Over Half Full
75
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Expedition Cruise
Over Half Full
75
Explore the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula in comfort. You’ll marvel at the marine life and the myriad of seabirds swooping in close to show off just for you. As you cross the Drake Passage and near the northernmost tip of the 7th Continent, prepare to be dwarfed by massive, glistening icebergs and the looming peninsula—the most pristine region on the planet. Rediscover your adventurous spirit: scramble just a little higher up that peak, kayak between ice floes, or share a pebbly beach with curious penguins. A part of you will always stay here, but the experience will remain in your heart after you reluctantly leave.
Signature Moments
- Explore the most remote corner of the earth
- Travel safely and comfortably aboard an ice-strengthened expedition vessel
- Learn about the environment and wildlife from on-board lecturers and specialists
- Experience abundant wildlife: penguins, seals, whales and more
- Set out on an adventure like no other!
Enjoy a presentation by our partner Quark Expeditions. Quark specializes in the polar regions and offers amazing adventures to the Arctic and Antarctic. Laura Guignot will is our guest speaker, she presently works in Quark's groups department but previously she was a tour guide and she has some great stories to tell.
You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.
Accommodations: TBA
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you see land, you’ll be in the world’s most southern continent!
Accommodations: Ocean Diamond
Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team who will prepare you for the wildlife, glaciology and history that will greet you upon your arrival. In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.
Accommodations: Ocean Diamond
Once the Antarctic Convergence is left in our wake, you will truly begin your Antarctic adventure. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelersalike. Every time we visit Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience.
Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal.
The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360° views of your surroundings. One of these in particular, in Danco Island, affords us the opportunity to visit a penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here, you’ll have the choice between hiking to the island`s summit or spending time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach, enjoying the antics of curious penguins. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, participating in the Polar Plunge swim is about as crazy as it gets!
Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbour.
Each day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to entertain and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.
Accommodations: Ocean Diamond
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.
Accommodations: Ocean Diamond
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure to our Argentina Tour or catch your flight home.
Stepping foot on Antarctica is a moment of pleasure that affects each traveler differently. Your possible landing in Antarctica will take place on the Peninsula, which is an extension of the Transantarctic Mountains chain and is the most northern stretch of Antarctic land. Formed by uplifted submarine troughs that were filled with sediment about 220 million years ago, this is a dynamic land of both desolation and diversity. To the east is the frozen, wild Weddell Sea. To the west, howling winds and warming seas from the Southern Ocean create perfect conditions for whale sightings.
A gentoo penguin rookery is situated on a rocky beach at the north end of the island. Depending on when in the season you arrive, you may see the penguins building nests or attending to their chicks. Giant petrels and kelp gulls breed on the island.
If you are lucky enough to mail a postcard in Antarctica, you’ll likely pass through Damoy Point, the northern entrance to the harbor where Port Lockroy is located.
Home to gentoo penguins, this small island is easy to explore, at only one mile (1.6 km) long. You can visit the marker of a former British Antarctic Survey hut, where you can watch for a variety of seabirds, such as snowy sheathbills, kelp gulls and blue-eyed shags.
Located in Wilhelmina Bay, this island was once used by whalers. A Zodiac cruise around the island passes a wrecked whaling ship.
You’ll see firsthand why this strait, which runs between Booth Island and the Antarctic Peninsula, is one of the most scenic locations on the peninsula’s west coast, especially during sunrise and sunset. The channel may become impassable when ice fills the narrow 6.8-mile (11 km) long passageway, so we’ll hope for clear waters.
This group of low islands in Dallmann Bay is where you may see hauled-out male fur seals as they recuperate from their battles for supremacy at the end of their breeding season.
Little evidence remains that this bay was once used by the floating whale factory ship Neko. You might see whale vertebrae being used by resident gentoo penguins as shelter from the wind. Climb up a steep slope for spectacular views of the glacier-rimmed harbor.
