ACTIVE ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION
from/to Ushuaia
14 days (13 nights)
MS Ortelius
14 days (13 nights) active base camp trip to the Antarctic Peninsula from/to Ushuaia through the Drake Passage and into Marguerite Bay with numerous outdoor activities such as camping, snowshoeing, and long hikes
+++ Up to 10% early bird discount on selected trips and cabins for new bookings made by March 31, 2026 +++
This base camp trip is the most active expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula and therefore highly recommended for athletic explorers. The expedition ship MS Ortelius will be your base camp for 14 days in a climatically challenging region. From on board, you will embark on a varied but physically demanding program that includes snowshoeing through the hinterland . You can also explore the White Continent on long hikes and Zodiac trips.
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Fascinating wildlife & exciting traces of pioneer history
You will hardly find a landscape as rugged as the one on this Antarctic expedition in any other region of the world. In direct contact with the diverse landscape, you will experience bizarre ice deserts with snow-capped mountains and iconic wildlife such as orcas, minke and fin whales, seals, and Adelie penguins up close. Bird lovers should keep an eye out for albatrosses, cape petrels, and Antarctic petrels. You will cross the Antarctic Circle and visit inspiring places on Stonington Island or Detaille Island, such as abandoned research stations that have been preserved in their original state even after decades, providing an authentic insight into the exciting era of early explorers. On this base camp trip to the Antarctic Peninsula, you can expect 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 to the Antarctic Peninsula
- Crossing the legendary Drake Passage
- Cruise through fjord-like Pendleton Strait, where playful seals often accompany the ship
- The Crystal Sound with its impressive icebergs at night
- Crossing the Antarctic Circle
- Visit the abandoned research station Base E on Stonington Island, with original artifacts in complete isolation.
- Possible sightings of orcas, humpback and minke whales, Adelie penguins, seals, Antarctic fur seals, albatrosses, and Cape petrels
- Various landings, such as on Horseshoe Island
- Optional & free of charge: camping in Antarctica, long hikes, photography workshop, snowshoe hike (please indicate your interest when booking)
route
itinerary
Advance information
Your arrival and departure from/to Ushuaia are not included in your tour price.
Since our customers all have individual wishes for their trip, we are happy to book flights separately. Of course, the flights then become part of a secure package tour. We recommend an overnight stay in Ushuaia to cushion any irregularities with your flight or lost luggage. We are happy to organize everything for you on request. Please contact us.
Day 1: Start your journey at the end of the world
Your journey begins at the southernmost point of South America in Ushuaia, Argentina.
This remote town on the island of Tierra del Fuego is considered one of the southernmost in the world and is not without reason nicknamed "the end of the world." In the afternoon, it's time to cast off: you leave this charming place and set course for the Beagle Channel, whose shores are lined with impressive mountain landscapes. As the ship glides leisurely through the calm waters, you enjoy your first hours in the fascinating nature of the south and sail mile after mile into solitude.
Day 2 to 3: On the trail of the early explorers
During the two-day crossing of the Drake Passage, you will immerse yourself in the world of early polar exploration.
The fresh salty sea air, the constant rise and fall of the waves, and with a little luck, even a passing fin whale give an impression of what the first explorers experienced when crossing these waters. As soon as your ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence —the oceanographic transition zone where cold Antarctic currents meet warmer sub-Antarctic currents—you enter Antarctica from an ecological perspective: in the so-called upwelling or upcurrent zone, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface and marine life explodes.
It's not just underwater that the scenery changes – the sky also comes alive. You will be accompanied by seabirds such as wandering albatrosses, grey-headed and black-browed albatrosses, grey-mantled sooty albatrosses, Cape pigeons, silver petrels, colorful-footed storm petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels – fascinating species that make this region a paradise for birdwatchers.
Day 4: Through Pendleton Street
Today, the Antarctic Peninsula comes into view – definitely a highlight of your journey to the Southern Ocean.
If sea ice permits, you will cross the remote Pendleton Strait with the aim of reaching the rarely visited southern tip of Renaud Island. This remote region not only offers an almost surreal backdrop of snow and ice, but also what is likely to be your first encounter with a colony of curious Adélie penguins – a truly impressive natural spectacle amid majestic icebergs.
Towards evening, your ship sets course for the remote Adelaide Island and Marguerite Bay. On the way there, you symbolically cross the Antarctic Circle – a moment that many travelers will remember for a long time. You will spend the night in the picturesque region around Crystal Sound, whose icy beauty often captivates visitors long after midnight. In these waters, the chances of seeing whales increase: with a little luck, orcas, humpback whales, or minke whales will appear in close proximity to the ship.
Days 5 to 8: Outdoor activities in Marguerite Bay
In the coming days, you can expect intense experiences amid the remote, wild beauty of the deep Antarctic.
Depending on weather and ice conditions, you will visit various extraordinary places that are fascinating both scenically and historically. Each one is an impressive chapter in the history of Antarctic discovery and research.
Horseshoe Island
This island owes its name to its distinctive horseshoe-shaped silhouette. Set amid spectacular mountain and glacier scenery, a disused British research station offers fascinating insights into early polar scientific history. Original equipment and well-preserved relics recall the hardships endured by past expeditions. The setting is almost cinematic: wooden boats, seemingly forgotten on the shore, and the view of Pourquoi Pas Island and the dramatic rocky landscape of Horseshoe Island make this landing site a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Pourquoi Pas Island
Named after French polar explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot, this island with its rugged coastline invites exploration. At the foot of the mighty Moider Glacier, there is an opportunity to take a short hike, which is rewarded with sweeping views of the coastal landscape. Antarctic fur seals often rest along the rocky beaches – an encounter that adds even more life to the scenery.
Stonington Island
This historic island served as an important base for British and American expeditions in the mid-20th century. The remains of the stations, including several well-preserved buildings and artifacts, tell of the pioneering spirit of times past. Once connected to the mainland by ice, the island now lies isolated in the midst of a wild, almost surreal landscape. It is an impressive symbol of human presence in an otherwise untouched region.
Red Rock Ridge
A particularly striking destination is Red Rock Ridge, a bright red cliff area on the mainland coast – a rare splash of color in the otherwise white panorama. If conditions are favorable, we will go ashore here. With a little luck, we may encounter Adélie penguins, Antarctic shags, or even seals in the vicinity. The geological formations and wildlife make this place another highlight of your journey.
Days 9 to 10: The Gullet & Detaille Island
With a little luck with the weather, you will head for one of the most spectacular scenic highlights of the trip: The Gullet.
This narrow fjord-like channel is one of the most impressive passages in Antarctica. Steep mountain walls rise up on both sides, while seabirds circle in the wind and curious penguins and seals play in the icy waters next to the ship. Passing through this narrow waterway is one of the most unforgettable moments of an Antarctic expedition.
If ice conditions are favorable, a landing or Zodiac trip is planned for the afternoon in this region. We may explore an abandoned British research station located on a hilltop, offering sweeping views of glaciers and coastal landscapes. It is a place that impressively reflects the history of human exploration in one of the most remote regions on Earth.
Days 11 to 13: Familiar waters in the Drake Passage
The return journey through the Drake Passage is much more than just the way back—it is also a reunion.
Once again, you are accompanied by numerous seabirds dancing above the waves: albatrosses, petrels, and other elegant gliders of the south, which you now observe with a familiar gaze. What may have been new and overwhelming on the outward journey now seems more familiar—almost like old companions accompanying you on the last leg of this extraordinary journey.
Day 14: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
In Ushuaia, it's time to say goodbye – to the crew, the ship, and the majestic world of Antarctica. But what remains are impressive memories, unique experiences, and stories that will stay with you for a long time to come. After all, at this base camp on the Antarctic Peninsula, you have not only seen the white wilderness, but actively experienced it with all your senses.
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
Camping in Antarctica
Special field equipment will be provided. The camping group will be taken ashore after dinner and will return to the ship shortly before breakfast. This means that you 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 on land—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 mattress, a polar synthetic fiber 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.
Long hikes
These hikes allow you to experience the untouched polar landscapes in a particularly intense way. The hikes, which last up to six hours, lead over rough, rocky, and snow-covered terrain with considerable differences in altitude.
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 departure.
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
February 27, 2028 – March 11, 2028
from $0 per person
14 days/13 nights
MS Ortelius (Maximum occupancy: 108)
Ushuaia Ushuaia
including camping, snowshoeing, photography workshop, and long hikes
Up to 10% early bird discount on selected cabins for new bookings made by March 31, 2026
Selected date
February 27, 2028 – March 11, 2028 (14 days/13 nights)
MS Ortelius | Experience at base camp in the deep south – long hikes
Four-person with porthole
Three-person porthole
Double with porthole, deck 4
Double room with window
Double Deluxe
superior
cabin
options
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| photography workshop | ||
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| snowshoe hiking | ||
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| Long hikes (Antarctica) | ||
| Person(s) | ||
| base camp | ||
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personal data
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Summary
optionally bookable
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, camping, snowshoeing, photography workshops, and long hikes.
- 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.
- Complimentary 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
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Your expedition ship MS Ortelius | © Rolf Stange
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Close encounter with a humpback whale | © Morten Skovgaard
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Sighting of a humpback whale | © Nicolo de Cata
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Detaille Island | © Jamie Scherbeijn
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Adelie penguins on Detaille Island | © Jamie Scherbeijn
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Base W on Detaille Island | © Jamie Scherbeijn
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Fur seals | © Jamie Scherbeijn
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A table iceberg | © Jamie Scherbeijn
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A majestic wandering albatross | © Siegfried Woldhek
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Unpacking the bivouac | © Max Draeger
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Camping | © Julian Bourse
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Photography workshop | © Dietmar Denger
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Hikes across untouched terrain | © Dietmar Denger
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Zodiac tours along the coast | © Dietmar Denger
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Wide open spaces & solitude | © Anne Haraldsted
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