Our moderate trips require an average level of fitness. Itineraries may include walks or short hikes of up to two to three hours with little elevation gain, sustained walking at higher altitudes, and/or other similar level physical activities. Many activities are optional.
How We Rate Our Trips
Easy: Our easy tours generally require fairly little exertion. Each day will involve walking, sightseeing and general travel-related activities such as getting in/out of vans, planes, boats, and zodiacs.
Moderate: Our moderate trips require an average level of fitness. Itineraries may include walks or short hikes of up to two to three hours with little elevation gain, sustained walking at higher altitudes, and/or other similar level physical activities. Many activities are optional.
Difficult: Our difficult trips may involve hiking over uneven terrain, with some hikes including significant elevation gain or loss and at higher elevations (up to 12,000 ft). Itineraries may include three to six hour hikes and other activities such as horseback riding, mountain bicycling, rafting and kayaking, which require no previous experience. On many trips, passengers may elect to skip a day's activity, depending on logistics.
Most Difficult: Our most difficult expeditions are for the adventurer who is in good physical condition. Itineraries may involve multi-day hiking and trekking excursions over steep, rugged terrain and/or where altitude may exceed 14,000 feet. Many trips include camping in remote areas and/or high altitude sites in varying temperature and weather conditions. Trips may also involve many days of demanding Class IV-V rapids, longer sea kayaking trips, horseback riding, and/or mountain bicycling. Training for the physical demands of these tours is highly encouraged.
The 420 feet / 128 meter, ice-strengthened MV Ultramarine is a deluxe all-suite/all balcony ice-strengthened expedition vessel, currently under construction in Croatia, and scheduled to launch in 2021. Carrying 199 travelers, she will go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, discover new places to deliver the ultimate polar expedition experience and immerse those onboard in the best the region has to offer. Employing two Twin-Engine Helicopters operated from two helidecks, passengers can sim... READ MORE >>
The 420 feet / 128 meter, ice-strengthened MV Ultramarine is a deluxe all-suite/all balcony ice-strengthened expedition vessel, currently under construction in Croatia, and scheduled to launch in 2021. Carrying 199 travelers, she will go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, discover new places to deliver the ultimate polar expedition experience and immerse those onboard in the best the region has to offer. Employing two Twin-Engine Helicopters operated from two helidecks, passengers can simultaneously experience new destinations accessible only by air, and enjoy more unique aerial perspectives of the polar regions. She has four Diesel/Electric-Hybrid engines, with a total power of 8,800 kWe, 12,000 hp and a Micro Auto Gasification System (MAGS) – which is the industry-leading system that converts waste into energy at the site where it's generated, eliminating the environmental impact of waste transportation and offering an innovative sustainability feature that exceeds all industry standards. Registered in Marshall Islands, Ultramarine has an Ice-Class 1A+, PC6 rating and is among the fastest ships in the region, traveling at a cruising speed of 16 knots in open water.
Ultramarine offers breathtaking indoor and outdoor public viewing spaces to enjoy awe-inspiring and unobstructed polar landscapes and seize the moment when wildlife encounters occur. Features include the glass-enclosed Panorama Lounge, Bar & Library, the wraparound deck, a Spa, Steam room, Sauna, and fully-equipped Fitness center with a separate yoga space (all including stunning exterior view windows) and a state-of-the-art, high-resolution LED screen wall in the main theater Auditorium ensures high-definition viewing of presentations from your Expedition Team from any angle. The main Restaurant accommodates all passengers for each meal, with all tables enjoying views from every seat, in addition to direct access to the wraparound deck. An additional Bistro offers guests the opportunity to enjoy an indoor/outdoor dining experience. Soft drinks, juices and water are available at no cost, and beer and wine are offered with dinner. Additional amenities include two elevators, a fully stocked Polar Boutique, Doctor Clinic, Ship-to-shore satellite communications with email and wireless Internet access. The Ultramarine is operated by a highly skilled Staff/Crew 140, and features 102 spacious suites across nine categories ranging from Dedicated Singles with Floor-to-Ceiling Windows and Picture Window Triples to Veranda Owner’s Suites (six categories offer a private walk-out veranda). Two mudrooms to quickly change in and out of expedition gear are designed for efficiency with wider hallways, plenty of seating, and conveniently located bathrooms. The experienced crew operates 20 Zodiacs for water/shore excursions from three separate embarkation points on the starboard, port, and stern of the ship. The Stern embarkation point is an internal Water-level Zodiac Hangar, that can quickly and safely deploy the kayaks and allow for more spontaneous off-ship adventures and intimate wildlife engagement. In addition to the included helicopter excursions offered on this ship, the Ultramarine offers optional extra excursions such as kayaking, paddling, stand-up paddle boarding, camping, exclusive helicopter landings and Alpine Heli-trekking.