Here, near the Lemaire Channel, you can stand ashore and see the southernmost breeding colony of gentoo penguins. The dome of the island rises 650 feet (200 meters) above the sea, offering a challenging hike for panoramic views. Adélie penguins, shags and south polar skuas also inhabit the island.
**Prices are subject to change and availability. Space is limited and activities and specific hotels are subject to change. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Double Occupancy Twin Obstructed Cabin - $8,622 USD
Single Occupancy Obstructed View - $10,497 USD
Single Occupancy Porthole - $10,497 USD
Other higher category cabins may be available upon request. If you would like the double occupancy rate but don't have a roommate we will match you with a suitable roommate. The single occupancy rate will give you your own room. Single occupancy very limited.
Deposit of $2299 USD (Double occupancy) or $2799 USD (Single occupancy) per person due at time of booking.
Final Payment due - November 1, 2021
*Any payments are non-refundable if you cancel after their date due, we strongly recommend travel insurance. Please see full terms and conditions. Prices are subject to change and availability.
Please note that if travel restrictions related to Covid-19 affect our tour travel plans, do not worry. We will reschedule our trip, free of any additional costs, for as many times as needed on future dates until travel can safely take place. It is also important to note that all our tours comply with the utmost standards of safety and hygiene protocols to ensure your well being during your visit.
Moderate Activity
The included acitivity in this tour is fairly moderate but there are more acitive activities available. You should be able to walk for extended periods of time on uneven and possibly slippery terrain and get in and out of a zodiac easily.
Minimum - 4 ladies
Maximum - 16 ladies
Debbie Groulx
Besides being an excellent tour leader, Debbie is our office manager. She will often be the person helping you with the all the details of your tour. Debbie is equally as organized on tour as she is in the office and will make sure everything is well taken care of.
She loves photography and you will often find her off taking pictures of all the amazing sights you will see.
Once your flights are booked please forward a copy of your itinerary to info@womens-travel-club.com.
A Women's Travel Club agent is available to help you book your flights.
Follow this link to a form to request flight options and quotes. A Women's Travel Club agent will send you back the recommended flight option that best suits you.
We are pleased to offer a flight booking service for your tour. As quoting of flights can be a time-consuming endeavor, a service fee of $113 ($100 plus HST) will apply.
Arrive to Ushuaia (USH)
Depart from Ushuaia (USH)
Out of country medical insurance is required. We strongly recommend that you obtain cancellation and interruption insurance to protect your investment.
Use this link to request an insurance quote.
The Ocean Diamond is a modern, stable super-yacht, and one of the largest of our small expedition ships. Carrying a maximum of 189 passengers, and with two stabilizers and an ice-strengthened hull, this outstanding vessel is ideal for polar expeditions.
As one of the fastest ships in Antarctica, it is also one of the most comfortable. There are 101 elegantly designed cabins and suites, all with exterior views, and expansive common spaces, a club lounge, and a spacious restaurant. The ship offers numerous adventure options, plus on-board features such as interactions with photography instructors. After a full day of exploration, passengers can relax, browse books or DVDs in the well-stocked polar library, or enjoy stunning polar scenery from the sun-lit, panoramic observation lounge.
Approximately 200 sq. ft. (19 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double bed, and a picture window (the view is obstructed by the lifeboats). Located on the Captain’s Deck these cabins have a private bathroom with shower. A refrigerator, TV, and DVD player are included in each cabin.
Approximately 200 sq. ft. (19 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double bed and two portholes. Located on the Lower Deck, these cabins have a private bathroom with shower. A refrigerator, TV, and DVD player are included in each cabin. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution.
Approximately 200 sq. ft. (19 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double bed or two twin beds, and a picture window (the view is obstructed). Located on the Captain’s Deck, these cabins have a private bathroom with shower. A refrigerator, TV, and DVD player are included in each cabin.
Often ladies will book a night at the first hotel prior to the tour. This gives them a chance to relax after a long flight and settle in before the tour starts. Let us know if you would like pricing and information on the hotel.
Follow this link to request pre or post tour hotel nights.