Antarctica Classic
Experience Overview
The Antarctic Peninsula is anything but a world of white desolation. Join us on a true adventure to a world of immense scale and visual splendour. Passing huge icebergs in the flat calm of a polar morning will reshape the way you look at your world. Encounter huge whales, enormous rookeries of penguins, and stunning landscapes few have ever witnessed. This 11-day expedition will introduce you to the magic of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Highlights
- Set foot on Antarctica — the world's least-visited continent
- Watch majestic albatross soar by the ship while crossing the Drake Passage
- Opt to brave the chill of a polar plunge
- Witness immense icebergs and magnificent glaciers
- Have your questions answered by Antarctica experts
Trip Details
Product Code: 3091
Tour Type:
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: G Expedition, Zodiac, private bus, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Budget
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: XVCASX
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina
Finishes: Ushuaia, Argentina
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Activities
- 9 nts aboard the G Expedition
- 1 nt hotel in Ushuaia, on a twin share basis
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
- Lectures and educational programs
- Waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16
- Expedition parka
Accommodation
- Twin-share hotel (1 nt), aboard the G Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 9 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.
- 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners
Transport
- G Expedition, Zodiac, private bus, walking.
Group Leader
- One expedition team member per 10 guests.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $10,999 ($1,000 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.
Day 2: Ushuaia/Drake Passage
Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping, explore the town, or visit the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the G Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.
Opt to visit the magnificent Tierra del Fuego National Park today before boarding the ship.
Day 3-4: Drake Passage/South Shetland Islands
The adventure begins with an 1000km (800mi) crossing of the passage named in honour of the 16th-century English sea captain and privateer, Sir Francis Drake. Take in daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for the first sightings of icebergs, whales and albatross following in the G Expedition's wake.
The G Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded never ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic.
As the Expedition crosses the passage there will be time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship's crew and expedition staff.
Begin lectures and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region
Day 5-8: South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula
Experience some of the most unique wildlife viewing and inspiring scenery in the world while setting foot on the Antarctic continent. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting) and encounter Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries, Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, and orca, humpback and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. During the voyage, learn about the peninsula's remarkable history.
This is what we've all been waiting for - a chance to explore step foot on the Great White Continent! Over the next 4 days the Expedition will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day while navigating through the area but the itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions.
During the voyage, learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.
Day 9-10: Drake Passage/Ushuaia
Begin the journey north to the home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of the Antarctic experience with the lecturers and staff. Keep sharp eyes on the observation deck for some last-minute whale sightings.
Leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by the expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia.
Remember, the best way to experience the wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out for Albatross, Prions, and Whales!
Day 11: Ushuaia
Disembark the G Expedition after breakfast.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Valeria R. - Traveled, January 2024
Great service and guides. I've always had a wonderful experience on my G Adventures tours.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/13/2024
Harriet W. - Traveled, January 2024
Extremely well-run operation, very knowledgeable staff and very helpful crew.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/01/2024
Aleksandra - Traveled, March 2025
This was a very unique experience. The staff was fantastic. The food more than excellent. The pinguins. Whales and seals all showed up for us in large numbers. Icebergs were beautiful and the scale of this area was enormous. One of a kind experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2025
Kevin - Traveled, March 2025
It is hard to put into words how absolutely amazing Antarctica is. G Adventures did a marvelous job of getting us there and providing a marvelous experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2025
Nahman - Traveled, March 2025
The trip was amazing. Well organized, very knowledgeable guides, great scenery, and wonderful food
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/16/2025
Andy - Traveled, December 2024
The G Expedition vessel may be getting on a bit but she is perfect for these expeditions across the Drake Passage and around the Antarctic Peninsula. Very comfortable and perfectly well equipped. But what makes this particular trip so amazing is the crew on board. The expedition crew are inspirational in their enthusiasm for the areas of expertise - I learned so much from them - and they are so utterly professional, yet great company too. The organization was impeccable and helped take full advantage of the favorable conditions we were lucky enough to get so that we squeezed the very most we could out of this once in a lifetime trip. Add to this exceptional support crew, especially the catering, and it would be hard to ask for more, despite this being a costly trip. The only thing that I could think of the add would be a masseuse, but hey! Thank you G for an unforgettable trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/23/2025
Albert - Traveled, January 2025
Great experiences, great crew, perfect organization.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2025
Claire - Traveled, January 2025
I feel so fortunate that the entire crew and expedition team were not only professional but also deeply passionate about sharing their knowledge. They went above and beyond to ensure we had the best possible experience exploring Antarctica. This has truly been one of the most unforgettable trips of my life. All my respect and heartfelt gratitude to the incredible G-Expedition experts!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/11/2025
