Akademik ioffe off the beaten track adventure antarctica cruise

Antarctica - Off the Beaten Track

  • Overview

    ENJOY THE ULTIMATE ANTARCTIC ADVENTURE! Early season is a time of intense activitiy in Antarctica. The wildlife migrations have commenced and the sea ice is quickly receding, allowing access to locations which have been ice-choked since winter. We anticipate exciting ice navigation on the ship and will be among the first to visit many of the well known sites this season. For all these reasons, it's one of our favourite times of the year to visit Antarctica. What makes this journey so special is the enhanced program of off-ship activities offered on this departure. Taking advantage of optimal snow and ice conditions in November, we offer a range of additional activities which complement our regular programming. For those with some technical ability and experience, we offer back-country ski touring. Snow-shoeing is another exciting option. If you have some experience sea kayaking, why not enjoy this unique activity? Accompanied by a small group of paddlers, your expert guides will allow you to experience Antarctica in a very different way. Camping is yet another great activity. All this is complemented with a fascinating series of onboard presentations, led by adventurers, marine biologists, naturalists, glaciologists, historians and our onboard photographer. This voyage has been designed for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure lovers. Yet it has great appeal to those who wish to experience Antarctica at a magical time of season. Several additional days of exploration in Antarctica compared to the 10-night voyages is an added bonus.

    Duration: 13 days
    Passengers: 96 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; Embarkation Day

      We board the ship this afternoon in Ushuaia. Excitement is in the air as we cast off. Next stop, Antarctica, and the adventure of a lifetime!

      This voyage has been designed for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure lovers. It also has great appeal to those who wish to experience Antarctica in springtime. The added bonus is you will enjoy several additional days of exploration compared to the 10-night voyages.

    • Day 2/3 - Drake Passage

      The great pelagic seabirds are constant companions as we cross the Drake Passage. Photographing these magnificent birds from the deck of the ship takes patience and skill and our photography expert will show you the best techniques. Throughout the day our onboard experts educate us with a series of informative and entertaining presentations.

    • Day 4/5 - South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

      We awaken today and the magnificent snowy peaks of the South Shetland Islands are laid out before us. Depending on ice and weather conditions, we plan on entering the McFarlane Strait, which separates Greenwich and Livingstone Islands. Half Moon Island or nearby Yankee Habour are possible landing sites. A short way to the south-west lies Deception Island – a flooded volcanic caldera. Navigating the ship into the narrow passage takes great skill. The old whaling station here begs exploration and there are some fantastic hikes available along the black sand beach to investigate the old aircraft hangar and other relics. A hike of several kilometers up to a high point known as Neptune's Window is another option.

      Overnight we cross the Bransfield Strait and are now along the coastline of continental Antarctica. Over the next four days, our itinerary is deliberately flexible to account for early season ice conditions, and to take advantage of optimal snow conditions at several of our favourite landing sites. Our planned exploration starts in vicinity of Mikkelson Harbour and neighbouring Cierva Cove – both beautiful locations and the perfect introduction to Antarctica.

    • Day 6/9 - Gerlache Strait, Antarctica

      Heading south along the coastline of the continent, our busy program of activities will now be in full swing. Our days are spent exploring on and off the ship. Popular activities include guided hikes on shore and visits to wildlife colonies with our expert naturalist guides, while the historic huts and science stations provide a fascinating glimpse into the past and the present. Zodiac cruising among the ice is always a memorable activity.

      Based on site characteristics, the ski touring group may set off to explore the pristine terrain and range several kilometers inland with our experienced mountaineering guides. What a unique thrill it is to carve ‘fresh tracks’ in the virgin snow of Antarctica. The expedition snowshoe group may follow in the tracks of the skiers, climbing to high points which afford breathtaking views. If you are not up to the more strenuous snowshoeing program, you will be able to try this unique activity at many of our landing sites.

      Our expedition sea kayakers will head out on excursions which may last all day. An overnight kayak/camping excursion is available to the more adventurous in the group. Everyone aboard will have an opportunity to camp onshore for the night in Antarctica if the weather conditions co-operate. We have all the gear to keep you warm, dry and as comfortable as possible. Photography enthusiasts will enjoy the chance to spend an entire day with our expedition photographer, on an all-day field workshop.

      We range as far south as ice conditions permit and hope to navigate as far as Neko Harbour and into the Errera Channel. Witnessing the migration of the penguins early in the season, as they busily re-establish their rookeries and prepare nests is a fascinating experience.

    • Day 10 - South Shetland Islands

      The adventure is not over and we plan an additional day of exploration in the South Shetlands. Prevailing weather conditions will dictate our landing locations. Aitcho Island is a possibility and is a great spot for a hike or a Zodiac cruise. There are several other landing sites in the South Shetland's
      including Half Moon Island, or the broad pebbly beach at Yankee Harbour, where we sometimes encounter Weddell seals sunning themselves. This is another great spot for a hike. Hannah Point, with it's elephant seal colony and nesting Antarctic petrels - could also feature. In the evening, we
      navigate north and into the Drake Passage, charting a course for South America.