Itinerary
Itinerary (Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falkland Islands & South Georgia with flights from Buenos Aires)
DAY 1: Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina
DAY 2: Buenos Aires - Ushuaia - Embark
DAY 3: At Sea
DAY 4 - 5: Falkland Islands
DAY 6 - 7: At Sea
DAY 8 - 11: South Georgia
DAY 12 - 13: At Sea
DAY 14 - 16: South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Peninsula
DAY 17 - 18: Antarctica Circle
DAY 19 - 20: Northbound Along the Peninsula
DAY 21 - 22: Drake Passage
DAY 23: Ushuaia - Disembark - Buenos Aires
Itinerary (Crossing the Circle with Flights from Buenos Aires )
DAY 1: Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina
DAY 2: Buenos Aires - Ushuaia - Embark
DAY 3 - 4: Drake Passage
DAY 5 - 9: South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Peninsula & Polar Circle
DAY 10 - 11: Northbound Along the Peninsula
DAY 12 - 13: Drake Passage
DAY 14: Ushuaia - Disembark - Buenos Aires
Itinerary (Celebrating Shackleton: Journey from Antarctica to South Georgia with flights from Buenos Aires )
DAY 1: Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina
DAY 2: Buenos Aire - Ushuaia - Embark
DAY 3 - 4: Drake Passage
DAY 5 - 6: Antarctica Peninsula
DAY 7: Weddell Sea
DAY 8: At Sea
DAY 9: Elephant Island
DAY 10 - 11: At Sea
DAY 12 - 15: South Georgia
DAY 16 - 19: AT SEA
DAY 20: Ushuaia - Disembark - Buenos Aires
Itinerary (South Georgia and Antarctica Peninsula: Penguin Safari with flights from Buenos Aires)
DAY 1: Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina
DAY 2: Buenos Aires - Ushuaia - Embark
DAY 3 - 6: At Sea
DAY 7 - 8: South Georgia
DAY 9 - 10: At Sea
DAY 11 - 13: Antarctica Peninsula
DAY 14 - 15: Drake Passage
DAY 16: Ushuaia - Disembark - Buenos Aires
Itinerary (Discovering the 7th Continent with flights from Buenos Aires )
DAY 1: Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina
DAY 2: Buenos Aires - Ushuaia - Embark
DAY 3 - 4: Drake Passage
DAY 5 - 8: South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Peninsula
DAY 9 - 10: Drake Passage
DAY 11: Ushuaia - Disembark - Buenos Aires
Itinerary (Discovering the 7th Continent plus Cape Horn & Diego Ramirez with flights from Buenos Aires)
DAY 1: Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina
DAY 2: Buenos Aires - Ushuaia - Embark
DAY 3: Cape Horn & Diego Ramirez Islands
DAY 4 - 5: Drake Passage
DAY 6 - 10: South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Peninsula
DAY 11 - 12: Drake Passage
DAY 13: Ushuaia - Disembark - Buenos Aires
Itinerary (Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres Del Paine with flights from Buenos Aires/Santiago )
DAY 1: Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina
DAY 2: Buenos Aires - Ushuaia - Embark
DAY 3 - 4: Cape Horn & Diego Ramirez Islands
DAY 5: Pia & Garibaldi Glaciers & Glacier Alley
DAY 6: Dainelli Glacier
DAY 7: Cruising the Chilean Fjords
DAY 8 - 9: Puerto Natales & Torres Del Paine National Park
Price Range Per Person (Explorer Triple to Ultra Balcony Suite):
23 Day Expedition $29,995 - $79,995 per person
-Please inquire for single supplement pricing. A solo traveler willing to share a cabin with another passenger (or passengers) of the same gender can avoid the single supplement.
-Contact us for details on optional activities available on your particular departure.
-Buenos Aires Package: Pre-trip Buenos Aires hotel with breakfast, BA/USH charter flight and airport transfers on embarkation/disembarkation days added as separated fee.
