This adventurous expedition offers a unique opportunity to discover very rarely visited places, deep South along the coast of Antarctica to the Bellingshausen Sea, along the coast of Ellsworth Land and even to Peter I Island.
Antarctica
Antarctica – Bellingshausen Sea, Peter I Island + Ellsworth Land incl. helicopters
25 Days aboard Ortelius. From AUD $38,438pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- A once in a lifetime opportunity to take flight above the breathtaking Antarctic wilderness via helicopter, visiting locations inaccessible by any other means
- A chance to visit Renard Island in Flandres Bay, the island noted as the final landing site of Adriennde Gerlache's expedition vessel Belgica
- The opportunity to participate in Polar Diving and experience the beauty of Antarctica's underwater world and encounter species of penguin and fur seals, alongside a myriad of different species of fish, crustaceans and coral
- The chance to visit Peter I Island, a volcanic island that is one of the most remote in the world
- The opportunity to encounter the incredible wildlife that call Antarctica home, including, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins, Weddell, Leopard and Southern Elephant seals and Minke whales
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Embark from Ushuaia
- Day 2 - 3: Path of the polar explorers
- Day 4 - 6: Antarctic Peninsula
- Day 7: Flandres Bay and Renard Island
- Day 8 - 11: Crossing the Antarctic Circle
- Day 12 - 14: Continuing southward through Marguerite Bay
- Day 15 - 18: Entering the Bellingshausen Sea
- Day 19 - 20: A rare glimpse of Peter I Island
- Day 21 - 24: Northward bound: From Peter I Island across the Drake Passage
- Day 25: Disembark at Ushuaia
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per IAATO regulations
Travelling with Eclipse
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- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
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Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
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Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1: Embark from Ushuaia
Your voyage begins where the world drops off. Ushuaia, Argentina, reputed to be the southernmost city on the planet, is located on the far southern tip of South America. Starting in the afternoon, you embark from this small resort town on Tierra del Fuego, nicknamed “The End of the World,” and sail the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the remainder of the evening.
Dinner included.
Day 2 - 3: Path of the polar explorers
Over the next two days on the Drake Passage, you enjoy some of the same experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first charted these regions: cool salt breezes, rolling seas, maybe even a fin whale spouting up sea spray. After passing the Antarctic Convergence – Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic seas – you are in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Not only does the marine life change, the avian life changes too. Wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, light-mantled sooty albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels are a few of the birds you might see.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 4 - 6: Antarctic Peninsula
Following in the footsteps of the famous Belgian explorer Adrien de Gerlache, we hope to land at Auguste Island, which was also the first landing site of the expedition team aboard Belgica during their 1898 expedition.
Another possible landing is Hydrurga Rocks, a small group of islets located east of the much larger Two Hummock Island. Hydrurga Rocks offers a chance to spot Adélie and chinstrap penguins, as well as Weddell seals, leopard seals, and southern elephant seals. Occasionally, humpback whales and Antarctic minke whales may also be seen in the surrounding waters.
As we continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, heading south, we may visit some of the following locations:
Charlotte Bay – where we hope to make our first continental landing at Portal Point.
Cuverville Island – A small, precipitous island nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Rongé Island, Cuverville is home to a large colony of gentoo penguins and breeding pairs of brown skuas.
Danco Island – Activities here may focus on the gentoo penguins nesting on the island, along with the Weddell and crabeater seals that can be found nearby.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 7: Flandres Bay and Renard Island
We arrive at Flandres Bay, where we hope to land at Renard Island. Renard Island is a steep and rugged island, named after Alphonse Renard, one of the major scientific backers of Adrien de Gerlache’s expedition. It was noted as the final landing site of the expedition vessel Belgica along the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 8 - 11: Crossing the Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle, we arrive in the stunning area of Crystal Sound, where we hope to see a range of Antarctic wildlife and witness the sheer scale of the Antarctic landscape, with its vast expanses of ice and towering mountains. If conditions allow, we will land on Detaille Island, a listed historic monument and former research station. The station remains as it was left, offering a rare glimpse into the early days of scientific research in Antarctica, set against breathtaking scenery.
