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Antarctica – Weddell Sea Explorer Basecamp – The Best Activity Voyage in the Iconic Weddell Sea

Antarctica – Weddell Sea Explorer Basecamp – The Best Activity Voyage in the Iconic Weddell Sea

From USD $9,700

Description

The Weddell Sea Explorer Basecamp cruise offers you a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy the wildlife-rich Weddell Sea. This expedition allows you to hike, snowshoe, kayak, go mountaineering, and even camp out under the Southern Polar skies.

Trip Name
Antarctica - Weddell Sea Explorer Basecamp - The Best Activity Voyage in the Iconic Weddell Sea
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Polar Class Expedition Ship Length: 107.6 metres Passenger Capacity: 170 Built: 2019 Hondius is a purpose-built Polar Class 6 expedition ship designed to operate safely and efficiently in the Arctic and Antarctica. Its ice-strengthened hull, advanced navigation systems, and powerful twin engines support fast repositioning and reliable performance in challenging polar conditions. Interiors follow a clean, mid-century modern style, with accommodation for 170 guests across a wide range of cabin types, from suites with balconies to porthole cabins for groups. Public spaces include an expansive observation lounge and a dedicated lecture room used for workshops and briefings, reinforcing the vessel’s focus on education and discovery rather than traditional cruise entertainment. The ship is engineered for low environmental impact, using modern power management, LED lighting, and biodegradable materials. Shore access is prioritised through two gangways, an indoor Zodiac boarding area, and a large fleet of rigid-hull inflatables that support quick landings and near-shore exploration. With 70 crew, guides, and staff on board, Hondius offers the comfort of a well-run hotel while maintaining the flexibility required for wildlife encounters, shifting ice, and rapidly changing weather, ensuring maximum time in the field and minimal time at sea.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: End of the world, start of a journey
 Our voyage begins where the world drops off. Ushuaia, Argentina, reputed to be the southernmost city on the planet, is located on the far southern tip of South America. Starting in the afternoon, you embark from this small resort town on Tierra del Fuego, nicknamed “The End of the World,” and sail the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the remainder of the evening.
Day 2 - Day 2-3: Path of the polar explorers
 Over the next two days on the Drake Passage, we enjoy some of the same experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first charted these regions: cool salt breezes, rolling seas, maybe even a fin whale spouting sea spray. After passing the Antarctic Convergence – Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic seas – you are in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Not only does the marine life change, the avian life changes too. Wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, light-mantled sooty albatrosses, cape petrels, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels are a few of the birds you might see.
Day 3 - Day 4-10: Entering the Weddell Sea
 The great Weddell Sea features massive tabular icebergs, wildly dramatic landscapes, and fascinating historical sites. It is also one of the best places in Antarctica for viewing iconic wildlife like whales, seals, and rarely seen seabirds.We may visit the following locations, depending on local conditions:Antarctic Sound - Antarctic Sound is nicknamed “Iceberg Alley,” as we often see enormous tabular icebergs here.Brown Bluff - Possibly the most scenic location in the northern Antarctic Continent, Brown Bluff is characterized by sheer canyon walls, fallen boulders, and beautiful volcanic creations capped with ice.Herbert Sound - We will focus our attention on the visually impressive areas of Naze Peninsula and Comb Ridge.Devil Island - This island offers a magnificent vantage point for hikers willing to foot it to the top of the hill. Melting ice sometimes forms a waterfall dropping from the cliffs close to Cape Well-met.Erebus and Terror Gulf - Here we look for new activity opportunities and may visit Vega Island, experiencing the wilderness of Antarctica in its most remote places.
Day 4 - Day 11-12: Familiar seas, familiar friends
 Our return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, we’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to us now, and us to them.
Day 5 - Day 13: There and back again
 Even great adventures must eventually come to an end. It’s now time to disembark in Ushuaia with memories that will accompany you wherever your next journey lies.
Day 6 - Please Note:
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per IAATO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with IAATO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed of our vessel is 10.5 knots.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
17-03-202629-03-2026USD $9,700Quadruple Porthole
17-03-202629-03-2026USD $11,950Twin Porthole
17-03-202629-03-2026USD $11,950Triple Porthole
17-03-202629-03-2026USD $12,600Twin Window
17-03-202629-03-2026USD $13,500Twin Deluxe
17-03-202629-03-2026USD $14,400Superior
05-12-202617-12-2026USD $14,350Twin Deluxe
05-12-202617-12-2026USD $15,050Superior
05-12-202617-12-2026USD $16,050Junior Suite
05-12-202617-12-2026USD $17,950Grand Suite With Private Balcony
05-12-202617-12-2026USD $10,150Quadruple Porthole
05-12-202617-12-2026USD $11,400Triple Porthole
05-12-202617-12-2026USD $12,500Twin Porthole
05-12-202617-12-2026USD $13,150Twin Window
15-02-202827-02-2028USD $12,650Quadruple Porthole
15-02-202827-02-2028USD $14,250Triple Porthole
15-02-202827-02-2028USD $15,500Twin Porthole
15-02-202827-02-2028USD $16,250Twin Window
15-02-202827-02-2028USD $17,950Twin Deluxe
15-02-202827-02-2028USD $18,800Superior

Inclusions

    • Free camping
    • Kayaking, snowshoe/hiking
    • Mountaineering, photo workshop

Map