Bellingshausen Sea & Peter I Island | Ortelius | iExpedition

Bellingshausen Sea / Peter I Island + Ellsworth Land - incl. helicopters

  • Overview

    This adventurous expedition offers a unique opportunity to discover very rarely visited places, deep South along the coast of Antarctica to the Bellingshausen Sea, along the coast of Ellsworth Land and even to Peter I Island.

    Duration: 25 days
    Passengers: 116 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Disembarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 1.7x - 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • 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 4/6 - Antarctic Peninsula

      Following in the footsteps of the famous Belgian explorer Adrien de Gerlache, we hope to land at Auguste Island, which was also the first landing site of the expedition team aboard Belgica during their 1898 expedition.

      Another possible landing is Hydrurga Rocks, a small group of islets located east of the much larger Two Hummock Island. Hydrurga Rocks offers a chance to spot Adélie and chinstrap penguins, as well as Weddell seals, leopard seals, and southern elephant seals. Occasionally, humpback whales and Antarctic minke whales may also be seen in the surrounding waters.

      As we continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, heading south, we may visit some of the following locations:

      Charlotte Bay – where we hope to make our first continental landing at Portal Point.

      Cuverville Island – A small, precipitous island nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Rongé Island, Cuverville is home to a large colony of gentoo penguins and breeding pairs of brown skuas.

      Danco Island – Activities here may focus on the gentoo penguins nesting on the island, along with the Weddell and crabeater seals that can be found nearby.

    • Day 7 - Flandres Bay and Renard Island

      We arrive at Flandres Bay, where we hope to land at Renard Island. Renard Island is a steep and rugged island, named after Alphonse Renard, one of the major scientific backers of Adrien de Gerlache’s expedition. It was noted as the final landing site of the expedition vessel Belgica along the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula.

    • Day 8/11 - Crossing the Antarctic Circle

      Crossing the Antarctic Circle, we arrive in the stunning area of Crystal Sound, where we hope to see a range of Antarctic wildlife and witness the sheer scale of the Antarctic landscape, with its vast expanses of ice and towering mountains. If conditions allow, we will land on Detaille Island, a listed historic monument and former research station. The station remains as it was left, offering a rare glimpse into the early days of scientific research in Antarctica, set against breathtaking scenery.

      Pourquoi-Pas Island / Horseshoe Island

      A visit to one or both of these islands further deepens our appreciation of the pioneering expeditions of the past. Pourquoi-Pas Island, named by the famous explorer and scientist Jean-Baptiste Charcot, is often home to penguins and seals. It offers a hike ashore and the opportunity to see glaciers that shape the island’s topography.

      Horseshoe Island is also home to an abandoned research base, where the "Mary Celeste"-like buildings provide an insight into a bygone era of scientific exploration. This was a site of pioneering research and long-distance expeditions using dog teams, and the remains of the kennels can still be seen. This island is a favorite among our staff and guests, offering breathtaking views of the vast landscapes and harsh conditions that once served as home for researchers. The landscape of Horseshoe Island never disappoints.

      Stonington Island

      A site of significant research activity from the 1930s to the 1970s, Stonington Island was home to both American and British research bases. It features a range of historic buildings and artifacts, telling the story of Antarctic exploration. Once connected to the Antarctic mainland by snow and ice, this sobering site now stands as a powerful reminder of Antarctica’s remoteness and its delicate balance between human history and untamed wilderness. The wildlife, vast natural beauty, and man-made structures combine to make this an unforgettable place, sure to leave a lasting impression.

      Red Rock Ridge

      A landing site on the Antarctic mainland, Red Rock Ridge is visible from some distance, with its striking red-hued rocks standing out against the icy backdrop. If conditions are favorable, we will attempt a landing here. Adélie penguins have a breeding colony in the area, and we also hope to see seals and Antarctic shags, which nest nearby.

    • Day 12/14 - Continuing southward through Marguerite Bay

      As the ship heads farther south, we will keep a keen watch for the giants of the sea, as well as some lesser-seen wildlife, such as the elusive Ross seal. We are now entering a region of true exploration, where few have ventured before.

    • Day 15/18 - Entering the Bellingshausen Sea

      We hope to enter the Ronne Entrance, an area first recorded during the aerial flights of Lincoln Ellsworth and later charted by the British Graham Land Expedition. This remote region is rarely visited, and we will aim to land in one of the world’s most isolated places, using either Zodiacs or helicopters. As ice and weather conditions can vary significantly, our Expedition Leader will determine the best options for activities in this area.

      Along Ellsworth Land, we will attempt to find a suitable landing site, either by Zodiac or helicopter. As always, this depends on weather conditions and will be decided by the Expedition Leader.

    • Day 19/20 - A rare glimpse of Peter I Island

      Known as Peter I Øy in Norwegian, this uninhabited volcanic island lies in the Bellingshausen Sea. It was discovered by Fabian von Bellingshausen in 1821 and named after Peter the Great of Russia. Though the island is claimed by Norway as its own territory, it is rarely visited by passenger vessels due to its remote and exposed nature.

