Hiker walking along the Antarctica Peninsula in the South Shetlands islands with sun and clouds.
Solo penguin in an ice field with blue skies in Antarctica
Guest kayaking with beanie with the Antarctic Peninsula in the backgorund
Passenger on the bow deck of the Plancius is taking a picture of a mountain, travel, cruise, polar cruise, expedition cruise, in the polar region.
Humpback whale, breaching, Antarctica
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Polar Regions Antarctica Cruise

Antarctica Discovery & Learning Voyage

This 10- or 11-day Antarctica Discovery & Learning Voyage is designed to optimize time in Antarctica, to experience the best of everything. Time at sea provides ample opportunities for bird-watching while searching for wandering, grey-headed, black-browed and light-mantled albatrosses; southern fulmars; and Wilson’s, cape, blue and Antarctic petrels. Visit worthwhile sites like Cuverville Island, Danco Island in the Errera Channel, Neko Harbor and Paradise Bay. Enjoy the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Continent. 

On the 10- or 11-day Whale Watching itinerary, focus entirely on the Antarctic Peninsula. On the main 11-day itinerary, add a visit to the South Shetland volcanic archipelago, to brave new worlds like Deception Island, Neptune’s Bellows and possibly Half Moon Island. Opportunities exist to see the flooded caldera’s hot springs and visit an abandoned whaling station or active Argentine scientific research station. Zodiac cruises and kayaking expose the icy beauty of polar seas. When conditions allow, snowshoe on shore to experience quiet moments of solace in a place few humans go. 

A selection of small research vessels operate the itinerary: 108-passenger M/V Plancius, 108-guest M/V Ortelius and 170-guest M/V Hondius. Optional activities include camping, diving and kayaking (additional cost) with advanced reservations required as space is limited. Enjoy included activities such as hiking, snowshoeing and Zodiac rides, and become one of the fortunate few to have set foot on the White Continent!

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



Itinerary

Antarctica - Discovery and Learning Voyage Itinerary

The main, 11-day Antarctica – Discovery and Learning Voyage begins and ends in Ushuaia, with one day uniquely spent exploring the South Shetland Islands.

Route map of 11- or 12-day Antarctic Peninsula Including South Shetland Islands voyage, operating round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with stops along the Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands.
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Day 1
Embark Ushuaia, Argentina

In the afternoon, embark in the small resort town of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world, nicknamed “The End of the World.” 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

During these two days on the Drake Passage, enjoy some of the same experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first chartered 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—the ship is in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Watch for changing marine and avian life, including possible sighting of 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.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 4 - 7
Antarctic Peninsula

Sail past gray stone peaks sketched with snow, towers of broken blue-white ice and dramatically different wildlife below and above. Then pass the snow-capped Melchior Islands and the Schollaert Channel between Brabant and Anvers Island. While here, time will be optimized to experience the best of everything.

Sites that may be visited include:

Danco Island
Activities here may focus on the gentoo penguins nesting on the island, in addition to the Weddell and crabeater seals that can be found nearby.

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

Paradise Bay
You may be able to take a Zodiac cruise in these sprawling, ice-flecked waters, where there’s a good chance you’ll encounter humpback and minke whales.

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.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
South Shetland Islands

The volcanic islands of the South Shetlands are windswept and often cloaked in mist, offering subtle pleasures. There is a nice variety of flora such as mosses, lichens and flowering grasses and fauna, such as gentoo penguins, chinstrap penguins and southern giant petrels. Near Deception Island the ship braves through the spectacular Neptune’s Bellows and into the flooded caldera. This site provides opportunities to find hot springs, an abandoned whaling station, thousands of cape petrels and many kelp gulls, brown and south polar skuas and Antarctic terns.

Alternatively, the crew may try to conduct activities near Half Moon Island, where it’s possible to find chinstrap penguins, and Weddell seals often haul out on the beach near the Argentinean research station Camara. Depart for the Drake Passage when weather and sea conditions are predicted as favorable.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 9 - 10
Drake Passage

Your return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you’re 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 11
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; basic WiFi up to 1.5GB per 24 hours (additional data available for purchase on board).

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); insurance of any kind; optional activities; 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 Antarctic Peninsula Including South Shetland Islands cruise begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina (USH). Embarkation time is between 4:00 and 5:00pm on day of departure. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. The ship sails around 6:00pm on day of departure. Disembarkation is after breakfast on final day between 8:30 and 9:00am. Plan flights to depart Ushuaia any time after noon on the final day. Arrival and departure times vary for alternative itineraries; inquire with your Adventure Specialist upon booking for details. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Various optional activities may be available on your Antarctic Peninsula Including South Shetland Islands voyage. Per-person prices: camping $225 (2024-25 season) or $250 (2025-26 season), (30 persons max); kayaking $560 (2024-25 & 2025-26 season) (14 persons max); polar diving $800 (Jan 22, 2025), $900 (Jan 22, 2026) or $1,000 (Dec 01, 2025); snowshoeing included; hiking included (2-3 hours or longer). Please contact AdventureSmith for details on which activities are available on your specific departure date and to reserve space with your booking.

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.

Antarctica - Whale Watching, Discovery & Learning Voyage Itinerary

The alternative, 10- or 11-day Antarctic Peninsula cruise begins and ends in Ushuaia, and focuses entirely on exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.

