Antarctica
Antarctica, Patagonia, Chilean Fjords – Exploration of the Southern HighlightsOverview
This is a truly exciting and varied expedition cruise that combines the highlights of Antarctica, the stunning Chilean fjords, and the rich natural beauty of Patagonia. Our expert Expedition Team will take you ice-cruising and out for landings to observe wildlife at every opportunity, followed by a voyage of discovery to the remote and stunning Chilean coast
- Experience Patagonia and Antarctica in one expedition cruise
- Enjoy ice-cruising, landings and encounters with wildlife in Antarctica
- Sail into the Chilean fjords in summer and see Cape Horn
- Opportunity to visit Torres del Paine National Park
Enjoy an overnight stay in the home of the Tango
After our early morning flight to Ushuaia, enjoy an optional excursion before embarking on your ship
We cross the Drake Passage en route to Antarctica as Expedition Team prepares you for adventure ahead
We will attempt landings at several sites in the South Shetlands and on the Antarctic Peninsula on this epic voyage
We set sail towards Chile and review our amazing adventure in the Science Center
We attempt to make a landing at Cape Horn if weather allows
Enjoy the scenic landscapes as you sail the scenic Beagle Channel and scout for wildlife from deck
Explore the magnificent landscapes of the famed Torres del Paine National Park on our optional excursion
Visit the enchanting, isolated hamlet of Puerto Eden, that sits at the end of a deep fjord
We sail south through the fabled waters of Patagonia
Dee ‘pala tos’ – colourful houses set on stilts, as well as the UNESCO-listed Iglesia de San Francisco
Our Expedition Team recaps the experiences of the adventures as we sail the Pacific coast
Expedition ends at the "jewel of pacific", where you can extend your adventure with one of the post-programmes
Purpose-built for polar conditions, MS Fram offers the very best in explorer capabilities and technology. With fewer than 250 guests on board, this expedition ship is ideal for the most adventurous travellers, exploring remote areas few others can reach. It offers a truly unique, friendly and casual atmosphere, with a strong focus on the thrill of discovery.
Go on landings and small boat cruises, as well as optional kayaking and camping opportunities if conditions allow. Briefings occur before each activity, making you aware of any potential risks and of strict protocol regarding local wildlife. Both on and off the ship, lectures are held on a wide variety of specialist topics that cover: birds and marine mammals, oceanography and geology, sea ice and glaciers, climate, exploration history and storytelling, photography. We will also have a welcome event, daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
an international hand-picked team of highly educated experts that safeguard both explorers and the pristine environment. They serve as your invaluable hosts throughout your expedition cruise leading your way to offshore activities and keeping you informed onboard on daily activities and events
We invite our guests to participate in science activities, developing a greater understanding of the region in which they travel, becoming true ambassadors, and returning home to champion the protection of our planet's most fragile ecosystems. Learn from a scientist during collaborative lectures, hands on experiences with microscopes. Join our citizen science boats to collect samples on behalf of research institutes
Day wise Itinerary
Day 1
This adventure starts with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, the bustling capital of Argentina. Spend the evening at your leisure and discover `Paris of South America´ for yourself on a warm spring or summer day or extend your stay with an optional Pre-Programme to explore wild Patagonia.
Day 2
The flight leaves Buenos Aires early in the morning, allowing you a few hours to explore Ushuaia before embarking on MS Fram. In the evening, we will sail through the scenic Beagle Channel.
Day 3-4
MS Fram takes us safely across the famous Drake Passage toward the Antarctic Peninsula. During the voyage south, the Expedition Team starts the lecture series, giving you information about Antarctica’s fantastic animals, geology and history. You’ll learn how to make your visit as safe and as sustainable as possible and you’ll join Citizen Science programmes to help collect data for current scientific research. Enjoy the fresh sea air and look out for wildlife from the deck.
Day 5-8
Home to 90% of the world´s ice, Antarctica never fails to amaze and astound. In winter, sea ice virtually doubles the size of the continent. In summer, it is a breeding ground for millions of penguins, whales and seals.
This is a continent dedicated to peace, science and tourism that has evolved through millenniums without human interference. Therefore, we adhere to very strict environmental guidelines and rules. We want to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures!
