Remote Weddell Sea Explorer - incl. helicopters
Remote Weddell Sea Explorer - incl. helicopters

Remote Weddell Sea Explorer - incl. helicopters

Description
Highlights
Prices
Price start from :
$
27,700
Contact Us
calendar-img07 February 2027 - 06 Mar 2027
clock-img28 Days/27 Nights
route-imgUshuaia - Ushuaia
m/v Ortelius
Remote Weddell Sea Explorer - incl. helicopters - gallery 0
Remote Weddell Sea Explorer - incl. helicopters - gallery 1
Remote Weddell Sea Explorer - incl. helicopters - gallery 2
Remote Weddell Sea Explorer - incl. helicopters - gallery 3
Remote Weddell Sea Explorer - incl. helicopters - gallery 4
This adventurous expedition explores one of the least-visited areas on Earth, Antarctica’s amazing Weddell Sea. After visiting some of the same sites legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton’s charted in South Georgia, we’ll enjoy the Weddell’s exotic wildlife and colossal tabular icebergs.
Description
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 AECO regulations.

During these expeditions, we transfer passengers to shore using Zodiacs and operate helicopters where Zodiacs cannot be used. If conditions allow, we will attempt landings on both land and sea ice. Helicopter landings are planned when possible, but specific helicopter time cannot be guaranteed. Local conditions determine the final itinerary, and safety is our top priority. The vessel is equipped with three helicopters, and no guarantees can be given.

Remote Weddell Sea Explorer:

Starting in South Georgia after leaving Ushuaia, we follow the path of explorer Ernest Shackleton, experiencing the Weddell Sea’s wildlife and icebergs before returning via Elephant Island. The Weddell Sea is known for its clear waters and massive icebergs. It is home to orcas, humpbacks, minke whales, seals, and penguins. Onboard, you can attend lectures on wildlife, landscape, and history.

First Days: Journey Begins

Your journey starts in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city on Earth. You sail through the Beagle Channel, crossing the Antarctic Convergence, where seabirds like albatrosses and petrels gather.

South Georgia Exploration

Entering the South Georgia Maritime Zone, you pass Shag Rocks and visit sites like Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plain, and Grytviken. These areas are rich with king penguins, seals, and historical sites. In the afternoon, we sail towards the South Sandwich Islands.

Sea Days and South Sandwich Islands

We aim for the South Sandwich Islands and the Weddell Sea. While we cannot land, a Zodiac cruise offers views of the volcanic scenery. You might see whales, skuas, and penguins.

Southward to Antarctica

We sail towards Queen Maud Land and New Swabia, exploring areas with historical significance from past expeditions.

Deep Weddell Sea Exploration

In the Weddell Sea, we may see seals, whales, and emperor penguins. We explore the Filchner, Ronne, and Larsen Ice Shelves, following Shackleton’s path. Opportunities for Zodiac cruises and ice landings depend on conditions.

Brown Bluff and Kinnes Cove

We hope to land at Brown Bluff, home to penguins and snow petrels. Across the Antarctic Sound is Kinnes Cove, with its red cliffs and gentoo penguins.

Elephant Island

Elephant Island is where Shackleton’s crew was stranded. If possible, we visit Point Wild, where they survived against the odds.

Return Journey

Crossing the Drake Passage, you may see familiar wildlife like albatrosses and petrels. The adventure ends in Ushuaia, leaving you with lasting memories.

Cabins and Pricing
Ship Information
Quadruple Porthole
More Details
Quadruple Porthole
2 upper / lower berths
Shower
Shower
Tv
Tv
Hair Dryer
Hair Dryer
Deposit Box
Deposit Box
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Storage
Storage
Complete Cabin
person-fill person-fill person-fill person-fill
USD
110800
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Request
Sharing Cabin
person-fill person-fill person-fill person-fill
USD
27700
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Request
Triple Porthole
More Details
Triple Porthole
1 upper / lower berth + 1 single lower berth
Shower
Shower
Tv
Tv
Desk
Desk
Complete Cabin
person-fill person-fill person-fill
USD
103350
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Sold out!
Sharing Cabin
person-fill person-fill person-fill
USD
34450
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Sold out!
Twin Porthole
More Details
Twin Porthole
2 lower berths
Shower
Shower
Tv
Tv
Hair Dryer
Hair Dryer
Deposit Box
Deposit Box
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Storage
Storage
Complete Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
68900
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Request
Single Cabin
person-fillperson-white
USD
58565
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
Request
Sharing Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
34450
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Request
Twin Window
More Details
Twin Window
2 lower berths
Shower
Shower
Tv
Tv
Hair Dryer
Hair Dryer
Deposit Box
Deposit Box
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Storage
Storage
Complete Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
72400
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Request
Single Cabin
person-fillperson-white
USD
61540
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
Request
Sharing Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
36200
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Request
Twin Deluxe
More Details
Twin Deluxe
2 lower berths
Shower
Shower
Tv
Tv
Hair Dryer
Hair Dryer
Deposit Box
Deposit Box
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Storage
Storage
Refrigerator
Refrigator
Coffee & Tea Maker
Coffee & Tea Maker
Complete Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
78800
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Request
Single Cabin
person-fillperson-white
USD
66980
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
Request
Sharing Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
39400
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Request
Superior
More Details
Superior
1 double bed, 1 single (sofa) bed
Shower
Shower
Tv
Tv
Desk
Desk
Hair Dryer
Hair Dryer
Deposit Box
Deposit Box
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Storage
Storage
Refrigerator
Refrigator
Coffee & Tea Maker
Coffee & Tea Maker
Complete Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
81500
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Request

