SPORTS-FOCUSED BASE CAMP IN THE WEDDELL SEA WITH KAYAKING, CAMPING, AND PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
from/to Ushuaia
13 days (12 nights)
MS Hondius | MS Ortelius
13 days (12 nights) base camp trip to the remote Weddell Sea from/to Ushuaia with Drake Passage, Antarctic Sound, and Devil Island, featuring numerous outdoor activities.
The Basecamp trip to the Weddell Sea is the most active expedition in Antarctica and therefore comes highly recommended for athletic explorers. The MS Hondius or the MS Ortelius will be your base camp for 13 days in a climatically challenging region. From on board, you will take part in a varied but physically demanding coastal program that includes glacier climbing, kayaking along the coastline, and snowshoeing through the hinterland . You can also explore the White Continent on hikes and excursions by Zodiac.
It's best to register for your bucket list activities (free of charge) when you make your booking: glide your paddle through the icy sea on a sea kayaking tour or capture the polar scenery and wildlife in particularly expressive images after a photography workshop. When camping in Antarctica, you will spend an unforgettable night in a tent or bivouac directly under the polar sky – an intense experience that only a few people get to enjoy.
You will hardly find such a rugged landscape anywhere else in the world as on this Antarctic expedition. The particularly ice-rich Weddell Sea with its table icebergs and dense ice fields is hardly explored. In direct contact with the diverse landscape, you will experience bizarre ice deserts with snow-capped mountains and iconic wildlife, including humpback, minke, and fin whales, seals, and penguins up close. Bird lovers should keep an eye out for albatrosses, petrels, swallows, and Antarctic storm petrels.
Possible landing sites include Brown Bluff, which rises 745 meters above sea level, and Devil Island with its spectacular volcanic rock formations. A large Adélie penguin colony lives there, and fur seals and crabeater seals can often be seen.
On this Basecamp trip, you will travel off the beaten track of classic Antarctic routes and enjoy a particularly intense Antarctic experience: you will not only observe the landscape and wildlife from your expedition ship, but also spend a lot of time on land and directly on the water. Please note that sufficient physical fitness and resilience are required for this!
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
- The most active expedition in Antarctica
- Rare route through the rarely visited Weddell Sea
- Crossing the Drake Passage
- Huge tabular icebergs in Antarctic Sound
- Visit to the volcanic island of Devil Island
- Possible sightings of humpback whales, minke whales, fin whales, Adelie penguins, crabeater seals, albatrosses, and Cape petrels
- Various landings, such as at Brown Bluff
- Optional & free of charge: sea kayaking, camping in Antarctica, mountaineering, photography workshop, snowshoe hike (please indicate your interest when booking)
route
Your route through the Weddell Sea
itinerary
Day 1: Journey begins at the end of the world
Your journey begins where the world seems to end. Ushuaia —known as the southernmost city on earth—is located at the very tip of South America. In the afternoon, you will board the expedition ship in this charming little port town on Tierra del Fuego. During the evening, your ship will glide through the Beagle Channel, lined with majestic mountains, and civilization will fade further and further into the distance.
Day 2 to 3: On the trail of the early explorers
Over the next two days in the Drake Passage, you will experience the same sensations as the great polar explorers did on their first expeditions to this region: feel the cool salty breeze and the gentle rolling of the waves – and with a little luck, you may even see a fin whale spraying its fountain into the sky.
Once you cross the Antarctic Convergence —the natural boundary where cold northward-flowing waters meet the warmer sub-Antarctic seas—you enter the upwelling zone around Antarctica. Here, not only does marine life change, but so does the sky above your ship. Keep your eyes peeled for impressive seabirds, including wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, sooty albatrosses, Cape petrels, southern petrels, Wilson's petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels.
Days 4 to 10: Traveling in the remote Weddell Sea
The untamed Weddell Sea welcomes you with huge table icebergs, dramatic landscapes, and historic sites. It is also one of the best regions in Antarctica for observing iconic wildlife such as whales, seals, and rare seabirds.