    • Day 11/12 - Drake Passage

      As we make our way back to Ushuaia we enjoy an entertaining and memorable voyage recap by our Expedition Leader. If weather conditions allow, we hope to make a rounding of Cape Horn. Approaching the entrance to the Beagle Channel we enjoy a special dinner attended by the Captain of the ship.

    • Day 13 - Ushuaia; Disembarkation

      In the early morning, we arrive into Ushuaia. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home. *Note: on a 20-day voyage, you will spend an additional day along South Georgia.

    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

    Kayaking

    Gear up with the best kayaking gear in the industry, to experience one of the best paddling in the world for intimate experiences.

    USD$ 795 per person

    Camping

    All gear is provided for you to spend a night sleeping on the ice

    Included

    Photography

    Photographer in residence provides presentations, critiques, informal instruction and assists on Zodiacs and shore landing to help you get the best shots!

    Included

    Ski Antarctica

    With two highly experienced guides and a small group of 6, you'll explore the backcountry in the high alpine of Antarctica.

    Included

    Snowshoeing

    With all the high quality essentials provided, you will enjoy an amazing night under Antarctic stars.

    Included

    The great Antarctic Safari

    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.

    An iceberg in your Whiskey

    Don’t miss your chance for a whiskey or water refreshed by millenary Antarctic ice. While luxury bars in the world’s top cities can double the menu price for adding glacier ice on your whiskey, here it’s quite at hand.

    Adventure Plus

    With a focus on adventure this voyage, is perfect for those looking for a little more excitement and adventure!

  • Inclusions

    Expedition Gear Package

    A complementary expedition package is provided on a loan basis, upon boarding. Your package will include;

    - Windproof / waterproof expedition jacket and bib pants
    - Waterproof backpack
    - Comfortable insulated rubber boots
    - Water resistant binoculars
    - Trekking poles

    Photographer & Digital Media Lab

    On board photographer will provide polar photography advice and assist in the multimedia room where you can download images to Lightroom, Adobe, Photoshop and card readers are available for use on MAC and PC computers

    Polar Camping

    Overnight Camping including high quality equipment is provide free of charge. Camping can be affected by itinerary and weather conditions.

    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Extensive pre-departure information package
    - All onboard educational presentations
    - Photography advice from experienced professionals
    - Zodiac and shore excursions
    - Hiking & guided walks
    - Fitness & Yoga
    - All meals onboard
    - Hot beverages

    Not included in your Expedition

  • Map
    Screen shot 2017 07 04 at 5.30.27 pm
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    AKADEMIK IOFFE

    Akademik Ioffe is a purpose built oceanographic vessel featuring complex internal stabilizers and powerful engines. She accommodates just 96 guests. Combined with multi pitch propulsion and bow and stern thrusters she offers exceptional maneuverability. Expansive observation decks featuring 360 degree views make her the perfect platform for operation in Antarctica and the High Arctic. A separate lounge and bar, as well as a library provide ideal places to sit and relax or catch up on some reading. A selection of movies and documentaries can also be watched in the lounge. The sumptuous meals prepared for you by our culinary team are enjoyed in our dining room, which can host all passengers in a single seating and will keep you feeling healthy and strong for the myriad of activities offered throughout the voyage. Other facilities include the theatre style presentation room, gift-shop, fitness room, massage room, hot water spa, sauna and plunge pool. There’s also a dedicated expedition ‘mud-room’ where you prepare for your off-ship excursions.

    Features & Facilities
    • Superior accommodation
    • 360 degree observation decks
    • Lounge & Bar
    • Theatre style presentation room
    • Wellness Centre; Gym
    • Massage services
    • Hot water spa
    • Sauna
    • Plunge Pool
    • Expedition mud room
    • Digital photography lab
    • Internet/Wifi
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 3
    Guests #: 96
    Crew #: 65
    Ice Class: 1A
    Speed: 14
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 1989
    Length: 117m
    Width: 18
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 6230
    Registry: Russia
    Elec Outlets: 220V / 2 Round Pin
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
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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.
akademik ioffe triple cabin

Triple

07 Nov 2018 - 19 Nov 2018
Triple berth cabin with shared facilities.
USD$ 8,895pp
USD$ 7,895pp
akademik ioffe twin semi private cabin

Twin Semi-Private

07 Nov 2018 - 19 Nov 2018
Twin cabin with semi-private facilities.
USD$ 11,195pp
USD$ 10,195pp
akademik ioffe twin private cabin

Twin Private

07 Nov 2018 - 19 Nov 2018
Twin cabin with private facilities and window.
USD$ 12,295pp
USD$ 11,295pp
akademik ioffe twin superior cabin

Superior Twin

07 Nov 2018 - 19 Nov 2018
Twin Superior cabin with private facilities and windows.
USD$ 13,095pp
USD$ 12,095pp
akademik ioffe shackleton suite cabin

Shackleton Suite

07 Nov 2018 - 19 Nov 2018
Double Suite cabin with private facilities and window.
USD$ 14,895pp
USD$ 13,895pp
akademik ioffe one ocean suite cabin

One Ocean Suite

07 Nov 2018 - 19 Nov 2018
Suite with double bed, private facilities and a host of luxuries.
USD$ 16,695pp
USD$ 15,695pp