Price Range Per Person (Explorer Triple to Ultra Balcony Suite):
14 Day Expedition $15,995 - $41,995 per person
-Please inquire for single supplement pricing. A solo traveler willing to share a cabin with another passenger (or passengers) of the same gender can avoid the single supplement.
-Contact us for details on optional activities available on your particular departure.
-Buenos Aires Package: Pre-trip Buenos Aires hotel with breakfast, BA/USH charter flight and airport transfers on embarkation/disembarkation days added as separated fee.
Price Range Per Person (Explorer Triple to Ultra Balcony Suite):
20 Day Expedition $29,995 - $79,995 per person
-Please inquire for single supplement pricing. A solo traveler willing to share a cabin with another passenger (or passengers) of the same gender can avoid the single supplement.
-Contact us for details on optional activities available on your particular departure.
-Buenos Aires Package: Pre-trip Buenos Aires hotel with breakfast, BA/USH charter flight and airport transfers on embarkation/disembarkation days added as separated fee.
Price Range Per Person (Explorer Triple to Ultra Balcony Suite):
16 Day Expedition $18,995 - $49,995 per person
-Please inquire for single supplement pricing. A solo traveler willing to share a cabin with another passenger (or passengers) of the same gender can avoid the single supplement.
-Contact us for details on optional activities available on your particular departure.
-Buenos Aires Package: Pre-trip Buenos Aires hotel with breakfast, BA/USH charter flight and airport transfers on embarkation/disembarkation days added as separated fee.
Price Range Per Person (Explorer Triple to Ultra Balcony Suite):
11 Day Expedition $11,995 - $31,995 per person
-Please inquire for single supplement pricing. A solo traveler willing to share a cabin with another passenger (or passengers) of the same gender can avoid the single supplement.
-Contact us for details on optional activities available on your particular departure.
-Buenos Aires Package: Pre-trip Buenos Aires hotel with breakfast, BA/USH charter flight and airport transfers on embarkation/disembarkation days added as separated fee.
Price Range Per Person (Explorer Triple to Ultra Balcony Suite):
13 Day Expedition $14,995 - $39,995 per person
-Please inquire for single supplement pricing. A solo traveler willing to share a cabin with another passenger (or passengers) of the same gender can avoid the single supplement.
-Contact us for details on optional activities available on your particular departure.
-Buenos Aires Package: Pre-trip Buenos Aires hotel with breakfast, BA/USH charter flight and airport transfers on embarkation/disembarkation days added as separated fee.
Price Range Per Person (Explorer Triple to Ultra Balcony Suite):
15 Day Expedition $11,995 - $31,995 per person
-Please inquire for single supplement pricing. A solo traveler willing to share a cabin with another passenger (or passengers) of the same gender can avoid the single supplement.
-Contact us for details on optional activities available on your particular departure.
-Buenos Aires Package: Pre-trip Buenos Aires hotel with breakfast, BA/USH charter flight and airport transfers on embarkation/disembarkation days added as separated fee.
DEDICATED SINGLE PANORAMA WINDOW SUITE / DECK 6: single bed, floor-to-ceiling window, desk, refrigerator, safe, 43” TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors, Approximately 132 sq. ft. (12.3 m2) EXPLORER WINDOW SUITE - TRIPLE / DECK 3: three separate single beds, (two of which can be combined into a double bed), picture window, sitting area, desk, refrigerator, 43: TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors, Approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 m2) EXPLORER WINDOW SUITE / DECK 3: one double or two single beds, picture window, sitting area with sofa bed, desk, refrigerator, safe, 43” TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors, Approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 m2) BALCONY SUITE / DECK 4 & 6: one double or two single beds, private balcony, sitting area with sofa bed, desk, refrigerator, safe, 43” TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Approximately 226 sq. ft. (21 m2) and a 52 sq. ft. (4.8 m2) balcony DELUXE BALCONY SUITE /DECK 4 & 6: one double or two single beds, private balcony, sitting area with sofa bed, desk, refrigerator, safe, 55” TV, private bathroom with enclosed toilet, shower, bathtub and heated floors, Approximately 299 sq. ft. (27.8 m2) and a 70 sq. ft. (6.5 m2) balcony TERRACE BALCONY SUITE / DECK 6: one double or two single beds, private extra-wide balcony, sitting area with sofa bed, desk, refrigerator, two TVs – 43” & 55”, private bathroom with enclosed toilet, shower, bathtub and heated floors, Approximately 350 sq. ft. (32.5 m2) and 100 sq. ft. (9.3 m2) balcony PENTHOUSE BALCONY SUITE / DECK 7: one double or two single beds, private balcony, sitting area with