100 years ago no more than a handful of people had journeyed to Antarctica, however today around 30,000 travelers visit each year. And we’re ridiculously excited to announce that next year, we will be too!
Antarctica remains one of the most unique destinations on earth, and expeditions are available to the average person seeking an exceptional experience. We’re looking forward to spectacular glacial lagoons, dramatic icebergs, breaching whales and deep-diving seals. To stepping out of our boat for hikes through ice fields, kayaking adventures, and camping overnight on the most remote continent in the world!
Being Australia’s most diverse Antarctic operator, we’re booked for February 2017 with Chimu Adventures. We’ll be traveling on their Pure Antarctica cruise; here’s a sneak peak at some of the stories, photos and videos you can look forward to!!
For more information on Antarctica travel visit the Chimu Adventures Antarctica Resource Centre.
Our Antarctica Itinerary with Chimu Adventures
Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ushuaia is the most southernmost city in the world, the capital of Tierra del Fuego and the starting point for many Antarctic voyages.
We will explore the city and enjoy the views of the Beagle Channel and the mountains surrounding Ushuaia. We are particularly looking forward to Tierra del Fuego National Park which can be reached by the “End of the World Train”.
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- Ushuaia is the most southernmost city in the world, the capital of Tierra del Fuego and the starting point for many Antarctic voyages.
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- Ushuaia is the most southernmost city in the world, the capital of Tierra del Fuego and the starting point for many Antarctic voyages.
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- Ushuaia is the most southernmost city in the world, the capital of Tierra del Fuego and the starting point for many Antarctic voyages.
Day 2: Embarkation
Embarkation on the Sea Spirit begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. We will be greeted by our Expedition Team and ship’s officers at a safety and orientation briefing followed by the Captain’s welcome dinner.
After dinner, we plan to relax and take in the mountainous scenery on our early evening sail down the Beagle Channel past magellanic penguin, rock cormorant and sea lion colonies.
Days 3: & 4 Crossing the Drake Passage
The Drake Passage spans 965 kms from the top of South America to the South Shetland Islands. Wildlife spotting opportunities as we sail south include albatross, prions and petrels, as well as whales and dolphins that are often seen in the area.
We’re looking forward to hearing from on board experts who are set to hold presentations on the wildlife, history and geology of Antarctica. Special guest Andrew Denton will be involved in the lecture program with some of his favourite tales of Antarctic exploration, as well as an entertaining view on his career highlights.
We should approach the sub-Antarctic South Shetland Islands in the evening of day 4, hopefully making a landing ashore on these incredible Islands.
Days 5 & 6: South Shetland & Antarctic Peninsula
The land of superlatives, Antarctica! We’re told that our Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice and opportunity to optimize Zodiac landings and wildlife viewing.
The route will highlight the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas as well as sites of historic and scientific interest.
There may also be the opportunity for the more adventurous to take a polar plunge, maybe in Neko Harbour or the relatively warm waters of volcanic Deception Island.
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- The land of superlatives, Antarctica! We’re told that our Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice and opportunity to optimize Zodiac landings and wildlife viewing.
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- The land of superlatives, Antarctica! We’re told that our Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice and opportunity to optimize Zodiac landings and wildlife viewing.
Days 7 – 9: Antarctic Peninsula & Continent
As we head south along the Antarctic Peninsula we pass picturesque Neko Harbour, sheltered Paradise Harbour, the humpback whale favoured Wilhelmina Bay, the striking Lemaire Channel (affectionately known as “Kodak Alley”), the wildlife-filled Penola Channel or the majestic Neumayer Channel.
Zodiac cruises provide fantastic opportunities to pass alongside massive icebergs, the cracks and crevices reflecting an amazing spectrum of blue colours. If feasible we will stop at an active scientific base such as Poland’s Arctowksi or Ukraine’s Vernadskiy, where we can sample vodka distilled on location.
Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins abound and Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals are often found hauled out to rest along with predatory leopard seals and the aggressive Antarctic fur seal. Minke and humpback whales are frequent visitors in February and orca sightings are also common.