Pourquoi-Pas Island / Horseshoe Island – A visit to one or both of these islands further deepens our appreciation of the pioneering expeditions of the past. Pourquoi-Pas Island, named by the famous explorer and scientist Jean-Baptiste Charcot, is often home to penguins and seals. It offers a hike ashore and the opportunity to see glaciers that shape the island’s topography.
Horseshoe Island is also home to an abandoned research base, where the "Mary Celeste"-like buildings provide an insight into a bygone era of scientific exploration. This was a site of pioneering research and long-distance expeditions using dog teams, and the remains of the kennels can still be seen. This island is a favorite among our staff and guests, offering breathtaking views of the vast landscapes and harsh conditions that once served as home for researchers. The landscape of Horseshoe Island never disappoints.
Stonington Island – A site of significant research activity from the 1930s to the 1970s, Stonington Island was home to both American and British research bases. It features a range of historic buildings and artifacts, telling the story of Antarctic exploration. Once connected to the Antarctic mainland by snow and ice, this sobering site now stands as a powerful reminder of Antarctica’s remoteness and its delicate balance between human history and untamed wilderness. The wildlife, vast natural beauty, and man-made structures combine to make this an unforgettable place, sure to leave a lasting impression.
Red Rock Ridge – A landing site on the Antarctic mainland, Red Rock Ridge is visible from some distance, with its striking red-hued rocks standing out against the icy backdrop. If conditions are favorable, we will attempt a landing here. Adélie penguins have a breeding colony in the area, and we also hope to see seals and Antarctic shags, which nest nearby.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 12 - 14: Continuing southward through Margeurite Bay
As the ship heads farther south, we will keep a keen watch for the giants of the sea, as well as some lesser-seen wildlife, such as the elusive Ross seal. We are now entering a region of true exploration, where few have ventured before.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 15 - 18: Entering the Bellingshausen Sea
We hope to enter the Ronne Entrance, an area first recorded during the aerial flights of Lincoln Ellsworth and later charted by the British Graham Land Expedition. This remote region is rarely visited, and we will aim to land in one of the world’s most isolated places, using either Zodiacs or helicopters. As ice and weather conditions can vary significantly, our Expedition Leader will determine the best options for activities in this area.
Along Ellsworth Land, we will attempt to find a suitable landing site, either by Zodiac or helicopter. As always, this depends on weather conditions and will be decided by the Expedition Leader.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 19 - 20: A rare glimpse of Peter I Island
Known as Peter I Øy in Norwegian, this uninhabited volcanic island lies in the Bellingshausen Sea. It was discovered by Fabian von Bellingshausen in 1821 and named after Peter the Great of Russia. Though the island is claimed by Norway as its own territory, it is rarely visited by passenger vessels due to its remote and exposed nature.
Landing here is challenging, but if weather and ice conditions permit, you may have the extraordinary opportunity to land via helicopter on the glaciated northern part of the island. This is a truly unique chance to set foot on one of the most remote islands in the world.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 21 - 24: Northward bound – From Peter I Island across the Drake Passage
After our unforgettable time exploring the remote and rarely visited Peter I Island, we set our course northward, leaving Antarctica behind as we sail across the Bellingshausen Sea and into the vast Southern Ocean.
As the ship pushes through the Antarctic waters, our onboard experts will continue to host engaging lectures, covering topics such as the history of Antarctic exploration and marine ecosystems on this delicate environment.
Wildlife remains a constant companion as we sail. Keep an eye out for wandering albatrosses gliding effortlessly above the waves, storm petrels skimming the water’s surface, and occasional sightings of whales—including humpbacks and possibly even blue whales—feasting in these nutrient-rich waters.
The vast Drake Passage stretches before us, marking our final stretch before reaching South America.
Over the following days on the Drake Passage, you enjoy some of the same experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first charted these regions: cool salt breezes, rolling seas, maybe even a fin whale spouting up sea spray.
