Trip Overview

Marvel at the rugged serenity from an expedition vessel created around comfort and elegance on our once-in-a-lifetime polar journey in Antarctica. This extraordinary adventure weaves nature’s untouched majesty, wildlife viewings, and stunning polar activities.  Conquer the famed Drake Passage in a polar-class vessel; explore majestic natural environments by Zodiac and on foot; get up close and personal with penguins, whales, and other wildlife and make the most of this fantastic exploration of the remote, pristine southernmost continent.

Drake Passage 

Antarctica is a completely unique entity on our planet as a frozen continent surrounded by oceans. You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead.

South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

Each day of this adventure is determined by weather and opportunity and filled with options for kayaking, paddling, hiking (or even a polar plunge!), and when onboard, a plethora of talks on history, biology, and glaciology by polar experts. Make your journey to the seventh continent and cross the Drake Passage. The Drake Passage is the body of water that stretches from the southernmost tip of Cape Horn in Chile to the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica.

Arriving at the South Shetland Islands, you will have options to take Zodiac excursions from the ship and explore glaciated bays, channels, and landing sites. Watch for Weddell, fur, crabeater, leopard seals, and curious whales, such as humpbacks, minkes, or perhaps orcas, while on a Zodiac cruise. Upon landing, you’ll hike the Antarctic landscape and visit a research station.  

Seals and whales are the two major groups of mammals that live in the Antarctic. Both are species with terrestrial ancestors that have adapted to the marine environment. Of all the sea birds that live in Antarctica, the largest in number and certainly the best known are the penguins. Seven types live in the Antarctic: Emperor penguins, regarded as the true master of the ice; the three Pygoscelis penguins; Macaroni penguins, Rockhoppers, and King penguins.

The return journey across the Drake Passage provides final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales. Celebrate the shared experiences exploring Antarctica during the farewell dinner before arriving in Ushuaia for your return home.

We encourage you to reach out if you are interested, as some of the fun active extras (sea kayaking, paddling, SUP) are very limited. While you will be traveling within the camaraderie of AdventureWomen small women-only group, other passengers of mixed genders will be traveling on the World Explorer.

Main Attractions

  • Experience the highlights of the world's seventh continent as you explore the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Witness an abundance of wildlife such as penguins, seals, and whales
  • Enjoy the comfort of an all-suite, all-balcony expedition ship
  • Explore the polar landscape on foot and by Zodiac as you learn about wildlife, glaciology, and geology from expert polar guides

What You'll See and Do

  • Birding
  • Boat Cruising
  • Glacier Exploration
  • Hiking
  • Photography
  • Sightseeing
  • Whale Watching
  • Wildlife Viewing
Browse Detailed Itinerary

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If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Trip Itinerary

The AdventureWomen itineraries are subject to change depending on the chosen departure date. To view a specific departure itinerary, simply click on the "Browse Detailed Itinerary" button above and select your date.

Day 1

Arrive in Ushuaia

Arrive at Ushuaia Airport (USH) at any time today.

You will be picked up at the Ushuaia Airport and transferred to your hotel for an optional pre-departure briefing in the lobby at 6PM.

 

Overnight: Hotel Albatross 

Day 2

Ushuaia to Cruising

Your luggage will be collected from the lobby of your hotel this morning and will be transferred to the ship and stored in your cabin.

Although weather-dependent, embarkation is usually scheduled for around 4PM. Meet your fellow travelers at a designated location near the pier where you will board a bus that will transfer you to the ship. Information about embarkation will be posted in the hotel and will be reviewed in the optional pre-departure meeting on Day 1.

Bid farewell to South America as you start sailing down the Beagle Channel on your way to the seventh continent!

Enjoy a lively welcome dinner this evening as you get to know your fellow travelers. Share stories and learn about why each woman is excited to explore Antarctica!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: World Explorer

Day 3

Crossing the Drake Passage

Spend some time getting to know your AdventureWomen group and Ambassador today as you begin crossing the Drake Passage aboard the hybrid-powered, state-of-the-art World Explorer.

Join your expert Expedition Team in the theater for interesting and informative presentations about the glaciology and history of the area.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: World Explorer

Day 4

Crossing the Drake Passage

Head to the outdoor observation deck or the observation lounge and see if you can spot any wildlife in the vast expanse of water.

