Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
Any voyage to Antarctica is an adventure, but visiting in the early spring offers unique experiences. See penguins coming ashore to build their nests, and compete for mates. Marvel at the snowy untouched landscapes, and experience the magic of spring sunsets over the frozen mountains. Departing Argentina's southernmost city of Ushuaia, crossing the Drake Passage, we set sail towards the South Shetland Islands. Delve deep into the inlets and bays of the Antarctic Peninsula, entering the famous Gerlache Strait, where glittering ice cliffs and precipitous peaks rise straight out of the frigid water. Icebergs, glaciers, mountains and rugged snowfields characterise this wildly beautiful landscape. On no other journey can you experience so much pristine nature and varied wildlife in such a short time. We will set foot on land to experience penguin rookeries, research stations and historical sites, as well as Zodiac-cruise through scenic bays filled with giant icebergs, whales and seals. A plethora of Antarctic wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery awaits on this great adventure to the Great White Continent.
Visit vast penguin rookeries - see gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins
Cruise by Zodiac - amongst elegant ice shapes
Soak up the pristine landscapes - in the company of seals and whales
Learn from the experts - in informative talks from the expedition crew
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hut, Ship Cabin, Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Sh
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Experience incredible wildlife, stunning scenery and gigantic icebergs in an action-packed 10 days on the Antarctic Peninsula. Departing Argentina's southernmost city of Ushuaia, crossing the Drake Passage, we set sail towards the South Shetland Islands. Delve deep into the inlets and bays of the Antarctic Peninsula, entering the famous Gerlache Strait, where glittering ice cliffs and precipitous peaks rise straight out of the frigid water. Icebergs, glaciers, mountains and rugged snowfields characterise this wildly beautiful landscape. On no other journey can you experience so much pristine nature and varied wildlife in such a short time. We will set foot on land to experience penguin rookeries, research stations and historical sites, as well as Zodiac-cruise through scenic bays filled with giant icebergs, whales and seals. A plethora of Antarctic wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery awaits on this great adventure to the Great White Continent.
Visit vast penguin rookeries - see gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins
Cruise by Zodiac - amongst elegant ice shapes
Soak up the pristine landscapes - in the company of seals and whales
Enjoy the freedom of Antarctica - being in the vast, ice-sculpted Antarctic wilderness
See Jaw dropping scenery - from your Zodiac or on shore
Get close to large colonies of penguins - see Adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hut, Ship Cabin, Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Sh
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
On this extraordinary 18-day voyage, explore the fascinating Falkland Islands and mind-blowing South Georgia, before heading to the Antarctic Peninsula - all the highlights of the Southern Ocean. After the Falklands, we venture onwards to South Georgia. A strip of jagged glacier-clad mountains piercing the brooding sky, South Georgia leaves a mark on every visitor, and it is no mystery why. The shores brim with wildlife, with thousands of King Penguins, elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals. The vast penguin colonies, seal-filled seas and albatross-packed skies have to be seen to be believed. Continuing southward, we delve deeper into the inlets and bays of the Antarctic Peninsula; Icebergs, glaciers, mountains and rugged snowfields characterise this wildly beautiful landscape.
See black browed albatross and elusive macaroni penguins - in the Falkland Islands
Witness the king penguins - in their thousands, a true wildlife spectacle!
Soak up the rich history of these regions - on this epic polar adventure
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hut, Ship Cabin
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ushuaia, South Georgia, Drake Pa
Ushuaia, South Georgia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Sound, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Falkland Island
Discover one of the world's most iconic hiking destinations, taking on must-do treks as well as endless empty trails in off-the-beaten-track gems. Travel a route lined with glaciers, witness the majestic Perito Moreno up close and take a special ice hike on the Creston Glacier. The challenging ascents of the Fitz Roy Massif to Laguna de los Tres, and to the base of the towers in Torres del Paine National Park, introduce keen hikers to the majesty of this mountain landscape.
