Antarctica: The White Continent
12 Days Starting and ending in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Visiting: Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica
Tour operator:
Tour code:
16565
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Antarctica, the White Continent, starting with a flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Explore the vibrant city before heading to Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city, for a panoramic tour of Tierra del Fuego's stunning landscapes. Board an all-inclusive yacht and set sail across the legendary Drake Passage, a rite of passage for adventurers. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Antarctica's icy wilderness, with opportunities to witness diverse wildlife such as seals, whales, and penguins. Enjoy nearly 24 hours of daylight as you explore the South Shetland Islands and other iconic sites. Indulge in fresh meals aboard the expedition ship, and for the daring, take a polar plunge into the frigid waters. This expedition promises a once-in-a-lifetime adventure filled with awe-inspiring sights and unforgettable experiences.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Overnight Flight
Location: Buenos Aires
Accommodation Name: Hilton Buenos Aires
An overnight flight takes you to Buenos Aires, the launching point for your adventure into Antarctica.
Day 2 : Buenos Aires, Argentina
Location: Buenos Aires
Accommodation Name: Atlas World Voyager
Arrive in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, birthplace of the tango and the “Paris of South America.” Stretching along the banks of the Rio de la Plata, the city is a mosaic of European-style architecture and South American spirit. Spend the day however you wish before setting out to begin your voyage tomorrow. There are no included activities today.
Day 3 : Fly To Ushuaia - Embark Ship - At Sea
Location: Ushuaia
Accommodation Name: expedition ship
This morning we fly over Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Set out on a panoramic tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park and soak in this dramatic landscape on the southern tip of South America featuring glaciers, lakes, mountains, and waterfalls. From Ushuaia, embark the expedition ship that will be your home for the next nine days during a cruise to Antarctica.
Day 4 : The Drake Passage - At Sea
Location: Drake Passage
Accommodation Name: expedition ship
Cruise south through the fabled Drake Passage, named after the explorer Sir Frances Drake. Set between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, crossing the legendary Drake Passage is unforgettable – a milestone for any adventurer! Warmer waters of the north meet colder, denser waters of the south here in the Antarctic Convergence, making the area rich in marine life like humpback whales and hourglass dolphins.
Day 5 : The Drake Passage - Antarctica
Location: South Shetland Islands
Accommodation Name: expedition ship
During the 48-hour journey through the Drake Passage, the soundtrack includes the crash of waves against the ship and cry of petrels, skuas, and gulls overhead. While the waterway is famous for its challenging navigation, on some occasions, the channel is calm and tranquil – this unpredictable nature is part of the adventure. As you emerge from the Drake Passage, reaching the northern point of The White Continent, the mammoth, icy peaks of the South Shetland Islands greet you.
Day 6 : Antarctica
Location: South Shetland Islands
Accommodation Name: expedition ship
Part of the greater Antarctica region, the South Shetland Islands hold a bounty of wildlife, scenic landscapes, hiking opportunities, and magnificent views that inspire a sense of discovery. According to sea and weather conditions, there are several possible shore landing opportunities. A possible landing on Elephant Island, named for the shape of its cliffside and the elephant seals that call it home, sets you on the same path as the famous Shackleton Expedition. Another possible landing is Deception Island, a volcanic caldera with heated springs and black sands. Other possible stops include Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbor, Point Wild, and Barrientos Island with its gentoo penguin rookeries.
Day 7 : Antarctica
Location: Antarctica
Accommodation Name: expedition ship
Your days are filled with discovering Antarctica, the last great wilderness stretching across ice-covered desert and mountains for over five million square miles. The ethereal beauty and immense scale of the continent are like nowhere else on the planet. The voyage keeps a flexible schedule as your captain expertly navigates ice floes, icebergs, and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition.
Day 8 : Antarctica
Location: Antarctica
Accommodation Name: expedition ship
Nicknamed “The White Continent” for its vast expanse of icebergs, snow and glaciers, Antarctica is often a final frontier for experienced explorers to conquer. As you navigate Antarctic waters, you may set foot on sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, Hidden Bay, and many more. Each landing throughout the continent offers its own unique landscape, from expansive tundra to rugged mountain peaks, all beckoning you to follow the paths that few explorers have trekked before.
Day 9 : Antarctica
Location: Antarctica
Accommodation Name: expedition ship
Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration. Your captain works with the expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. You may take a Zodiac foray among towering icebergs or hike along the shoreline near penguin colonies. On one day of the cruise, you can even take the chance to experience a polar plunge by jumping in with a harness from the side of the ship!
Day 10 : The Drake Passage - At Sea
Location: Drake Passage
Accommodation Name: expedition ship
Antarctica falls into your wake as you begin sailing back towards Ushuaia today, crossing the southern waters of the Drake Passage. As you make your return through this famed channel, stay on the lookout for the incredible wildlife around you in the sea and sky.
Day 11 : The Drake Passage - At Sea
Location: Drake Passage
Accommodation Name: expedition ship
On your final day of sailing the channel, enjoy the time to relax on the ship and reflect on all you have seen and learned along the journey.
