Antarctica – Elephant Island – Weddell Sea – Antarctic Circle
from/to Ushuaia
15 days (14 nights)
MS Plancius
15 days / 14 nights Antarctic expedition with Elephant Island, Weddell Sea, Antarctic Peninsula, Port Charcot, Crystal Sound, and Yalour Islands.
This extensive, adventurous polar expedition takes you to the Antarctic Circle and combines the species-rich wildlife and ice landscape of the Weddell Sea with the surreal beaches and islands of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Important landing sites such as the legendary Elephant Island, where Sir Ernest Shackleton'screw first went ashore after losing their ship, the Endurance; Port Charcot, where there is a cairn erected by the French Antarctic Expedition of 1903–1905; Petermann Island, a rocky and partially glaciated landmass known for its Adélie penguins; and Crystal Sound, with its beautiful ice landscape and wildlife, make this expedition an extraordinary journey.
Every day there is something new to discover: abandoned whaling stations, research stations, glaciers, snow-capped mountains, pack ice, tabular icebergs, whales, penguins, and seals. On the Yalour Islands, you can observe Adélie penguins and some of the southernmost gentoo penguins in the world.
Stephanie Gräf
Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in travel to the Arctic and Antarctic.
I am your contact person for questions and bookings relating to the Arctic and Antarctic, and I am delighted that you are one of the few people who are traveling to the ends of the earth.
You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de
Good to know
Arrival and departure:We offer various individual travel packages including flights, hotels in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, transfers, and activities. We are also happy to suggest pre- and post-programs in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay to extend your trip.
Attention solo travelers: If you do not wish to have a single cabin, accommodation on board is possible in shared cabins. In this case, you will be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender and possibly of a different nationality. There are no single cabin surcharges.
Entry requirements: German citizens need only a passport (valid for 6 months beyond the date of return) to enter Argentina.
Insurance: Proof of international health insurance covering medical repatriationmust be provided.
Medical questionnaire:You are required to completea medical questionnaire before departure.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Unique wildlife including humpback whales, crabeater seals, leopard seals, penguins, and countless seabirds
- Passing the Antarctic Convergence
- Crossing the Drake Passage
- Elephant Island, the refuge of Ernest Shackleton and his crew after the loss of their ship Endurance
- Weddell Sea, known for its tabular icebergs and pack ice
- Whale watching in Mikklesen Harbor
- Bizarre ice formations in Crystal Sound
- Yalour Islands, home to Adélie penguins and some of the world's southernmost gentoo penguins
- Excursions by Zodiac to remote bays
- Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world and the capital of Tierra del Fuego
route
itinerary
Antarctica – Elephant Island – Weddell Sea – Antarctic Circle
Day 1: The end of the world, the beginning of a journey
Your journeybegins where the world ends, in Ushuaia (Argentina) – also known as the southernmost city on the planet. It is located at the southernmost tip of South America. In the afternoon, you will begin your journey in this small town in Tierra del Fuego, which is itself known as the "end of the world," and spend the rest of the evening sailing through the picturesque, mountain-lined Beagle Channel.
Days 2–3: The path of polar explorers
During the next twodays in the Drake Passage, you will gain insight into life from the perspective of the polar explorers who first braved these regions: cool salt breezes, rushing seas, perhaps even a fin whale emerging between the waves.
Once you have passed the Antarctic Convergence, which forms the natural boundary of Antarctica, you will find yourself in the circumpolar upwelling zone. This zone is created when cold water flowing northwards collides with warmer sub-Antarctic water masses.
Not only marine life, but also bird life is changing as a result. Wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, sooty albatrosses, Cape petrels, southern fulmars, colour-footed petrels, blue petrels and Antarctic petrels are just some of the birds you can see.
Day 4: From Point Wild, Elephant Island to the Weddell Sea
You will arrive early at the famous Point Wild, Elephant Island, where Sir Ernest Shackleton's crew first went ashore after losing their ship, the Endurance.
This inhospitable headland is a favorite among expedition participants, and conditions permitting, activities will take place around the headland before continuing on into the Weddell Sea.
Day 5: Weddell Sea – Devil Island
Today you will venture into the wondrous Weddell Sea, a relatively unvisited area where activities will be undertaken in Erebus and Terror Gulf, conditions permitting.
Other destinations include Beak Island and Devil Island, which offer breathtaking scenery and the pack ice for which the Weddell Sea is famous.
