Antarctica Basecamp - free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop
Antarctic Peninsula
An expedition cruise for adventurers! On this Antarctica cruise, your ship becomes a 'Basecamp' from which multiple activity modules are offered which go beyond a normal Antarctic shore program. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passengers as a comfortable hub to allow more time than usual for wide ranging activities. Try out climbing, hiking, kayaking, photography workshops, camping and even polar diving in Antarctica!
Highlights
- Activities for everyone: climbing, hiking, kayaking, photography safaris, camping, Zodiac cruises, polar diving (all activities free of charge except polar diving)
- Camp near the penguin colonies
- Observe wildlife from your kayak
- Flora and fauna of Antarctic Peninsula
- Antarctic Peninsula’s magical scenery
Only feedback I could give is to be more clear on specific ship/voyage packing guides for each type of adventure / activity / ship. We didn't know the boots were provided for all landings and we didn't know what specific camping gear and kayaking gear was provided. The packing list I received was too broad and seemed to cover multiple different types voyages/ships and not Plancius in particular. I felt that I overpacked because of not being clear on required gear.
Stewart's Take
Yearning to do exciting and inspiring activities in Antarctica? This is your chance to try them all!
Overview
An expedition cruise for adventurers! On this Antarctica cruise, your ship becomes a 'Basecamp' from which multiple 'Activity modules' are offered which go beyond a normal Antarctic shore program. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passengers as a comfortable hub to allow more time than usual for wide ranging activities. Try out climbing, hiking, kayaking, photography workshops, camping and even polar diving in Antarctica!
Itinerary
The Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp cruise offers you a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy the Antarctic Region. This expedition allows you to hike, snowshoe, kayak, go mountaineering, and even camp out under the Southern Polar skies. Day 1: Ushuaia - End of the world, start of a journey Your 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, you 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. Day 2 - 3: Drake Passage - Path of the polar explorers Over the next two days on the Drake Passage, you 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 – you are 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. Day 4 - 10: Entering Antarctica Gray stone peaks sketched with snow, towers of broken blue-white ice, and dramatically different wildlife below and above. You first pass the snow-capped Melchior Islands and Schollaert Channel, sailing between Brabant and Anvers Islands. Places you might visit includes: 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. At the nearby sites, such as Damoy Point there may be the opportunity for snowshoeing to the old ski-way, this is also one of our favourite camping sites. 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 Harbour – 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, 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 your last day of near-shore activities, you pass the Melchior Islands toward the open sea. Keep a sharp lookout for humpback whales in Dallmann Bay. You might also 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. Day 11 - 12: Familiar seas, familiar friends 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. Day 13: Ushuaia - There and back again 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. Note All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per IAATO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with IAATO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed of our vessel is 10.5 knots.Basecamp Adventure Cruises
Experience the ultimate adventure with this Basecamp-style polar expedition cruise.The vessel stays for two or three days at certain locations to serve as a comfortable hub for activities. Enjoy multiple included activities such as kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, mountaineering, Zodiac excursions, camping, and photography workshops—all guided by experts. With more time off the ship and a variety of ways to explore Antarctica or the Arctic, Basecamp offers unbeatable value and unforgettable, action-filled days in the world’s most remote wilderness.
. >>Read More Details on this information page!
Scrolling is disabled on map, please click to enable.
Vessel
Expedition Vessels
Your expedition will take place on board one of the following small, comfortable and ice-strengthened vessels:
M/V Plancius
M/V "Plancius" was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and was named "Hr. Ms. Tydeman". The ship sailed for the Dutch Navy until June 2004 and was completely rebuilt as a 114-passenger vessel in 2009. M/V "Plancius" complies with the latest SOLAS-regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea), is classed by Lloyd's Register in London and flies the Dutch flag. M/V "Plancius" accommodates 114 passengers in 53 passenger cabins with private toilet and shower in 4 quadruple porthole cabins, 2 triple porthole cabins, 9 twin porthole cabins, 26 twin cabins with window and 2 twin deluxe cabins, all (ca. 15 square metres) and 10 twin superior cabins (ca. 21 square metres).