sofa bed, desk, refrigerator, safe, two TVs – 43” & 55”, private bathroom with enclosed toilet, shower, bathtub and heated floors, Approximately 369 sq. ft. (34.3 m2) and a 67 sq. ft. (6.2 m2) balcony OWNER’S BALCONY SUITE/ DECK 6: one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, private balcony, two separate sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet, desk, refrigerator, safe, two TVs – 43” & 55”, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room. Approximately 446 sq. ft. (41.4 m2) and a 46.3 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony ULTRA BALCONY SUITE / DECK 6: one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, private balcony, separate sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet, desk, refrigerator, safe, two TVs – 43” & 55”, private bathroom with enclosed toilet, shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room, Approximately 563 sq. ft. (52.3m2) and a 46 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony
Marisa, we've been back a week and I'm writing to say how wonderful our trip was. Thanks you for all your guidance and planning. Buenos Aires was so interesting. Our tour guide, Alejandro, was top notch-- and very funny. The hotel was in a good location and the all-day tour in Ushuaia was memorable. The ship was well-run and the food was both interesting and plentiful. The crew was professional. The expedition leaders were kind, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. I can't give you credit for the fantastic weather and incredible scenery but it was an amazing trip. Thank you. - Susan Ogden/Rose Marie Wilson (Akademik Ioffe)
The trip was fantastic of course! South Georgia is an amazing place! After docking at Ushuaia, the driver was waiting there on the pier and coordinated well with the ship and the port officials, provided me with useful materials and delivered me to the Alto Andino. I liked the Alto Andino. It was quiet, clean and has a nice secure luggage store, which I used when I arrived, as it was too early to check in. They did let me check in early, shortly after lunch, when a room became available. And, when I came back to the hotel after dinner with friends, there was a message from my driver about the pickup time for departing to the airport. The transfer at BA went without a hitch, nice driver and nice car, and being Saturday, light traffic as well! Anyway, thank you! Your planning and support is greatly appreciate and I will be sure to let my friends know about your great company! - Philip H. Walters (South Georgia In Depth onboard Akademik Sergey Vavilov)
Carrie and Jonathan, we arrived back from Antarctica over the weekend. I just wanted to thank both of you for arranging such an outstanding trip! The guides, hotels, and logistics were all excellent—and we thoroughly enjoyed it all. Fortunately, despite my foot injury, I was able to fully partake in all the sightseeing and activities and didn’t feel that I had to curtail anything I wanted to do. We’ll be sure to contact you for future trips in South America. - Nancy Voye (Antarctic Peninsula onboard NG Explorer)
Carrie and Justin, I just wanted to send the two of you a message to thank you for all your help putting together our trip to the Antarctic. The trip was absolutely fantastic – definitely the best trip we have ever taken! I would strongly recommend the Akademik Ioffe team to anyone that asks. The places we visited and the excursions we were able to participate in were definitely first-rate, and I would credit the staff for making this happen. They selected great places to visit, and really made each zodiac or on-shore excursion a special experience. The Antarctic is just mind-blowing. We did get south of the Circle – which sounds like it was a bit of an accomplishment – and had really great weather for the entire trip. So again, thanks for making a totally fabulous trip a reality for us. -Ron & Bonnie Milzer (Antarctic Circle Voyage onboard Akademik Ioffe)
“Our trip was just magical, and I would highly recommend Southern Explorations to anyone considering an eco-tour. I don’t know how it could have been better, and I can’t wait to book a trip through Southern again. Thanks so much for all your help.”
Dan Bormann - WA
Custom Private Ecuador Tour
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Marisa, we've been back a week and I'm writing to say how wonderful our trip was. Thanks you for all your guidance and planning. Buenos Aires was so interesting. Our tour guide, Alejandro, was top notch-- and very funny. The hotel was in a good location and the all-day tour in Ushuaia was memorable. The ship was well-run and the food was both interesting and plentiful. The crew was professional. The expedition leaders were kind, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. I can't give you credit for the fantastic weather and incredible scenery but it was an amazing trip. Thank you. - Susan Ogden/Rose Marie Wilson (Akademik Ioffe) 
