A Family Holiday in Antarctica
Experience the holiday season like never before during this 12-day expedition to Antarctica and discover the great white continent’s breathtaking natural beauty. Come face-to-face with penguins and seals in the South Shetland Islands before cruising amidst huge glaciers and icebergs along the Antarctic Peninsula. Not only will you discover the region’s rich biodiversity but you will encounter humanity’s long quest to understand this wild corner of the world.
Antarctica Immersive Sea Kayaking Details
The most unique way to experience Antarctica is from the cockpit of your own kayak as it glides across the water, among ice formations born tens of thousands of years in the past. Along the way, your small group may encounter a group of penguins or seals, eager to share their glacial home.
The immersive sea kayaking program is designed for those more experienced guests who want to kayak as much as possible during their voyage. Immersive Kayaking is limited to 10 participants, with a dedicated kayak guide and safety Zodiac. Immersive paddlers will have the opportunity to kayak during most excursions and landings, weather and conditions permitting.
Mornings on Board the MS Seaventure
Images & Videos
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia with plenty of time to avoid stress about missed connections and flight delays. Relax and unwind at the luxurious Arakur Resort & Spa, or set out to explore Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the World.
Day 2
Explore Ushuaia
Spend your day relaxing at the hotel or exploring Ushuaia! Walk around town, taking in local markets and visiting museums. In the evening you'll gather for an optional briefing to ask any last minuite question and to meet your fellow explorers.
Day 3
Embarkation:
Wake up relaxed for your final morning in the resort in Ushuaia. After a group lunch in Ushuaia, you will be transferred directly to the Seaventure for embarkation. The MS Seaventure ship staff and expedition team will greet you aboard!
There will be a safety and orientation brief in the evening followed by a captains welcome dinner. You are one step closer to Antarctica!
Day 4-5
Drake Passage
As we make our way across the legendary Drake Passage, join our Polar Experts for a series of engaging lectures about Antarctica’s wildlife, geology, and human exploration. You may opt to participate in our Citizen Science program by recording wildlife along the way, including whales and seabirds that follow the ship on its journey. You’ll notice the temperature drop as we cross the Antarctic Convergence and officially arrive in Antarctic waters.
Day 6-7
Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea
You will spend these next few days weaving through picturesque channels that are rich in marine wildlife. The Antarctic Sound is known for its long, tubular icebergs that will absolutely dazzle you. The Weddell Sea has a geography unlike any other place on earth. While in the Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea, be on the lookout for penguins, seals, and orca whales.
Day 8-9
Antarctic Peninsula
Finally, we arrive in Antarctica where we’ll enjoy three full days exploring the continent’s stunning bays, harbors, and channels. You’ll have the opportunity to stop at several historic landing sites and scientific bases to learn about humankind’s long associations with Antarctica and spot everything from penguins to seals and whales along the coast.
Day 10
South Shetland Islands
Volcanic in origin, the South Shetland Islands are our playground for the next two days, with their wildlife abundance and natural beauty spellbinding. Our inflatable Zodiacs will enable you to explore as much of the archipelago’s dramatic coast as possible while enjoying a front-row seat watching the resident seabirds in action.
Day 11-12
Drake Passage
After some incredible experiences in the world’s southernmost continent, it’s time to make the return journey north across the Drake Passage towards Ushuaia. Spend your days relaxing on board before a farewell meal and a slideshow to celebrate your adventure.
Day 13
Disembarkation in Ushuaia
Your expedition comes to an end as we arrive back in the port of Ushuaia where you’ll disembark in the morning. After disembarkation, fly back home or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.
Note regarding sea kayaking
In advance of your first paddling excursion, your expert guides will spend plenty of time going over the basics of operating your kayak and using any associated gear. In the mornings before setting off, your group will gather and discuss what conditions to expect and to map out the day’s paddling strategy. The plan is to kayak each day; however, this is dependent on Antarctica’s occasionally erratic weather patterns. You’re not required to join the group on every excursion. Even the most seasoned paddler knows that some days, relaxation is key. At those times, you can opt to take a Zodiac tour, catch up on reading, or even take a hearty nap.
Dates & Rates
| Dates | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 18, 2024 to Dec 30, 2024 Rates vary by cabin, please inquire for exact pricing | $13,800£0€0$0$0 | $13,800£0€0$0$0 |
Supplementary Information
Sea Kayaking in Antarctica 2024/2025
Sign Up Now for our exclusive ship-based immersive sea kayaking adventures limited to 10 kayakers per sailing! Normal weather conditions allow around 5 kayaking sessions per voyage.
Space for non-kaykers is also available at a lower rate. Please inquire for details.
| Departure Date | Porthole Cabin | Window Cabin |
|---|---|---|
| December 18-30, 2024 | $13,800/person* | $15,300/person* |
*Prices reflect a 15% early booking discount available for a limited time only. Prices are based on double occupancy and include the immersive kayaking and a dedicated Sea Kayak Adventures Guide.
Additional Details
We welcome guests at least 16 years of age, of reasonable health and fitness, who have at least beginner-level kayaking experience. This popular trip allows only a limited number of guests, so we recommend that you secure your spaces as early as possible.
Please consult your pre-trip information and packing list to ensure that you’re prepared with all clothing and personal items needed for the trip. At least 90 days from departure, we require a signed liability waiver and completed dry suit form.
As noted, we will plan to kayak every day if possible. Your guides and expedition leader are trained to determine if weather, ice and sea conditions will prohibit any scheduled paddling excursions.
