Enter a spellbinding world of snow and ice as you voyage to Antarctica, a continent that has long captivated explorers. Set sail and discover unbelievable wildlife and some of the world’s most remarkable scenery. As you explore this icy wilderness, you’ll not only be accompanied by an expert expedition team, but also by penguins, seals, whales and seabirds, set against a backdrop of towering icebergs, snow-capped peaks, imposing glaciers and ice-choked waters. Adventures like this don’t come along every day – there’s simply nowhere else on earth like Antarctica.

This Antarctic voyage offers you a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy the wildlife-rich Weddell Sea. During the expedition all activities are included such as kayaking, mountaineering, snowshoeing, even sleeping in the snow under the stars as well as a photography workshop. Please note that 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. This trip is a true expedition for the real adventurer.

The Weddell Sea has only been visited by ships from tourism in the last few years. It is more remote and wild. The ideal traveler for this kind of trip is someone who’s open-minded, adventurous, and truly there for the experience.

Arrivals: You MUST be in Ushuaia no later than one day before departure.  This is written into the agreement with the vendor. Overnight accommodation for this night is not included in the trip. If you are able to come two days earlier I would encourage it. Reason being is that there are limited flights to/from Ushuaia and you never know when there will be a flight disruption.

While this is an expensive trip I have done my best to get us the best value, enabling us to experience lots of activities without paying extra. Most everything is included from meals, activities, WiFi and even boots. As we get closer to the trip I will share with you the opportunity to rent coats, gloves, pants etc. It will be waiting for you in your room and you will leave it in the room when done. Cost is around $90 for a coat or $250 for pants, coat and gloves. Again, boots will be provided on the ship! This will save you from buying things you may not use again and will enable you to pack (a lot) less.

PLEASE NOTE: 

All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availability, 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 of our vessel is 10.5 knots.

**We specialize in tours for adults only. We take you away from your everyday world and the necessary distractions of family life.  

Adventures to the Weddell Sea feel more exploratory and adventurous than other Antarctic expeditions – because they are. This thrilling adventure will navigate one of Earth's most remote, icy wildernesses, offering a true polar expedition feel.

Immense Icebergs: Known for calving colossal tabular icebergs, like the famous A23a, said to be among the largest on Earth.

Wildlife: Home to Emperor penguins (hard to see), Adélie penguins, seals (Weddell, Leopard, Crabeater), and whales (orca, humpback and minke). You can also see diverse seabirds, with Antarctic blue-eyed shags jostling for space with nest-building Wilson’s storm petrels on rocky slopes.

We offer a flexible payment plan. If what you see doesn’t work for you let me know. But please note I am unable to be flexible on the deposit.

CAMPING (normally cost $280 but on this trip it is included)

For those craving a truly immersive polar adventure, the open-air camping activity gives you the chance to experience the Antarctic wilderness as few travelers have. You'll camp out under the Antarctic night sky and wake up the next morning to enjoy some of the cleanest air in the world.

All the necessary camping gear will be provided, including breathable bivouac bags that are wind and waterproof and a lightweight alternative to tents. Their polar sleeping bags will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable during the enchanting Antarctic night.

All campers will be assisted and supervised by experienced expedition guides.

General information

• Camping is available based on weather, site conditions, and environmental regulations.

• Everyone can participate, no previous experience required.

• The maximum number of participants is limited to 30 per night.

• All camping activities are safe and supervised by expert field guides.

• Basic equipment is provided by (bivouac bags, mats, boots).

Clothes to bring for camping

Please pack for the worst weather, as conditions in Antarctica can change rapidly. Below is a list of important items you must bring yourself:

• Thermal underwear, fleece vest or jacket, and down jacket that is breathable (e.g., Gore-Tex)

• Warm hat and turtleneck or neck gaiter

• Thermal under-gloves, fleece finger gloves, or warm mittens

• Thick socks with spares

• Polarized sunglasses with 100% UV protection are highly recommended, almost essential

• Sun cream or sunblock

• Flashlight or lightweight headlamp for departures in February – March

Special note: Cotton clothing, such as normal T-shirts and jeans, are not advisable. Cotton tends to get wet and stay wet while moving in a cold environment. We recommend thermal underwear.

KAYAKING - (Normally cost $600 but included on your trip)

Polar kayaking is a great way to tour the blue-and-white beauty of the polar seas up close, visiting stunning ice formations and waterways too small for the big ships to enter. You do not need to have experience sea kayaking, however depending on conditions, staff may require more experience for the excursion. The aim is for each guest to kayak once.