We fully intend to spend a night during this time on the ice, camping and experiencing Antarctica’s twilight from close quarters. Kayaking is also available during this time.
Days 10 & 11: Drake Passage
Day 12: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
We are scheduled to arrive into Ushuaia in the early hours of Day 12. We disembark after breakfast and catch a flight to Buenos Aires to make our way home via Santiago (Chile).
Click to look through more Antarctica Cruises & Tours on Chimu Adventures.
INSPIRED?! PIN THIS TO YOUR TRAVEL PINTEREST BOARDS ↓
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- Around 30,000 travelers visit Antarctica each year. And we’re ridiculously excited to announce that next year, we will be too!
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- Around 30,000 travelers visit Antarctica each year. And we’re ridiculously excited to announce that next year, we will be too!
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Photo credits: Featured photo by Andreas Kambanis. Ushuaia photos by José Bevevino, David Stanley & CucombreLibre. Cruise ship by Tracie Travels. Following four photos (penguins, zodiac and seal) by ravas51. A zodiak seen through a hole in the ice and close up Zodiac by Andreas Kambanis. Seal on ice and research stations by ravas51.
Disclosure: Our cruise will be sponsored by Chimu Adventures.
63 Comments
How exciting! I love cruising and haven’t yet been to Antarctica. These photos are really inspiring. I can’t wait to read and follow your adventures.
That is looking like one fantastic ice cold trip! I look forward to reading about your actual trip and hope that Chimu Adventures do a good job! Stay safe. Cheers
Go have a blast hun :) Antarctica is high on my bucket list – I am gonna see it from your eyes till I get a chance to visit :) Looking forward to the posts that follow.
So awesome! A Bucket List destination if there ever was one! Can’t wait to read your trip report!
This has to be one of the most fascinating cruises in the world. Enjoy Meg!
Hi Megan!
Exciting news for sure! Hopefully we can make it down there some day with the kids. They would adore those penguins 24/7 lol! It’s such a beautiful and untouched place. As always, we’re looking forward to reading all about it!
Safe travels,
Carrick
OMG Your on the same cruise as my husband and I!! Look forward to meeting you :-)
Wow, this looks like a great adventure! I would love to see Antarctica and will definitely add it to my bucket list. Have fun and take lots of pictures.
That is so exciting! Antarctica is such a unique and beautiful place, I hope to get there someday. I will be pretty happy to read about your adventures!
My current level of excitement is so high for you! This is my ABSOLUTE dream trip. I have been planning to take my husband for either our 5 year or 10 year anniversary. <3 Have a wonderful time love
Everything about that looks so gorgeous and absolutely exciting! I’d be tempted just to see the penguins and sea lions, but honestly it really does sound like the trip of a lifetime. Hope that it is fabulous! And I’ve pinned this to my bucket list board!
Oh wow, what an experience! I’d love to visit the Antartic, but think it will take me some time to save the money. Definitely worth it for a once in a lifetime experience.
This has to be the coolest thing I’ve seen in a while! Cool…hehehe. But seriously, it’s a DREAM to go there. I’m hoping one day I’ll make it to the end of the earth and see what’s it like to hang with the penguin ;)
This is so exciting! I have always been intrigued by Antarctica, then after reading the book, “Where’d Ya Go Bernadette,” I have been even more inspired to visit! I would have to make sure I had good meds for seasickness though! I can’t wait to read all about your adventures and your experience with Chimu!
That looks like an amazing trip! I can’t wait to read more about how it is when you get there and what you see. It just sounds awesome though.
Oh my god, this sounds absolutely incredible! I just recently started having this insane desire to make my way to Antarctica! I will definitely be following along on this trip and I can’t wait to see the review of your cruise! Congrats!
Megan, I am so jealous! This is an incredible trip that I have always wanted to do but had to postpone because of $$$$$. Hope to do it one day .
Wow! This looks like a dream trip! My kids would love to go to Antarctica (as would I). Looking forward to following your adventure on social media.