Antarctica is a true wilderness, so local conditions will dictate our final itinerary. We will attempt landings at several sites in the South Shetlands and on the Antarctic Peninsula with the aim of showing you the incredible diversity of landscapes and rich wildlife on display.
At every opportunity, our expert Expedition Team will take you ice-cruising and out for landings. There may also be chances to kayak among icebergs, hike in stunning surroundings and even camp on the most remote continent on Earth.
Day 9-10
Sailing northbound across the Drake Passage is chance to re-cap on all we have seen and heard in Antarctica. Using the state-of-the-art microscopes in the ship’s Science Center, you can analyse samples taken during the expedition cruise to see another kind of ‘wildlife’ at the cellular level. The Expedition Team will continue their lecture programme to prepare you for the delights ahead. Enjoy priming your knowledge about the history and ecosystems of the area. Make sure to spend some time on deck to enjoy the fresh sea air and look out for wildlife.
Day 11
If weather allows, we will attempt a landing on Cape Horn. This is the southernmost point of South America, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet, creating often challenging sea conditions. Next, we will sail on to the sheltered waters of the Beagle Channel.
Day 12
Deep fjords and tall mountains plunging into the icy water characterise this wild area that seems almost untouched by humans. Glacial ice has scoured its way between the mountains, creating the lovely isolated islands and hidden bays that form this unique fjord landscape
Day 13-14
Puerto Natales is the gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park, world famous for the impressive “Torres del Paine” (Towers of Paine) rock formation. Explore the park on our optional excursion to discover a landscape of stunning variety, from the vast open steppe to rugged mountain terrain topped by looming peaks that host a wide variety of wildlife. Watch for llamas, pumas, and foxes in addition to more than 100 species of birds like the Andean condor.
Activities
Day 15
The village of Puerto Edén in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park will enchant you. It is known for its geographical isolation, situated at the end of a deep fjord and surrounded by mountains. Its population of 250 includes the 15 remaining members of the Kawéskar people.
Day 16
Our expedition cruise continues north through the fabled waters of Patagonia. As we sail through iconic Andean seascapes, enjoy the vistas of the magnificent natural expanse.
Day 17
Set among windswept hills and lush vegetation, Castro is known for its colourful `palafitos´, wooden houses mounted on stilts along the water's edge, and the UNESCO Site Iglesia San Francisco. Nearby wide beaches are home to dozens of seabirds, penguins and sea lions.
Activities
Day 18-19
As we make our way along the Pacific coast to Valparaíso, we will recap the highlights of the expedition cruise and scan for wildlife.
Day 20
Sadly, every expedition must come to an end. And this expedition ends in the colourful and poetic city of Valparaíso. Take some time to explore this scenic town before your flight home or you can extend your vacation with a Post-Programme adventure to Easter Island, famous for its mysterious statues of giant heads and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Whats Included
- Hurtigruten Expedition Cruise in cabin grade of your choice
- Overnight in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
- Transfer from the hotel in Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires airport before the expedition cruise
- Transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship, including a short tour of the town
- Flight in economy class from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages in restaurant Aune and Fredheim
- A la carte restaurant Lindstrom included for suite guests
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board
- A rich programme of included activities on all voyages designed to immerse you in the destinations you visit, including onshore exploration with the Expedition Team
- English speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
- Range of included excursions
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant jacket
- Loan of spikes and trekking poles, and equipment needed for optional and included activities
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board.
Not Included
- International flights
- Visa
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners or Expedition Team
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
Special Note
- Mandatory medical questionnaire required to fill to join this expedition
- Price based on two people travelling together sharing a twin cabin
- Single cabin pricing available on request
- This is an expedition where the elements rule, and the weather, wind and ice conditions will determine our schedule. Safety is paramount and the captain will decide the final sailing itinerary during the voyage. Hence, this itinerary is just an indication of what you can experience and why every expedition with us is unique.
With just 20% deposit and pay the remaining balance only 90 Days before departure date.
For those approaching us within 90 days of departure date, can reserve their space with full payment
You can cancel your booking anytime with us, based on the below conditions :
90 or more days : Retention of 20% deposit
60-89 days : 30%
28-59 days : 60%
14-27 days : 90%
Less than 14 days : 100%