For full information about Plancius click here:
M/V Hondius
The Hondius was built in 2019 as an ice-strengthened and specially crafted vessel for expedition voyages. Hondius was the first vessel to be built to class “LR PC6”, meeting the latest and highest demands of Lloyd’s Register for “Polar Class 6” vessels, the highest Polar Class notation for ice-strengthened vessels. The vessel is fully compliant with the mandatory requirements of the Polar code, for safe ship operation and the protection of the Polar environment. Hondius offers deluxe accommodations for in total 176 passengers. One deck has been entirely reserved for (multi-language) lectures and presentations in one large observation lounge and in addition one separate lecture room. The vessel offers a deluxe standard and at the same time a distinctive cozy and informal atmosphere. The philosophy is to keep sea legs short and to focus on fast and effective access to shore and near shore activities for all nature and wildlife minded passengers. A powerful fleet of zodiacs will guarantee quality outings and swift landing operation for all passengers at the same time. Our main focus remains discovery, taking advantage of wildlife opportunities and the related shore activities, a product that has been very much appreciated by our current travelers for many years. A speedy zodiac embarkation is guaranteed with two separate gangways and in addition a zodiac embarkation indoor-platform which can also be used for special outdoor activities such as kayaking. While cruising, 72 crew and staff members (including expedition and hotel staff) will be at the passengers’ service. Hondius is equipped with 2 main engines and can reach a maximum speed of 15 knots.
For full information about Hondius click here:
M/V Ortelius
The ice-strengthened vessel Ortelius is an excellent vessel for Polar expedition cruises in the Arctic and Antarctica, providing possibilities to adventure in remote and ice-bound locations. Ortelius was built in Gdynia, Poland in 1989, was named Marina Svetaeva, and served as a special purpose vessel for the Russian Academy of Science. The vessel is now re-flagged and renamed Ortelius. The vessel has the highest ice-class notation (UL1 equivalent to 1A) and is therefore very suitable to navigate in solid one-year sea ice and loose
multi-year pack ice. Ortelius features lots of open-deck spaces, as well as capacity for helicopter options for specific voyages. The vessel is manned by 24 highly experienced international nautical crew, 20 international hotel crew,
including stewardesses, 8 expedition staff (1 expedition leader and 7 guides/lecturers), and 1 doctor. Ortelius offers a comfortable hotel standard, with two restaurants, a bar/lecture room and a sauna. The vessel offers simple but comfortable cabins and public spaces. All cabins are spacious outside cabins with a minimum of two portholes or windows per cabin and all cabins have private shower and toilet. Her voyages are primarily developed to offer our passengers a quality exploratory wildlife program, trying to spend as much time ashore as possible. As the number of passengers is limited to approximately 108, flexibility assures maximum wildlife opportunities.
Booking Information
Essential Information
Rates, Share and Sole Use policy
All rates are quoted per person, based on shared twin, triple or quad occupancy. If you are travelling alone and wish to share, you will be matched with another person of the same gender at the shared rate. Twin and Superior cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the share rate.
Children
Upon request (some voyages may be excluded), children under 16 with parents may receive 40 % discount in Superior, Triple (sharing with 2 parents / adults) and Quadruple Cabins (sharing with 3 parents / adults).
Deposits
Reservations require a deposit of 20% at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings within 60 days of departure require full payment.
Final Payments
Balances are due 60 days prior to departure.
Cancellations
All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellations received 90 days or more prior to departure, are refunded less a fee of 20 % of the total price. If cancellation is received between 89 days and 60 days prior to departure, are refunded less a fee of 50 % of the total price. If cancellation occurs less than 59 days up to and including the day of departure: 100 % of the total price. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance is due immediately. We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance.
Booking Terms
Please read carefully the General Booking Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by Oceanwide Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking
Included
- Voyage aboard the designated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
Excluded
- Any airfare whether on scheduled or charter flights.
- Pre- and post land arrangements.
- Transfers to the vessel.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges.
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
- Possible fuel surcharges; It is agreed that if world fuel prices will reach or exceed US Dollar 120 per Barrel Brent 90 days prior to departure Oceanwide Expeditions reserves the right to levy a fuel surcharge of US $ 25 per passenger per night for bookings outside Europe and EURO 18 per passenger per night for bookings within Europe, to be paid by the contracting party of Oceanwide Expeditions.
Tour Dossier
Antarctica Basecamp - free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop
An Antarctic expedition cruise onboard a comfortable ship with a variety of all-inclusive activities such as climbing, kayaking, hiking and diving
File Creation date: 2025-12-12 - for updated information and dates and prices see the following page:
http://expeditionsonline.com/tour/antarctic-basecamp-expedition-cruise_66
Antarctica Basecamp - free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop
Duration: 13 days
Location: Antarctic Peninsula
Available: November - December
Start: Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish: Ushuaia, Argentina
Highlights
- Activities for everyone: climbing, hiking, kayaking, photography safaris, camping, Zodiac cruises, polar diving (all activities free of charge except polar diving)
- Camp near the penguin colonies
- Observe wildlife from your kayak
- Flora and fauna of Antarctic Peninsula
- Antarctic Peninsula’s magical scenery
Itinerary
An expedition cruise for adventurers! On this Antarctica cruise, your ship becomes a 'Basecamp' from which multiple activity modules are offered which go beyond a normal Antarctic shore program. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passengers as a comfortable hub to allow more time than usual for wide ranging activities. Try out climbing, hiking, kayaking, photography workshops, camping and even polar diving in Antarctica!
