Classic Budget Antarctica - Last-Minute Antarctica Expedition Deals

Budget And Adventure

Antarctica on a Budget

Experience a budget friendly trip! With multiple landing sites on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Trip Summary

This 10-day Antarctica expedition begins and ends in Ushuaia, taking you across the legendary Drake Passage to explore the icy wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Traveling aboard a small, ice-strengthened expedition ship with approximately 90 passengers, you’ll enjoy a more intimate and flexible experience. The ship features an open bridge policy, allowing guests to observe navigation and interact with the crew, while expert naturalists and lecturers enrich your journey with daily insights and guided wildlife encounters.

Each day in Antarctica offers the chance for 1–2 Zodiac landings (weather permitting), bringing you face to face with penguins, seals, whales, and dramatic polar landscapes. The exact route and landing sites vary based on ice and wind conditions, ensuring the safest and most rewarding opportunities — whether that means rerouting for better weather or following a rare wildlife sighting. From towering glaciers to historic research stations, this voyage is designed to maximize your connection with the continent while embracing the adventure and unpredictability that make Antarctica so extraordi

Key Facts

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Departing

2025-11-03

Operator's Itinerary

Day 1: Depart from Ushuaia

Embark the USHUAIA in the afternoon and meet your expedition and lecture staff. After settling into your cabin, the ship sets sail along the scenic Beagle Channel and Mackinlay Pass.

Day 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage

Sail through the Drake Passage, a legendary body of water named after explorer Sir Francis Drake. This crossing marks the Antarctic Convergence, where nutrient-rich waters support a vibrant array of seabirds and marine life. Join expedition staff on deck for birdwatching and whale spotting, and enjoy lectures on Antarctic wildlife and geography. If conditions allow, expect your first landing in the South Shetland Islands by the end of Day 3.

Day 4-7: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands

Spend four unforgettable days exploring a region teeming with wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Visit vast penguin rookeries, observe seals on rocky beaches, and sail into the flooded caldera of Deception Island. Possible landings may include: King George Island – home to Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins, Kelp Gulls, and international research bases. Livingston Island – known for elephant seals and penguin colonies. Paradise Bay – a breathtaking location for potential continental landings. Paulet Island – hosting over 100,000 Adélie Penguins and historic ruins from the 1903 Nordenskjöld expedition. Other possible sites – Neko Harbour, Cuverville Island, Petermann Island, Portal Point, and the Lemaire, Gerlache, or Neumayer Channels, all dependent on ice and weather . Wildlife sightings may include Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals, as well as Minke, humpback, and killer whales.

Day 8-9: At Sea – Drake Passage Northbound

Begin your return across the Drake Passage. Attend final lectures, enjoy wildlife spotting from deck, and reflect on your Antarctic adventure.

Day 10: Return to Ushuaia

Arrive back in Ushuaia in the early morning. Disembark after breakfast.

NOTE: Landings on the Antarctic Peninsula are never guaranteed, as all expeditions are subject to rapidly changing weather and sea conditions. Wind, ice, and zodiac safety play a major role in daily operations and may impact the ability to go ashore. Expedition teams always aim to maximize your experience by selecting alternative landing sites when conditions prevent the original plan — or even for the better, if unique wildlife opportunities arise. In rare cases, landings may be canceled altogether if no safe alternative is available.

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Ship Overview

The M/V Ushuaia carries up to 90 passengers in 44–46 outside-facing cabins with private facilities and gear storage, and its 1C ice-class hull and seven Zodiac boats enable access to remote landing sites. A crew of about 38 plus an experienced expedition team ensures safety and personalized service. Onboard, guests can use a lecture room, observation lounge, library, bar, fitness room, sauna, and enjoy an open-bridge policy for an immersive Antarctic or sub-Antarctic journey.