Cruise trip to ANTARCTICA with WWF GUIDE

FLEXIBLE CANCELLATION.

Stress-free booking: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure!

Departure on 3 November 2022
10 days 10 nights

Antarctica
Worldwide

Travellers of all ages are welcome!

This experience is almost confirmed

2 travelers have booked

4 spots available

This is a holiday dedicated to

Brief description of the holiday

In the kingdom of ice

Naturalistic itinerary guided by a biologist in one of the most spectacular places on the planet: Antarctica.
On a small expedition ship, sailing from Ushuaia through the scenic Beagle Channel and the legendary waters of the Drake Passage.
A cruise in the legend, in the most remote and fascinating frozen continent : penguins, cetaceans, seals and the most extreme avifauna on the planet. The once in a lifetime trip.

Highlights

Penguins of different species, literally by the thousands
Minke whales Antarctic, common, boreal, humpback whales ...
The magnificent dolphins, "unusual" dolphins , killer whales and other cetaceans
The Leopard Seal , the Southern Elephant Seal and other pinnipeds
Albatrosses , Antarctic cormorants and magnificent birdlife
Icebergs, glaciers and snow-capped peaks in a timeless landscape
Ushuaia and the Tierra del Fuego

PROGRAM

Day 1
Arrival in Ushuaia and accommodation in the hotel.
Exploration of the surroundings of the city, with the possibility of observing the magnificent Condor of the Andes, the largest flying bird on the planet. Dinner and overnight stay

Day 2
Possible excursion to the Tierra del Fuego National Park, consisting of sparse forests of Nothofagus and habitat of interesting species, such as the southern parakeet and the black-necked swan. In the afternoon, board the expedition ship MV Ushuaia and start the cruise. Sail along the Beagle Channel to Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost city in the world. Explore the surroundings before setting sail for Antarctica.

Day 3 and 4
Sail to Antarctica via the famous passage named in honor of Sir Francis Drake, the great British explorer of the 16th century. While sailing to the South Shetland Islands, you can see wildlife from the glass lounge or outside decks: albatrosses and petrels, as well as various species of cetaceans. After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the environment changes dramatically: it's time to look at the first icebergs and get the first glimpse of Antarctic land.

Days 5 to 8
Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs. Observation of seabirds, penguins, seals and whales. Daily Zodiac excursions and landings to explore the landscape and wildlife. From the ship observation of spectacular landscapes, with the route of the journey set to have the most complete overview of the Antarctic ecosystem. Possibility to visit sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel and other magnificent places. The expedition will be very active, with several conferences and lectures.

Days 9 and 10
Return to South America on a traverse north of the Drake Passage, with wildlife observations from the glass lounge or outdoor decks.

Day 11
Disembarkation in Ushuaia, “recap” of the shipment and transfer to the airport for the return flight to Buenos Aires. Possibility to spend a night in Buenos Aires depending on the flight that will be booked.

Day 12
Return flight to Italy

THE PRICE INCLUDES:

"All inclusive" cruise, in triple cabin including drinks (wine, beer, etc.) and all activities
Accompaniment of the Italian biologist for the entire duration of the trip
Hotels in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia
All transfers by land and by sea with local driver / guide
Expedition boots rental
Medical insurance - baggage

THE FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

Air flight and airport taxes
International visas
Flight Buenos Aires - Ushuaia
Optional meals and excursions in Ushuaia
Laundry and communication costs (access to on-board email, telephone traffic, etc.)
Extra drinks at the ship's bar
Tips and personal extras and in general what is not included in "Inclusive Services"
Trip cancellation insurance, optional *

Check out the crew!

Matteo, 44 Male
Sonia, 50 Female
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Our itinerary

Our trip starts here

Ushuaia, Terra del Fuoco, Argentina
Thursday 3 November from 12:00 until Thursday 3 November at 13:00

Our trip ends here

Ushuaia, Terra del Fuoco, Argentina
Sunday 13 November from 9:00 until Sunday 13 November at 10:00

Reviews of WWF Travel

28 reviews
10 / 10

The beauty of the boat, the emotions of the sighting of cetaceans accompanied by the passionate explanations of our ethologist Laura make this experience truly unique and intense. More than a relaxing holiday, it is an adventure holiday. Nice for families

