yellow and orange tent set up on the snow in antarctica with a large mountain in the distance
group of travelers in a zodiac skiff looking at a turquoise antarctica icebergy
A group of kayakers in red orange and blue kayaks hold their paddles in the air as they float in front of a large iceberg in Antarctica
group of icebergs atop a dark antarctic ocean with a yellow cloudy sky above
group of adventure travelers walks up a snowy mountain on a sunny day in antarctica
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Polar Regions Antarctica Cruise

Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp Cruise

A true off-the-boat-experience, the Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp Cruise is designed for travelers who want to explore Antarctica actively and up close. This 13-day itinerary is packed with daily activities conducted by expert guides and onboard lectures that supplement daily adventures with history, wildlife and geography discussions. This experience on the White Continent is optimized for travelers who want to choose activities day by day, and have those activities included rather than at an added cost.

A selection of small expedition ships operate this itinerary, each acting as the base camp from which all activities start. The 108-passenger sister ships M/V Plancius and M/V Ortelius, as well as the modern 170-guest M/V Hondius, each serves as a comfortable hub to allow more time than usual for activities: mountaineers to climb mountain ranges (soft climbing), hikers to participate in long walks, photographers to learn about and practice photo opportunities, campers to enjoy life at shore base camps, and kayakers and Zodiac passengers to explore near shores where the ship cannot go. Passengers desiring a less physically active day will enjoy Zodiac excursions and easy-to-moderate walks and hikes with a focus on wildlife.

To set foot on Antarctica and have time to explore is a rare opportunity. By spending more time in fewer locations, the Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp Cruise capitalizes on getting to know Antarctica through intimate, unrushed exploration off the boat, enabling travelers to maximize time on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and trips to Antarctica.



Itinerary

Antarctica Basecamp Itinerary

The Antarctica-Basecamp-Free Camping, Kayaking, Snowshoe/Hiking, Mountaineering, Photo Workshop cruise begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina, and explores the Antarctica Peninsula.

Route map of Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp Cruise, operating round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with visits along the Peninsula.
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Day 1
Embark Ushuaia, Argentina

The voyage begins where the world drops off. Ushuaia, Argentina, reputed to be the southernmost city on the planet, is located on the far southern tip of South America. Starting in the afternoon, embark from this small resort town on Tierra del Fuego, nicknamed “The End of the World,” and sail the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the remainder of the evening.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

dinner

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Days 2 - 3
Drake Passage

Over the next two days on the Drake Passage, enjoy some of the same experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first charted these regions: cool salt breezes, rolling seas, maybe even a fin whale spouting up sea spray. After passing the Antarctic Convergence – Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic seas – arrive in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Not only does the marine life change, the avian life changes too. Wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, light-mantled sooty albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels are a few of the birds you might see.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 4 - 10
Antarctic Peninsula

Gray stone peaks sketched with snow, towers of broken blue-white ice, and dramatically different wildlife below and above. First pass the snow-capped Melchior Islands and Schollaert Channel, sailing between Brabant and Anvers Islands.

Possible visiting sites include:

Neumayer Channel
The vessel may position itself here, launching its multiple basecamp activities from the protected waters around Wiencke Island. You can enjoy the splendors of this alpine environment at sea with Zodiac and kayaking trips, or if you’re in the mood for a walk, there are possible snowshoe hikes and soft-climb mountaineering options farther inland. Naturally, favorable weather conditions determine the possible activities.

Port Lockroy
After sailing through the Neumayer Channel, you may get a chance to visit the former British research station – now a museum and post office – of Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. You may also be able to partake in activities around Jougla Point, meeting gentoo penguins and blue-eyed shags. There are great opportunities also for kayaking and camping here, and when conditions are right, you can even snowshoe around the shore.

Pléneau & Petermann Islands
If the ice allows it, you can sail through the Lemaire Channel in search of Adélie penguins and blue-eyed shags. There’s also a good chance you’ll encounter humpback and minke whales here, as well as leopard seals. Kayaking, glacier walks, and more ambitious mountaineering trips are the potential activities of this location.

Neko Harbor
An epic landscape of mammoth glaciers and endless wind-carved snow, Neko Harbour offers opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and landing that afford the closest views of the surrounding alpine peaks.

Paradise Bay
You have the chance to make camp here like a true polar explorer (but with a better tent), enjoying a supreme overnight Antarctic adventure.

Errera Channel
Possible sites in this area include Danco Island and Cuverville Island, but also the lesser known (though equally picturesque) Orne Island and Georges Point on Rongé Island.

