Deep Weddell following Nordenskjöld | Sylvia Earle Expedition Ship

Deep Weddell following Nordenskjöld

This pioneering voyage retraces the route of Nordenskjold’s Swedish Antarctic Expedition from 1901-04.

Start your journey in the South Shetland Islands. This is where Nordenskjold's team landed for the first time on Antarctica before moving into Antarctic Sound and the Weddell sea. As you continue eastward, follow their journey, pushing the conditions as far as possible into the Weddell sea, which is renowned for large tabular icebergs and diverse wildlife. Nordenskjold's crew spent 2 years in this area, a feat of endurance that rivals Shackleton’s Endurance Expedition.

Be on the lookout while retracing the historic journey for minke, humpback, crabeater, and Weddell Seals. You will be accompanied by an expert team of expedition guides who can provide you with valuable insights and wildlife watching expertise. They'll also tell stories about Nordenskjold’s epic journey.

Day by day

Day 1: Ushuaia

A representative will meet you upon your arrival and take you directly to the pre-voyage accommodation. Check-in is available at 3.00pm if you are already in Ushuaia. Visit the Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort's hospitality desk between 3.00pm and 7.00pm to get your luggage tags, and confirm that you will be participating in the Beagle Channel & Isla de Los Lobos Cruise the next day. They will answer your questions, provide information on embarkation, as well as offer advice about dining and purchasing last-minute items. The team will provide embarkation details, answer your questions and offer guidance on dining and last-minute purchases. You are free to spend the rest of your day and pay for meals. Accommodation will either be Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort, or Los Acebos Ushuaia Hotel.

Day 2: Beagle Channel

Enjoy breakfast this morning and then check out. Make sure your luggage has a cabin tag clearly labeled with your name, cabin number and the date. Bring your luggage at the hotel's reception before or during check-out. The luggage is stored in the hotel and then transferred to the port to clear it. It will then be put into your cabin before you arrive onboard. Keep any personal or valuable items on you at all times.

Enjoy your morning at leisure and explore Ushuaia.

Meet in the lobby of the hotel at 12:45pm to be ready for the transfer at 1.00pm to the port. We board our catamaran here and head out on the Beagle Channel towards the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. As we cross the Bridges Archipelago, you'll see colonies of imperial cormorants and sea lions sunning themselves on the rocks. You may also spot skuas or rock cormorants. This cruise provides panoramic views of both the city of Vancouver and its surrounding mountains, as well as stories of local people.

You can also enjoy the day as you please and then meet in your hotel lobby around 3.00pm to get transferred to the dock for your embarkation.

You'll be able to get settled into your cabin once you arrive onboard before important briefings. We will gather at the top deck as the ship leaves port to begin the adventure. Enjoy the spectacular view of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego and the surrounding area.

Welcome dinner this evening to mark the beginning of your exciting adventure in Antarctica.

Day 3 & 4: Drake Passage

Day 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11: Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula

Day 12 & 13: Drake Passage

Day 14: Ushuaia

Emperor Penguin | Weddell sea | Antarctica

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Highlights

Learn about Antarctic ice and its historic adventures from onboard experts.

Cruise in Zodiacs through serene bays, capturing glaciers and unique icebergs.

Witness a diverse array of wildlife thriving in Antarctic Sound.

Weather permitting, savor extended exploration of the breathtaking Weddell Sea landscapes.

Activities

Sea Kayaking

Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.

Ice Camping

Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.

Snowshoeing

Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.

Photography