Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina
Arrive in Ushuaia and prepare for your Antarctic expedition from the gateway to Tierra del Fuego.
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ANTARCTICA · WEDDELL SEA · ACTIVE EXPEDITION
The Weddell Sea Adventure Expedition
Explore the remote Weddell Sea through an active expedition combining Zodiac cruises, kayaking, hiking, polar camping and wildlife encounters.
LETZPLAN OFFBEAT · ANTARCTICADuration13 Days / 12 Nights
Start / EndUshuaia, Argentina
Best WindowDecember – February
Journey StyleActive Polar Expedition
THE EXPERIENCE
Go deeper into Antarctica’s frozen wilderness.
This active Antarctic expedition ventures deep into the remote Weddell Sea, one of the continent’s most ice-filled and wildlife-rich regions. The journey combines expedition cruising with hands-on activities including kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, mountaineering and the opportunity to camp overnight on the Antarctic ice. Flexible routing allows the expedition team to respond to ice and weather conditions while making the most of safe opportunities for wildlife encounters and exploration.
Weddell Sea exploration
Explore the remote and wildlife-rich waters of the Weddell Sea, where sea ice, tabular icebergs, seals and penguin colonies create an extraordinary polar environment.
Active polar adventures
Take part in included kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, mountaineering and polar camping, subject to conditions and expedition operations.
Extended Antarctic exploration
Spend up to seven days exploring Antarctica’s dramatic landscapes with expert expedition guides and flexible routing based on ice and weather.
HIGHLIGHTS
Five defining moments of the Weddell Sea expedition.
Weddell Sea Exploration
Explore the remote Weddell Sea, known for its immense sea ice, towering tabular icebergs and wildlife-rich polar waters.
Active Polar Adventures
Experience kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, mountaineering and the opportunity to camp overnight on the Antarctic ice.
Extended Antarctic Exploration
Spend extended time discovering dramatic Antarctic landscapes, ice-filled channels and remote wildlife habitats.
Zodiac Cruises in Polar Wilderness
Cruise through iceberg-filled channels and pristine polar wilderness by Zodiac, with landings shaped by conditions.
Expert-led Immersive Experiences
Travel with expert expedition guides who lead wildlife encounters, outdoor activities and immersive exploration.
BEST TIME TO TRAVELDecember – February
Late December to February offers the preferred operating window for Weddell Sea exploration and active polar activities.
IDEAL TIME TO VISIT
Plan around the Antarctic summer.
December to February offers longer daylight, strong wildlife activity and improved access to remote Antarctic regions, while ice and weather continue to shape the exact route and activities.
- Long daylight hours for active exploration
- Wildlife-rich Weddell Sea environments
- Opportunities for kayaking, hiking and polar camping
- Flexible routing around sea ice and weather
ITINERARY
Thirteen days from Ushuaia into the remote Weddell Sea.
The following is the planned journey framework. Exact landings, routing and activity order can change with weather, sea ice, wildlife, vessel operations and safety conditions.
Crossing the Drake Passage
Sail across the Drake Passage while attending expedition briefings, spotting seabirds and whales, and preparing for the adventure ahead.
Exploring the Weddell Sea
Enter the Weddell Sea region and explore by Zodiac and on foot. Encounter towering tabular icebergs, seals and penguin colonies, while taking part in kayaking, hiking, photography and other active excursions. Subject to conditions, there may also be an opportunity to camp overnight on the Antarctic ice.
Return Voyage
Begin the journey back toward South America, continuing wildlife spotting and reflecting on your expedition experiences.
Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina
Arrive back in Ushuaia and disembark, marking the end of your Antarctic adventure.
THE POLAR LANDSCAPE
A journey shaped by ice, wildlife and active exploration.
A selection of imagery from the experience source material, presented within LetzPlan’s Offbeat visual language.
WHERE TO STAY
M/V Ortelius
The expedition voyage is operated aboard a purpose-built polar expedition vessel designed for immersive wildlife exploration and guided landings.
M/V Ortelius
Antarctica · Expedition Ship
A purpose-built polar expedition vessel supporting Zodiac excursions, guided landings and exploration in polar waters.
Cabin category, vessel arrangements and activity availability are subject to expedition operations and will be confirmed during enquiry.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
Built around nature, weather and wildlife.
Antarctica is a remote operating environment. The route, landing locations, activity order and wildlife-viewing opportunities can change because of weather, sea ice, wildlife behaviour, vessel operations and other safety considerations.
Operational flexibility
The itinerary is a framework rather than a guarantee of exact timings or landings. Expedition leadership may adjust the route to make the most of safe operating windows.
Wildlife encounters
Wildlife encounters and active excursions depend on local conditions. Kayaking, camping, hiking, snowshoeing and mountaineering are subject to safety assessment, weather, sea ice and expedition operations.
START PLANNING
Ready to explore the Weddell Sea differently?
Tell us your preferred travel window, number of travellers and the activities that interest you most. We’ll help you understand current Weddell Sea expedition options and availability.