Antarctica - Off the Beaten Track (13 days)

Sailing in comfort aboard the comfortable and well-appointed One Ocean Navigator, we begin this 12 night, 13 day expedition at the tip of South America onboard Antarctica's mobile wilderness/adventure lodge. We chart a course through the Drake Passage and might make landfall in the South Shetland Islands prior to reaching the Antarctic Peninsula. When we arrive at the Antarctic Peninsula, be prepared to be dazzled. Even our experienced staff members many of whom have visited the southern region a hundred times or more are still astonished by its pristine beauty. The abundance of wildlife is truly extraordinary including five seal species, massive penguin rookeries of gentoo, adélie and chinstrap as well as a profusion of seabirds from albatross to skuas. It is nature you will experience up close and personal on frequent specialized excursions inland and on water.

Our journey will take us south of the Lemaire Channel to the Northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, or reverse depending on ice and weather conditions. Our goal is to enter Antarctic waters prepared to undertake extraordinary outdoor pursuits that will excite, awe and inspire people who revel in the outdoors. For those enrolled in our traditional sea kayaking program, there will be an optional opportunity to participate in an overnight sea kayak camping excursion led by our kayak guides. For others interested in camping but not of the small boat variety, we endeavour to camp on the ice amidst the Polar landscape sometime in the coming days. Ideal weather and just the right campsite make this experience a life changing memory.

There are numerous areas within the peninsula and surrounding archipelago that offer extraordinary climbing and ski touring opportunities. Experienced mountaineers will climb up into the beauty and remote wilderness of Antarctica as they approach their chosen stream of decent led by our mountaineering and ski guides.

We also offer a more gradual approach for people interested in skiing and snowshoeing on this voyage. There are a handful of preferred landing sites where we enjoy these activities, which allow us to appreciate varied terrain amidst Antarctic snow pack. Our hiking options range depending on the landing sites we visit. Remember it is your choice whether to be the contemplative wanderer amidst the rocky shore, or the long distance hiker to the outer limits. Just let us know. For keen photographers interested in field photography of either adventure pursuits or landscape, join our expedition team and specialty photographers for an extended shore excursion aimed at capturing these specialty subjects with a remarkable backdrop. It is our priority to combine preferable weather conditions with all of our outdoor pursuits to achieve both awe-inspiring outdoor experiences, paired with outdoor education and learned information on Antarctica and its protected environment.

As with all our One Ocean Expeditions voyages, safety is our top priority. For that reason weather, ice or other conditions may require us to change our itinerary and shore excursions as we go but that is half the fun of Polar exploration. Predictability is a word that has no relevance in this environment.

Day By Day Expedition Itinerary

Day 1 / Ushuaia

Today is the first day of our adventure. As we board the One Ocean Navigator, in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city at the tip of Argentina, and start to become familiar with 'our home' for the next 13 days we cannot help but wonder about the exciting journey ahead of us. In the early evening, we set sail and begin our voyage leaving behind Ushuaia and charting a course through the Beagle Channel.

Days 2-3 / Drake Passage

Crossing the Drake Passage, there is so much excitement in the air as we make our way ever closer to the white continent. Guests eagerly soak up the friendly atmosphere onboard, as our numerous Polar experts and educational professionals prepare us for our adventures with presentations and courses on everything Antarctic, from wildlife and history, to first aid and snow safety. Eventually, we will cross the Antarctic Convergence where we will notice a distinct drop in temperature as we enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. Along the way, we will witness many spectacular sights from icebergs to an array of seabirds and even several whale species some of which are known on occasion to breach from the sea.

Days 4-10 / Antarctic Peninsula

In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, we make as much time as possible to explore by inflatable Zodiacs to incorporate our expedition goals and marvel up close at nature's glory. Planned excursions may include Neko Harbour, Wilhelmina Bay and the southerly Petermann Island, where we will observe Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals, skuas and other seabirds as well as a shocking abundance of penguins including some very large colonies of the comical Adélie penguin.

Amongst these varied landing sites and extraordinary bays for cruising, we find ourselves delving into our expedition field photography program as well as our hiking, snow shoeing, sea kayaking, cross country skiing and mountaineering/ski touring. Using the weather as our guide, we endeavour to extend ourselves beyond the standard limits of expedition cruising itineraries. With a flexible hospitality team we are able to spend more time onshore in our chosen environment to meet all of our expeditionary goals.

Once alongside the peninsula we plan to launch our overnight kayaking experience. After packing the kayaks with the necessary gear for our adventure we leave the ship and paddle into a chosen destination. Once we land we expect to spend about 2/3 hours stretching our legs and exploring. Some of you may ascend to a walk-able summit to take in the views, and massive icebergs in every direction. We also look for a possible campsite and assemble our tents for the wonderful experience of overnight kayak camping in Antarctica.

The next morning we pack our gear, jump into the kayaks and paddle for a few hours before rejoining our fellow travelers on board the ship. Specifics for our mountaineering and ski touring program will also depend on weather and avalanche safety. With our focus on the experience rather than the number of penguins we see, we have the flexibility to take our time to launch our outdoor pursuits in the right area for the required length of duration. We envisage the ability to offer a couple of mountaineering and ski touring options throughout the time in Antarctica.

Days 11-12 / Drake Passage

As we leave this magical place and make our way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage before rounding Cape Horn, we have no doubt that time will be spent sharing and reflecting on the wonderful experiences of the last few days. This sailing time is optimal for reviewing your newfound 'field photography' skills and learning more from our onboard presentation staff and educational experts. Sailing up the Beagle Channel, we celebrate the conclusion of our Polar expedition with a special dinner onboard.

Day 13 / Ushuaia

In the early morning, we will arrive back in Ushuaia. It is time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home.

Operated by One Ocean Expeditions

Departures: November

• Contact us for more information, current costs and to make a booking on this expedition.