Embark on an epic 24-night expedition to Antarctica’s remote western frontier with polar expert Becky Kagan Schott. Aboard the m/v Ortelius, this Antarctica Odyssey 2027 ventures below the Antarctic Circle to the Bellingshausen Sea, Ellsworth Land, and the rarely visited Peter I Island. With helicopter flights, scuba diving, snorkeling, and land excursions, you’ll explore untouched landscapes, dive uncharted waters, and follow the paths of legendary polar explorers. From newborn penguin chicks to elusive Emperor Penguins, this journey is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Contact Becky for more information. Becky’s Antarctica photos are available here.
Starting at
$ 27,000 p/p
Quad Porthole
$ 33,000 p/p
Twin Porthole
$ 34,500 p/p
Twin Window
$ 37,000 p/p
Twin Deluxe
$ 38,500 p/p
Superior
Bellingshausen Sea Explorer: A Journey to the Edge
This expansive voyage delves into one of Antarctica’s most remote and wildlife-rich regions, from the western Antarctic Peninsula to the isolated shores of Peter I Island. January’s peak summer offers vibrant wildlife—think photogenic penguin chicks, leopard seals, and humpback whales—alongside historic sites like Detaille Island. Helicopter flights reveal the vastness of ice shelves, while exploratory dives take you beneath the ice to unseen worlds.
Trip Highlights:
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Helicopter Excursions: Soar over icebergs and land on remote sites, including a potential touchdown on Peter I Island (weather permitting).
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Exploratory Diving: Dive icebergs, colorful walls, and wildlife hotspots below the Antarctic Circle (1–2 dives daily).
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Snorkeling for All: Swim with penguins and seals—no experience needed, with drysuits provided.
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Wildlife Encounters: Spot Emperor Penguins, chinstrap, Adélie, and gentoo chicks, plus whales, seals, and seabirds like wandering albatrosses.
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Historic Exploration: Visit abandoned research stations at Detaille and Stonington Islands, stepping into Antarctica’s past.
Diving & Snorkeling in Uncharted Waters
Tailored for underwater adventurers, this expedition offers thrilling opportunities for divers and snorkelers:
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Diving Requirements:
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Drysuit certification and 30 logged drysuit dives required.
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Bring your own gear, including two cold-water-approved regulators and BCD.
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Steel tanks (H-valves) and weights provided by the ship.
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Our team offers pre-trip consultations to ensure safe, memorable dives.
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Snorkeling Details:
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No experience needed—perfect for beginners or warm-water divers.
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Drysuit, undergarment, dry gloves, and hood provided; bring only mask, fins, and snorkel.
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Capture over/under shots of ice, penguins, and leopard seals at the surface.
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A Journey Through History and Nature
Follow in the footsteps of explorers like Adrien de Gerlache and Jean-Baptiste Charcot, visiting historic sites such as:
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Detaille Island: Explore a preserved 1950s research station, a time capsule of Antarctic science.
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Stonington Island: Wander among relics of American and British bases, set against stunning vistas.
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Horseshoe Island: Discover an abandoned base and dog kennels, with panoramic views of glaciers.
With Becky Kagan Schott’s photography guidance, capture the region’s beauty—from macro shots of sea stars to wide-angle vistas of ice shelves. View her Antarctic galleries at photos.liquidproductions.com/Antarctica.
Itinerary: 24 Nights of Exploration
This flexible itinerary adapts to ice, weather, and wildlife opportunities, with safety as the priority. Here’s a glimpse of your journey:
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Day 1: Embark in Ushuaia, Argentina, sailing through the Beagle Channel.
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Days 2–3: Cross the Drake Passage, spotting albatrosses and whales.
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Days 4–6: Explore the Antarctic Peninsula (e.g., Cuverville Island, Charlotte Bay), with gentoo penguins and seals.
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Days 7–11: Visit Flandres Bay, Crystal Sound, and Detaille Island, crossing the Antarctic Circle.
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Days 12–14: Navigate Marguerite Bay, watching for Ross seals and humpback whales.
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Days 15–18: Enter the Bellingshausen Sea, attempting landings in Ellsworth Land via zodiacs or helicopters.
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Days 19–20: Reach Peter I Island for a rare helicopter landing (conditions permitting).
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Days 21–24: Sail north across the Drake Passage, with lectures on Antarctic history and ecology.
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Day 25: Disembark in Ushuaia, carrying memories of a lifetime.
Note: Helicopter and landing plans depend on weather and ice. The expedition leader determines the final itinerary, ensuring safe, unforgettable experiences.
What’s Included in Your Odyssey
Your adventure is crafted for comfort, exploration, and immersion, with everything you need to focus on the experience:
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Pre-Expedition Stay: 1 night in a Ushuaia hotel on January 13, 2027 (arrive early to avoid luggage delays).
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24 Nights Aboard m/v Ortelius: Accommodations on Oceanwide Expeditions’ ice-strengthened vessel.
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All Meals Onboard: Enjoy chef-prepared meals throughout the voyage.
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Diving & Snorkeling:
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1–2 dives daily when offered, including H-valve steel tanks and weights.
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Snorkeling gear, including drysuit rentals (limited to 16 spots—book early!).
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Helicopter Excursions: Scenic flights and landings (weather permitting, no guaranteed hours).
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Zodiac & Land Excursions: Expert-led outings to historic sites and wildlife hotspots.
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Expedition Gear: Complimentary expedition jacket and use of rubber boots.
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Educational Programs: Photography tips, historical, ecological, and scientific lectures.
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Transfers: Seamless transport to/from the ship in Ushuaia.
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Pre-Departure Support: Comprehensive materials to prepare you.
Not Included:
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Airfare to/from Ushuaia.
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Airport-to-hotel transfers in Ushuaia.
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Alcoholic beverages.
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Gratuities for the crew.
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Mandatory dive and travel insurance (e.g., DAN coverage).
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Trip insurance (highly recommended).
Pricing for Your Antarctic Odyssey
Choose your cabin aboard the m/v Ortelius, with prices reflecting this unparalleled 24-night expedition. Rates are per person in US dollars, based on stated occupancy.
Cabin Type
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Price (Per Person)
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Quad Porthole
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$27,000 (Quad Occupancy)
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Twin Porthole
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$33,000
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Twin Window
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$34,500
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Twin Deluxe
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$37,000
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Superior
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$38,500
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Additional Details:
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Non-Diver/Snorkeler Discount: Save $1,000 if opting out of diving and snorkeling.
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Payment Schedule:
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Deposit: $5,000 (non-refundable) due at booking, with cabin selection.
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Second Payment: $7,500 due December 1, 2025.
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Third Payment: $10,000 due April 1, 2026.
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Final Balance: Due September 15, 2026.
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Why This Trip Stands Out
This 24-night odyssey is unmatched, venturing to rarely visited regions like Peter I Island and Ellsworth Land, accessible only via our helicopter-equipped m/v Ortelius. Exploratory diving below the Antarctic Circle, snorkeling with wildlife, and historic site visits set this trip apart. Joined by Becky Kagan Schott and led by polar experts, it’s a rare chance to explore Antarctica from land, sea, and air, creating memories few will ever share.
Join the Odyssey
From diving uncharted waters to landing on a volcanic island, this expedition blends adventure, history, and wildlife like no other. Spaces are limited—secure your spot for an unforgettable journey!
Ready to explore Antarctica? Contact Becky Schott to book or inquire. Book Now for your place on this historic voyage.