Day 6: Exploring the most remote regions
As you continue to explore the Erebus and Terror Gulf area, new opportunities for activities will be sought. You may also visit Vega Island and experience the Antarctic wilderness in its most remote locations.
Day 7: Whale watching in Orleans Strait
We continue along the west side of theAntarctic Peninsula into Orleans Strait. On the way to Mikklesen Harbor for afternoon activities, you can observe humpback whales and orcas.
Day 8: Port monuments and island wildlife
After crossing the Lemaire Channel, you will reach the Port Charcot area, where there is a cairn erected by the French Antarctic Expedition of 1903–1905.
In the afternoon, you will travel to Petermann Island, where you can observe a wide variety of birds or take a Zodiac ride among icebergs, which are popular with leopard seals and crabeater seals. Minke whales, humpback whales, and gentoo penguins can also be found here.
Days 9-10: The historic research station on Detaille Island
Today you will arrive at Crystal Sound, where you will marvel at the beautiful and bizarre ice formations and wildlife before landing on Detaille Island. This remote island was once home to a British research station, which is now a historic landmark.
Day 11: Impressive Argentine islands
We continue to the Yalour Islands, a small archipelago consisting mainly of isolated rocks and a main island that offers a rewarding landing.
Yalour is home to Adélie penguins and some of the southernmost gentoo penguins in the world, and also offers small patches of beard and crustose lichens, including Xanthoria, Buellia, Caloplaca, and Usnea. Extensive moss areas and Antarctic hairgrass (Deschampsia antarctica) can also be seen.
Day 12: Farewell to Antarctica
On the Melchior Islands, you will bid farewell to Antarctica and enjoy your last activities before setting off for the Drake Passage.
Days 13-14: Familiar seas, familiar friends
The return journey is anything but lonely. As you cross the Drake Passage, you will once again be greeted by a multitude of seabirds, reminding you of the passage south. But this time, they seem a little more familiar.
Day 15: There and back again
Every adventure, no matter how great, must come to an end. Now it's time to disembark in Ushuaia—but with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure takes you.
The daily programs described here are for your guidance. The itinerary may vary considerably due to local ice and weather conditions, last-minute permit procedures, and local authorities, but also to respond to current conditions regarding wildlife viewing.Theexpedition leader on board will determine the final itinerary and daily program. Flexibility is of utmost importance during our expedition-style voyages.
activities
SNOWSHOE HIKING (FREE)
Take part in exciting hiking and snowshoe excursions that offer an intense experience of the Antarctic wilderness. Snowshoes are very easy to use and suitable for everyone. Snowshoe hiking requires no special skills, just good health. It is an exciting way to explore the polar world.
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP (FREE)
Join photography workshops led by experts. It is impossible to fully describe the experience of visiting the polar regions. Fortunately, these workshops will help you add incredible photos to your poetic descriptions.
On selected trips, professional photographers will help you get the best pictures from your personal camera equipment as part of a free photography workshop.
POLAR DIVING (upon request)
Diving in polar waters is truly something special. It is definitely not for beginners. If you are an experienced diver, prepare yourself for an extraordinary experience!
KAYAKING IN ANTARCTICA
Kayaking is one of the most beautiful ways to explore remote Arctic and Antarctic coasts. Accompanied by a kayak guide, kayakers have the opportunity to discover less visited regions. Paddle between icebergs and pack ice, observe animals in their natural environment. Water dripping from your paddle—this is the only sound you will hear on site. Kayaking in polar regions allows you to experience untouched wilderness in a very special way.
Basic kayaking skills are an advantage but not a prerequisite. Physical fitness is essential. Kayaking is subject to weather and prevailing ice conditions.
PLEASE NOTE: Advance registration is required for all paid activities. It is recommended to book early, as places fill up quickly. Please refer to your information materials for a list of equipment provided.
DATES & PRICES
Request your trip here!