Sounds quite literally like a trip of a lifetime! Antarctica is one of those places that is still able to hold so much intrigue. I have heard that catching the boat from South America requires some serious travel sickness tabs!! All the best for an awesome journey and an experience, no doubt, like no other.
I would love to cruise in Antartica and experience all of these. It is like a dream but it is close to reality for me now but i just need to work harder and save more.
Owmeen you two are so lucky!!! Can you pack me in your suitcase? hahaha Antartica should be fun, never mind the cold, it is one awesome experience for sure!
As you know, I am SEETHING with immense jealousy and hatred to you right now! Hehehe – Antarctica is THE #1 place I really wanna visit and will be following your journey with lots of excitement.
Nice one guys and seriously -make the most of it – what an amazing experience this will be :)
OMG I am so envious right now. This is totally on my bucket list. What a truly fabulous adventure you are going to have.
So thrilled for you- talk about a bucket list worthy adventure! Can’t wait to see the photos.
Wow! I’m excited to follow along, as this will be an epic adventure. Cruising is such a great way to see new places and Antarctica looks like it will not disappoint you. I’m anxious to see your pictures.
I’m so excited for you! This sounds like an incredible itinerary! Antarctica has long been on my list, so I’ll be following your adventures and wishing I was there.
This is going to be an amazing experience! Ushuaia is a delightful town and is absolutely gorgeous. It’s amazing to me how much wildlife can survive in what is such an inhospitable place for humans.
Wow, wow! Those penguins! What an amazing adventure you’re having. Thanks for taking us with you!
This sounds absolutely aweseome! I am so very happy for you guys.
So my question is this, I saw your article about how You got to go to Antartica but this tour group is around $10K…why is it so expensive!!
Is there a way for the locals to go…like the Galapagos is much cheaper if you do it locally!
I’m so insanely jealous of this trip! It’s on my bucket list for sure. I can’t wit to follow along!
Ahh! Congrats Meg! This one will be amazing. Can’t wait to read about it and see your photos!
Sound like an amazing experience, something most will never do. It always looks so barren and desolate, perfect for the wildlife to live in peace and untouched. Can’t wait to see the pictures and hear all about the wildlife, weather and the ship.
Very exciting! Antarctica has long been on my bucket list. I even applied for the position at the Antarctica Post Office last year when they opened it up to go and live there for six months. Enjoy!
Sounds like a heck of an adventure Meg! This is a dream I hope I’ll be able to make come true someday!
That is super exciting. I’ve always wanted to go on one of those cruises. I’m excited to see how it goes and what you like the most. I’m sure the pictures will be insane! Have a great time.
Lucky you guys! Have a great time and we look forward to hear more about it through your future posts. Cheers!
Interesting. I’ve been curious about whether or not I’d want to make the trek to Antarctica some day. This tour seems like a great way to do it. Thanks for sharing.
How exciting …. This has been on my bucket list forever… I will surely follow you on your adventure :) . Take as many pics as you can of penguins :) and if possible bring one back with you HAHAHAHHAHAH
Firstly oh my goodness I am so excited for you!! Secondly, I am crazily jealous! What a wonderful experience for you!! I’m shocked so many people go to Antarctica now- 30,000 sounds like loads of visitors!! Enjoy the Shetland islands, I hope you do get to go onshore and explore!
Amazing blog with easthetically pleasing pictures, Antartica hasn’t been on my bucket list yet but I honestly think that I should consider to do so, because what I’ve seen is beyond beautiful
This honestly looks like the most exciting adventure I could imagine…Growing up NZ, Antarctica never seemed too far away, yet impossibly difficult (and expensive) to get to! My sister went on a small cruise there a couple of years ago and her photos are simply stunning! Apart from one part of the cruise where everyone on board was throwing up in the rough seas. But apart from that – it sounded amazing as does your upcoming trip.
This sounds beyond amazing. The Drake Passage, the Shetland Islands … penguins! Really it’s one of the last unexplored frontiers. You will have the adventure of a lifetime.
