. Enjoy visits to the Science Centre, embracing the true spirit of polar exploration.

Sail aboard the state-of-the-art Sylvia Earle, one of the few passenger vessels featuring the innovative X-BOW®. Designed for efficiency and a smoother voyage, it sets a new standard for polar expeditions.

Departures:
02 March 2027

greenland helicopter flight over icecap from ultramarine qe

Antarctica by Helicopter

A view like no other

Soar over the polar regions in a helicopter, taking in breathtaking aerial views of the frozen Antarctic Ocean, snow-capped ice ridges, massive crevices, and vibrant melt pools in all shades of blue.

You will have the rare opportunity to explore Antarctica from above aboard Ultramarine’s twin-engine helicopters, offering unparalleled perspectives of the 7th Continent. Included in your voyage are flightseeing opportunities and an unforgettable landing. Step out onto the untouched polar landscape, following in the footsteps of history’s boldest explorers. This is the ultimate Antarctic adventure.

Departures:
27 November, 07 December 2025

27 November, 07 December 2026

Prices

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

From £10316 Excluding Flights

11-14 Nights

Feb-Mar & Nov-Dec

One pre-voyage night in a hotel is included with all voyages apart from, M/V Plancius.

The inclusions for this cruise are dependent on the vessel chosen – those shown are applicable to all. Please contact us for full details and to discuss the options best for you.

Our holiday prices exclude flights. Why? Because we want to offer you the best value, tailored to your needs. Flight prices and offers change daily, so when you’re ready to book, we’ll provide a bespoke quote based on the best options from your local airport. This way, you’ll always get the best prices and the flexibility to choose what works for you.

Make this trip yours

Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.

Lauren
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Eyelash vipers spotted

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Rail journey on the Ghan

We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch. 

Experts with real experience