DISCOVERING THE GREAT WHITE CONTINENT
Antarctic Peninsula

YOUR EXPEDITION

DISCOVERING THE GREAT WHITE CONTINENT

All hands on deck! Your dream of sailing south towards Antarctica is finally coming true. This cruise has been specially designed to allow our passengers to take in all the riches that this “great white continent” has to offer, in only ten days.

The best of the continent, all in one trip: ice and snow as you’ve never seen them before, colonies of emperor penguins, marine mammals, the history of the heroic exploration of these lands, and much more.

An unmissable trip for any wildlife lover or adventure traveller.

Itinerary

Day 1 Sunday 22 December 2024

Santiago, Chile

Accommodation at the 5-star Pullman El Bosque Santiago (or equivalent) - Check-in from 4:00 PM.

An Exploris reception desk will be available in the hotel lobby.

Free evening.

Discover Santiago, the dynamic capital of Chile. A city that harmoniously blends history, culture, and modernity.
Nestled at the foot of the majestic Andes mountain range, it offers a unique urban landscape where skyscrapers stand alongside colonial buildings.
Its numerous parks and green spaces provide havens of peace amidst the bustling city life. Santiago is also a vibrant cultural center, with its museums, art galleries, theaters, and restaurants offering a rich local cuisine full of flavors.
Neighborhoods like Bellavista or Lastarria are bustling with shops, cafes, and lively bars, creating a cosmopolitan and friendly atmosphere.

Day 2 Monday 23 December 2024

Ushuaia, Argentina

In the morning, you will take a domestic flight to Ushuaia.

Before boarding Exploris One, you’ll have the chance to go on an excursion to discover the Tierra del Fuego, after which you’ll make your way back to the ship which will be docked off Ushuaia’s shore. Its captain and crew will welcome you aboard for the first night of your Antipodean stay. Being at “land’s end” allows us to shift perspectives: the city looks tiny in contrast to the never-ending horizon. On our first night aboard the ship, we will begin our navigation on the Beagle Channel, one of the most important maritime routes of the Tierra del Fuego, second only to the Magellan Strait.

Upon your arrival to Ushuaia, you will be greeted by a French-speaking guide.

Thus will begin your adventure for the day, as you discover Patagonian landscapes, jagged peaks, and the forest of the Tierra del Fuego. Lunch will be provided during the excursion.

The Tierra del Fuego region spreads over the entirety of the Argentinian South-West and spreads over the border with Chile. You’ll admire diverse flora as you follow the hiking trail and stop to take photographs. With nature at its most splendid, you’ll think you’re admiring a painting…

At the end of the excursion, we will make our way back to Ushuaia and board Exploris One in the late afternoon.

Day 3 Tuesday 24 December 2024

At sea – Drake Passage, Antarctica

Depending on weather conditions, we will have two days – perhaps even less – to prep for the day when we will finally step onto the “great white continent”. During the first conferences and information meetings, our expedition team will further hone your explorer’s spirit. Our common desire for exploration goes hand in hand with our desire to preserve this environment.

As environmentally conscious sea travellers, we put into practice what we preach: for example, our equipment is cleaned so that no foreign elements can reach Antarctic lands.

As we edge closer towards the continent, beanies and gloves will be needed as we go out onto the deck to admire the waves and the birds’ synchronised movements. Cape petrels, southern giant petrels and albatrosses follow our ship as we head towards land.

Day 4 Wednesday 25 December 2024

At sea – Drake Passage, Antarctica

Day 5 Thursday 26 December 2024

Sailing in the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

During five whole days, Exploris One will sail from one natural wonder to the next. Our itinerary is dictated by sea and weather conditions: our expedition leader will decide which stops to make based on these factors. The itinerary laid out below is subject to change.

We might come across some interesting marine animals, for example. Indeed, we’re not the only ones who are aware that Brabant Island and Anvers Island form a shield against the tumult of the Antarctic Ocean. Both humpbacks and minke whales seek shelter in the tranquil waters of the Gerlache Strait. There, we will delight in the majestic sight of these mammals, as delicate as they are gigantic.

Day 6 Friday 27 December 2024

Sailing in the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

A little bit further, a ride on a Zodiac will allow us to get up close to an ice sheet that has detached from the continent, with Southern Hemisphere summer heat. Our naturalist guides will help us to decipher this icy geometry, and with their help, we might spot some blue-eyed cormorants hiding in the nooks of the surrounding cliffs.