Route map of Antarctic Peninsula small ship expedition cruise, operating round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with visits to various sites in Antarctica.
Read More
Day 1
Embark Ushuaia, Argentina

In the afternoon, embark in the small resort town of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world nicknamed “The End of the World.” Sail the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the remainder of the evening.

Accommodations

Hondius, Plancius

Meals

dinner

Read More
Days 2 - 3
Drake Passage

During these two days on the Drake Passage, enjoy some of the same experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first chartered 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—the ship is in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Watch for changing marine and avian life, including possible sightings of 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.

Accommodations

Hondius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 4 - 7/8
Antarctic Peninsula

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

Sites you may visit include:

Danco Island
Activities here may focus on the gentoo penguins nesting on the island, in addition to the Weddell and crabeater seals that can be found nearby.

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 may be able to take a Zodiac cruise in these sprawling, ice-flecked waters, where there’s a good chance you’ll encounter humpback and minke whales.

Pléneau & Petermann Islands
If the ice allows it, you could sail through the Lemaire Channel in search of humpback and minke whales, as well as leopard seals.

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.

Wilhelmina Bay & Guvernøren
This is a great place to spot humpback whales. You also may embark on a Zodiac cruise ending at the ghostly
wreck of the Guvernøren, a whaling vessel that caught fire here in 1915. Around the Melchior Islands, amid a frozen landscape peopled with icebergs, you may encounter even more whales, leopard seals, and crabeater seals.

Charlotte Bay
You might encounter a variety of wildlife, including gentoo penguins, Weddell seals and possibly some migrating whale species such as humpback whales or minke whales.

Conditions on the Drake Passage determine the exact time of departure.

Accommodations

Hondius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 8/9 - 9/10
Drake Passage

On the way north, a vast array of seabirds follow the ship while crossing the Drake Passage.

Accommodations

Hondius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 10/11
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

Read More
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; basic WiFi up to 1.5GB per 24 hours (additional data available for purchase on board).

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); optional activities; 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 – Whale Watching, Discovery & Learning Voyage begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina (USH). Embarkation time is between 4:00 and 5:00pm on day of departure. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. The ship sails around 6:00pm on day of departure. Disembarkation is after breakfast on final day between 8:30 and 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

Various optional activities may be available on your Antarctica – Whale Watching, Discovery & Learning Voyage. Per-person prices: polar diving $750 (2025-26 season). There are no added-cost activities for the 2024-25 season. Hiking and photography are included.

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 30 - Dec 10, 2024
Ortelius • 11 days
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From $7900USD
Per Person
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Jan 06 - Jan 16, 2025
Plancius • 11 days
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From $8650USD
Per Person
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Jan 22 - Feb 01, 2025
Hondius • 11 days
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From $8650USD
Per Person
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Jan 22 - Feb 01, 2025
Ortelius • 11 days
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From $8650USD
Per Person
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Feb 01 - Feb 11, 2025
Ortelius • 11 days
From $8650USD
Per Person
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Feb 03 - Feb 13, 2025
Plancius • 11 days
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From $8650USD
Per Person
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Mar 14 - Mar 23, 2025
Hondius • 10 days
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From $6300USD
Per Person
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Nov 17 - Nov 27, 2025
Hondius • 11 days
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From $7750USD
Per Person
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Dec 01 - Dec 11, 2025
Ortelius • 11 days
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From $8050USD
Per Person
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Jan 08 - Jan 18, 2026
Hondius • 11 days
From $9250USD
Per Person
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Jan 09 - Jan 19, 2026
Plancius • 11 days
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From $6700USD
Per Person
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Jan 18 - Jan 28, 2026
Hondius • 11 days
From $9250USD
Per Person
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Jan 22 - Feb 01, 2026
Ortelius • 11 days
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From $9250USD
Per Person
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Feb 06 - Feb 16, 2026
Plancius • 11 days
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From $9250USD
Per Person
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Mar 10 - Mar 20, 2026
Hondius • 11 days
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From $7400USD
Per Person
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Mar 23 - Apr 01, 2026
Plancius • 10 days
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From $9250USD
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.

Testimonials

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

"Highly Recommend"

The ship was very nice. The cruise was very well planned. I would highly recommend the Hondius to anyone going to the Antarctic.

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"We Could Not Have Been More Thrilled"

This trip to Antarctica was our Honeymoon and we could not have been more thrilled. I would do it 100 times again because it is worth it to see Antarctica. The travel arrangements that we made through Adventuresmith were incredibly informative and timely and KIND with all responses. Overall, an amazing trip that I recommend to every and anyone considering it!

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"Planning Our Next Trip"

We have been planning this trip for many years and despite building anticipation for so long, this trip exceeded every expectation we had.  Both AdventureSmith and the operator were incredible to deal with every step of the way. We’ve already started planning our next trip.

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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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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
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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
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5 - 7 Day Land Tour
Explora Rapa Nui

Experience the mysterious draw of the moai statues of Easter Island on foot, by sea or bike at Explora Rapa Nui. This 5-, 6- or 7-day adventure blends the island's unique history, vibrant Polynesian culture and stunning scenery into over 30 possible tailored activities.

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Antarctica Discovery & Learning Voyage

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