One day i want to go… I hate the cold but this is really amazing. I will wait to go with my 2 year girl :)
I hope you get some cool wildlife on the Drake Passage! I can only imagine what it will be like to step foot on the peninsula and explore the icy shores. Looks like Chimu Adventures organizes the best tours!
Oh man, I am seriously SOOO jealous! This is really at the top of my bucket list but feels unattainable. I looked on the Chimu site though and its actually far more affordable than I would have thought! You are going to have such an amazing time, I can’t wait to read all about it. Have you heard anything about the roughness that Drake passage is known for?? I had heard it was really rough and that makes me a bit hesitant as well.
Antarctica does send the adrenaline racing.I can understand how you must be feeling. Have a great adventure and come back with wonderful stories. And yes, so not forget to say hi to the penguins on our behalf!
One of a very few destinations I doubt I’m going to visit – mostly because of costs.
Great itinerary – it’s gOing to be a true adventure!
Your photos are INCREDIBLE. What an amazing part of the world! My jaw would literally be on the floor the entire time. Great post, thanks for sharing :)
Your trip will be so much fun!! Can’t wait to explore Antartica through your eyes. We loved Ushuaia when we were there. The seafood from the Beagle Channel is unique and be sure to try the Centolla (King Crab)….like nothing you have tasted before :) Can’t wait to see your ice camping pics….this will be a fabulous experience :)
Wow guys, what a lucky break. Antarctica is surely a huge bucket list destination. Looking forward to seeing your pictures and hearing your stories in the near future!
Oh wow, that sounds like an amazing trip! I’m sure you guys will have a fantastic time. Looking forward to hearing more about your trips and seeing all the photos!
OMG!!
That’s an experience of a lifetime! How excited you must be! Antartica is my travel dream, but also I trip that scares me a lot. I love to be on the ocean, but I heard that the trip can be very rough, and I’m not sure I can cope with seasickness… But I bet the beauty of Antartica is a remedy for everything.
Enjoy every second of the trip!
Nat
This just sounds like *the* most incredible trip! I hope that you get good weather so that you weather so that you get lots of opportunities to head out on the Zodiacs. Do you think you’ll brave the polar plunge?! Look forward to following along on this fabulous adventure.
Wow!! What an epic adventure you are about to have. I have never even dreamed of heading to Antartica… I have never read anything about visiting actually. But, it looks incredible!
So jealous right now. This sounds amazing and congratulations for the trip. I can’t wait to see the pictures. I hope you have lots of fun and acquire a pet penguin (not really but I like the idea)
Megan & Mike,
How incredible is this!! Back in 2015 you wrote about Antartica and now you are heading there! You must be thrilled and sooooooo excited! You better make sure you take the right clothes haha
We have just come back from Trekking to Everest Base Camp, and it was unbelievably beautiful.
Looking forward to the article talking about your experience!
As a Canadian who somewhat accustom to snow and cold (it comes every year but I still don’t like it…lol), Antartica looks figgin’ COLD :) I do love penguins and icebergs are impressive. I would love to fly my drone around there!!
Nice one Meg! Maybe we’ll bump into each other in Antarctica! ;)
This is aaaahhhhhhmazing Meg!! Wow! I’m SO excited for you and equally excited to follow your journey. I can’t even imagine what that’s going to be like. Humpback whales?! Polar Bears?! So cool! And imagine all the stars that will be out – the air must be so clear there.
Meg, did you get to camp on Antarctica with Chimu?
Have been following your adventures closely! Looking forward to read more about Antarctica Adventure! WHAT A DREAM COME TRUE!
Well done guys, such a great trip!
I can only imagine how much work you are putting into it! Whoo hoop…Looking forward to it!
This report on Chimu is rubbishy, just self serving crap. Chimu flies under the radar because they are incompetent and quite happy to screw their customers. And I am one of many. Just check out all the “independent” reviews of Chimu … there are next to none. Of course there will be sweet reviews on the Chimu web site and with all their friends and staff who write for lovely sites like this one.
Antarctica IS fabulous. And it is great to go with a decent travel company, just not Chimu