Antarctica Basecamp
A 13-day, activity-led expedition with camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, mountaineering and photography workshops included rather than added later at substantial extra cost.
Why we picked it
We picked Basecamp because it offers one of the clearest activity-led propositions in Antarctica. Instead of choosing a lower headline fare and adding several paid activities, guests can try camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, mountaineering, hiking and photography workshops within the expedition programme.
Oceanwide’s ships are practical expedition platforms rather than floating resorts. The focus is on getting outside, using suitable conditions well and giving active travellers different ways to experience the Peninsula. Capacity and weather still matter: inclusion is not a guarantee that every activity will operate or that every guest can take every option.
Active travellers who want several forms of exploration without building a large extras bill.
A broad activity programme included across five confirmed departures and three expedition ships.
The ships are comfortable but expedition-first, and activity places remain subject to ability, conditions and capacity.
The Expedition Advisory difference
Why book this voyage with us?
Choose your voyage and cabin with confidence. We’ll help with the rest of your journey.
Operator Pricing
You pay the expedition operator’s fare. We check applicable offers and promotions for your voyage. Our advice and booking support cost you nothing extra.
Independent Advice
Compare this voyage with other Antarctic options. We match the ship, season and cabin to your priorities. We search all available itineraries from our partner operators, including voyages not listed on our website.
Field Experience
Our polar guiding experience helps you understand the crossing, time ashore and daily expedition life before you choose.
Beyond the Cruise
Your trip overview brings together recommended flight routes, buffer days, travel and packing tips. You can also book a hotel and transfer package through us.
Personal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
Voyage overview
Sailing from Ushuaia, the voyage allocates two days to each Drake Passage crossing and seven days to the Antarctic Peninsula region. The expedition leader selects landing areas according to ice, weather and the activity programme rather than following a fixed port schedule.
Oceanwide describes these ships as basecamps because the vessel supports multiple outdoor disciplines. On a suitable day, one group might paddle beneath glaciers while another snowshoes to a viewpoint or joins a mountaineering outing. Standard landings and cruising in small boats remain central; the activities expand the experience rather than replace it.
Day-by-day plan
Embark in Ushuaia
Board in the afternoon and sail through the Beagle Channel. The safety briefing introduces the ship and emergency procedures, while the expedition team begins explaining how the activity programme will work. We recommend reaching Ushuaia at least one day early and can advise on flights, hotels and transfers needed to reach the ship.
Drake Passage southbound
The crossing is used for lectures, wildlife watching and preparation. Guests attend the mandatory IAATO briefing, learn the rules protecting wildlife and landing sites, and complete detailed biosecurity checks. The team also introduces clothing, boarding procedures and the different activity requirements.
Albatrosses and petrels often use the wind around the ship. Conditions can range from calm to energetic, and the first sight of ice normally marks the approach to the Antarctic environment.
Seven days around the Antarctic Peninsula
The exact locations depend on the ship, departure and conditions. Possible areas include bays and islands along the western Peninsula where the team can combine landings, cruising, hikes and specialist activities. Penguin colonies, seals, whales, glaciated mountains and sculpted ice are all possibilities rather than guarantees.
Activity days begin with careful assessment of wind, visibility, snow and sea state. Kayaking requires suitable water; mountaineering and snowshoeing require safe terrain; camping requires a stable weather window. Some activities are physically demanding and places are limited, so guests should discuss priorities and ability honestly before booking.
Basecamp voyages typically spend more time preparing and equipping specialist groups than a standard landing-only itinerary. The benefit is depth and variety. Oceanwide’s experienced teams can change the plan quickly when a weather window creates an opportunity, and seven expedition days give the programme useful room to breathe.
Drake Passage northbound
Return towards Tierra del Fuego with final lectures, photography review and time to reflect on the expedition. These sea days also allow the team to bring together the different experiences seen across the activity groups.
Disembark in Ushuaia
Arrive in the morning and disembark after breakfast. Avoid a tight onward flight; we will help you choose a sensible connection or post-voyage stay.
Included does not mean automatic
Activities depend on weather, ice, ability and available places. We establish which options matter most to you, verify the rules for the chosen sailing and make sure the overall voyage still works even if Antarctica prevents one particular activity.
Departures and availability
| Departure | Ship | Shared cabin | Twin cabin | Talk to us |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 Nov–5 Dec 2026 | Hondius | Quad | Twin porthole | Enquire about this voyage |
| 18 Feb–2 Mar 2027 | Plancius | Quad | Twin porthole | Enquire about this voyage |
| 25 Nov–7 Dec 2027 | Hondius | Quad | Twin porthole | Enquire about this voyage |
| 7–19 Dec 2027 | Hondius | Quad | Twin porthole | Enquire about this voyage |
| 24 Jan–5 Feb 2028 | Ortelius | Quad | Twin porthole | Enquire about this voyage |
Operator fares and availability reviewed 29 August 2026. Shared prices may require matching with other guests; sole-use pricing is generally 1.7 times the shared rate for the full cabin. We will confirm current inventory, the appropriate cabin and all booking terms before recommending a departure.
Hondius
170 guests · purpose-built Polar Class 6 expedition ship with an efficient activity-led layout.
Plancius
108 guests · a practical, established expedition platform with fewer guests and a traditional polar-ship feel.
Ortelius
108 guests · a robust ice-strengthened ship used for remote and activity-focused programmes.
Included activities
Kayaking
A guided outing for suitable guests when sea and wind conditions allow.
Camping
One night ashore in expedition camping equipment, subject to weather and capacity.
Mountaineering
Roped glacier travel led by qualified guides, requiring suitable fitness and conditions.
Snowshoeing and hiking
Routes chosen for the terrain, snow and ability of each group.
Photography workshop
Practical guidance designed around the light, wildlife and landscape encountered.
Landings and cruising
The core expedition programme continues alongside the specialist activities.
Let’s find your expedition
Tell us your wishes, dates and questions. We’ll help you choose with confidence.
Personal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
