Antarctica - Whale watching
Ten day Antarctica - Whale watching aboard m/v Plancius Ship with Oceanwide Expeditions
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Itinerary: Antarctica - Whale watching
Departing/Returning: Ushuaia Argentina
Passengers: 108*
Ship name: m/v Plancius
Departures:
23 Mar - 1 Apr, 2026
Dates and Details.
This Antarctic Peninsula cruise delivers you into a landscape of rugged rock, pure white snow, and a fantastic variety of wildlife. Come say hello to whales, seals, and penguins.
Trip Description.
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Day 1: End of the world, start of a journey
Your voyage begins where the world drops off. Ushuaia, Argentina, reputed to be the southernmost city on the planet, is located on the far southern tip of South America. Starting in the afternoon, you embark from this small resort town on Tierra del Fuego, nicknamed “The End of the World,” and sail the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the remainder of the evening.
Day 2 – 3: Path of the polar explorers
Over the next two days on the Drake Passage, you enjoy some of the same experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first charted these regions: cool salt breezes, rolling seas, maybe even a fin whale spouting up sea spray. After passing the Antarctic Convergence – Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic seas – you are in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Not only does the marine life change, the avian life changes too. Wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, light-mantled sooty albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels are a few of the birds you might see.
Day 4 – 7: Entering Antarctica
Gray stone peaks sketched with snow, towers of broken blue-white ice, and dramatically different wildlife below and above. You first pass the snowcapped Melchior Islands and Schollaert Channel, sailing between Brabant and Anvers Islands.
Sites you may visit include:
Danco Island – Activities here may focus on the gentoo penguins nesting on the island, in addition to the Weddell and crabeater seals that can be found nearby.
Neko Harbour – An epic landscape of mammoth glaciers and endless wind-carved snow, Neko Harbour offers opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and landing that afford the closest views of the surrounding alpine peaks.
Paradise Bay – You may be able to take a Zodiac cruise in these sprawling, ice-flecked waters, where there’s a good chance you’ll encounter humpback and minke whales.
Pléneau & Petermann Islands– If the ice allows it, you could sail through the Lemaire Channel in search of Adélie penguins and blue-eyed shags.
There is also a possibility you’ll encounter humpback and minke whales here, as well as leopard seals.
Port Lockroy – After sailing through the Neumayer Channel, you may get a chance to visit the former British research station – now a museum and post office – of Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. You may also be able to partake in activities around Jougla Point, meeting gentoo penguins and blue-eyed shags.
At the nearby sites, such as Damoy Point there may be the opportunity for snowshoeing to the old ski-way, this is also one of our favourite camping sites.
Wilhelmina Bay & Guvernøren – This is a great place to spot humpback whales. You also may embark on a Zodiac cruise ending at the ghostly wreck of the Guvernøren, a whaling vessel that caught fire here in 1915. Around the Melchior Islands, amid a frozen landscape peopled with icebergs, you may encounter even more whales, leopard seals, and crabeater seals.
Conditions on the Drake Passage determine the exact time of departure.
Day 8 - 9: Familiar seas, familiar friends
Your return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to you now, and you to them.
Day 10: There and back again
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. It’s now time to disembark in Ushuaia, but with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.
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Whale safari
One of the greatest sources of joy and wonder found on our cruises is when we make contact with the gentle giants of the seas, the whales.
Whale safari
Pléneau Island
Pléneau Island
Petermann Island
Located just south of the Lemaire Channel, Petermann Island is a stony and partially glaciated landmass known for its Adélie penguins
Petermann Island
Paradise Bay
A breathtakingly beautiful bay offering classic views of colossal ice formations and iconic Antarctic wildlife
Paradise Bay
Lemaire Channel
A classic route for our expeditions to Antarctica, this iconic waterway serves as the gateway to the southern Antarctic Peninsula
Lemaire Channel
Neko Harbour
A pleasant beach in Antarctica’s larger Andvord Bay, Neko Harbour is a scenic landing site that offers great views of gentoo penguins and a nearby glacier
Neko Harbour
Wilhelmina Bay
Between the glacial Gerlache Strait and the west coast of Graham Land lies Wilhelmina Bay, its expansive waters scattered with islands and icebergs
Wilhelmina Bay
Neumayer Channel
A glacier-fringed waterway just southeast of Gerlache Strait, Neumayer Channel separates Anvers Island from Wiencke Island
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INCLUSIONS
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 programme.