Submit questions via email Arrange a callback Call now: +49 201 85890960
or please select your preferred date
March 12, 2027 – March 26, 2027
from €13,550 per person
15 days/14 nights
MS Plancius (Maximum occupancy: 108)
Ushuaia Ushuaia
Optional extra: kayaking
Selected date
March 12, 2027 – March 26, 2027 (15 days/14 nights)
MS Plancius | Antarctica – Elephant Island – Weddell Sea – Arctic Circle
Four people with porthole
Three-person with porthole
Double with porthole
Double room with window
Double Deluxe
superior
cabin
options
| Diving (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 1 100,00 € | |
personal data
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Summary
Optional activities
Information
Included services:
- Cruise and overnight stays on board the booked ship according to the published itinerary
- All meals, including snacks, coffee, and tea throughout the trip on board the ship
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the trip, including Zodiac excursions
- Expert lectures and leadership of an international expedition team on board and ashore
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes
- Luggage transfer to the ship on the day of departure in Ushuaia
- Collective transfer on the day of disembarkation from the port to Ushuaia Airport (immediately after disembarkation)
- All other taxes and port fees related to the ship program
- Comprehensive travel documents (boarding pass, travel information)
Optional activities:
Please register for these when you make your booking. Places are limited.
- Polar diving €900 per person
Note: Diving experience in cold water and dry suits (at least 30 dives) is a must!
Not included in the price:
- Flights, whether scheduled or charter flights
- Land arrangements before and after the cruise (e.g., hotel accommodations on land)
- Passport and visa fees
- Arrival and departure taxes
- Meals ashore
- Luggage, cancellation, and personal insurance (highly recommended)
- Excess baggage fees and all onboard services such as laundry, bar, beverage costs, and telecommunications costs
- Tips at the end of the trip for the service staff on board (guidelines available on request)
Important:
- Language spoken on board: English
- English-speaking expedition team
- Onboard currency: US dollars, euros, and major credit cards
- Completing a questionnaire, medical certificate, cruise contract, and flight information form is mandatory.
- Rubber boots available for loan on board
- A doctor is on board
- Open bridge
- Proof of international health insurance with medical repatriation must be provided.
- The trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
- A heart for solo travelers: Share a cabin with travelers of the same gender and save on the single cabin supplement. Valid for four-bed, three-bed, and double cabins with portholes, windows, and deluxe cabins. The cabins have separate beds.
Your ship during the voyage
MS Plancius Oceanwide Expeditions Dietmar Denger
MS Plancius in Antarctica
Antarctica-Elephant Island-Weddell Sea-Southern Polar Circle-Voyage through Crystal Sound-Sandra Petrowitz
Journey through Crystal Sound
Antarctica-Elephant Island-Weddell Sea-Southern Polar Circle-Weddell Sea-Pack ice-Sanneke van der Sanden
Pack ice in the Weddell Sea
Antarctica-Elephant Island-Weddell Sea-Southern Polar Circle-Giant Iceberg-Petermann Island-Ria van Zessen
giant iceberg
Antarctica-Elephant Island-Weddell Sea-Southern Polar Circle-Petermann Island-Linda Forey
Landscape, Petermann Island
Antarctica-Elephant Island-Weddell Sea-Southern Polar Circle-Point Wild-Elephant Island-Ross Wheeler
Point Wild, Elephant Island
Antarctica-Elephant Island-Weddell Sea-Southern Polar Circle-Detaille Island-Base W
Base W on Detaille Island
Antarctica-Antarctic Peninsula-to-Arctic Circle-Discovery of the Deep South-Blue-eyed Shages on an Ice Floe-SiegfriedWoldhek
Blue-eyed Shages
Antarctic whale watching, chinstrap penguins, Oceanwide Expeditions, Morten Skovgaard
Rope penguins
Antarctica-Antarctic Peninsula-to-Arctic Circle-Discovery of the Deep South-Lazy Gentoo Penguins-M. & M. van der Hulst
gentoo penguins
Antarctica-Elephant Island-Weddell Sea-Southern Polar Circle-Leopard seal catches penguin-Sara Jenner
Leopard seal catches penguin
Antarctica-Elephant Island-Weddell Sea-Southern Polar Circle-Krabbenfresserrobben-SandraPetrowitz
harbor seals
Antarctica-Elephant Island-Weddell Sea-Southern Polar Circle-breeding humpback whale-Ross Wheeler
Brooding humpback whale
Antarctica-Elephant Island-Weddell Sea-Southern Polar Circle-Zodiac-Port Charcot-Sara Jenner
Zodiac trip
Antarctic Discovery and Learning Journey Diving Oceanwide Carlos Villoch
Diving in Antarctica
Antarctic Discovery and Learning Journey Snowshoe Hike Plancius Oceanwide Dietmar Denger
snowshoe hike
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