Depending on local conditions, we could head for the following destinations:
Antarctic Sound: Also known as "Iceberg Alley," this strait is famous for its enormous tabular icebergs.
Brown Bluff: One of the most scenically diverse places in northern Antarctica. Here you will find steep canyon walls, scattered boulders, and impressive volcanic formations, some of which are covered in ice.
Herbert Sound: Here , you will mainly focus on the Comb Ridge mountain ridge and the Naze Peninsula with its interesting geological formations.
Devil Island: Hike up the hill on this island and you will be rewarded with a fantastic view. Melting ice sometimes forms a waterfall on the cliffs near Cape Well-met.
Erebus and Terror Gulf: Weather permitting, various activities are possible in this remote region, allowing you to discover the untouched wilderness of Vega Island—one of the most remote areas of Antarctica.
Days 11 to 12: Return journey across familiar seas
Your return journey is anything but lonely. As your ship crosses the Drake Passage once again, you will be greeted by the same impressive variety of seabirds that accompanied you on your way south.
Day 13: Return to Ushuaia
Today, your active expedition to the remote Weddell Sea in the port of Ushuaia comes to an end. You will take your memories with you when you disembark, and they will remain a part of you from now on.
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
Special field equipment will be provided. Camping is dependent on weather conditions and local site and environmental regulations. The camping group will be taken ashore after dinner and will return to the ship shortly before breakfast. This means that we will spend the night ashore. The camp will be supervised at night by an experienced guide. Please note that camping is always dependent on the weather, local conditions, and environmental protection regulations. Stoves, fuel, and food are not allowed ashore, with the exception of emergency rations and survival equipment, drinking water, and medical supplies. All campers will be provided with a personal waterproof duffel bag containing a sleeping mat, a polar synthetic sleeping bag with inner lining, and a breathable bivouac sack. In addition to these personal items, tents and other equipment will also be taken ashore.
KAYAKING IN ANTARCTICA
Kayaking is one of the most beautiful ways to explore remote Antarctic coastlines. 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 direct contact with 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.
MOUNTAINEERING
Mountaineering is a special activity that is only offered on selected trips to Antarctica. During the course of a trip, we aim to go on 4 to 5 mountain tours (half-day or full-day excursions to the glaciers, in the morning or afternoon). Mountaineers choose one excursion in which they would like to participate. Additional mountain tours are allocated on board, subject to availability. The mountain tours are led by experienced and qualified mountain guides.
Mountaineering must be booked before departure. Places are allocated in order of request, so it is worth booking early.
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Anyone can participate; no prior knowledge is required. The photography group (approx. 20 participants per photography guide per landing) is accompanied ashore by a photography expert. Participants interested in photography bring their own photography equipment. During the days at sea, special photography expertise (choice of subject, exposure, and image composition, etc.) is taught in lectures and workshops. The workshops focus less on the handling of individual camera types and more on deepening basic knowledge and photographic expertise in order to achieve better photo results. Photographers can of course also participate in all other activities on offer. The photo workshop is free of charge. However, those interested must register their participation before the start of the trip.
The workshop content is not too specialized. The target audience is "beginners to advanced" who want daily tips on photography.
SNOWSHOE HIKING
Snowshoe hikes take you deep into the Antarctic wilderness. Snowshoes are very easy to use and suitable for everyone. They offer an exciting way to explore the polar world. No previous experience is necessary.
DATES & PRICES
Request your trip here!