Make your way to the Explorer Lounge for a tasty beverage or to meet and talk with your fellow travelers. Or if you’d prefer some quiet time, head to the library for some reading, or enjoy the onboard fitness room and spa.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: World Explorer

Day 5

South Shetland Islands and Shore Excursions

Shore excursions will be published each day and outlined during pre-landing briefings and daily recaps. Weather and sea conditions permitting, two excursions per day are usually planned. Before disembarking, information about the visit and the type of landing will be provided. Excursions may include Zodiac cruises and shore landings in sites rich with wildlife, of particular scenic beauty or historical interest, or at international scientific stations. The duration of excursions usually varies between one and three hours, depending on weather and interest at each landing site. During shore landings, short walks with a medium level of difficulty are offered according to the conditions of the local terrain.

No journey is the same, and flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team will set the route of exploration to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature.

The order of visits and activities in this itinerary is an example of what you will do on your voyage.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: World Explorer

Day 6

Explore the Antarctic Peninsula

Enjoy another day of excursions from your ship today. Disembark on the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula and explore the area.

Between your excursions, relax on the ship with your group. Perhaps play some games, or read a book or take a dip in the pool!

For those who have reserved a sea kayak in advance, you are able to go sea kayaking in tandem kayaks when the weather permits – just ask the Expedition Team. Unfortunately, the boat has limited kayaks, so if you have not confirmed this option, it will not be possible to add it or borrow someone else’s kayak spot.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: World Explorer

Day 7

Hiking the Antarctic Landscape

Hiking in Antarctica is free-form and supervised by the expert staff, who set out a perimeter or paths at each landing site within which you are free to explore. While you hike, staff guides will be available to enhance your experience by answering questions about the wildlife, history, and geography of the area.

During the Antarctic expedition, you will be invited to meet for regular presentations where you will be provided with extensive information about the seventh continent. The onboard expert team of expedition guides, specialists, photography guides, and other special guests will introduce you to the history, biology, ornithology, glaciology, and geology of the region, along with lots of other nuggets of information along the way.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: World Explorer

Day 8

Wildlife Observation and Antarctic Polar Plunge

Take part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience: an Antarctic Polar Plunge! You will have the opportunity to safely take a plunge into the Antarctic waters under the expert supervision of the onboard team. This exhilarating activity only happens once on each expedition, so don’t miss out!

Let the onboard photography guide help you hone your camera skills to capture the beauty of the polar regions.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: World Explorer

Day 9

Crossing the Drake Passage

Begin your journey back to South America. You’ll have more opportunities to attend presentations that will enhance your understanding of the beauty and history of the region.

Take some time to relax with your group in the ship’s lounge as you continue sailing north.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: World Explorer

Day 10

Crossing the Drake Passage

Continue your journey towards South America on your state-of-the-art expedition vessel. Enjoy the presentations, play games, read a book, enjoy the spa, or just relax.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: World Explorer

Day 11

Depart

You will arrive in Ushuaia today. Timing is not confirmed, as it is weather dependent.

Transfer to the airport in Ushuaia for your flights home. When scheduling your return flight from Ushuaia, please select a departure time that is as late in the day as you can, and make sure it’s not before 11:00 AM.

It may be safer to spend an extra night in Ushuaia, just in case of delays on the ship. Let AdventureWomen know if you would like to book an extra overnight after your cruise ends.

Meals Included:  Breakfast

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
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Traveling to Antarctica



Arrival and Departure Information

March 11th, 2025 Departure

Arrive: Arrive at Ushuaia Airport (USH) at any time on March 11, 2025.

Depart: Depart Ushuaia Airport (USH). Do not book a flight until after 11:00AM on March 21, 2025. It may be safer to spend an extra night in Ushuaia in case of delays on the ship.

We are happy to help you make your flight and travel arrangements. If you’d like to do anything prior to or following the AdventureWomen trip, we’d be delighted to help you arrange any trip extensions you’re interested in.

Note: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible in booking last-minute registrants, we must release hotel rooms two to three months before departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.

Preparation and Packing  

Please use the following guides as a reference when preparing for your adventure. We also encourage you to adapt the guides to your travel style as well as the destination’s forecasted weather.  

Gratuities

Gratuities are a personal decision and are at your own discretion based on your level of satisfaction with the service provided. Gratuities are dependent upon the number of guests on your departure, and they vary greatly from trip to trip. As a general reference, AdventureWomen suggests you plan for $165-$250 (or more) worth of gratuities for this adventure. Specific tipping recommendations for your trip will be provided to you closer to your departure date and may fluctuate due to inflation, exchange rates, and the number of travelers on your trip.