The Antarctic is full of sounds: the crackling of a humongous glacier as it melts; the yelps of the gentoo penguins as they build their nests. Their constant bickering is probably not the best example of cooperation…! You might spot a Weddell seal – which you will be able to correctly identify, thanks to our naturalists’ lessons – lounging on the ice. Cameras at the ready! Today, we are in intimate conversation with the wildlife.

This program is subject to change: depending on the weather conditions and the flora and fauna we encounter, our itinerary may vary.

Day 7 Saturday 28 December 2024

Sailing in the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarcticas

As often as possible, we’ll disembark via our Zodiacs. This allows us to explore more remote areas, without the need for a quay or pontoon. For example, at Port Charcot, we have to navigate through a maze of icebergs to reach the shores on which the members of the first French Antarctic expedition spent their first winter, in 1905.

Weather conditions might prevent us from using the dinghies. In this case, we sail up Lemaire Channel aboard Exploris One. An unforgettable moment, that our captain and his officers make us privy to as they allow us to take in the sights from the bridge.

You’ll feel like an old-school explorer as you watch small icebergs (also known as “growlers”) sink under the ship. These are usually less than 1 metre tall and 5 metres long.

This program is subject to change: depending on the weather conditions and the flora and fauna we encounter, our itinerary may vary.

Day 8 Sunday 29 December 2024

Sailing in the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

The British researchers who spend the whole Southern Hemisphere summer doing research in their base of Porto Lockroy seem just as heroic as old-school explorers. They welcome us into the only available shop for thousands of kilometres, from which you can send postcards via the southernmost postal service in the world. They spend a few hours with us on board Exploris One, describing the daily life of their “summering” under a sun that never really sets.

We have one last stopover in the Peninsula at Cuverville Island before heading towards the South Shetland Islands. Atop the island’s highest hill, we’ll enjoy a breathtaking panorama that looks onto the Gerlache Strait. Our stopovers, however, are never set in stone: deviations from our itinerary are not only likely – they are welcome!

This program is subject to change: depending on the weather conditions and the flora and fauna we encounter, our itinerary may vary.

Day 9 Monday 30 December 2024

Sailing in the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

Exploris One is already heading North, towards civilisation. We’ll find traces of civilisation already at Deception Island, where the defunct whaling station of Whalers Bay is still standing. Even from afar, the vestiges of this now-decried activity are impressive: there are ovens to melt whale fat, wooden houses for the workers, and cemeteries for those who perished while working this perilous job. This era of mass whale hunting has long since ended in Antarctica, an industry as damaging to men as it was for the survival of these species. All that remains is the melancholy poetry of these ruins.

This completes the animal panorama of our cruise. Weather permitting, the expedition team might suggest a hike to reach the summit of the island, so that we can be at one with this beautiful nature for a few more hours.

This program is subject to change: depending on the weather conditions and the flora and fauna we encounter, our itinerary may vary.

Day 10 Tuesday 31 December 2024

At sea – Drake Passage, Antarctica

Paradise Bay is... paradise for a Zodiac ride. The sea is often covered with pack ice dislodged by the return of the austral summer: thanks to our knowledgeable naturalist guides, we can interpret this icy geometry.

At Neko Harbour, we alternately listen to the creaking of an impressive glacier and the yapping of Adélie penguins building their nests. Their fiercely competitive squabbles over every pebble provide us with a serious lesson in etiquette... On the beach, a Weddell seal – with a full belly and a round cat-like muzzle – digests without concern for our presence. The day ends with the moving impression of having intimately conversed with nature.

Day 11 Wednesday 01 January 2025

At sea – Drake Passage, Antarctica

Wilhelmina Bay, nicknamed the "whale bay" due to its reputation as an important feeding site for humpback and minke whales. A Zodiac outing amidst whales will remain forever in your memories, and what could be more extraordinary to celebrate this New Year.

It was named in honor of Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands by Adrien de Gerlache, a Belgian explorer, during his Antarctic expedition in the early 20th century.

Program subject to change. We are first and foremost privileged guests of these extreme lands where nature dictates its law. Programs may vary from day to day, making each cruise a unique experience

Day 12 Thursday 02 January 2025

Ushuaia, Argentina

Exploris One is setting sail once again across the Drake Passage. Crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the boundary beyond which water temperatures rise, we leave the Southern Ocean for the South Atlantic. We enter the realm of the Furious Fifties and Screaming Forties. Sometimes, all the "beasts" are tamed, and the crossing proves to be a gentle return to reality.

