ANTARCTICA
Antarctica - Weddell Sea Explorer Basecamp
A true expedition with the most complete activity program in the Weddell Sea
Expedition dates: 17 – 29 March, 2026
Duration: 12 nights / 13 days
Ship: Ortelius
Embark / disembark: Ushuaia – Ushuaia
Rates per person:
25% OFF · Black Friday Offer (valid until Dec 2, 2025)
- Quadruple cabin: 8.800€ 6.600€
- Triple cabin: Sold out
- Twin porthole: 10.850€ 8.137€
- Twin window: 11.450€ 8.587€
- Twin deluxe: Sold out
- Superior cabin: 22.270€ 16.702€
An expedition for the real adventurers.
The Weddell Sea Explorer Basecamp voyage offers you a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy the wildlife-rich Weddell Sea. During this expedition in one of the most remote regions of the world, we will do all kinds of activities such as kayaking and a photography workshop.
Given the location and time of year, all these activities depend on weather, ice and wildlife conditions. If some activities prove impossible, they will be replaced by other activities and landings.
-
Our voyage begins in Ushuaia, Argentina — often described as the southernmost city in the world. In the afternoon we board the ship and start sailing through the Beagle Channel, surrounded by steep mountains and the first signs of the Southern Ocean.
-
During the two-day crossing we experience the same waters sailed by early polar explorers. As we move south, we pass the Antarctic Convergence, where colder Antarctic waters meet the warmer sub-Antarctic sea. Wildlife changes quickly here: wandering, grey-headed, black-browed, and light-mantled albatrosses may follow the ship, along with cape petrels, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels. Fin whales are also possible.
-
The Weddell Sea is known for its massive tabular icebergs, remote landscapes, and exceptional opportunities for wildlife encounters. Conditions dictate our exact route, but we may visit the following areas:
Antarctic Sound – Known as “Iceberg Alley” for the huge tabular icebergs drifting through the channel.
Brown Bluff – One of the most scenic sites in the northern Antarctic Peninsula, with volcanic formations, canyon walls, and large boulders.
Herbert Sound – We explore visually striking areas such as the Naze Peninsula and Comb Ridge.
Devil Island – Offers a panoramic viewpoint for those who hike to the summit. Meltwater streams sometimes spill as temporary waterfalls near Cape Well-met.
Erebus and Terror Gulf – A remote area where we look for new landing opportunities and may visit Vega Island.
Throughout these days, landings, Zodiac cruises, and Basecamp activities are planned according to weather and sea ice.
-
As we cross the Drake Passage again, the seabirds that accompanied us on the southbound journey return: albatrosses, petrels, and fulmars are constant companions. Conditions often allow for more photography from deck.
-
We arrive in Ushuaia and disembark in the morning. The expedition ends, but the images—and the experience—stay with you long after the trip is over.
What makes this trip different…
The Weddell Sea is one of Antarctica’s wildest corners: huge tabular icebergs, remote landing sites, and a real sense of being far from everything.
This itinerary is designed to maximize time off the ship and in the field, with multiple daily landings and Zodiac cruises whenever conditions allow.
Basecamp activities
All Basecamp activities are included and free of charge, and run whenever conditions are safe and realistic. If something can’t be done, it’s replaced by another landing or activity.
Kayaking – quiet, low-angle wildlife and iceberg work.
Hiking / snowshoeing – short to demanding walks depending on sites.
Mountaineering – for those who want higher viewpoints and a physical day.
Antarctic camping – sleeping on shore under polar skies.
Snorkeling – directly from Zodiacs, when water and ice allow.
Photo workshop – onboard guidance to get the most from your gear and encounters.
Photography focus
This is a trip for photographers who want variety: wide landscapes, graphic ice, intimate wildlife moments, and action from sea-level. We plan each day around conditions, light, wind, wildlife movement, to help you come back with a coherent Antarctica portfolio, not a random collection of sightings.
What’s included
Professional bird photography guiding
Voyage aboard the Ortelius vessel
All meals onboard
All Zodiac landings and shore excursions
Lectures by naturalists and expedition staff
Rubber boots and snowshoes
Group transfer luggage–ship on embarkation day and ship–airport on disembarkation day
All Basecamp activities listed above
What’s not included
International or domestic flights
Pre/post-trip accommodation in Ushuaia
Travel and cancellation insurance
Personal expenses and tips
Alcoholic drinks
Anything not specified
Interested in this expedition?
We handle the booking and help you choose the best cabin option for you.
You can fill in the form, or simply write to us at warblertours@gmail.com to plan your trip.
