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Expedition Cruise
Explore the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula in comfort. A charter flight ushers you from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia prior to embarkation. Once on board, 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!
Welcome to Argentina!
Known for its soaring architecture and rich European heritage, Buenos Aires combines faded European grandeur with Latin passion.
You will have today at your leisure to relax or explore this vibrant city. We will meet this eveing for a welcome meeting to get acquainted and go over our fabulous upcoming adventure.
Accommodations - Hotel Emperador
After breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina.
Upon arrival, you will have a little time to explore this quaint port town before heading to the pier.
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This famous channel 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’ll see land you’ll be in the world’s most southern continent!
Accommodations - Ocean Endeavor
Prepare yourself for potentially rough water, but hope for a smooth sailing, as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing. You’ll spend these first days getting to know your shipmates while your Expedition Team provides safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead.
Accommodations - Ocean Endeavor
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 Endeavor
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 Endeavor
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, after breakfast. After disembarking, you will get a little taste of Patagonia, touring Tierra del Fuego National Park before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
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.
Our full day explorations of Marrakesh will be on foot and by horse-drawn carriages. We start at Djemaa el Fna, the central square and Marrakesh’s heartbeat surrounded by bazaars, mosques, terraced cafes, snake charmers, fire-eaters, and fortune-tellers. After the visit, we stop at the Bahia Palace, a marvelous display of painted wood, ceramics, and symmetrical gardens. We then proceed to Saadian Tombs followed by a walk through the old medina and the labyrinth of souks. Enjoy a special local flavor dinner with performance and Fantazia show in Marrakech.
Accommodations - Le Kech Hotel
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.
As part of Operation Tabarin during the Second World War, a secret British base was built in this sheltered harbor, located on the west side of Wiencke Island. Now a designated historic site, the base is a museum and post office. Proceeds from your purchases in Port Lockroy support the British Antarctic Heritage trust, which preserves historic sites from the Heroic Age of Exploration. A large gentoo penguin population resides here and is observed for any effects of tourism.
**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 - $10,435 USD per person (sharing a room - Twin Porthole Plus)
Single Occupancy - $11,155 USD per person (your own room - Inside Single)
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 $2139 USD (double occ) or $2479 USD (single occ) per person due at time of booking.
Final Payment due - Oct 1, 2019
*All payments are non-refundable Please see full terms and conditions.
Guranteed Departure
This is a guaranteed departure and you may book your flights at any time. Once your flights are booked please forward a copy of your itinerary to the Women's Travel Club at info@womens-travel-club.com
High - 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
Marianne Southall
Marianne is the founder of the Women's Travel Club. She is well traveled and loves to get off the beaten path, her favorite type of tour would involve nature and animals.
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. Please do not book any flights until tour is confirmed.
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 Buenos Aires
Depart from Buenos Aires
Emperador Hotel Buenos Aires welcomes you to experience a one-of-a-kind union of modern style and 5-star service to create an address of unmatched luxury and high tech connectivity.
Ocean Endeavour is a comfortable, well-appointed small expedition ship expertly engineered to explore the Polar Regions. The ship has an ice-strengthened hull, Zodiacs for exploration and remote landings, and advanced navigation equipment. The newly-refurbished vessel offers a superb guest experience with an expansive choice of cabin categories, large cabins and common areas, a sundeck and observation area, plenty of deck space for polar landscape viewing, and lounges for learning and reflection. The ship’s interiors have a contemporary aesthetic that provides a bright and spacious feel throughout. Endeavour is also the only polar adventure ship in Antarctica focused on health and wellness , and offers a contemporary approach to cuisine and newly-designed health and fitness features. Facilities include a spa serviced by organic spa provider VOYA, His & Hers saunas, a salt water pool, a gym, and a juice and smoothie bar. Complimentary activities include yoga and stretching classes, an exclusive Polar Photography program, the Scientists in Residence program, and more adventure activities than any other Quark vessel. The ship also has a polar library, and a Polar Boutique for gifts and any needed gear.
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.