Final lectures delivered by our naturalists, final exchanges of photos, addresses, contacts... So that the end of the journey is not the end of the adventure.

Day 13 Friday 03 January 2025

At sea - Drake Passage & Cape Horn, Antarctica & Chile

During this final stage, concluding the Drake Passage and before navigating the Beagle Channel towards Ushuaia, a significant highlight awaits us with the crossing of Cape Horn.

Crossing Cape Horn aboard Exploris One is a captivating and enriching experience, offering a unique opportunity to witness the majesty of nature and the maritime heritage of this legendary region.

Day 14 Saturday 04 January 2025

Ushuaïa, Argentina

Disembarkation in the morning, after breakfast.

Transfer to Ushuaia airport for your flight to Buenos Aires.

Arrival in Buenos Aires around midday.

Activities on board

Zodiac© Cruises

Explore inaccessible zones, admire spectacular glaciers and icebergs. Our Zodiacs© allow you to get as close as possible to nature, in complete safety.

Sea Kayaking

Silent, discreet, and easy to handle, kayaks are perfect to explore less accessible areas and to get closer to places of incredible beauty.

Guided Hikes

Hikes for all levels will be offered during your expedition. Explore historic landmarks, walk on gorgeous sandy beaches or pack ice. Admire the fauna and flora and take in the spectacular sights.

Photography Workshop

Our photography experts will offer conferences and workshops on board the ship and on dry land so you can get the best out of your camera and capture the most incredible landscapes.

Polar Plunge

The polar plunge is a rite of passage for daring explorers. Dive into waters reaching -3 degrees Celsius for a (brief) swim that you’ll never forget. This activity is available on a limited number of expeditions, weather permitting.

Birdwatching

Observe the most beautiful species of birds in their natural habitat, alongside renowned ornithologists and wildlife specialists.

Informative lectures

Our experts, scientists, naturalist guides, historians and special guests will offer unique lectures on the fauna, flora, history and biology of the regions we visit

Staterooms & Fares

Select your cabin on board Exploris One

Cabine PREMIUM

Au pont 3, à l'avant du navire

Superior Cabin

On deck 4, at the front of the ship

OCEAN Stateroom

Deck 3

DELUXE Stateroom

Deck 4

BALCONY Stateroom

Deck 5

NAVIGATOR Suite

Deck 7

DISCOVERY Suite

Deck 5

On deck 5

39 m² including two french balconies (1,5 m² each)
Two Sliding panoramic bay windows
Two separate beds or one queen size bed
Living room with sitting area equipped with a sofa bed
Dressing room with safe
Marble bathroom with bath and separate shower

Coffee machine
Mini bar
Bathrobes and slippers
Dressing table and hairdryer
Alarm clock with docking station
Selection of bath products
Desk and stationery
Direct satellite telephone line
110/220V outlets
Unlimited Premium WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
24-hour room service
Private air conditioning

GRAND Suite

Deck 7

On deck 7

57 m² including a large 8m² private balcony
Sliding panoramic bay window
Two separate beds or one queen size bed
Living room with sitting area equipped with a sofa bed
Dressing room with safe
Marble bathroom with bath and separate shower

Nespresso coffee machine
Butler service
Mini bar
Bathrobes and slippers
Dressing table and hairdryer
Alarm clock with docking station
Selection of bath products
Desk and stationery
Direct satellite telephone line
110/220V outlets
Unlimited Premium WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
24-hour room service
Private air conditioning

SHIPOWNER'S Suite

Deck 7

On deck 7

67 m² including a large 15m² private terrace
Two sliding panoramic bay windows
Two separate beds or one queen size bed
Living room with large lounge equipped with a sofa bed
Large dressing room with safe
Marble bathroom with bath and separate shower

Nespresso coffee machine
Butler service
Mini bar
Bathrobes and slippers
Dressing table and hairdryer
Alarm clock with docking station
Selection of bath products
Desk and stationery
Direct satellite telephone line
110/220V outlets
Unlimited Premium WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
24-hour room service
Private air conditioning

* This price is per person based on double occupancy, including our “Discovery Offer -25%” - Limited time offer.

Gallery

DISCOVERING THE GREAT WHITE CONTINENT Antarctic Peninsula

YOUR EXPEDITION