Passports and Visas

Citizens of the United States must have a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates with at least two blank-facing pages. If you do not have a passport, please apply now!

Activity Level

We rate this trip as Moderate. Our moderate exercise your mind more than your body and are designed for women who prefer a leisurely, less rigorous experience. For example, you could walk up to 2 miles per day through cities and villages, stand in museums for a few hours, relax on a boat, or view wildlife from a vehicle. Please note that this is a general description of what you might encounter; for specific details about your trip, please consult the itinerary.

We recommend training before your trip (with your doctor’s permission) to make the most of your adventure. With this itinerary in mind, we have a partnership with Trailblazer Wellness, a woman-owned, women-run company that will design an individualized fitness plan just for you! Best of all, AdventureWomen guests get a 10% discount with the code AVW. Learn more on the Trailblazer Wellness website.

Health Considerations

Make an appointment with a travel clinic, as they may have recommendations for vaccines and medications based on the destination as well as your age, health, and past vaccination history.

For more health information, go to www.cdc.gov/travel and navigate to the page about Antarctica.

How to Register

Call the AdventureWomen office at (800) 804-8686 to determine space availability and register for this trip. We can complete your registration, including taking your credit card deposit over the phone.

If you prefer, you can register online by clicking “Sign Up for this Trip” on the trip page.

Please be sure to read the AdventureWomen policies before registering!

Forms and Final Payment

The deposit for this trip is $3,500. The deposit can be made by personal check, Visa, or MasterCard credit cards. Deposit monies are paid to hotels and other vendors on behalf of the trip participant in order to reserve a space on the trip.

Final payment is due 130 days before departure date. You can transfer your deposit to another trip with a $1,500 transfer fee if you notify us within 180 days of the original trip departure date. We can hold your deposit for up to six months as a credit. Failure to book a new trip within this timeframe will result in the forfeiture of your deposit. In addition, all activity options must be paid in full at time of booking and are nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Once you book, you will need to fill out and return to AdventureWomen:

  • Information Form
  • Booking Conditions Form
  • Copy of Flight Information
  • Copy of Issuing Page of Passport (Photo Page)
  • Supplemental Health and Safety Form

Final payment is due to AdventureWomen in cash form (check, money order, or wire transfer). A maximum of $3,500 per person can be put on a credit card, which includes your deposit.

March 11th, 2025 Departure: November 1st, 2024 by check or wire transfer (Note: We cannot add any discounts for this trip — including past guest or early booking discounts)

If you’re curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

What's Included

Included:

  • One group transfer from the airport to the hotel on arrival (time TBD)
  • One group transfer from the hotel in Ushuaia to the ship
  • One group transfer from the ship to the airport
  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • Cruise along the Antarctic peninsula as noted in the itinerary
  • One night hotel in Ushuaia with breakfast
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily while on the ship
  • All guided shore excursions as noted in the itinerary
  • Daily presentations by experts onboard the ship
  • Snacks, soft drinks, and juices available onboard throughout the sailing
  • Select beer and wine with dinner
  • Coffee, tea, and cocoa available 24 hours a day on the ship
  • Photographic journal documenting the expedition
  • Waterproof boots on loan for landings in Antarctica
  • An official expedition parka to keep
  • Emergency evacuation insurance coverage up to a maximum of $500,000

Not Included

  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Airfare to and from Argentina
  • Mandatory waterproof pants for zodiac landings
  • Laundry, spa, bar, internet, and phone charges
  • Gratuities for expedition staff and shipboard crew

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Accommodations

Hotel Albatross

A comfortable hotel located right in the port in the center of Ushuaia.

Amenities: soap, shampoo, hair dryer, WiFi

**Disclaimer:** Please be aware that the selected hotel reservation is subject to change. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility in this matter.

World Explorer

World Explorer is a new, state-of-the-art hybrid-fueled expedition ship that was built in 2019. With all suites featuring a balcony, you can take in everything Antarctica has to offer in style. Spend some time on the observation deck taking in the outdoor views or take in the panoramic scene from the observation lounge. You can also stop by the library to read and relax or visit the Explorer Lounge to have a drink and socialize. Enjoy the informative presentations about the history and wildlife of Antarctica in the lecture theater. Health and wellness facilities onboard include an outdoor running track and swimming pool, as well as a small gym and spa. This environmentally sustainable vessel consumes reduced amounts of fuel and emits reduced carbon dioxide levels.

Amenities: soap, shampoo, hair dryer, WiFi (for an additional charge)

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary