Sporty base camp in Antarctica

The Antarctic Peninsula Base Camp trip offers a variety of opportunities to explore and enjoy Antarctica. This expedition allows you to hike, snowshoe, kayak, climb mountains, and even camp under the southern polar sky.

Days 2–3: The path of early explorers
During the next two days in the Drake Passage, you will gain an 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 from 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 northward 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, colourful-footed petrels, blue petrels and Antarctic petrels are just some of the birds you can see.

Neumayer Channel
The ship can anchor here for the diverse base camp activities in the protected waters around Wiencke Island. You can enjoy the splendor of this alpine environment from the water on Zodiac and kayak trips. Or you can explore the area on land and go hiking. There is also the possibility of snowshoeing and mountain climbing (easy climbing) further inland. Of course, the weather conditions determine the possible activities.

Pléneau and Petermann Islands
If ice conditions permit, the ship can sail through the Lemaire Channel, where you can search for Adélie penguins and blue-eyed shags. There is also a good chance that you will see humpback and minke whales as well as leopard seals here. Kayaking, glacier hiking, and ambitious mountaineering are among the potential activities at this location.

Errera Channel
Possible places to visit in this area include Danco and Cuverville Islands, as well as the lesser-known (though equally picturesque) Orne Island and Georges Point on Rongé Island.

On our last day of coastal activities, you will pass the Melchior Islands on your way to the open sea. In Dallmann Bay, there is a good chance of seeing humpback whales. A detour to Half Moon Island, which belongs to the South Shetland Islands, would also be an option for activities.

The conditions in the Drake Passage determine the exact departure time.

Day 13: There and back again
Every adventure, no matter how great, must come to an end at some point. Now it's time to disembark in Ushuaia—but with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure takes you.

CAMPING IN ANTARCTICA
A night under the open sky in Antarcticais one of the most impressive experiences of an expedition. You spend the night right in the Antarctic wilderness—surrounded by ice, snow, and the incomparable silence of the southernmost continent. Far away from comfort and civilization, this creates a particularly intense moment of nature.

After dinner, participants are taken ashore by Zodiac, where they prepare their sleeping quarters together with experienced guides. They spend the night in weatherproof bivouac bags with insulated mats and warm polar sleeping bags. Early in the morning, the group returns on board.

All equipment is provided, including waterproof boots. For environmental reasons, participants are not allowed to bring their own food ashore. A simple field toilet is set up, and all waste is taken back with us. The trip is always dependent on weather, safety, and official regulations.

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.

MOUNTAINEERING
If you're feeling adventurous on your polar expedition, mountaineering could be just the thing for you. This exciting activity allows you to venture beyond the coastline into the higher elevations of Antarctica, enjoying views and vantage points that are not possible anywhere else.

Mountain climbing is physically demanding and requires a good level of basic fitness, as you will be walking uphill and downhill over rough terrain for several hours. The activity differs significantly from classic snowshoeing: you may encounter icy surfaces, glacier ridges, and challenging climbs that require caution and concentration.

PHOTO WORKSHOP The photo workshop offers travelers the opportunity to capture the unique beauty of the Arctic and Antarctic in a professional manner. Accompanied by experienced photographers, you will receive practical tips on camera technology, exposure, image composition, and subject selection both on board and during shore excursions.

Lectures and exercises are offered on board to help you get the most out of your camera. During excursions on land or in the Zodiac, the guides provide direct assistance with photographing ice landscapes, penguins, seabirds, or spectacular auroras. No prior knowledge is required—beginners and advanced photographers alike will benefit.

Bring your own equipment, but remember to consider transportation and protection from wind and weather. The workshop combines adventure with creativity and allows you to capture the unique impressions of the polar world in impressive photos.

HIKING & SNOWSHOEING
Hiking and snowshoeing are central elements of polar expeditions – a wonderful way to experience the coasts and landscapes of the Arctic and Antarctic up close. On foot, you can explore quiet bays, snow-covered hills, and rugged coastlines, while experienced guides lead the groups and provide exciting insights into the nature of these remote regions.

No special prior experience is required for hiking, but you should be in normal physical shape and dress warmly and functionally. The guides will assess on site which hikes are best suited to you and will always ensure safety and good group dynamics.

Snowshoeing enhances this experience by allowing you to walk across deep snow and open areas that would be difficult to access without snowshoes. The necessary snowshoes are provided and can be easily attached to the rubber boots or sturdy hiking boots provided.