Comprehensive pre-departure material.
EXCLUSIONS
Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
Pre- and post- land arrangements.
Passport and visa expenses.
Government arrival and departure taxes.
Meals ashore.
Baggage, 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.
The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
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A deposit of 25% is required to hold your spot within 14 days of being invoiced and final payment is due 90 days before departure. Payment can be made via bank transfer or debit and credit card. Cards accepted are Visa or Mastercard.
Voyage Map.
The trip starts in Ushuaia, Argentina, goes through the Beagle Channel, then the Drake Passage. In Antarctica, you'll visit places like Livingston Island, Deception Island, Cuverville Island, Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay, the Pléneau & Petermann Islands, Crystal Sound, Detaille Island, the Fish Islands, and the Melchior Islands. After that, you'll head back through the Drake Passage to Ushuaia, ending the adventure.
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Will we get off the ship?
Yes!!! Once we arrive in Antarctica it will be the ultimate goal of the Captain, Expedition Leader, and the Expedition Team to make sure we get off the ship as much as possible. You’ll participate in landings, zodiac cruises, and any additional activities you’ve signed up for. Check the “Detailed trip itinerary” below for more details on each outing.
*Pending weather.
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Are there additional taxes and fees?
The price shown is the "all-in” price after all taxes, fees, port fees, and permits required; which are handled by the tour operator. The only main additional costs will be mandatory travel insurance, optional gratuity, canned beverages and alcohol, and additional activities. See the full list of inclusions/exclusions for more.
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Do I pay extra if I'm a solo traveler?
Not necessarily, no! Our group trips are usually made up of around 50% solo travelers! Prices are always per person, per bed. If you’re a solo traveler, we will match you with a same-gender roommate from our group to share your cabin with. There is also the option for solo cabin availability on certain trips. Please send us a message about solo cabins if that’s your preference.
Pricing
All prices are per person and include all taxes, fees, port fees, accommodation and meals.
Please refer to the full list of inclusions and exclusions for more details.
Why do I need to Email for ATG Price?
Antarctica Travel Group organizes group trips that allow us to offer discounted rates. We can’t post these prices publicly due to agency agreements and price match policies. Pricing needs to remain publicly consistent.
Please email for our discounted rates.
Quadruple Porthole
Featuring two portholes for scenic views, and two upper/lower berths for sleeping. A private shower and toilet, desk and chair, and flatscreen TV ensure your space is both functional and comfortable.
Modern amenities include a telephone and WiFi (supplemented), along with a hair dryer, safe deposit box, and ample storage space to accommodate your essentials, making your stay on board seamless and enjoyable.
Triple Porthole
Two portholes, one upper/lower berth plus an additional single lower berth, ensuring restful sleep. It includes a private shower and toilet, desk and chair for personal space, and a flatscreen TV for entertainment. Stay connected with a telephone and supplemented WiFi. Additional amenities like a hair dryer, safe deposit box, and ample storage space make your stay convenient and organized.
Twin Window
Features two windows for ample natural light, two lower berths for restful sleep, and a private shower and toilet. It's furnished with a desk and chair, and includes a flatscreen TV, telephone, and supplemented WiFi for connectivity and entertainment. Additional amenities like a hair dryer, safe deposit box, and generous storage space ensure a comfortable and convenient stay.
Twin Porthole
Two portholes, two lower berths, and a private shower and toilet. It's furnished with a desk and chair, and equipped with a flatscreen TV, telephone, and supplemented WiFi. Additional amenities include a hair dryer, safe deposit box, and plenty of storage space, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.
Twin Deluxe
Features two lower berths for restful sleep, a private shower and toilet, and a desk and chair for workspace or dining. A small sofa provides a cozy seating area, while a refrigerator, coffee & tea maker, and flatscreen TV add home-like comforts. Stay connected with telephone and supplemented WiFi, and enjoy the convenience of a hair dryer, safe deposit box, and plenty of storage space for your belongings.