SNOWSHOEING -(no rental charge)

If your goal is to physically set foot on Antarctica and explore this beautiful landscape, you'll have the opportunity to explore your way inland from the Polar shorelines with a wide variety of snowshoeing expeditions built for everyone. The snowshoe activities last usually somewhere between 2 and 6 hours. Keep in mind that there are no paths and that you will be travelling over fairly rugged terrain and will be taking on some hills on longer excursions. Shorter options will be available.

HIKING

Another opportunity to feel the frozen ground beneath your feet and explore some of our planet's most stunningly beautiful environments is by foot with our hiking expedition. Usually there will be on offer one to three different types of walks per landing site, ranging from a casual stroll to a challenging hike. 

PHOTO WORKSHOP (valued at $400 but free for you so take advantage)

It is impossible to fully describe the experience of visiting the polar regions. Fortunately, the photography workshops will help you add incredible photos to your poetic descriptions. This workshop consists of two parts: part one of the photo workshop takes place on the vessel and the second takes place in the field, where our guide-photographers will help you practice your photo skills in real polar conditions. You must have your own photography equipment.

*All activities are complimentary but are weather permitting. This will ONLY be available and allowed if the staff onboard the ship find that it is safe to add this to the trip. No refunds or partial refunds will be given if an activity is not able to be completed due to the staff deeming the conditions to be unsafe.

However that being said - it is the goal of the leaders on the ship to get you all on as many excursions as possible.

You need to be in good general health and able to walk several hours per day. Though our expeditions are ship-based, they can be physically demanding. You can choose to stay on the vessel if you prefer, but you will still need to be able to move safely around the ship even in bad weather.

Assuming you choose to join landings, you will need to be able to get in and out of the Zodiacs. You must also be capable of getting up and down the gangway. This will become easier with practice, but the gangway is steep and moves with the rocking of the vessel.

Conditions on shore can also be rocky, uneven, and slippery, and we will be in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities.

You must not join an expedition if you have a life-threatening condition or need daily medical treatment.

Any major health problem or physical condition that requires emergency care must be brought to our attention prior to the voyage.

This trip is on a vessel that holds 100 travelers. The staff on board the ship have final say about the itinerary.  Penny Pinching Globetrotter is not responsible for changes or alterations made by the staff as a result of things such as but not limited to: weather, ice, wildlife, and/or safety of the passengers on board.  All activities are complimentary and will be done in addition to the voyage when they are safely available.  

Verbiage direct from the vendor.  During this voyage, we will attempt landings that have rarely if ever been offered by us – or any other Antarctic cruise operator.  Flexibility is key during these thrilling expeditions. Since information about most of the landing sites is limited or unknown, this target itinerary can only mention scheduled landings and general information. All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. 

The on-board expedition leader will determine the final schedule and itinerary. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. 

Arrivals: You MUST be in Ushuaia no later than one day before departure.  This is written into the agreement from the vendor. Overnight accommodation for this night is not included in the trip but can be added at checkout. If you are able to come a day or two earlier I would encourage it. Reason being is that there are limited flights to/from Ushuaia.

Departures: You are encourage to choose a departure flight on the last day no earlier than 1pm (13:00).  The ship will arrive back in Ushuaia and all will exit the boat after breakfast. If you have a flight out that same day, you can take the courtesy bus to the airport. Since this is Antarctica, there is a chance that weather might cause delays - which is why you are encouraged to book an after-lunch flight time just in case. 

We're committed to ensuring our trips remain safe for everyone — for our travelers, our leaders and crew, and the people we visit along the way. As responsible travelers, anyone who chooses to travel with us has a duty of care to themselves and the people around them. All travelers are required to comply with all local regulations and laws. 

What are the medical and vaccination requirements? 

Medical and general vaccination requirements differ between nations, and as we are not medical practitioners, we unfortunately cannot advise on this issue. Please see your local GP or travel doctor for details and advice about current vaccination requirements.

We believe vaccinations play a key role in saving lives and helping to keep people safe. Around 70% of the world is vaccinated against COVID-19, but vaccination rates remain low in some of the destinations and communities we visit. Therefore, a vaccination is required on all of our trips.