After passing the Antarctic Convergence – Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic seas – you are in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone.
Wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, light-mantled sooty albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels are a few of the birds you might see.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 25: Disembark at Ushuaia
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. It’s now time to disembark in Ushuaia, reputed to be the southernmost town in the world, and return home with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.
Breakfast included.
- Day 1: Embark from Ushuaia
- Day 2 - 3: Path of the polar explorers
- Day 4 - 6: Antarctic Peninsula
- Day 7: Flandres Bay and Renard Island
- Day 8 - 11: Crossing the Antarctic Circle
- Day 12 - 14: Continuing southward through Margeurite Bay
- Day 15 - 18: Entering the Bellingshausen Sea
- Day 19 - 20: A rare glimpse of Peter I Island
- Day 21 - 24: Northward bound – From Peter I Island across the Drake Passage
- Day 25: Disembark at Ushuaia
Next Departure Date: 14 Jan 2027
| Dates | Cabin | From | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Jan 2027 - 07 Feb 2027 | AUD$38438pp | ||
| Quadruple Porthole Cabin | AUD$38438pp | Contact us | |
| Triple Porthole Cabin | AUD$47891pp | Contact us | |
| Twin Porthole Cabin | AUD$47891pp | Contact us | |
| Twin Window Cabin | AUD$50234pp | Contact us | |
| Twin Deluxe Cabin | AUD$54688pp | Contact us | |
| Superior Cabin | AUD$56641pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Quadruple Porthole Cabin
Located on deck 3; two porthole windows, 2 upper and 2 lower berths, private shower and toilet, desk and chair, hair dryer and ample storage space.
Triple Porthole Cabin
Located on Deck 3; two portholes, 1 upper and 2 lower berths, private shower and toilet, desk and chair, hair dryer and ample storage space.
Twin Porthole Cabin
Located on Deck 3 and on Deck 4; two porthole windows, private toilet and shower, two single lower berths, desk and chair, hair dryer and ample storage space. Cabins on deck 4 are quieter than cabins on deck 3: farther away from the noise of engines and generators. Access to the forward observation deck.
Twin Window Cabin
Three windows; 2 lower berths; Private shower & toilet; Desk & chair; Flatscreen TV; Telephone & WiFi (supplemented); Hair dryer; Ample storage space
Twin Deluxe Cabin
Located on Deck 5; three windows; 2 lower berths; Private shower & toilet; Desk & chair; Small sofa; Refrigerator; Coffee & tea maker; Flatscreen TV; Telephone & WiFi (supplemented); Hair dryer; Ample storage space
Superior Cabin
Located on Deck 5; two windows minimum, one double bed, one single (sofa) bed, private toilet and shower, desk and chair, flat screen TV, refrigerator, hairdryer, coffee & tea maker, ample storage space. The quietest cabin deck and has the best access to upper observation decks and the ship's bridge.
Ortelius Deckplan
Specifications
- Passengers: 108 in 50 cabins
- Staff & crew: 53 (Crew 44 | Guides 8 | Doctor 1)
- Length: 90.95 meters
- Breadth: 17.20 meters
- Draft: 5.4 meters
- Ice class: UL1 (Equivalent to 1A)
- Displacement: 4090 tonnes
- Propulsion: 6 ZL 40/48 SULZER
- Speed: 10.5 knots average cruising speed
- Year built: 1989
What's included?
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- Ship-to-shore helicopter transfers (with no specific amount of helicopter time guaranteed)
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
- Free internet: daily allowance of 1.5 GB of free internet connectivity
What's not?
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights.
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
- Diving*
Important notes and additional information
PLEASE NOTE:
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per IAATO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with IAATO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed for our vessel is 10.5 knots.
*Polar Diving - On request
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Antarctica
On any cruise to Antarctica you can expect to experience a wide variety of landscapes, unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities and a healthy mix of historic landing sites. Be astounded by the sensory overload of the huge amount of ice-bergs, glaciers, high mountains and the abundant and tame wildlife.
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