On the last day of near-shore activities, pass the Melchior Islands toward the open sea. Keep a sharp lookout for humpback whales in Dallmann Bay. Perhaps shoot for Half Moon Island, in the South Shetlands, with further chances for activities. Conditions on the Drake Passage determine the exact time of departure.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 11 - 12
Drake Passage

The return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, be once again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to you now, and you to them.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 13
Disembark Ushuaia, Argentina

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. It’s now time to disembark in Ushuaia, but with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary; all meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea; all shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac; program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff; free use of rubber boots and snowshoes; luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation in Ushuaia; pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation); all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; comprehensive pre-departure material; optional activities (camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, hiking, mountaineering and photo workshops in addition to the standard shore excursions).

Exclusions

Any airfare whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post-land arrangements; transfers to the vessel in Ushuaia; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage and cancellation insurance; personal insurance (mandatory); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard; fuel surcharge (your Adventure Specialist will provide details).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Antarctica Basecamp cruise begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina (USH). Embarkation time is between 4:00-5:00pm on day of departure. We strongly advise all passengers to arrive the night prior to departure and get a hotel in Ushuaia to avoid baggage and flight delays. The ship sails around 6:00pm on day of departure. Disembarkation is after breakfast on final day between 8:30-9:00am. Plan flights to depart Ushuaia anytime after noon on the final day. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

On the Antarctica Basecamp cruise, guests enjoy offered activities free of charge, including hiking, snowshoeing, photo workshops, camping, kayaking, mountaineering as well as the standard included shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.

Hiking

Enjoy several possibilities to be active ashore with easy, moderate and more demanding walks in the vicinity of the landing sites. The aim is to offer two hikes per day, each two-three hours long during morning and/or afternoon landings (lunches on board). Bring a proper pair of hiking boots and gaiters. Rubber boots suitable for hiking will be provided. Hikes will be guided by experienced expedition guides.

Snowshoeing

One to three snowshoe hikes per day are on offer, ranging up to two hours for the longest excursion. Snowshoes are easy to use and don’t require any technical skills. They make it easier and safer to walk on snow surfaces, especially on early departures at the beginning of the season when there are still many snow-covered hills. Snowshoes are available for everyone on board, fit all boot sizes and can be used in combination with the provided rubber boots.

Photo Workshop

Beginner and advanced photographers are welcome, with no previous experience required. Each photo workshop is limited, to maximize attention to each individual. The onboard workshop hosts 20 guests at a time, providing lectures on photography basics and equipment introductions. Off-ship workshops are limited to 14 guests per excursion, accompanying a photo expert who can give insight on better photo results. Participants with a special interest in photography will bring their personal photo equipment. During cruise days everyone will be able to listen into photo lectures in order to learn more about objects, exposures and photo composition.

Field Camping

The location for camps and the amount of camp nights offered depends on the weather and location of the ship, with a goal of at least one night of camping to accommodate all passengers. Everyone can participate, with no previous experience required. The maximum number is limited to 30 persons per night. The camping group will be taken ashore after dinner and returned to the ship just before breakfast. On shore, a camp will be made in a place where wildlife will not be disturbed, and expedition guides will conduct activities. Special gear and field equipment will be provided: tents, wind- and waterproof bivouac bags, mattresses, polar sleeping bags, portable field toilet (one per group), waterproof transport bag and battery-powered tent lantern. Campers bring their personal warm and protective clothes. One night is free of charge and has to be booked prior to the trip; any extra nights (if possible, as all camping is based on weather conditions) must be arranged on board.

Kayaking

There may be up to four full days of kayak excursions parallel to all other activities. No kayak experience is necessary, however appropriate outdoor clothing and physical fitness is essential. The maximum number is limited to 14 kayakers per outing. Special kayak gear will be provided:  five single-seat and five double-seat kayaks, paddles, neoprene wetsuits, splash shirts, neoprene booties and caps, spray covers and life vests. Kayakers will bring their personal warm and protective clothes. An expedition kayak guide will supervise the activity and kayakers will be accompanied by a safety Zodiac boat.

Mountaineering

This is a technical and more strenuous activity for mountaineers who wish to walk beyond the shore radius in order to reach glaciated areas, higher grounds and viewpoints. Mountaineers walk in rope parties under the leadership of a certified mountain guide mostly across glaciated environment in Antarctica. Depending on the landing site, glacier walks can vary from half day to full day outings. In general, there are four-five glacier excursions offered that parallel all other activities. Mountaineering knowledge is preferable, but not required. Physical fitness is essential. Special glacier equipment will be provided: ropes and carabiners, harnesses, helmets, ice axes and crampons. Participants will bring their personal protective outdoor clothes, mountaineering boots (leather or plastic) suitable for using crampons. A qualified mountain guide and assistant will supervise and guide the activity for a maximum of 12 mountaineers at a time. One mountaineering excursion is free of charge and must be booked prior to the trip. Every mountaineer will be able to take advantage of at least one outing but it can be more. Space is limited to 48-60 participants, first come first serve.