The sailing experience with Francesco was very fun and interesting. We spotted numerous pods of dolphins and even two huge whales! The crew consists of Francesco and two young skippers very nice and light. Real sea wolves! With a great sensitivity to the problems inherent in the marine ecosystem, such as protection of the sea from plastic pollution and non-perishable materials and observation and care of marine fauna. Frencesco's boat is a galleon of about 20 meters very comfortable and spacious all built of wood with his own hands! Truly unique! An experience not to be missed! Claudia

Fantastic skipper! It makes you feel immediately in the family, always ready to tell anecdotes of the sea and not, to listen and to be part of the group! Extremely accommodating on life on board and strict when needed to ensure everyone's safety and tranquility. Surely I would repeat the experience with Mario

Great skipper and crew. Obviously highly knowledgeable and experienced about sailing and the sea. Beautiful boat with lost of space - felt as one with nature. The skipper and crew went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable and also had a fun time - trips to shore, nights chatting and singing under the stars, great food. Saw some amazing sealife - dolphins (two types), shark, tuna, turtles. Was great to have a very knowledgeable WWF scientist with us explaining about the sealife and challenges all the way. A magical experience. Very much looking forward to another adventure soon.

Nicola is professional and nice! Eleonora explained a lot of things to us and is of pleasant company I would choose them without hesitation again! We saw quite a few dolphins, yey!

Very competent welcoming and helpful person, he led us with mastery in this wonderful adventure patiently teaching to be a good crew. Congratulations and thanks captain!

The boat is something magical that transports you to another space-time dimension. In 18 meters, there is room only for important things. The frenzy and frivolity of everyday life slowly slide into the depths of the sea. I couldn't ask for more revealing experience and better assorted crew. A special thanks to Mahayana -The Blue Dream Project and its captain Francesco, incurable allies against plastic in the sea. A heartfelt thanks to the WWF guides for transporting us and transmitting the importance of safeguarding our great blue sea.

what to say ? fantastic experience, I do not add anything else, try it!!

Sailing with Captain Francesco's boat was going beyond travel and adventure. It allowed me to learn the first rudiments of sailing, to compare myself with other biologists and researchers and to realize a dream far beyond my expectations. I never wanted to get off the boat nor did I want to have to say goodbye to the crew.

A unique experience, which can perhaps be summarized in two considerations. 1) have a skipper who built the boat with his own hands and brought it from Canada to us 2) See up close the desire to do of young researchers who will surely become great. Thanks to all of you, from the crew to the wonderful guests. A special greeting to the Captain who allowed me to take his boat even through difficult seas. See you again!

Great experience, I would have no other words to describe it.

They say that when you get off Captain Francesco's boat, the "big vehicle",you should be a little more enlightened than when you left. I cannot arrogate to myself the presumption of calling myself more enlightened, but more conscious yes. More aware of how much our seas are threatened and how little is still being done to protect them. More aware also of how much waste is made in everyday life and how much we can learn to reduce it more and more. I warmly thank the group that shared this experience, with which a good spirit of collaboration was formed right from the start. I thank Captain Francesco and Fabio, who guided us with sympathy and skill through the cetacean sanctuary. Finally, I thank Laura and Federica very much for having accompanied us on this journey and for their work of protection, research and dissemination that they carry out daily, to which I wish the best. I will always carry this experience in my heart.

Truly superb experience in all respects, to be repeated and recommended to anyone and at any age. If it were possible to include among the tasks of the mission also the recovery of floating plastics and the various polystyrene boxes lost / thrown away by fishermen, it would be even better.

Unforgettable experience, unrepeatable emotions! The biologists on board Nora and Lorenzo were beyond my expectations for professionalism, attention paid to the group, enthusiasm, sympathy and empathy. Thanks to the synergy created with the formidable skipper Francesco, the two biologists led us on magical routes where thanks to a good eye and a pinch of luck, we were able to observe a considerable number of cetaceans up close. Retraceable emotions also thanks to the incredible shots that Nora has managed to do! Highly recommended holiday

A fantastic adventure, absolutely to be repeated! Bravo captain Guido who knew how to sail with skill, always ready and attentive to understand the needs of the crew. Bravo the biologist Ludovico who has been able to transmit his love for the environment and for cetaceans with great enthusiasm and passion. Great crew in toto that despite the weather conditions not always favorable and the narrow spaces has been able to remain united, serene and weave a bond made of sea, horizons and smiles.