Mount Fitz Roy - View the Fitz Roy skyline from Laguna de los Tres
Glacier Route - Hike to Creston and Huemul Glaciers and see Perito Moreno Glacier up close
Torres del Paine - Take on a selection of walks in this iconic hiking paradise
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Mirador Base Torre
Buenos Aires, Mirador Base Torres, El Chaltén, Los Glaciares National Park, Los Huemules Private Reserve, Fitz Roy, Torres del Paine National Park
Arturo was the best leader ever and would highly recommend him for the leader of the year. The trip was varied and taught be so much. Definitely ( if you can!) go to Inti Raymi. The most spectacular event I have ever seen
The Amazon extension was well worth the money as stayed in superb lodges with excellent food
Active and outdoorRafting
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picch
Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Puerto Maldonado, Amazon Jungle, Barranco, Arequipa, Chivay, Puno, Uros Floating Islands
Experience the island chain that has enchanted explorers since Darwin first dropped anchor off its shores. Spend a week exploring the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos archipelago aboard a stylish vessel - the Archipel I. Travelling between the central, west and east islands, you will have the chance to explore from land and from the sea; snorkel with penguins at Vicente Roca and spot frigatebirds at North Seymour, and head to Santa Cruz's verdant highlands to see giant tortoises in their natural environment.
Archipel I Catamaran - Spend seven nights cruising onboard this modern, spacious catamaran with a naturalist guide and experienced crew
Wildlife spotting - Try to find all three distinct species of booby, as well as sea lions, iguanas, Galapagos penguin, giant tortoises and much more
Snorkel and walk - Discover an underwater paradise as well as a volcanic landscape, with daily snorkelling and on-shore excursions
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Santa
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Santa Fe Island, North Seymour Island, Puerto Ayora, Isabela Island, Isla Fernandina, Rábida Island
Experience the island chain that has enchanted explorers since Darwin first dropped anchor off its shores. Spend four nights exploring the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos archipelago aboard a stylish vessel - the Archipel I. Travelling between the central and west islands, you will have the chance to explore from land and from the sea; snorkel at Vicente Roca amongst tropical fish and seahorses, and head to Santa Cruz's verdant highlands to see giant tortoises in their natural environment.
Archipel I Catamaran - Spend four nights cruising onboard this modern, spacious catamaran with a naturalist guide and experienced crew
Wildlife spotting - Find blue-footed booby padding around on the islands, as well as sea lions, iguanas, Galapagos penguin, giant tortoises and much more
Snorkel and walk - Discover an underwater paradise as well as a volcanic landscape, with daily snorkelling and on-shore excursions
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isla I
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isla Isabela, Isla Fernandina, Rábida Island
Travelling aboard the upgraded Treasure of the Galapagos catamaran, experience the island chain that has enchanted explorers since Darwin first dropped anchor off its shores. Spend six nights discovering the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos archipelago in comfort, with access to your own private cabin balcony as well as a sundeck Jacuzzi. Travelling between the central and west islands, you will have the chance to explore from land and from the sea; snorkel at Vicente Roca and spot large schools of tropical fish, find the Galapagos penguin near Isabela Island and head to Santa Cruz's verdant highlands to see giant tortoises in their natural environment.
Treasure of the Galapagos Catamaran - Spend six nights cruising onboard this first class catamaran with a naturalist guide, experienced crew and with the luxury of an onboard Jacuzzi
Wildlife spotting - Swim with sea lions and the Galapagos penguin, and spot the flightless cormorant, blue-footed boobies, iguanas and giant tortoises on land, among many other species
Snorkel and walk - Discover an underwater paradise as well as a volcanic landscape, with daily snorkelling and on-shore excursions
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isla I
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isla Isabela, Moreno Point, Isla Fernandina, Rábida Island
Experience the island chain that has enchanted explorers since Darwin first dropped anchor off its shores. Spend a week exploring the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos archipelago aboard a stylish vessel - the Archipel I. Explore from land and from the sea; find waved albatross on Espanola Island, head to Santa Cruz's verdant highlands to see giant tortoises in their natural environment, and snorkel with schools of tropical fish at Devil's Crown.
