Antarctica - Elephant Island - Weddell Sea - Polar Circle
Fifteen day trip aboard m/v Plancius Ship, venturing beyond the Polar Circle
Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights
Itinerary: Antarctica - Elephant Island - Weddell Sea - Polar Circle
Departing/Returning: Ushuaia Argentina
Passengers: 108*
Ship name: m/v Plancius
Departures:
9 Mar - 23 Mar, 2026
Dates and Details.
This expansive expedition takes you into the Antarctic Circle, combining the rich animal life of the Weddell Sea with the surreal shores and islands of the Antarctic Peninsula. Such key landing sites as the legendary Elephant Island and Crystal Sound make this voyage truly exceptional.
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: From Point Wild to the Weddell Sea
We will arrive early to the famous Point Wild, Elephant Island, where Shackleton’s crew made their first landing after the loss of their ship, Endurance. This inhospitable spit of land is a favorite among our guests, and if conditions permit, we will offer activities around the point before setting off for the Weddell Sea.
Day 5: Weddell Sea Devil Island
Today you enter the wondrous Weddell Sea, a relatively unvisited area in which we hope to carry out activities in Erebus and Terror Gulf. We may also visit such places such as Beak Island and Devil Island, which boast some stunning scenery as well as the pack ice for which the Weddell Sea is famous.
Day 6: Exploring the most remote regions
As we continue to explore the area of Erebus and Terror Gulf, we look for new opportunities for activities. You may also visit Vega Island, experiencing the wilderness of Antarctica in its most remote places.
Day 7: Orléans Strait whale search
Now we sail down the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula, entering the Orleans Strait. Here we hope to see humpback and orca whales as we sail toward Mikklesen Harbor for our afternoon activities.
Day 8: Port monuments and island wildlife
Passing the Lemaire Channel, you next arrive in the area of Port Charcot, where there is a cairn that was erected by the French Antarctic Expedition of 1903 – 05. In the afternoon, we head to Petermann Island to see a great variety of birdlife. You might also enjoy Zodiac cruises among icebergs that are highly popular with leopard seals and crabeater seals. Minke whales, humpbacks, and gentoo penguins can also be found here.
Day 9 - 10: Detaille Island’s historic station
Today we reach Crystal Sound, viewing the area’s beautiful ice formations and wildlife before landing at Detaille Island. This remote island was once home to a British research station that is now an historic monument.
Day 11: Amazing Argentine islands
Next you arrive at the Yalour Islands, a small archipelago composed mostly of isolated rocks and one principal island that offers us a rewarding landing. Home to Adélie penguins and some of the most southerly gentoos in the world, Yalour also has small patches of bearded and crustose lichen, including xanthoria, buellia, caloplaca, and usnea. Extensive moss beds and some Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia antarctica) can be seen as well.
Day 12: Farewell to Antarctica
We have our farewell to Antarctica in the Melchior Islands for our final activities before heading towards the Drake Passage.
Day 13 – 14: Familiar seas, familiar friendsYour 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 15: There and back againEvery adventure, no matter how great, must eventually come to an end. It’s now time to disembark in Ushuaia, but with memories that will accompany you wherever your next journey leads.
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Shore-Based Walking
Explore the last true wilderness of our planet on foot, and absorb the beauty of the polar regions at your own pace
Saunders Island
One of the largest islands in the Falklands, Saunders Island lies in the northwest of the archipelago and has been farmed since 1948
Carcass Island
Contrary to what its name may suggest, Carcass Island is a lively place for viewing breeding Magellanic and gentoo penguins
Gold Harbour
Thousands of king penguins, hundreds of gentoos, and loads of elephant seals share this awesomely scenic South Georgia bay
Salisbury Plain
Known for its colossal king penguin colony, Salisbury Plain is a longstanding favorite in our South Georgia expeditions
Antarctic Fur Seal
Once hunted nearly into extinction, these pointy-eared polar swimmers are the comeback queens and kings of the Antarctic
Adelie Penguin
These gallant-fighting, deep-diving namesakes of the French-claimed Antarctic Adélie Land are among the four penguin species on mainland Antarctica
King Penguin
Second in size only to the emperor penguin, these colorful divers look so different than their own chicks that they were once thought to be a different species
Magellanic Penguin
These timid feather-shedders are named after the famed Portuguese explorer whose crew spotted them in 1520
Commerson’s Dolphin
Named after the French naturalist who discovered them, these cetaceans are among the smallest to populate the Antarctic seas
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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.
Embark from Ushuaia, Argentina, sailing the Beagle Channel. Encounter diverse seabirds in the westerlies. Enter Antarctica, with possible visits to Paulet Island and Brown Bluff, aiming for the Weddell Sea or heading into the Bransfield Strait. Return via the Drake Passage, concluding in Ushuaia with lasting memories.
Available Add-on Activites
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Kayaking
Basic kayaking experience is of advantage, but it is not a requirement. Physical fitness is essential. Kayaking is subject to weather and prevailing ice conditions.
$780 per person
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Polar Diving
You must be advanced and experienced in dry suit and cold water diving. Diving is subject to local ice and weather conditions. Group size: minimum 8 divers.
$1,075 per person
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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.
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.
$11,200
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.
$13,700
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.
$13,700
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.
$14,300
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.
$15,600
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.
$16,650
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.