Unforgettable holiday! The two biologists / researchers very prepared, have involved us in the round, from lessons to sightings and answering all our questions, very short Lollo and Nora, the latter then exceptional photographer! The skipper Francesco great professional, proved to be fundamental for the success of the holiday, his choice to anticipate the departure. Experience to recommend absolutely Heather

The sailboat represents the experience that everyone should enjoy at least once in a lifetime. Accompanied by Guido as Skipper and Ludovico, biologist, we spent a wonderful week discovering cetaceans and paradisiacal views. Mamma Natura showed us all her range of moods: from swollen waves to the flattest calm. Always putting safety first, we have dealt with every condition in an optimal way, reformulating plans and routes if necessary to allow the group - for the most part at the first sailing experience - to live this adventure serenely. Full applause to Guido and Ludovico, able to respond, always effective and punctual, to the most disparate needs of a heterogeneous group (8-60 years) and to have put at our disposal their preparation, professionalism and passion, 24 hours a day. My most sincere thanks go to them and to the wonderful group with whom I shared this unique experience. Alexia

In addition to the competence and reliability of skipper (Guido) and wwf guide (Ludovico), thanks to both we were able to experience a contagious passion for the sea and sailing seasoned with child-proof human qualities (8 aa) and big sea! We found the theoretical lessons very interesting, in particular those related to the behavior of cetaceans and more than exciting sightings Grateful for the beautiful experience!!

nice experience despite the not very favorable weather. Skipper and wwf researcher of excellent level. I think more care can be taken in trying to "break" the small groups that inevitably arise between people who do not know each other. Shifts to make food or wash dishes should be done between people who do not know each other. I just didn't like the final gadget: a useless plastic bracelet ... just plastic you have to choose a gadget!!??? Nothing was better. I would suggest that everyone be given a nice picture of a dolphin!! difficult that among the participants you can make really nice photos! a beautiful photo is a nice memory and can be used to collect the autograph of all the participants. I do not believe that a print has such high costs that it cannot be addressed. --- RESPONSE FROM WWF TRAVEL --- Hello Antonello, we are very happy you enjoyed the cruise with the WWF guide on board, it is a holiday formula that excites, involves and helps the research for the protection of cetaceans in our seas. In addition, we sincerely thank you for your advice! As for the bracelet, it was our intention to leave you a small memory of the trip: it is not made of plastic but of silicone, which is a natural material, not derived from petroleum but derived from silicon, like glass, and is perfectly recyclable. This is not to say that it is not potentially dangerous for marine fauna if thrown into the sea, as are many of the objects that accompany us in our lives and about which we often do not ask ourselves questions, such as a cover of a mobile phone or a mobile phone itself, clothing, shoes and other objects rich in plastic that we accept in our lives because we consider durable and non-disposable goods. The huge difference is in fact this, between a durable good and a disposable one: the latter, if plastic, is extremely dangerous for the environment. Our bracelet therefore wanted to be just a memory, in natural material, that you could keep on your wrist (or in the drawer to remind you of the experience lived) until its end of life cycle, to then be recycled and give life to something else.

It was my first experience on a sailing boat: certainly positive and engaging, thanks to the sympathy and reliability of the captain, to the enthusiasm and passion of Laura, to the beautiful group that was formed. Too bad only for the weather conditions, not ideal. Despite this, two sightings (bottlenose dolphins and dolphins) and beautiful sailing. For the rest an experience definitely to be redone. Skipper Francesco N. boat spectacular.

Read all reviews

Other important information

TRAVEL DIFFICULTY LEVEL:
Easy, suitable for everyone

PAPERS:
Passport with at least 6 months of validity

VACCINATIONS:
Anti-tetanus, anti-inflammatory, anti-hepatitis.

Cancellations and Refund

What's included

Knowing what expenses are included and excluded from your booking fee will enable you to have a good idea of the total cost of your chosen experience.

Included in the price.

To be paid onboard.

In addition to the price, there will be some additional expenses that you will incur during your trip. Expenses have been listed below.

The estimated expenses for the rest of the holiday are approximately > 300€ per person.

This is a holiday dedicated to

Brief description of the holiday

In the kingdom of ice

PROGRAM

Check out the crew!