ALL ANTARCTIC VOYAGES INCLUDE:
PRIOR TO DEPARTURE:
- Two pre-voyage hotel night in Ushuaia for all departures
- Transfer from Hotel to ship for embarkation
ON BOARD THE MS SEAVENTURE:
- Kayaks (tandems and singles)
- Paddles
- Dry Suits
- Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs)
- Pogies (neoprene gloves)
- Shipboard accommodations
- All meals on board
- All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (some super premium brands excluded)
- Coffee/Tea/Cocoa 24 hours a day
- All scheduled landings and excursions
- Our Citizen Science program: participation in a variety of scientific activities that support important research projects
- Expedition jacket (yours to keep)
- A pair of loaner boots for use during the voyage
- WiFi from the public computers
- 200 MB WiFi card for use on your personal devices
- Daily international news service
- All port fees
- All landing fees
- Digital Voyage Log
POST DEPARTURE:
- Group transfer from ship to airport, hotel in Ushuaia, or central location following disembarkation.
- Please note we cannot drop at Airbnb / private homes which are often inaccessible for our transfer vehicles.
VOYAGES DO NOT INCLUDE:
- Any airfare or travel expenses associated with arrival in Ushuaia other than those listed above
- Pre- or post-voyage expenses in Ushuaia
- Travel insurance; medical insurance; evacuation coverage
- Laundry and personal expenses incurred on board
- Onboard communication charges such as outgoing phone calls, WiFi from personal devices in excess of the 200 MB provided
- Staff gratuities
Ship Details
Reviews
FAQ & More
What are your Terms and Conditions?
Please see our full Terms & Conditions HERE.
What type of electrical outlets are on board?
The Seaventure has dual 110/220 voltage, and both US (two flat pin) and European (two round pin) style sockets in each cabin. Please do not bring any small appliances such as hairdryers, irons, coffee makers, curling tongs, or steam pots, as these items will damage the ship’s electrical system and are strictly forbidden on board. There is a small hairdryer provided in your cabin.
Does the ship have internet?
Yes! The ships feature wireless networks accessible from your personal computer or smartphone from virtually anywhere on board. There are also public computers available in each ship’s Library which may be used for email and Internet (but not for uploading photos.) 200 free MB of data is included in the cost of your voyage. Additional data packages can be purchased from the hotel manager on board; rates are USD $50 for 200MB or USD $90 for 1GB. Please note, due to weather and location, there may be times when Internet service is very slow or disrupted.
Is there a gym or spa aboard the ship?
Yes! Seaventure offers a fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights and a sauna.
Will my suite have portholes or windows?
Only suites designated as “Porthole Suites” have portholes, the rest have windows. We cannot guarantee the number of portholes or windows in your cabin. Windows and portholes do not open.
What kind of medical facilities are available on the ship?
Each ship has a Medical Clinic, stocked with a wide range of common basic medications, including seasickness medication, and capable of supporting a wide range of medical issues. Every voyage has a currently-practicing and English-speaking doctor experienced in Emergency medicine. Medical services are available 24 hours a day, and a doctor accompanies passengers on all shore landings.
Should I tip the ship staff?
Any tipping is at your discretion and entirely optional. Should you choose to tip, the standard amount for recognition of service is USD $14 per person per day. This can be added to your shipboard account and paid by credit card – you do not need to tip in cash. The gratuity is divided among the front of house hotel team, and cabin and dining room stewards. Other crew members are compensated for gratuities in salary.
The Expedition Team does not solicit gratuities and we encourage passengers to be generous with the hotel team first. If you personally wish to leave a thank you for the team you may do so at reception and the amount is completely at your discretion.
What time do we disembark in Ushuaia?
Disembarkation is usually at 8am on the final day of your itinerary. We strongly recommend booking flights no earlier than 12pm to account for possible delays getting back to Port.
What will the weather be like on my trip?
Weather in Antarctica can be very unpredictable, and we don’t get the same type of forecasts that we’re used to in most other parts of the world. We get information about general conditions and trends in the areas we visit, and we make our own forecasts in real time based on the data we have in the moment. Average temperatures in Antarctica during our sailing season is between -5 C (23 F) and 5 C (41 F).
The best defense against bad weather is quality gear. Click here for more information on what we recommend.
Are children allowed on the voyages?
In general, our policy is that children must be at least 12 years old to participate in a Polar Latitudes voyage. However, we may on a case-by-case basis accept children between the ages of 7-11 with additional screening and prior approval before booking, and the completion of our Child waiver by the parents/guardians. Please contact us if you wish to travel with a child under the age of 12.
For immersive kayaking, minimum age is 16.
Will I need cash on board?
No. All shipboard charges will be charged to an account, so you do not need to pay cash as you go. At the end of your voyage, you may pay your tab with cash or credit card; we accept Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. All prices on board are shown in US Dollars.
Always be sure to carry a small amount of cash, local and US or Euro, to cover taxis, and other incidentals, which may not be payable by credit card.
Do you require insurance?
Yes! All passengers must carry a Travel Protection Plan. This Plan must cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses, and pre-existing medical conditions. Additionally, passengers are strongly advised to carry a Travel Protection Plan which includes coverage for cancellation, curtailment, trip interruption, and all other expenses which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to or otherwise involving a passenger. As any potential evacuation from Antarctica can cost up to $150,000 we recommend that no policy carry less than this amount of coverage.
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