Sylvia Earle classic antarctica cruise

Spirit of Antarctica

  • Overview

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    5 FULL DAYS EXPLORING ANTARCTICA!

    Embrace the spirit of polar exploration on this classic expedition to the coveted white continent. Sail across the famed Drake Passage, admiring spectacular seabirds and approaching the ice as the explorers of old did: by sea. With a chance to Zodiac-cruise through pack ice, set foot on the continent, choose from a range of adventure options and even perhaps camp under pastel polar skies, this is the quintessential Antarctic voyage for adventure lovers.

    VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS:

    • Hone your ice and wildlife photography skills
    • Search for orcas and minke whales in the icy bays
    • Snuggle into the wonder of camping on shore in Antarctica
    • Experience the thrill of polar kayaking & camping
    • snowshoeing and ski/snowboard touring (additional cost)
    Duration: 12 days
    Passengers: 130 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Disembarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 1.5x - 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Ushuaia, Argentina; Arrival Day

      Arrive in Ushuaia, renowned for its exquisite chocolates and breathtaking scenery where you will be met by an representative. Transfer to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

    • Day 2 - Ushuaia, Argentina; Embarkation Day

      After checking out of your hotel, explore Ushuaia and surrounds. Mid-afternoon, settle on board Greg Mortimer, for early evening departure down the Beagle Channel.

    • Day 3/4 - At sea

      Albatross and first icebergs in Drake Passage; possible landing at Aitcho, Robert or Deception islands in the South Shetlands.

    • Day 5/9 - Antarctic Peninsula

      Over the next five days a host of choices are open to us and depending on ice and weather conditions, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula is ours to explore. On our Zodiac excursions, we cruise along spectacular ice cliffs, observing whales that are feeding near the surface, and landing on the continent and its offshore islands to visit penguin rookeries, seal haulouts, historic huts and a few of our other favourite spots along the peninsula. During this voyage, there will be an opportunity to camp ashore (weather and time permitting). This will give you the chance to sample the style of adventure that Scott, Shackleton and other legendary Antarctic explorers experienced, although with a modern-day spin on it.

    • Day 10/11 - At sea

      Enjoy seabirds and whales on second Drake crossing. Share photos, tall tales and final night celebrations with new friends!

    • Day 12 - Ushuaia, Argentina; Disembarkation Day

      After a hearty breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow passengers, before disembarking in Ushuaia. Itinerary and map are a guide only. Itinerary is subject to ice and weather conditions

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your Captain and Expedition Leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities

    Polar Snorkelling - Greg Mortimer

    Greg Mortimer - Discover the underwater world of Antarctica and the Arctic!

    Witness wildlife and scenery unlike any other place on earth. Through crystal clear waters you'll discover the amazing mobility and speed of penguins entering and exiting from the ice, marvel at beautifully sculpted icebergs below the water and witness marine life such as crustaceans, isopods, starfish and nudibranchs!

    USD$ 640 per person

    Kayaking - Greg Mortimer

    One of the most unique ways to experience Antarctica and the Arctic.

    The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica or the European Arctic is guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle between brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes, skim past penguin rookeries or under soaring bird cliffs, or drift quietly as you watch wildlife unobtrusively, absorbing the majestic scenery.

    USD$ 1,100 per person

    Snowshoeing - Greg Mortimer

    Greg Mortimer - Snowshoeing makes walking up gentle slopes and across Antarctica’s soft, powdery snow a breeze, allowing you to explore places others struggle to reach in boots alone. Armed with your very own set of snowshoes and ski poles, you’ll be led by our expert guides who will provide all the instruction you need. Snowshoeing is an excellent way to ascend to some of Antarctica’s best vantage points, stretch the legs and take in the most spectacular scenery on the planet. Snowshoeing is the perfect activity for everyone, with no previous experience required. Join in on the fun and discover a different slice of Antarctica!

    USD$ 320 per person

    The great Antarctic Safari

    No matter which itinerary you choose to undertake, you are destined to spot a wonderful array of wildlife, including sea elephants and sea lions, Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, and Minke, killer and humpback whales and the magnificent wandering albatrosses.

    Adelie Penguins

    Adelie penguins are the most abundant of all penguin species and are there estimated to be some 5 million birds. They have been an incredibly successful species living further south than any other species and have one of the oldest continually used rookeries, which has existed for some 6,000 years.

  • Inclusions

    Expedition_Gear

    On board you will be provided with expedition boots and a highquality wind and waterproof expedition jacket

    Photography Workshops

    Catering to both amateurs and the more experienced photographers, our onboard team of photography guides deliver photography workshops and one-on-one instruction from the deck or Zodiacs and during landings.