All travelers must have a valid passport for international travel and many countries require at least 6 months validity from the date of return. Some countries also require a machine-readable passport and/or unstamped available pages. When assisting with an international travel booking, we will assume that all travelers on the booking have a valid passport. If this is not the case, you must let us know. It is important to ensure you have valid passports, visas, and re-entry permits which meet the requirements of immigration and other government authorities. Any fines, penalties, payments, delay, or expenditures incurred as a result of such documents not meeting the requirements of those authorities will be your sole responsibility.

Need a passport? Click here -> U.S. Passport

Need to renew your passport? Click here -> Renew U.S. Passport

We exercise care in the selection of reputable travel service providers but we are not ourselves a provider of travel services and have no control over, or liability for, the services provided by third parties.  

In no event do we accept any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense, or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of third party providers over whom we have no direct control, force majeure, or any other event which is beyond our control or which is not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part. We also do not accept any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for consequential loss (meaning indirect loss, loss of revenue, loss of reputation, loss of profits, loss of actual or anticipated savings, lost opportunities, including opportunities to enter into arrangements with third parties or loss or damage in connection with claims against you by third parties) howsoever caused in connection with your booking.

Risks of Travel and Release: We assume no responsibility for and shall not be liable for the acts or omissions on the part of any other party not under our control or any acts of God, unsafe conditions, terrorism, health hazards including pandemics, illness, weather hazards, or the suitability for a disabled person of any portion of any trip. We have no special knowledge of dangers during travel or at destinations. For information related to such dangers, we recommend going to the State Department travel website at travel.state.gov, click on "Find International travel Information" then click on "Country Information", and fill in the name of the destination country. For medical and health information, we recommend going to the Centers for Disease Control website at cdc.gov/travel, then click on "Destinations" and scroll to the name of the destination country. It is your personal decision to travel, and you are doing so with full knowledge of current travel recommendations and travel restrictions with regards to the risks of COVID-19. YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY ASSUME ALL OF THESE RISKS AND DANGERS, AND YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY AGREE TO FOREVER RELEASE, DISCHARGE AND HOLD US, AND OUR AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, ASSOCIATES, AFFILIATED COMPANIES, GUIDES, GROUP LEADERS, AND SUBCONTRACTORS HARMLESS AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, ACTIONS, CAUSES OF ACTIONS, SUITS, CLAIMS, AND DEMANDS OF ANY AND EVERY KIND AND NATURE WHATSOEVER WHICH YOU NOW HAVE OR WHICH MAY HEREAFTER ARISE OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THESE RISKS AND Dangers.

This trip is a little different. Once you make your deposit, it is nonrefundable.

Future payments will follow these guidelines-

If you cancel after your first payment and 180 days before the trip starts you will receive a 50% refund of all payments made minus the $150 admin fee and nonrefundable deposit.

No refunds will be given if you cancel within 180 days of the trip’s start date.

It is the responsibility of the trip attendee to reach out in the event of a cancellation and to make their payments on time. We reserve the right to retain payments according to the cancellation policy outlined above in order to pay our vendors and ensure the trip can proceed.

By making a deposit, you agree to the above terms of service and cancellation policy.

To ensure smooth operations for our trips, we kindly ask that all payments are made on time. If a payment is 15 or more days past due, a $50 late fee will be applied to your balance.

We understand that unexpected situations can arise. If you need to adjust your payment plan or have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Melissa at [melissa@pennypinchingglobetrotter.com]. 

We’re happy to work with you to find a solution. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!

Travel insurance will help protect your investment and is required for all of our trips (but not required at the time of booking). We recommend and use World Nomads.  If you are over 70 we recommend using Insure My Trip.  

At Penny Pinching Globetrotter, we are committed to providing an enjoyable and inclusive travel experience for all our guests. To ensure a smooth and harmonious trip for everyone, we have established this Group Travel Code of Conduct. All participants are expected to follow these guidelines to promote a respectful and supportive group dynamic. 

 1. Respect and Cooperation - All travelers are expected to treat each other with kindness, respect, and courtesy at all times. This includes: 

 - Listening to others' opinions and experiences without judgment. 

- Offering help and support to fellow travelers when needed.

 - Communicating openly and constructively to resolve any misunderstandings or concerns that arise. 

  2. Personal Attacks and Harassment - Personal attacks, harassment, or any form of abusive language directed at fellow travelers will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to: 

 - Insulting or belittling others for any reason including remarks based on race, nationality, gender, religion, appearance, or personal beliefs.

 - Making derogatory or offensive remarks, either in person or through digital communication channels (e.g., group chats or emails). 

 - Engaging in behavior that causes distress, harm, or discomfort to others. 