Ship Information
Expedition Vessels
Your expedition will take place on board one of the following small, comfortable and ice-strengthened vessels:
M/V Plancius
M/V "Plancius" was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and was named "Hr. Ms. Tydeman". The ship sailed for the Dutch Navy until June 2004 and was completely rebuilt as a 114-passenger vessel in 2009. M/V "Plancius" complies with the latest SOLAS-regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea), is classed by Lloyd's Register in London and flies the Dutch flag. M/V "Plancius" accommodates 114 passengers in 53 passenger cabins with private toilet and shower in 4 quadruple porthole cabins, 2 triple porthole cabins, 9 twin porthole cabins, 26 twin cabins with window and 2 twin deluxe cabins, all (ca. 15 square metres) and 10 twin superior cabins (ca. 21 square metres).
For full information about Plancius click here:
M/V Hondius
The Hondius was built in 2019 as an ice-strengthened and specially crafted vessel for expedition voyages. Hondius was the first vessel to be built to class “LR PC6”, meeting the latest and highest demands of Lloyd’s Register for “Polar Class 6” vessels, the highest Polar Class notation for ice-strengthened vessels. The vessel is fully compliant with the mandatory requirements of the Polar code, for safe ship operation and the protection of the Polar environment. Hondius offers deluxe accommodations for in total 176 passengers. One deck has been entirely reserved for (multi-language) lectures and presentations in one large observation lounge and in addition one separate lecture room. The vessel offers a deluxe standard and at the same time a distinctive cozy and informal atmosphere. The philosophy is to keep sea legs short and to focus on fast and effective access to shore and near shore activities for all nature and wildlife minded passengers. A powerful fleet of zodiacs will guarantee quality outings and swift landing operation for all passengers at the same time. Our main focus remains discovery, taking advantage of wildlife opportunities and the related shore activities, a product that has been very much appreciated by our current travelers for many years. A speedy zodiac embarkation is guaranteed with two separate gangways and in addition a zodiac embarkation indoor-platform which can also be used for special outdoor activities such as kayaking. While cruising, 72 crew and staff members (including expedition and hotel staff) will be at the passengers’ service. Hondius is equipped with 2 main engines and can reach a maximum speed of 15 knots.
For full information about Hondius click here:
M/V Ortelius
The ice-strengthened vessel Ortelius is an excellent vessel for Polar expedition cruises in the Arctic and Antarctica, providing possibilities to adventure in remote and ice-bound locations. Ortelius was built in Gdynia, Poland in 1989, was named Marina Svetaeva, and served as a special purpose vessel for the Russian Academy of Science. The vessel is now re-flagged and renamed Ortelius. The vessel has the highest ice-class notation (UL1 equivalent to 1A) and is therefore very suitable to navigate in solid one-year sea ice and loose
multi-year pack ice. Ortelius features lots of open-deck spaces, as well as capacity for helicopter options for specific voyages. The vessel is manned by 24 highly experienced international nautical crew, 20 international hotel crew,
including stewardesses, 8 expedition staff (1 expedition leader and 7 guides/lecturers), and 1 doctor. Ortelius offers a comfortable hotel standard, with two restaurants, a bar/lecture room and a sauna. The vessel offers simple but comfortable cabins and public spaces. All cabins are spacious outside cabins with a minimum of two portholes or windows per cabin and all cabins have private shower and toilet. Her voyages are primarily developed to offer our passengers a quality exploratory wildlife program, trying to spend as much time ashore as possible. As the number of passengers is limited to approximately 108, flexibility assures maximum wildlife opportunities.
Antarctica Basecamp - free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop
For the latest, up-to-date departure dates and prices please refer to the tour page:
http://expeditionsonline.com/tour/antarctic-basecamp-expedition-cruise_66
Included
- Voyage aboard the designated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
Excluded
- Any airfare whether on scheduled or charter flights.
- Pre- and post land arrangements.
- Transfers to the vessel.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges.
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
- Possible fuel surcharges; It is agreed that if world fuel prices will reach or exceed US Dollar 120 per Barrel Brent 90 days prior to departure Oceanwide Expeditions reserves the right to levy a fuel surcharge of US $ 25 per passenger per night for bookings outside Europe and EURO 18 per passenger per night for bookings within Europe, to be paid by the contracting party of Oceanwide Expeditions.
General Terms and Conditions
BOOKING ENQUIRIES:
Expeditions Online Newsletter
Sign up to be an Expeditions Online insider and receive info on exclusive deals, discounts and more!