Submit questions via email Arrange a callback Call now: +49 201 85890960
or please select your preferred date
December 5, 2026 – December 17, 2026
from €11,800 per person
13 days/12 nights
MS Hondius (Maximum occupancy: 170)
Ushuaia Ushuaia
Includes camping, hiking, kayaking, mountaineering, photography workshop, and snowshoeing
February 15, 2028 – February 27, 2028
from €11,500 per person
13 days/12 nights
MS Ortelius (Maximum occupancy: 108)
Ushuaia Ushuaia
including kayaking, snowshoeing, hiking, photography workshop, mountaineering, and camping
Selected date
December 5, 2026 – December 17, 2026 (13 days/12 nights)
MS Hondius | Weddell Sea - Base Camp
Four people with porthole
Three-person porthole
Double with porthole
Double room with window
Double Deluxe
superior
Junior Suite
Grand Suite with private balcony
cabin
options
| camping | ||
| Person(s) | ||
| hiking | ||
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| kayaking | ||
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| mountaineering | ||
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| photography workshop | ||
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| snowshoe hiking | ||
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| base camp | ||
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personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
Optional activities:
Selected date
February 15, 2028 – February 27, 2028 (13 days/12 nights)
MS Ortelius | Base camp – Weddell Sea
Four-person with porthole
Three-person porthole
Double with porthole, deck 4
Double room with window
Double Deluxe
superior
cabin
options
| camping | ||
| Person(s) | ||
| hiking | ||
| Person(s) | ||
| kayaking | ||
| Person(s) | ||
| mountaineering | ||
| Person(s) | ||
| photography workshop | ||
| Person(s) | ||
| snowshoe hiking | ||
| Person(s) | ||
| base camp | ||
| Person(s) | ||
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
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
- 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)
- Free Wi-Fi. All guests receive 1.5 GB of data per day, which is renewed every 24 hours.
- Free water bottle for use during and after your expedition
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
- Means of payment on board: US dollars, euros, and major credit cards
- Filling out a medical questionnaire is mandatory.
- Rubber boots available for loan on board
- Open bridge
- A doctor is on board
- The route and final itinerary during the voyage will be decided on site by the expedition leader and captain based on ice and weather conditions, as well as opportunities for wildlife viewing. The itinerary described here is for illustrative purposes only.
- Proof of international health insurance with medical repatriation must be provided.
- Individual travelers: Shared cabins can be booked.
- The trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
Your ship during the voyage
basecamp-weddell sea_beagle channel_sara jenner_oceanwide expeditions
Cruise through the Beagle Channel | © Sara Jenner
basecamp-weddell sea_weddell sea_wim van passel_oceanwide expeditions
Lonely Weddell Sea | © Wim van Passel
basecamp-weddell sea_antarctic sound_sara jenner_oceanwide expeditions
Antarctic Sound | © Sara Jenner
basecamp-weddell sea_kayaking_sandra-petrowitz_oceanwide-expeditions
Kayaking in the Weddell Sea | © Sandra Petrowitz
Antarctica-Sports-Base Camp-in-Antarctica-Mountaineering-Dietmar Denger
Mountaineering in Antarctica | © Dietmar Denger
basecamp-weddell sea_devil island hike_sara jenner_oceanwide expeditions
Hiking on Devil Island | © Sara Jenner
basecamp-weddell sea_hiking antarctica_max draeger_oceanwide expeditions
Antarctic hiking | © Max Draeger
basecamp-weddell sea_erebzus terror gulf_pippa low_oceanwide expeditions
Erebus and Terror Gulf | © Pippa Low
basecamp-weddell sea_black-browed albatross_sara jenner_oceanwide expeditions
A black-browed albatross | © Sara Jenner
basecamp-weddell sea_weddell seal_sara jenner_oceanwide expeditions
A Weddell seal | © Sara Jenner
basecamp-weddell sea_brown bluff_sara jenner_oceanwide expeditions
Adelie penguins | © Sara Jenner
basecamp-weddell sea_tafeleisberg_hans-murre_oceanwide expeditions
Table Iceberg | © Hans Murre
basecamp-weddell sea_wandering albatross_martin anstee_oceanwide expeditions
Wandering albatross | © Martin Anstee
Sounds interesting?
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