 3. Disruptive Behavior - Traveler's should ensure their behavior does not disrupt the group's activities or the overall enjoyment of the trip. This includes:

 - Avoiding excessive arguments or conflicts that disturb the group’s harmony. 

 - Engaging in proactive problem-solving rather than contributing to negativity. 

 - Being considerate of group plans/schedules and communicating any issues promptly to the group leader or host.

 4. Accountability and Responsibility - Each traveler is responsible for their actions. Should conflicts arise, all involved parties are encouraged to: 

 - Address concerns calmly and privately, when possible.

 - Seek the assistance of the group leader or host if mediation is needed.

- Understand that repeated violations of this policy may result in removal from the trip with no refund. 

5. Group Dynamics and Social Interaction - Group travel is a chance to connect and share experiences with others. We encourage all travelers to: 

 - Participate in group activities with an open mind and a collaborative spirit. 

 - Be inclusive and welcoming to fellow travelers, regardless of their background or personal views.

 - Show empathy and understanding toward the diverse personalities and cultures within the group.  

6. Consequences for Violating the Policy - Failure to adhere to this Code of Conduct may result in the following consequences: 

 - A verbal warning from the group leader or host. 

- In extreme cases, expulsion from the trip without refund, if the behavior continues despite prior warnings. 

In addition, any traveler who exhibits consistently disruptive behavior, or who repeatedly violates the principles outlined in this policy, will no longer be permitted to travel with Penny Pinching Globetrotter in the future. We reserve the right to refuse service to individuals whose actions compromise the experience of other travelers or the integrity of the group.

At Penny Pinching Globetrotter, we aim to create positive, memorable travel experiences for all. By following this policy, we ensure that everyone can enjoy their trip in a respectful and supportive environment. 

By booking your spot on this trip, you are agreeing to the policy outlined above. 

Our expedition 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.

Please note you must arrive at the port between 7:30 am and 11:30 am on the day of boarding (2/15/2028) to drop off your luggage. You can board the vessel between 4-5 pm. The city is very small so you can have lunch and explore between dropping off your bags and boarding.

In place of our normal trip meeting I will arrange for an optional get to know you dinner the night of 2/14.

Arrivals: You MUST be in Ushuaia no later than one day before departure.  This is written into the agreement with the vendor. Overnight accommodation for this night is not included in the trip. If you are able to come two days earlier I would encourage it. Reason being is that there are limited flights to/from Ushuaia and you never know when a flight could be canceled and I don't want you to miss the trip. You can add pre-nights upon booking or book on your own.

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.

After conquering the Drake we will have a whole week to explore the great Weddell Sea. It features massive tabular icebergs, wildly dramatic landscapes, and fascinating historical sites. It is also one of the best places in Antarctica for viewing iconic wildlife like whales, seals, and rarely seen seabirds.

We may visit the following locations, depending on local conditions:

Antarctic Sound - Antarctic Sound is nicknamed “Iceberg Alley,” as you often see enormous tabular icebergs here.

Brown Bluff - Possibly the most scenic location in the northern Antarctic Continent, Brown Bluff is characterized by sheer canyon walls, fallen boulders, and beautiful volcanic creations capped with ice.

Herbert Sound - We will focus our attention on the visually impressive areas of Naze Peninsula and Comb Ridge.

Devil Island - This island offers a magnificent vantage point for hikers willing to foot it to the top of the hill. Melting ice sometimes forms a waterfall dropping from the cliffs close to Cape Well-met.

Erebus and Terror Gulf - Here we look for new activity opportunities and may visit Vega Island, experiencing the wilderness of Antarctica in its most remote places.

It is during this time we will participate in activities such as camping, kayaking, mountaineering and snowshoeing.

We'll be heading back to Argentina but our return voyage will be far from uninteresting. While crossing Drake's Passage, we’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the voyage south. Spend time with new friends recounting experiences and sharing photos.

All great adventures must eventually come to an end. After breakfast, we say farewell to crew and friends and disembark in Ushuaia. Leaving with fresh memories of experiences and images that will stay with you wherever you go.

Included in your trip is a transfer to the airport. It is recommended to not book a flight before 1 pm.

If you wish or need to stay an additional night, you can add a room upon check out or book on your own.

Please note I am working on adding an additional trip either before or after this trip to either Easter Island or Tierra del Fuego National Park (Patagonia). If you would prefer one over the other you can let me know in the notes to organizer section upon check out.