Classic Antarctica - 11 days

Classic Antarctica - 11 days

153 Views
11 Days From

$7265

Classic Antarctica - 11 days

11 Days Starting and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina

Visiting: Ushuaia, The Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Crossing the Drake Passage

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 88

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

10-

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Boat/Cruise Excursion

From: $7265

NB: Prices correct on 25-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 11-day expedition to the pristine wilderness of Antarctica with the "Classic Antarctica" tour. Starting from the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, you'll set sail along the Beagle Channel and navigate the challenging Drake Passage, where the convergence of warm and cold waters creates a rich marine ecosystem. Explore the breathtaking South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, home to diverse wildlife including penguins, seals, and whales. Enjoy daily shore excursions by zodiac, guided by expert naturalists, and marvel at the stunning landscapes of glaciers and jagged mountain peaks. Your journey concludes back in Ushuaia, leaving you with memories of one of the most remote and beautiful places on Earth.

Highlights

  • Ushuaia – The starting point of your expedition cruise to Antarctica, this busy Argentine port city is the southernmost city in the world.

  • Beagle Channel – Set sail along the famous Beagle Channel and scenic Mackinlay Pass from Ushuaia, passing by spectacular snow-capped peaks and colonies of penguins and fur seals.

  • Drake Passage – A historically challenging channel of water where the warmer waters of the north meet the cold polar waters of the south, resulting in incredible biodiversity of marine life.

  • The South Shetland Islands – A crucial stop on any Antarctic expedition, this spectacular archipelago is made up of islands, islets, and rock outcrops, each with their own population of penguins and seals.

  • Antarctic Peninsula – The northernmost point of the continent, a spectacular location for a shore landing with jagged mountain peaks, glaciers, and an abundance of wildlife.

  • Deception Island – Known for its flooded caldera of an active volcano, part of the South Shetland Islands.

  • King George Island – Home to several scientific bases and a population of Adélie and Chinstrap Penguins, Kelp Gulls, Blue-eyed Cormorants, Antarctic Terns, and Southern Giant Petrels.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Ushuaia

Location: Ushuaia

Accommodation Name: The Ushuaia

Meals Included: Dinner

Today your expedition to Antarctica begins. In the afternoon you’ll board your polar vessel, the Ushuaia, where you’ll meet the expedition and lecture staff who will be accompanying you on your journey. Once settled into your cabin, you’ll want to make your way to one of the open air decks so that you can admire the views as we set sail along the famous Beagle Channel and scenic Mackinlay Pass.

Day 2-3: The Drake Passage

Location: The Drake Passage

Accommodation Name: The Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The next two days are spent passing through the infamous Drake Passage, a historically challenging channel of water which bears the name of renowned explorer Sir Francis Drake who sailed through here in 1578. On this journey through the Drake Passage you will pass over the Antarctic Convergence, where the warmer waters of the north meet the cold polar waters of the south. This interaction causes an upwelling of nutrients from the seafloor, resulting in the incredible diversity of algae, krill and other small sea creatures.





The Ushuaia offers the choice of four open-air decks where you can pass the time enjoying the views and keeping an eye out for seabirds. Expedition lecturers will be available at all times to help you spot and identify common and more obscure species. Thanks to the vessels open bridge policy, you can also join officers on the bridge to learn about navigation and watch for whales.





You’ll know when we’ve reached the South Shetland Islands as you’ll begin to see icebergs and snow-capped mountains. This group of twenty islands was first sighted by Captain William Smith back in February 1819. Should the conditions of the Drake Passage be favourable, you’ll enjoy your first land excursions on day 3 where you’ll have the chance to see penguins and seals up close.

Day 4-8: South Shetland Islands

Location: South Shetland Islands

Accommodation Name: The Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A stunning archipelago home to an incredible abundance of wildlife, the South Shetland Islands is a crucial stop on every expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula. Spanning 540 kilometres from northeast to southwest, this polar archipelago is made up of four distinct groupings of islands with some 150 additional islets, skerries and rock outcrops.





Perhaps the best known of the South Shetland Islands is Deception Island with its flooded caldera of an active volcano. The largest is King George Island which is home to several scientific bases dedicated to studying the island’s population of Adélie and Chinstrap Penguins, Kelp Gulls, Blue-eyed Cormorants, Antarctic Terns and Southern Giant Petrels. Another island worth visiting is Livingston Island, where you can spot more species of penguin as well as elephant seals.





The next five days are spent navigating the Gerlache Strait, the Neumayer Channel, and narrow passages of the Lemaire Channel with towering rock faces on one side and spectacular glaciers on the other. You’ll have the opportunity to join two landings per day, at locations such as spectacular Paradise Bay and the continent proper, as well as Paulet Island where you’ll be able to see the Adélie Penguin and Blue-eyed Cormorant colonies.