Archipel I Catamaran - Spend four nights cruising onboard this modern, spacious catamaran with a naturalist guide and experienced crew
Wildlife spotting - Spot blue-footed boobies, as well as sea lions, iguanas, Galapagos penguin, giant tortoises and much more
Snorkel and walk - Discover an underwater paradise as well as a volcanic landscape, with daily snorkelling and on-shore excursions
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Florea
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Floreana Island, Punta Suárez, San Cristobal Island
The guide (Fisher) was fabulous as he dealt with every situation calmly and the coordinator (Diana) of the tour in Cusco was a dream and kept us up to date and answered all my questions promptly.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail
Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Phuyupatamarca, Aguas Calientes
Follow in the footsteps of Shackleton on this quintessential polar voyage - from the serene ice of the deep south to the subantarctic wildlife paradise of South Georgia. Experience the Antarctic Peninsula and set foot on the continent before making your way north to the spectacular Antarctic Sound, gateway to the Weddell Sea. Embrace the adventure as you voyage further east, navigating as far as possible into the Weddell Sea. From here set a course to Elephant Island, the desolate outpost where Shackleton and his men finally made landfall after 497 days at sea. On the final leg of your voyage, follow the course of the James Caird across the Scotia Sea to South Georgia, where Shackleton's voyage reached its remarkable conclusion. As you retrace the steps of this historic voyage, your expert expedition team will be by your side to enrich your journey with insights, wildlife-spotting tips and stories of Shackleton's epic adventure.
Follow in the footsteps of Shackleton - to the wildlife haven of South Georgia
Enjoy full daylight hours - soak up the near endless summer daylight in Antarctica
Marvel at enormous tabular icebergs - in the Weddell Sea
Hike from Fortuna Bay - repeat the final leg of Shackleton's remarkable traverse from each to west of South Georgia
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Hut, Ship Cabin
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ushuaia, South Georgia, Drake Pa
Ushuaia, South Georgia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea, Elephant Island
The itinerary was as expected although some of the details were out of date or obsolete. An up to date review would be useful.
Lucie, the Explore Leader was exceptional!
National parksAdventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Santiago, Torres Del Paine, Puer
Santiago, Torres Del Paine, Puerto Natales, Valparaiso, Atacama Desert, Toconao, El Tatio, Calama, Osorno Volcano, Punta Arenas
An excellent trip on a comfortable boat with a good crew and good food. We saw all of the expected wildlife, and snorkelling with sea lions and turtles amongst the fish was a particular highlight.
The boat is not operated by Explore, so on my trip there were other nationalities who had booked through other operators, but it was a good mix. On the afternoon of the first day at the hotel I received a WhatsApp from the cruise operator providing details of the airport transfer (handled by the hotel in my case) and of their representative who met me at the airport to provide my printed boarding pass and Transit Control Card. They also helped with the additional baggage check required before bag drop. The message also includes the flight details if you want to complete the bio-security form at https://declaracion.abgalapagos.gob.ec/ before arriving at the airport.
After snorkelling the crew will rinse all your gear and then hang wetsuits to dry (I think it was 80 USD to rent a wetsuit on board for the six days, but masks, snorkels and fins were free). There are lines with clothes pegs on the top deck to dry your swimwear.
Remember to take USD cash for tipping the crew and guide at the end of the trip. Two envelopes were left in my cabin for this, but the amount suggested at 15 USD per day for the guide and 25 USD per day for the crew of 11 was about double that in the trip notes.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isla I
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isla Isabela, Moreno Point, Isla Fernandina, Isla Santiago, Rábida Island
Set sail from Ushuaia on this ultimate Antarctic bucket list adventure, crossing the Earth's final frontier - the Antarctic Circle. From the 'mainland' of the Peninsula we will set sail southwards, aiming for the Antarctic Circle at 66°33? South - a goal which has eluded many of the wilful and skilful early explorers. Dense pack ice forbids many from reaching this far south, but your sturdy expedition vessel will allow you to explore areas that are off-limits for most ships. Watch as the sun circles around you, never quite setting at this extreme latitude. Based on our Classic Antarctic adventure but with two extra days to explore, you will have even more time to experience the majesty of the Great White Continent.
Cross the Antarctic Circle - at 66°33? South
Enjoy extra time to explore the Peninsula - with its numerous penguin rookeries
Be amongst the few - to venture this far South
Enjoy an array of Antarctic wildlife - see seals, whales, penguins and incredible birdlife
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hut, Hotel, Ship Cabin
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarcti
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Circle, South Shetland Islands