djamin - Traveled, January 2025
Perfect journey. Not too big group and very friendly staff, most staff who served meals. Cabin is good with window, and quite clean. Food is beyond expectation, with lot of variety. This is one of our memorable trips.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/25/2025
Rashit - Traveled, December 2024
Nice and professional!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/05/2025
karl - Traveled, November 2024
All went smooth and no troubles.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/24/2024
Jakob Robert - Traveled, November 2024
Amazing wildlife. I got seasickness from the Drake's Passage but otherwise extremely well run, good food, and great wildlife sightings.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/03/2024
Leena· - Traveled, March 2024
It is truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/29/2024
Joy - Traveled, March 2024
Wonderful crew and staff on board, amazing experience that really can‘t be accurately described. Thank you!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/14/2024
Bohemian - Traveled, November 2023
What an experience. G Adventure has mastered the art of making your experience really stand out and they have delivered. G Expedition is an old small ship but really well maintained, upgraded and taken care of. The Crew is absolutely amazing in catering to your every need. Plenty of food to go around every day, drinks were reasonably priced for a ship. There's an on-board sauna which was of great use after a day of excursion in frigid Antarctic weather. There's briefing every day on weather condition, plan, wild life and what to expect. Everyone's extremely punctual and runs all the events on the dot, yet makes it somewhat relaxing somehow. There's an on-board doctor if you need any help. Internet is bit pricy ($40 USD for 2GB) but You are in the middle of Antarctic, so. Camping in a must do experience. So is Kayaking but that happens everyday, so might get a bit tiring. Onboard presentation about the history, wildlife, seals and whales and many other things to keep you busy and engaged. There's on onboard library, games, a polar bar, live entertainment so you'll never get bored. Overall, it's one of the best trip you'll take in life, guaranteed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/03/2024
Maximilian - Traveled, November 2023
Excellent! From the moment of booking till the moment of disembarkation everyone was incredible. Every question we had months before we embarked was answered within hours. The cruise itself was outstanding and a once in a lifetime experience! Well done to Jenny & Crew!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Olwen M. - Traveled, January 2024
The crew - from the kitchen staff to the zodiac drivers - were beyond amazing and highly motivated.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2024
Mirjam - Traveled, March 2023
Absolutely amazing; the tour was so well set up, the expedition crew very passionate about their fields, and we had 7 landings in total in different parts of South Shetlands and the Antarctic Peninsula. I also loved the lectures that were offered on the different types of animals we were likely to see, as well as more broadly on the ecosystem, research in Antarctica etc. My warmest recommendation, if you're looking to set foot in Antarctica and have a lot of fun throughout.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/16/2023
Katie - Traveled, January 2023
This was the trip of a lifetime! Even in the "cheapest" room (4 of us shared 1), I felt well cared for. The food was excellent and the support staff were always friendly and helpful - my cabin steward even knew my name. The excursions were well thought out with both our safety and interest in mind. The guides were super knowledgeable, friendly and always willing to share information and point out animals and other points of interest. Antarctica is such a beautiful place and I love that the ship was small enough to get us close enough to actually walk on the continent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/12/2023
Adeline - Traveled, January 2023
An amazing trip, the experience of a lifetime! The team has been great as well, very friendly and helpful. I highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/10/2023
Franciscus - Traveled, January 2023
The service was adequate and quick. They performed as satisfied customer would expect from a good company. No complaints here.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/26/2023
Xiang - Traveled, November 2019
The trip was Epic. The crew was amazing. Couldn't think of one negative thing about the trip. If you are looking to go to Antarctica, no better boat to do it with.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2019
xiaofei - Traveled, March 2019
Thanks for everything. Nice and knowledgeable staff .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/03/2019
Margaret· - Traveled, March 2019
Very Fantastic.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2019
Anatoli - Traveled, March 2016
Antarctica was amazing, absolutely breath taking scenery, fantastic activities and the comfort of a "floating hotel" . The lecturers were very passionate and eager to share their knowledge. They were always around and very approachable. The activities were well balanced and flexible, with helpful staff looking after us all the time. The Zodiacs took us round awesome icebergs and wild life. We had a "whale" of a time watching six whales doing a synchronized performance! I must mention just a couple more of my adventures. Before my Antarctica expedition, I was trekking in Nepal, another memorable adventure, trekking round Anapurna, just before the earthquake! G adventure were absolutely fantastic in dealing with a very difficult situation after the earthquake. The CEO, great guide, became a great problem solving individual, dealing with all our new travelling arrangements. I never felt worried or insecure. Adventures were very professional in looking after us giving us all the support that we needed. In both cases I was traveling solo. Before that adventure I visited the Galápagos Islands with my husband. Another unforgettable experience. The knowledge of their CEOs are second to none. They are well trained and have passion for what they do, I am now planning my next adventure - revisit Nepal and go to Tibet from Katmandu. Accurate description of their tours, fantastic "meet and greet" service, punctual transfers, all staff extremely friendly and helpful at all times. I would highly recommend G adventures, I already did several times.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2016
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