Day 12 : Ushuaia - Disembark Ship - Fly To Buenos Aires - Tour Ends
Location: Ushuaia
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, disembark in Ushuaia and proceed to the airport for your flight* to Buenos Aires before flying home.
What's Included
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Panoramic Tour of Tierra del Fuego
Take in the incredible scenery of Tierra del Fuego during a panoramic tour.
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All-Inclusive Yacht Cruise
Cruise through the waters of Antarctica on an all-inclusive yacht.
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Drake Passage Crossing
Cross the Drake Passage, a milestone for any adventurer!
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Antarctic Wildlife Discovery
Discover multitudes of Antarctic wildlife including seals, whales, albatrosses, and chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins.
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24 Hours of Sunlight Experience
Experience nearly 24 hours of sunlight as you absorb your surroundings ashore and from the expedition ship’s many observatory decks.
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Polar Plunge Opportunity
Take the opportunity, if you wish, for a thrilling polar plunge off the yacht.
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Fresh and Varied Meals
Savor fresh and varied meals aboard the expedition ship while admiring the scenery around you.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and other personal items are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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International Flights
International flights to and from Buenos Aires are not included.
Experiences
Discover multitudes of Antarctic wildlife including seals, whales, albatrosses, and chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins.Experience nearly 24 hours of sunlight as you absorb your surroundings ashore and from the expedition ship’s many observatory decks.Take the opportunity, if you wish, for a thrilling polar plunge off the yacht.
Culinaries
Savor fresh and varied meals aboard the expedition ship while admiring the scenery around you.Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Ushuaia.
Must See
Take in the incredible scenery of Tierra del Fuego during a panoramic tour.Cruise through the waters of Antarctica on an all-inclusive yacht.Cross the Drake Passage, a milestone for any adventurer!
Choice Highlights
Buenos Aires The capital and largest city in Argentina has been an autonomous district since 1880. Buenos Aires is a top tourist destination, known for its European-style architecture and rich cultural life. The city currently has the highest concentration of theaters in the world. Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan center of the nation and offers a large cultural diversity due to the waves of immigration during the years. It is known as the land of the portenos (people of the port) — which is what the people from Buenos Aires are referred to as — and traditions, but the land is also large in industrial and commercial activities. Although Buenos Aires is a large cosmopolitan area, it also offers a very historical background, reflected in the French and Italian architecture, and numerous museums and cultural centers.
Ushuaia Located at the tip of Argentina and in the area of Patagonia is Ushuaia. This "Bay overlooking the West" is regarded as the southernmost city in the world and is part of the the Tierra del Fuego region. Bordered by sweeping mountains and the Beagle Channel, this former prison colony is a popular destination for people traveling to Antarctica and provides insight to the different people that settled here including the Yamana Indians and British missionaries.
Tierra del Fuego Translated as the “Land of Fire,” Tierra del Fuego is an archipelago off the southernmost tip of the South American mainland, separated from it by the Magellan Strait. First explored by Ferdinand Magellan in 1520, today’s adventurer can get around by kayaking through the Beagle Channel, taking a cruise or a catamaran trip to see the mountains and wildlife.
The Drake Passage Named after the British explorer, Sir Francis Drake, the Drake Passage is the shortest route between South America and Antarctica. Stretching over 500 miles, this passage is a connection point between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Known for it's sometimes tumultuous crossings, the Drake Passage is also known for it's abundance of marine wildlife such as whales.
Zodiac Safaris
Penguin Colony Close-Ups See wildlife like never before with excursions that will take you to penguin colonies for up-close encounters with these charming birds.
Polar Plunge
Expedition Landings
On-Board Educational Sessions
Mode of Transport
Begin your journey with an overnight flight to Buenos Aires, followed by a flight to Ushuaia. Embark on an expedition ship for a nine-day cruise through the Drake Passage to Antarctica, experiencing the stunning scenery and wildlife along the way.
Accommodation
Stay in the luxurious Hilton Buenos Aires before embarking on the Atlas World Voyager expedition ship, which will be your home for nine days as you explore the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife of Antarctica.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the Antarctica tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of Antarctic wildlife including seals, whales, albatrosses, and different species of penguins such as chinstrap, gentoo, and Adelie penguins.
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What is the Drake Passage and why is it significant?
The Drake Passage is a body of water between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula. It is significant because it is known for its challenging navigation and is a milestone for adventurers due to its rich marine life and the convergence of warmer northern waters with colder southern waters.
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What activities are available during the Antarctica tour?
Activities during the tour include shore landings, Zodiac safaris among icebergs, hiking near penguin colonies, and the opportunity to take a polar plunge off the yacht.
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What are some of the possible landing sites in Antarctica?
Possible landing sites in Antarctica include Elephant Island, Deception Island, Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbor, Point Wild, Barrientos Island, Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, and Hidden Bay.
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What is unique about the experience of traveling to Antarctica?
Traveling to Antarctica offers the unique experience of nearly 24 hours of sunlight, breathtaking landscapes, and the chance to explore one of the last great wildernesses on Earth with its immense scale and ethereal beauty.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
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Low Deposit
Collette requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of collette charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.