Antarctica: Discovery and Learning + Long Hikes
An 11-day Antarctic Peninsula expedition aboard the 108-guest Plancius, combining Oceanwide’s practical small-ship style with optional three-to-four-hour hikes on selected landing days. Departure: 29 December 2026–8 January 2027.
Active Antarctica on a genuinely small expedition ship
Plancius is a strong fit for travellers who want an active Peninsula expedition, capable guides and only 108 guests without paying for resort-style facilities.
Active travellers who prioritise landings, wildlife, lectures and longer walks over luxury facilities.
The 108-guest capacity and three-to-four-hour hiking option create a more active, shore-focused experience.
She is comfortable but traditional. Cabins and public rooms are functional rather than premium or contemporary.
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
Active Antarctica on a small expedition ship
This compact Peninsula itinerary combines Oceanwide’s practical expedition style with optional three-to-four-hour walks on selected landing days. Guests who prefer not to join a long hike can take the alternative landing programme.
Four flexible expedition days
After crossing the Drake Passage, Plancius explores the western Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Ice, weather and wildlife determine the actual landing sites.
Active travellers who want a 108-guest ship and more time walking ashore.
Selected walks may last three to four hours over uneven, rocky and snowy terrain with elevation changes.
This departure does not list kayaking. Oceanwide’s following Basecamp departure includes an introductory paddle but is currently waitlisted.
Day-by-day expedition plan
The locations below are possibilities rather than fixed ports.
Embark in Ushuaia
Board Plancius in the afternoon, meet the expedition team and sail through the Beagle Channel.
Drake Passage
Lectures, wildlife watching and biosecurity preparation fill the southbound crossing. Albatrosses and petrels often follow the ship towards the Antarctic Convergence.
Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands
Four expedition days allow the team to combine shore landings, Zodiac cruises and longer walks. Possible areas include the Melchior Islands, Schollaert Channel, Danco Island, Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay, Port Lockroy and Deception Island.
Return across the Drake
Review photographs, attend final lectures and keep watch for whales and seabirds before entering the Beagle Channel.
Disembark in Ushuaia
Disembark after breakfast. A scheduled group transfer directly to Ushuaia airport is included.
Plancius: small, capable and expedition-led
Originally built as an oceanographic research vessel, Plancius has an ice-strengthened hull, broad exterior decks and a fleet of Zodiacs. Her 108-guest capacity is the real advantage on this itinerary.
Hear directly from recent guests
This recent Oceanwide film gives a concise sense of the expedition atmosphere, guiding style and what guests value most about exploring Antarctica with the operator.
29 December 2026–8 January 2027
Oceanwide currently shows promotional fares in two private cabin categories. Other categories are waitlisted.
| Cabin | Status |
|---|---|
| Quad Porthole | Waitlist |
| Triple Porthole | Waitlist |
| Twin Porthole | Waitlist |
| Twin Window | Showing available |
| Twin Deluxe | Waitlist |
| Superior | Showing available |
Ask us to confirm current cabin availability, pricing and booking terms for your preferred departure. There is no obligation to book.
Why the Twin Window stands out
The Twin Window offers a private cabin on a 108-guest ship during the holiday period. This sailing focuses on longer hikes and does not list kayaking.
Enquire about this voyagePersonal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
Included in the voyage fare
- All meals, snacks, tea and coffee aboard
- All scheduled Zodiac cruises and shore landings
- Expedition team lectures and guiding
- Loan neoprene expedition boots and snowshoes
- Luggage transfer from the Ushuaia pick-up point to the ship on embarkation day; pre-scheduled group transfer from the ship to Ushuaia airport directly after disembarkation
- Wi-Fi allowance of 1.5 GB per guest per day, resetting every 24 hours
Normally additional
- International and domestic flights
- Hotels before and after the voyage
- Travel insurance
- Bar drinks, laundry, gratuities and personal purchases
- Personal expedition clothing; bring a suitable waterproof outer jacket
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