Spirit of Antarctica | Greg Mortimer Expedition Ship

Spirit of Antarctica

This amazing trip to the white continent will allow you to experience the true essence of exploration in the polar regions. As you travel through the famous Drake Passage, observe the amazing seabirds as they fly by and approach the ice the way early explorers used to: from the sea. This ultimate Antarctic adventure offers Zodiac tours through the pack ice and landings on the continent. You can also choose from a variety of adventurous activities or camp under the soft, polar sky.

Day by day

Day 1: Ushuaia

The representative who will assist you with the transportation of your expedition mates to designated hotels before your trip begins, is waiting for your arrival at Ushuaia. If you have already arrived in Ushuaia, please make your way directly to the hotel. Check-in starts at 3pm. The Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort has a hospitality desk located in the lobby from 3:00 to 7:00pm. There you can pick up your luggage tags and confirm whether or not you'll be taking part in the Beagle Channel Cruise on the following day and the Isla de Los Lobos Cruise the next morning. They can also answer questions about dining or last-minute purchases.

A Welcome Pack will be available at the Check-In Desk if you arrive after 7pm. Visit the hotel between 8am and 10am the next day.

You will have to pay for all meals.

The Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort Hotel and Los Acebos Ushuaia Hotel offer accommodation.

Day 2: Embarkation

Check out after breakfast. Bring your luggage up to reception either before or after checking out. The luggage is stored safely and transferred to the port for clearance. You can place it in your cabin right before you board. Keep your valuables, and any other items you may own with yourself at all times.

Explore Ushuaia at your leisure in the morning.

The catamaran excursion will begin at 12:30pm. Those wishing to participate should meet in the lobby of the hotel by 12:15pm. Cruises begin at 12:30pm. The catamaran will take you on a journey along the Beagle Channel to the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. You will also see sea lions and imperial cormorants sunbathing on the rocks. Also, you may see skuas and petrels. This cruise provides panoramic views of both the mountain ranges and the city. It also includes fascinating stories of local people.

You can also choose to have a leisurely afternoon by meeting in your hotel lobby at 3pm or 3:30pm to go to the dock. The staff at the hotel will provide you with the details.

Before you go to the briefings, take some time in your room. Gather on the deck as the ship departs the port to enjoy the breathtaking views of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego.

Meet your fellow adventurers and the team of friendly expedition specialists. A welcome meal is a great way to celebrate your beginning adventure in Antarctica.

Day 3 & 4: Drake Passage

Day 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9: Antarctic Peninsula

Day 10 & 11: South Shetland Islands

Day 12: Beagle Channel

Elephant Island | South Shetland Islands | Antarctica

+12

Brown Bluff | Antarctic Peninsula | Zodiac landing

Highlights

Enhance your abilities in ice and wildlife photography.

Use Zodiacs to venture into serene bays and inlets to spot wildlife and admire stunning icebergs.

Witness playful penguins engaging in nest building and pilfering pebbles from one another.

Brave the polar plunge and become a member of an exclusive group!

Activities

Sea Kayaking

Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.

Ice Camping

Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.

Snowshoeing

Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.

Photography

Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.

Explorer Boats

Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.

Yoga

It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.