    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Entry and landing fees while on board
    - Port taxes and charges
    - Professionally produced voyage journal
    - Comprehensive pre-departure information
    - All shore excursions and lectures
    - All accommodation and meals on board

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Items of a personal nature such as; Beverages / Laundry / Medical expenses / Gratuities / Internet & Wifi
    - Travel insurance (mandatory)
    - International and internal flights that are not specified
    - Mandatory waterproof gear not provided
  • Map
    Screen shot 2017 07 04 at 5.23.35 pm
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    Designed for rugged, remote areas

    Crossing the notorious Drake Passage or the Denmark Strait, our expeditions face some of the most intense conditions nature can throw at us. The Sylvia Earle is at the cutting edge of nautical technology: robust, powerful and up to the task.

    All images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.

    Ulstein X-BOW® & Lounge: The streamlined Ulstein X-BOW® cuts through the swell so you feel fewer vibrations and disturbances*, and makes quicker transits through waves. It also helps reduce our fuel consumption by up to 60%^. Experience the Glass Atrium Lounge inside the bow, featuring huge windows and superb views to the front of the ship.*We do not claim that this will prevent or cure seasickness. ^Compared to Tier 1 engines.

    Swimming pool & wellness centre: In between landings, enjoy the heated saltwater open air swimming pool and jacuzzis on board the Sylvia Earle and watch the world go by, or experience our gym, sauna or enjoy a massage (additional cost) in the Wellness centre.

    Zodiac launching platforms: The Sylvia Earle ships carry many Zodiacs, which you can board via four dedicated, sea-level launching platforms. These platforms make boarding the Zodiacs as quick, efficient and safe as possible, minimising wait times and getting you closer to the action for longer.

    Activity preparation area: A range of add-on adventure activities from kayaking and diving to climbing and ski touring, and the Greg Mortimer is designed to support these activities, making the transition from ship to sea or shore as smooth as possible. 

    Features & Facilities
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 5
    Guests #: 126
    Crew #: 62
    Ice Class: 1A
    Speed: 12
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 2021
    Length: 104m
    Width: 18
    Draft: 5
    Tonnage: 7400
    Registry: Bahamas
    Elec Outlets: 220V 2 Round Plug
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
All available dates
Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.
greg mortimer triple stateroom

Aurora Stateroom Triple Share

09 Jan 2022 - 20 Jan 2022
Two single beds and a sofa bed with portholes, flatscreen, closet, desk and en-suite.
USD$ 13,395pp
USD$ 13,395pp
greg mortimer stateroom cabin

Aurora Stateroom Twin Share

09 Jan 2022 - 20 Jan 2022
Twin or double cabin with portholes, desk, flatscreen, closet, safe, temperature control and en-suite.
USD$ 14,795pp
USD$ 14,795pp
sylvia earle cabin

Aurora Stateroom Superior

09 Jan 2022 - 20 Jan 2022
Twin or double cabin with French balcony, desk, flatscreen, closet, safe, temperature control and en-suite.
USD$ 15,695pp
USD$ 15,695pp
greg mortimer balcony stateroom

Balcony Stateroom Category C

09 Jan 2022 - 20 Jan 2022
With 58 rooms available, the Greg Mortimer's Balcony Staterooms are the most abundant cabin category on board. All include en-suite bathrooms, floor to ceiling windows and balconies and a select number are also connecting rooms, perfect for families or groups. Balcony Staterooms A, B & C vary slightly in size and position on the ship.
USD$ 15,995pp
USD$ 15,995pp
greg mortimer balcony stateroom

Balcony Stateroom Category B

09 Jan 2022 - 20 Jan 2022
With 58 rooms available, the Greg Mortimer's Balcony Staterooms are the most abundant cabin category on board. All include en-suite bathrooms, floor to ceiling windows and balconies and a select number are also connecting rooms, perfect for families or groups. Balcony Staterooms A, B & C vary slightly in size and position on the ship.
USD$ 16,495pp
USD$ 16,495pp
greg mortimer balcony stateroom

Balcony Stateroom Category A

09 Jan 2022 - 20 Jan 2022
With 58 rooms available, the Greg Mortimer's Balcony Staterooms are the most abundant cabin category on board. All include en-suite bathrooms, floor to ceiling windows and balconies and a select number are also connecting rooms, perfect for families or groups. Balcony Staterooms A, B & C vary slightly in size and position on the ship.
USD$ 16,895pp
USD$ 16,895pp
greg mortimer balcony stateroom superior

Balcony Stateroom Superior

09 Jan 2022 - 20 Jan 2022
The Greg Mortimer's Balcony Stateroom Superior cabins are up t o36m/sq. All include en-suite bathrooms, floor to ceiling windows and balconies and a select number are also connecting rooms, perfect for families or groups. A few of these cabins are wheelchair accesible.
USD$ 20,495pp
USD$ 20,495pp
greg mortimer junior suite cabin

Junior Suite

09 Jan 2022 - 20 Jan 2022
The Greg Mortimer's four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
USD$ 24,695pp
USD$ 24,695pp
greg mortimer Captain's suite cabin

Captain Suite

09 Jan 2022 - 20 Jan 2022
The largest of all our rooms, the Greg Mortimer's singular Captain's Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you'll need to get in early to secure this suite.
USD$ 28,795pp
USD$ 28,795pp