BaseCamp Antarctica Peninsula – Plancius, Feb. 2025

Itinerary Map

Trip Summary

Dates:

Feb 13, 2025 -

Feb 25, 2025

Duration:

13 Days

Ship:

Plancius

Adventure
options:

Camping

Kayaking

Mountaineering

Photography

Snowshoeing

Starting at: $ 9,900.00

$9.900

$12.150

$12.150

$12.650

$13.400

$14.300

About the Base Camp Antarctic Peninsula itinerary

The classic Antarctica voyage with an adventure twist. Explore the Antarctic Peninsula, one of the world’s most pristine and unforgettable natural environments, and participate in extra activities every day. Each day the expedition team offers a variety of activities, including kayaking, mountaineering, hiking, zodiac cruising, photography workshop, snowshoeing & camping. The ship will stay at one landing site for an extended period to allow for more in-depth exploration of the area. The trip will be highlighted by penguins, seals and whales accompanying the ship during your journey along the Antarctic coast. Your first steps on the continent will be unforgettable as you visit breathtaking sights and historic places.

In brief:

Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica who are interested in extra activities
Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
Participate in kayaking, camping, mountaineering & more!
Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales, birds

* Itineraries on our website are intended only as a guide and you should consult our team for detailed itineraries on specific voyages.

Embark in the afternoon after a morning exploring the world’s Southernmost city.

Among the wildlife spotting opportunities as we sail south are the Albatrosses, Prions, and Petrels that frequently follow the ship. The Expedition Team will be out on deck as well, looking for the Whales and Dolphins that may also be seen in the area. The team will begin presentations with informative and entertaining lectures on the wildlife, history, and geology of Antarctica. Helpful briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety will also be held.

We will sail directly to “High Antarctica”, passing the Melchior islands and the Schollaert Channel between Brabant and Anvers Island. We will sail to the Neumayer Channel, where we position our ship for the multi activity base camp. The protected waters around Wiencke Island will become our playground for all activities. In this alpine environment there are great opportunities to scout the region on foot, per zodiac and during kayak trips. Walkers will find opportunities to use snowshoes on hikes near the shore lines and the mountaineers will find their challenge by climbing hills and view points further inland, i.e. Jabet Peak (540 m). All climbs and excursions can only be conducted in good weather conditions.

We plan to stay two overnights at anchor in order to implement two camp nights and two full activity days. We will visit the British research station and the post office Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Close to Port Lockroy we may also offer a landing on Jougla Point with Gentoo Penguins and Imperial Shags. We look out for leopard seals, crabeater seals and whales .

In good conditions and time allowing we sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Booth Island, Pleneau and Petermann Island where we can find Adelie Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags. In this area there are good chances to encounter Humpback Whales, Minke Whales and Fin Whales. We choose another camp site which is suitable and close to next day’s activity.

The lecture series and wildlife spotting will continue on the return trip to Ushuaia and while the team will reflect on beautiful Antarctica and its fragile future.

Morning disembarkation allows you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.

Welcome aboard the Plancius

The Plancius was originally built as a hydrographic research vessel in the service of the Dutch government. In 2007, the current owner purchased her and since then she has undergone a total refit and refurbishment to prepare her for carrying passengers on polar expeditions. All of the cabins have outside views and are comfortable and well-appointed with private facilities and all lower beds (either twin or double). All cabins have ample storage facilities and a writing desk and chair, as well as a flat screen TV for viewing movies. The Plancius is equipped with state-of-the-art safety systems, including new radar, communication, and other navigation equipment, as well as the most modern fire and flood prevention systems.

Technical Specs

Cabins & Amenities

All cabins have exterior views (porthole or window) and private facilities
Library stocked with polar books
Observation lounge / Bar
Adventure options on most departures

Plancius in the Polar Circle, Errera Channel_Robert van Kempen

Dining room, Plancius 1 © Sietse Vonk – Oceanwide Expeditions.jpg_Sietse Vonk

Dining room, Plancius 2 © Sietse Vonk – Oceanwide Expeditions.jpg_Sietse Vonk

Dining room, Plancius 3 © Sietse Vonk – Oceanwide Expeditions.jpg_Sietse Vonk

Notes

Includes:
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
- AECO fees and governmental taxes.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
Excludes:
- Any airfare whether on scheduled or charter flights;
- Pre- and post-land arrangements;
- Transfers to the vessel in Ushuaia and Ascension and from the vessel in Ascension and Praia;
  Passport and visa expenses;
- Government arrival and departure taxes;
- Meals ashore;
- Cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended);
- Excess baggage
  Charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges;
- Customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
Extra Adventure Activities: Depending on departure.