Exploring further south you may have the opportunity to visit Melchior Island, Cuverville Island, Portal Point, Neko Harbour and Pléneau Island. Should ice conditions permit, you’ll also have a chance to see the southernmost colony of Gentoo Penguins on Petermann Island.

Day 9-10: Crossing The Drake Passage

Location: Crossing the Drake Passage

Accommodation Name: The Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Departing the Antarctic Peninsula, the Ushuaia will start its journey back across the Drake Passage travelling north. Once again you’ll have the opportunity to spot and identify seabirds and whales with the help of the naturalists on deck, as well as enjoy some final lectures.

Day 11: Ushuaia

Location: Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vessel arrives into the port of Ushuaia early in the morning. After breakfast and bidding farewell to your expedition lecturers and naturalists, your Antarctic adventure comes to an end. The ship arrives at 7 am and disembarkation is normally at 8.00/ 8.30 am. We strongly recommend not to book flights departing before noon time.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    10 nights onboard the Ushuaia in a Standard twin cabin with semi-private facilities. Cabin upgrades with private facilities are available on request.

  • Meals

    10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 10 dinners are included.

  • Shore Excursions

    Two shore excursions per day to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands by zodiac, ice conditions permitting.

  • Lectures

    Program of lectures by expert naturalists.

  • Expedition Staff

    Experienced expedition staff will accompany you on your journey.

  • Taxes and Charges

    All service taxes and port charges are included.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights and Visas

    International flights and visas are not included.

  • Government Taxes

    Government arrival and departure taxes are not included.

  • Drinks

    Drinks on board the Ushuaia are not included.

  • Tips

    Tips for the expedition staff and naturalists are not included.

  • Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

    Pre and post tour accommodation, plus any airport or port transfers, are not included.

Age Policy

This trip is suitable for all ages over 10 years; however the GH will accept younger on a case by case basis. No maximum age providing Medical Form is completed. 

Mode of Transport

Set sail from Ushuaia aboard the Ushuaia, navigating through the Beagle Channel, Drake Passage, and South Shetland Islands, with opportunities for shore excursions by zodiac and wildlife spotting from open-air decks.

Accommodation

Enjoy 10 nights onboard the Ushuaia in a Standard twin cabin with semi-private facilities, where two cabins share one bathroom. Each cabin is equipped with its own washbasin, and cabin upgrades with private facilities are available on request.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?

    During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including penguins, seals, seabirds, and whales. Specific species you may encounter include Adélie and Chinstrap Penguins, Kelp Gulls, Blue-eyed Cormorants, Antarctic Terns, Southern Giant Petrels, and elephant seals. You may also spot the southernmost colony of Gentoo Penguins on Petermann Island.

  • What activities are included in the tour?

    The tour includes two shore excursions per day to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands by zodiac, ice conditions permitting. Additionally, there is a program of lectures by expert naturalists and opportunities to join officers on the bridge to learn about navigation and watch for whales.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided on the tour?

    Accommodation is provided onboard the Ushuaia in a Standard twin cabin with semi-private facilities, where two cabins share one bathroom accessible from both cabins. Each cabin is also equipped with its own washbasin. Cabin upgrades with private facilities are available on request.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 10 dinners.

  • Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?

    Yes, additional costs not included in the tour price are international flights and visas, government arrival and departure taxes, drinks on board the Ushuaia, tips for the expedition staff and naturalists, and pre and post tour accommodation, plus any airport or port transfers.

  • What should I know about the Drake Passage crossing?

    The Drake Passage is a historically challenging channel of water where the warmer waters of the north meet the cold polar waters of the south, resulting in incredible biodiversity of marine life. During the crossing, you can enjoy views from four open-air decks, spot seabirds and whales with the help of expedition lecturers, and join officers on the bridge to learn about navigation.

  • What is the age policy for this tour?

    This trip is suitable for all ages over 10 years; however, younger participants may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. There is no maximum age limit, provided a Medical Form is completed.

  • What time does the tour end on the final day?

    The tour ends on the final day when the vessel arrives into the port of Ushuaia early in the morning. Disembarkation is normally at 8.00/8.30 am, and it is strongly recommended not to book flights departing before noon.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

Save on this tour

Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!

Send me one now.

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Wednesday

Dec 29, 2024 - Jan 08, 2025
$9125

Wednesday - Saturday

Jan 08, 2025 - Jan 18, 2025
$9125

Wednesday - Saturday

Feb 26, 2025 - Mar 08, 2025
$7635

Wednesday - Saturday

Nov 12, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025
$7265

Monday - Thursday

Dec 01, 2025 - Dec 11, 2025
$7265

Wednesday - Saturday

Feb 25, 2026 - Mar 07, 2026
$7635

Saturday - Tuesday

Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 17, 2026
$7265
Prices last published on 25-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Enquire for huge savings

Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.

By submitting this form, I accept Travel Club Elites terms & conditions and privacy policy.