Zodiac Cruising & Shore Program

Guided shore excursions, walks, wildlife spotting and Zodiac cruises are core activities that will be offered to all passengers. Voyages are primarily defined as explorations with the goal of spending as much time ashore as possible. With their shallow drafts, the Zodiacs enable access to beaches, shallow river banks, rocky outcrops, coral reef flats, ice floes and more. Flexibility is essential for taking advantage of wildlife opportunities by using Zodiacs for both landings and cruises. Knowledgeable guides assist on these outings and provide detailed information, which is supplemented by lectures on board covering topics such as wildlife, history and geography.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x the per-person Twin or Superior listed rates. Single travelers wishing to book on a “sharing basis” may do so at no additional cost in Twin, Triple or Quadruple categories upon availability.

Families & Children

Upon request, children under 16 years old traveling with parents may receive 40% discount in Grand Suite, Superior, Triple (sharing with 2 parents/adults) and Quadruple Cabins (sharing with 3 parents/adults). Some voyages may be excluded.

Travel Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $100,000 per person. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Nov 23 - Dec 05, 2024
Hondius • 13 days
From $9100USD
Per Person
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Dec 05 - Dec 17, 2024
Hondius • 13 days
From $9100USD
Per Person
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Dec 25 - Jan 06, 2025
Plancius • 13 days
From $9900USD
Per Person
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Dec 29 - Jan 10, 2025
Ortelius • 13 days
From $9900USD
Per Person
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Jan 10 - Jan 22, 2025
Ortelius • 13 days
From $9900USD
Per Person
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Feb 13 - Feb 25, 2025
Plancius • 13 days
From $9900USD
Per Person
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Feb 25 - Mar 09, 2025
Plancius • 13 days
From $9900USD
Per Person
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Nov 27 - Dec 09, 2025
Hondius • 13 days
From $9700USD
Per Person
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Dec 09 - Dec 21, 2025
Hondius • 13 days
From $9700USD
Per Person
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Dec 16 - Dec 28, 2025
Plancius • 13 days
From $10550USD
Per Person
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Dec 28 - Jan 09, 2026
Plancius • 13 days
From $10550USD
Per Person
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Dec 29 - Jan 10, 2026
Ortelius • 13 days
From $11100USD
Per Person
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Jan 10 - Jan 22, 2026
Ortelius • 13 days
From $11100USD
Per Person
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Accommodations

Learn About the Small Ships on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Ortelius

The 108-guest M/V Ortelius is an ice-strengthened small ship designed for polar expedition cruises in the Arctic and Antarctica. She offers passengers a quality exploratory wildlife program to spend as much time ashore as possible.

Expedition Ship
Plancius

The Plancius is a 108-passenger small ship designed and built exclusively for polar cruises. A wide variety of cabins, ample space on five decks and a wide range of activities offered make the Plancius a great option for active expedition cruises.

Expedition Ship
Hondius

The 170-guest M/V Hondius was built exclusively for cruises in Antarctica and the Arctic. She is one of the strongest ice-strengthened vessels currently cruising in the polar regions.

Deal

Current Deals on This Trip

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Testimonials

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

"So, So Good"

So, so good. The trip was exactly as you said it would be.

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"Truly Magical"

I was blown away by the experience. Antarctica is truly a magical place. By far, the quality and variety of food beyond exceeded my expectations. Camping on land was incredible!!!

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"Great Experience"

I really enjoyed the zodiac cruises where I could take photos of and just observe everything going on.

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Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

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7 Day Land Tour
Torres Del Paine Trek

The trails amongst the famous Torres del Paine craggy mountains are among the world's classic trekking routes. By day, explore nature in its raw form while winding through these exceptional mountains. By night, enjoy the cozy luxury of EcoCamp's unique dome accommodations, or camping.

From $1940USD
Jan Feb Mar Apr Sep Oct Nov Dec
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5 - 7 Day Land Tour
Explora Torres del Paine

This 5-, 6- or 7-day lodge-based trip in the center of Torres del Paine National Park offers over 40 unique explorations to choose from, including Base Torres and Grey Glacier. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Paine Massif and Salto Chico waterfall from home base.

From $2850USD
Year Round
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5 - 7 Day Land Tour
Patagonia Wildlife Safari

Discover the magic at the end of the world on a 4- to 7-day Patagonia Wildlife Safari! No matter the length of your stay, you will be blown away by the unlimited beauty of the world heritage site Torres del Paine National Park.

From $1235USD
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Sep Oct Nov Dec
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Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp Cruise

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