Superior
Two windows, a double bed, and a single sofa bed, ensuring comfort for all occupants. It features a private shower and toilet, desk and chair, and a flatscreen TV for relaxation. Modern amenities include a telephone, supplemented WiFi, a refrigerator, and a coffee & tea maker. Additional conveniences are provided by a hair dryer, safe deposit box, and ample storage space, creating a well-equipped and comfortable environment.
Cabins may vary and may not be exactly as depicted. Please consult the deck plan and contact your booking agent for further information.
Ship Details.
The m/v Plancius was built in 1976
Plancius was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and was named “Hr. Ms. Tydeman”. The ship sailed for the Dutch Navy until June 2004 and was eventually purchased by Oceanwide Expeditions. The vessel was completely rebuilt as a pssenger vessel in 2009 and complies with the latest SOLAS-regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea). M/v “Plancius” is classed by Lloyd’s Register and flies the Dutch flag.
The Plancius carries 108 passengers in 50 cabins
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Perfect for any expedition
M/v “Plancius” accommodates 108 passengers with private toilet and shower in 4 quadruple porthole cabins, 9 twin porthole cabins, 25 twin cabins with window and 2 twin deluxe cabins, all (ca. 12,5 square meters) and 10 twin superior cabins (ca. 21 square meters). All cabins offer lower berths (one queen-size bed in the superior cabins and two single beds in the twin cabins), except for the 4 quadruple cabins (for 4 persons in 2x upper and lower beds).
Plancius: a vessel with comfort and character
Please be aware that a small number of cabins may have a partially obstructed view due to the design requirements of the ship. The best view is always on the outer deck or the bridge.The vessel offers a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows, offering full panorama view. M/v “Plancius” has large open deck spaces (with full walk-around possibilities on deck 4), giving excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. She is furthermore equipped with 10 Mark V zodiacs, including 40 HP 4-stroke outboard engines and 2 gangways on the starboard side, guaranteeing a swift zodiac operation. M/v “Plancius” is comfortable and nicely decorated, but is not a luxury vessel. Our voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic regions are primarily defined by an exploratory educational travel programme, spending as much time ashore as possible. Plancius fully meets our demands to achieve this. The vessel is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system which reduces the noise and vibration of the vessel considerably. The 3 diesel engines generate 1.230 horse-power each, giving the vessel a speed of 10 - 12 knots. The vessel is ice-strengthened and was specially built for oceanographic voyages. M/v “Plancius” is manned by an international crew of 40 (20 nautical crew and 20 hotel crew), 8 expedition staff (1 expedition leader, 1 assistant expedition leader and 6 guides/lecturers), and 1 doctor.
Age and Nationality
Passengers on a typical voyage range from their 30s to their 80s - with a majority usually from 45 - 65. Our expeditions attract independent-minded travellers from around the world. They are characterised by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie and spirit that develops aboard is an important part of the expedition experience. Many departures have several nationalities on board.
Dress code
In keeping with our expeditions atmosphere, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities. Keep in mind that much of the spectacular scenery can be appreciated from deck, which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles and make sure the parka is never far away in case of the call "Whales!" comes over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside. Wear layers since it is comfortably warm aboard the ship - and often cold on deck.
Currency & payment
Refreshments from the bar and souvenirs will be charged to your cabin. The day before departure you can settle your bill with the Hotel Manager and pay by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or cash (Euro or Dollar). We do not accept cheques of any kind. The prices and standard currency on board our vessels is the Euro. Other currencies may be accepted at the discretion of the hotel manager at prevailing rates.
Electric current
The electrical supply aboard the ship is 220v, 60Hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins. You may need a 220v/110v converter.
Gratuities
The customary gratuity to the ship's service personnel is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage which is divided among the crew. Tipping is a very personal matter and the amount you wish to give is at your discretion. As a generally accepted guideline, we suggest US$8 to US$10 per person per day. It is better for the crew, if you can give them cash US Dollar.
Non-smoking policy
On board our vessels we have a non-smoking policy. It is prohibited to smoke inside the ship. You can smoke in the designated smoking areas. Please respect the wishes of non-smokers.
Your physical condition
You must be in good general health and you should be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join most excursions, you must be able to get up and down the steep gangway from the ship to the water level to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats. This will become progressively easier with practice. Ashore it can be slippery and rocky. You are travelling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition, or need daily medical treatment.