m/v Ortelius

The ice-strengthened Ortelius is fully equipped for polar exploration and can accommodate helicopter flights when necessary.

Specifications

Passengers: 108 passengers in 50 cabins
Staff & crew: 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

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Ship Interior Gallery

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Ship Exterior Gallery

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Ortelius was originally the Marina Svetaeva. Built in Gdynia, Poland in 1989, it served as a special-purpose vessel for the Russian Academy of Science. Later it was re-flagged and renamed after the Dutch/Flemish cartographer Abraham Ortelius (1527 – 1598), who in 1570 published the first modern world atlas: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum or Theater of the World. At that time his atlas was the most expensive book ever printed. Ortelius is classed by Lloyd’s Register in London and flies the Dutch flag.

Perfect for Any Expedition

The vessel has the highest ice-class notation (UL1, equivalent to 1A) and is therefore suitable to navigate in solid one-year sea ice as well as loose multi-year pack ice. Ortelius can accommodate up to 108 passengers and has an abundance of open-deck spaces. It is manned by 24 highly experienced nautical crew members, 20 hotel staff, eight expedition specialists (one expedition leader, one assistant, and six lecturer-guides), and one doctor.

Ortelius: a Vessel with Comfort and Character

Please be aware that a small number of cabins may have a partially obstructed view due to the size of the windows and the design requirements of the ship. For example, some windows may be partly obstructed in the lower half by a gangway. The best view is always on the outer deck or the bridge. Though our voyages are primarily meant to offer our passengers an exploratory wildlife program with as much time ashore as possible, Ortelius offers all the comforts of a standard hotel ― along with a bar and lecture room. Flexibility assures maximum wildlife opportunities. As such, Ortelius carries 10 Zodiacs with 60hp Yamaha engines.

What to Wear

In keeping with the spirit of expedition, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities, and keep in mind that much of the scenery can be appreciated from deck ― which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles, and make sure your parka is never far away in case one of our crew shouts “Whales!” over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside in a moment’s notice. Opt for layers, as it is comfortably warm aboard the ship though often cold on deck.

How to Pay

Refreshments and souvenirs will be charged to your cabin. The day before departure you can settle your bill with the hotel manager, paying by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or cash (euro, or in some cases dollar). We cannot, however, accept checks. Though the prices and standard currency on board is in the euro, other currencies may be accepted at the discretion of the hotel manager, at prevailing rates.

Electric Current

The electrical supply aboard ship is 220v, 60Hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins, so some passengers may need a 220v/110v converter.

Gratuities

The customary gratuity to the ship’s service personnel is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage and is divided among the crew. Tipping is a personal matter, and the amount you wish to give is at your sole discretion. As a generally accepted guideline, we suggest 8 ― 15 euros per passenger per day. It is better for the crew if you give cash.

Non-Smoking Policy

We have a non-smoking policy inside all our vessels, though you can smoke in certain designated areas. We ask that you please respect the wishes of non-smokers.

Your Physical Condition

You must be in good overall health and be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding, but we spend as much time as possible on shore. You are, however, welcome to remain aboard the ship if you prefer. To join most excursions you must be able to get up and down the steep gangway ― from the ship to the water level ― to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats, and boarding will become progressively easier with practice, but conditions on shore can be slippery and rocky. Remember, you will be traveling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition or need daily medical treatment.



Map
Route of Remote Weddell Sea Explorer - incl. helicopters
Important
Included
Excluded

The average price for flights (round trip) to Ushuaia

From Jakarta: $2,300
From Singapore: $2,500
From Kuala Lumpur: $1,900

Insurance Requirements:

  • Mandatory Insurance: All travelers must have insurance covering medical expenses, accidents, and repatriation/evacuation.
  • Recommended Insurance: It is strongly recommended to include cancellation insurance for added protection.

Drone Usage Policy:

  • Prohibited: The use of drones is strictly prohibited during the expedition.

Clothing and Gear Recommendations:

  • Water-Resistant Coat and Pants: Essential for protection against the wet and windy conditions.
  • Layered Underwear: To ensure warmth and comfort in extreme weather.
  • Sunglasses: Necessary to protect against the strong UV rays and glare from the snow.
  • Gloves: Insulated and water-resistant gloves to keep your hands warm and dry.
  • Additional Items: Consider packing a warm hat, thermal socks, and sturdy waterproof boots.
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