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Exploring Antarctica’s Spring (Ocean Albatros)

Exploring Antarctica’s Spring (Ocean Albatros)

From $ 14,655 AUD

Description

With fewer ships in the water and the buzz of wildlife activity, spring is an excellent time to tick off a classic bucket list item – an adventure to Antarctica. On this 11-day trip, you’ll cross the Drake Passage, visit the South Shetland Islands and explore the Antarctic Peninsula. See penguins courting their mates and building their nests, whip out your binoculars for plenty of seabird-watching and whale-watching and take part in Citizen Science projects. As you explore, you’ll learn more about the incredible 7th continent from a knowledgeable Expedition Team who will lead onboard activities and Zodiac cruises. Do it all with a group of like-minded adventurers by your side aboard your ship, the Ocean Albatros.

Trip Name
Exploring Antarctica's Spring (Ocean Albatros)
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
11
Capacity
187
Highlights
  • See Antarctica emerge from winter and burst into spring. Watch penguins find their mates, build nests and care for their eggs.
  • Witness the unspoiled wilderness of Antarctica on Zodiac expeditions. Visit the South Shetland Islands – formed by volcanic activity – and venture onto the Antarctic Peninsula.
  • Have your camera ready for plenty of photo ops – Antarctica’s colourful sunsets are more common this time of year!
  • Feel the vastness of Antarctica during a time of year when fewer ships are in the water and the number of icebergs is at its highest – this is Antarctica at its most glorious.
  • Learn about Antarctica’s history and ecosystems during educational activities onboard with the expert Expedition Team who will guide you on your adventure.

Itinerary

No two Polar voyages are the same and this is part of the excitement of travelling in these remote regions. Weather, ice conditions and wildlife will all affect where your ship is able to access, and most importantly, where your Expedition Team think you will get the best possible experience from your trip. Onboard, daily updates are given to advise what the specific itinerary will be for the next day based on local conditions. Published itineraries cannot be guaranteed but an amazing voyage full of adventure and once-in-a-lifetime experiences is.

Day 1 - Ushuaia
Welcome to Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your comfortable hotel for tonight. This evening, you’ll have a welcome meeting where you’ll meet the other travellers who will be joining you on your journey. If you arrive early, maybe explore Ushuaia by browsing the main street for souvenirs and trying a local snack or two – empanadas, anyone?
Day 2 - Ushuaia
This morning, you might like to head out and explore Ushuaia with a visit to the Maritime Museum or some shopping, otherwise you can simply relax at the hotel until this afternoon, when you’ll board your ship – the Ocean Albatros. When you’ve boarded, you’ll meet the Expedition Team who will be joining you for your travels. Settle into your cabin, then join your group for a safety and orientation meeting. Tonight, sit down with the captain and your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner on board. Toast as your Antarctic adventure begins!
Day 3 - Drake Passage
Spend your first two days at sea crossing the fabled Drake Passage. This body of water that separates the southernmost point of South America from the Antarctic Peninsula is named after English explorer Sir Francis Drake. As you sail, take part in onboard activities like the Citizen Science program – help collect data and play a part in the recording of and understanding of Antarctic ecosystems. Learn about the region’s history, geology and ecology during educational talks led by the Expedition Team. Be sure to keep your binoculars handy – keep an eye out for seabirds including albatross, petrels and prions. Feel the temperature drop as you cross the Antarctic Convergence and officially enter Antarctica’s waters.
Day 4 - Drake Passage
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Day 5 - South Shetland Islands
Today, hop onto a Zodiac cruise for a day of expeditions. The South Shetland Islands form the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, and each island has something different to offer. You might walk along the black sands of Deception Island – formed by the caldera of an active volcano, here you’ll find the ruins of abandoned research bases from the 1960s. You might also do some exploration via kayak! Surrounded by scenery of grand mountains and glaciers, watch as the wildlife returns to the islands and their typical daily lives after the dark winter. See chinstrap and gentoo penguins and elephant and fur seals along the water’s edge. Be sure to keep your camera at the ready for any whale sightings.
Day 6 - Antarctica
Continue your exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula over these three days where you’ll see the White Continent in all its springtime glory. Create unforgettable memories as you watch penguins coming ashore, meeting their mates, building nests and tending to their eggs. Witness the sheer scale of the Antarctic ice so soon after winter, soaking in the sight of towering icebergs. You might visit active scientific bases and historic landing sites during your Zodiac expeditions over these few days. In the evenings, marvel at the spectacular colours of Antarctica’s sunsets.
Day 7 - Antarctica
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Day 8 - Antarctica
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Day 9 - Drake Passage
Say goodbye to the Antarctic Peninsula and start to make your way back north, crossing the Drake Passage once more. Gather with your fellow travel companions and the Expedition Team to celebrate the incredible adventure you’ve experienced with a slideshow of moments captured from the trip, a photography contest and one last celebratory meal together. Here’s to the adventure of a lifetime!
Day 10 - Drake Passage
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Day 11 - Ushuaia
Your polar adventure comes to an end after you disembark the ship this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay in Ushuaia, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
04-11-202614-11-2026AUD $ 14,655-
04-11-202614-11-2026AUD $ 33,315-
04-11-202614-11-2026AUD $ 18,210-
04-11-202614-11-2026AUD $ 22,060-
04-11-202614-11-2026AUD $ 27,390-
04-11-202614-11-2026AUD $ 23,540-
04-11-202614-11-2026AUD $ 22,505-
04-11-202614-11-2026AUD $ 19,540-
04-11-202614-11-2026AUD $ 20,580-
04-11-202614-11-2026AUD $ 18,950-
04-11-202614-11-2026AUD $ 17,170-
13-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 15,100-
13-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 34,350-
13-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 22,650-
13-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 28,280-
13-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 24,280-
13-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 23,245-
13-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 20,135-
13-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 21,170-
13-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 19,540-
13-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 17,615-
13-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 18,655-
17-11-202727-11-2027AUD $ 17,170-
17-11-202727-11-2027AUD $ 25,760-
17-11-202727-11-2027AUD $ 31,980-
17-11-202727-11-2027AUD $ 22,950-
17-11-202727-11-2027AUD $ 27,390-
17-11-202727-11-2027AUD $ 26,355-
17-11-202727-11-2027AUD $ 23,985-
17-11-202727-11-2027AUD $ 22,205-
17-11-202727-11-2027AUD $ 19,985-
17-11-202727-11-2027AUD $ 21,170-
17-11-202727-11-2027AUD $ 35,980-
17-11-202727-11-2027AUD $ 38,795-

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (9 nights)

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, zodiac

Map