      Landing here is challenging, but if weather and ice conditions permit, you may have the extraordinary opportunity to land via helicopter on the glaciated northern part of the island. This is a truly unique chance to set foot on one of the most remote islands in the world.

    • Day 21/24 - Northward bound: From Peter I Island across the Drake Passage

      After our unforgettable time exploring the remote and rarely visited Peter I Island, we set our course northward, leaving Antarctica behind as we sail across the Bellingshausen Sea and into the vast Southern Ocean.

      As the ship pushes through the Antarctic waters, our onboard experts will continue to host engaging lectures, covering topics such as the history of Antarctic exploration and marine ecosystems on this delicate environment.

      Wildlife remains a constant companion as we sail. Keep an eye out for wandering albatrosses gliding effortlessly above the waves, storm petrels skimming the water’s surface, and occasional sightings of whales—including humpbacks and possibly even blue whales—feasting in these nutrient-rich waters.

      The vast Drake Passage stretches before us, marking our final stretch before reaching South America.

      Over the following 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.

      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 25 - Ushuaia: Disembarkation day

      Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. It’s now time to disembark in Ushuaia, reputed to be the southernmost town in the world, and return home with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.

    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
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia
    - All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme
    - Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation)
    - Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes
    - Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff
    - All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac
    - All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea
    - Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
    - During voyages Weddell Sea voyages: ship-to-shore helicopter transfers (with no specific amount of helicopter time guaranteed) are free of charge.
    - Comprehensive pre-departure material

    Not included in your Expedition

    - The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided)
    - Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges
    - Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended)
    - Pre- and post- land arrangements
    - Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
    - Passport and visa expenses
    - Government arrival and departure taxes
    - Meals ashore
  • Map
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  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    ORTELIUS

    “Ortelius” was built in Gdynia, Poland in 1989, was named “Marina Svetaeva”, and served as a special purpose vessel for the Russian Academy of Science. The vessel is re-flagged and renamed “Ortelius”. “Ortelius” is classed by Lloyd’s Register in London and flies the Cyprus flag. The vessel has the highest ice-class notation (UL1 equivalent to 1A) and is therefore very suitable to navigate in solid one-year sea ice and loose multi-year pack ice. “Ortelius” is a great expedition vessel for 116 passengers with lots of open-deck spaces. The vessel is manned by 22 highly experienced international nautical crew, 19 international hotel crew, 8 expedition staff (1 expedition leader, 1 assistant expedition leader and 6 guides/lecturers), and 1 doctor. Ortelius offers a comfortable hotel standard, with a u-shaped, a bar and a lecture room. Our voyages are primarily developed to offer our passengers a quality exploratory wildlife program, trying to spend as much time ashore as possible. As the number of passengers is limited to approximately 116 on the “Ortelius”, flexibility assures maximum wildlife opportunities. “Ortelius” carries 10 zodiacs. The zodiac engines are 60hp Yamaha.

    Features & Facilities
    • Comfotable hotel standard
    • Bar
    • Lecture Room
    • Spacious Observation Decks
    • Open Bridge
    • Helipad
    • Small gym
    • Internet/Wifi
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 3
    Guests #: 116
    Crew #: 52
    Ice Class: 1A
    Speed: 12
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built:
    Length: 91m
    Width: 17
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 4575
    Registry: Cyprus
    Elec Outlets: 220V / 2 Round Pin
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  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.
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Quadruple Porthole

14 Jan 2027 - 07 Feb 2027
- 2 portholes - 2 upper / lower berths - Private shower & toilet - Desk & chair - Flatscreen TV - Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) - Hair dryer - Safe deposit box - Ample storage space
USD$ 24,500pp
USD$ 24,500pp
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Twin Porthole

14 Jan 2027 - 07 Feb 2027
- 2 portholes - 2 lower berths - Private shower & toilet - Desk & chair - Flatscreen TV - Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) - Hair dryer - Safe deposit box - Ample storage space
USD$ 30,500pp
USD$ 30,500pp
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Twin Window

14 Jan 2027 - 07 Feb 2027
- 2 windows - 2 lower berths - Private shower & toilet - Desk & chair - Flatscreen TV - Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) - Hair dryer - Safe deposit box - Ample storage space
USD$ 32,000pp
USD$ 32,000pp
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Twin Deluxe

14 Jan 2027 - 07 Feb 2027
- 3 windows - 2 lower berths - Private shower & toilet - Desk & chair - Small sofa - Refrigerator - Coffee & tea maker - Flatscreen TV - Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) - Hair dryer - Safe deposit box - Ample storage space
USD$ 34,850pp
USD$ 34,850pp
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Superior

14 Jan 2027 - 07 Feb 2027
- 2 windows (minimum) - 1 double bed - 1 single (sofa) bed - Private shower & toilet - Desk & chair - Refrigerator - Coffee & tea maker - Flatscreen TV - Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) - Hair dryer - Safe deposit box - Ample storage space
USD$ 36,050pp
USD$ 36,050pp