Due to its relative proximity to South America, cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula remain the most popular option for Antarctic travellers. An extension of the Andes Mountains range in South America, the peninsula is the northernmost part of the continent and offers a dramatic mountainous backdrop full of stunning scenery and a plethora of wildlife.
Antarctic Peninsula cruises are renowned for exciting encounters with the local animal inhabitants and the sculptural icebergs surrounding the continent. The entire region, including the sub-Antarctic Islands, is home to incredible history, exemplified by Shackleton’s epic journey of survival.
A cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula will always bring new adventures and wildlife sightings, but you're likely to see multiple penguin species, seals, whales, albatross, seabirds, and even krill, as its a breeding ground for many species.
It's a fantastic choice for Antarctic activities too, as most ships offer opportunities to kayak, hike, snowshoe, or even camp on the ice.
Due to its relative proximity to South America, cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula remain the most popular option for Antarctic travellers. An extension of the Andes Mountains range in South America, the peninsula is the northernmost part of the continent and offers a dramatic mountainous backdrop full of stunning scenery and a plethora of wildlife.
Antarctic Peninsula cruises are renowned for exciting encounters with the local animal inhabitants and the sculptural icebergs surrounding the continent. The entire region, including the sub-Antarctic Islands, is home to incredible history, exemplified by Shackleton’s epic journey of survival.
A cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula will always bring new adventures and wildlife sightings, but you're likely to see multiple penguin species, seals, whales, albatross, seabirds, and even krill, as its a breeding ground for many species.
It's a fantastic choice for Antarctic activities too, as most ships offer opportunities to kayak, hike, snowshoe, or even camp on the ice.
We are true polar specialists. Almost every Chimu team member has travelled to either Antarctica or the Arctic and has an average of ten years' experience in selling the region.
We have inspected and continue to thoroughly research each individual vessel we work with, selecting only small ships with strong environmental, safety, and ethical credentials.
We know all things polar by heart and will work with you to determine which ship and itinerary is best suited. Travellers visit the polar regions for different reasons, including wildlife, photography, snowshoeing, and kayaking, so we'll find the perfect expedition for your interests.
From your initial enquiry until your trip ends, you'll be assigned a personal Destination Specialist who will offer a full service to your travel needs: we can book flights, insurance, and any additional travel to complete your journey.
On this special Antarctic adventure, you'll be joined by two very special guests, two of Australia’…
Buenos Aires, Antarctica
Ship: Ocean Endeavour
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Antarctic Peninsula
SHIP: Ocean Victory
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Antarctic Peninsula
SHIP: Ocean Albatros
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Antarctic Sound, Lemaire Channel, Antarctic Peninsula and…
SHIP: Ocean Endeavour
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Looking for blogs on the Antarctic Peninsula, Latin America, or even the Arctic? If so, we have you covered! The Chimu blog is updated regularly with new articles and packed with great content on planning your trip, what to pack, and amazing adventures in each destination.
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The remoteness of Antarctica can sometimes deter the adventurous heart, but unlike the famous explorers of the past, you can leave the ration packs at home as Chimu can provide all the modern comfort and luxuries you need after a day of adventure, in a safe and comfortable environment. Quiet, relaxing cabins, beautiful food and wine, and spacious common areas allow you to soak in the picturesque landscapes at your own pace. When it’s time to venture off the vessel, our range of itineraries include activities to suit all abilities and fitness levels.
Chimu Adventures are the Antarctica specialists and an Associate Member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. We offer the largest range of vessels, an experienced, expert team of travel enthusiasts, and comprehensive, flexible itineraries, tailoring each cruise to your wishes and making your Antarctic cruise unique and unforgettable.
We pride ourselves on our wide range of small ship Antarctica tours that allow you to tailor the perfect Antarctic experience for your own interests. We also offer a wide range of tours to suit a diverse array of budgets, from 6 day express cruises to immersive 35 day expeditions. Speak to one of our Destination Specialists who can help you plan your perfect Antarctica cruise, which includes all of the elements you’re looking for in your trip.
All of our tours are 100% tried and tested to ensure that when you travel with us, you’re doing so in a controlled and safe environment with trained experts. We consistently monitor weather conditions and will always provide you with the best possible adventure without risk of injury to you or the vessel. While some activities may need to be rescheduled or cancelled due to weather, every effort is made to have a contingency plan should such conditions become a reality during your expeditions. We’ve been the experts in Antarctic travel for close to 20 years and use our vast experience and knowledge when picking the vessels we sell to provide you with an adventure that’s unforgettable for all the right reasons.
It is true that at times the Drake Passage can produce turbulent seas, but our vessels are built for maximum stability and comfort to ensure that even in rough conditions, sea and motion sickness are kept to a minimum at all times. We also have a host of services and facilities available should symptoms befall you. It also might be possible to fly over the Drake Passage, so speak to one of our Destination Specialists for more information about this.
Food on board our cruise ships is excellent. Breakfasts and lunches tend to be buffet style, with dinners generally served to your table and featuring 3 and sometimes 4 courses. The range of food is diverse with professional chefs preparing a wide selection of gourmet dishes.
Antarctica is an extreme environment and although Antarctic cruises depart during the spring and summer months, the weather can change dramatically, with no warning and so you need to be prepared for conditions in this harsh region. When packing, avoid weighing yourself down with too many clothes or too much gear. Select informal, practical attire for your trip that can be worn in layers, including: • Parka jacket - lightweight, wind and weather-resistant shell • Warm trousers - ski pants or sturdy trousers • Waterproof trousers - Gore-Tex or similar waterproof and "breathable" fabrics are recommended • Long thermal underwear - silk or polypropylene is highly recommended • Sweaters - wool sweaters or a polar fleece jacket • Turtlenecks • Mittens and gloves - thin polypropylene gloves underneath warm mittens • Woollen cap and a scarf or balaclava • Warm socks - sturdy, long wool socks and thin pairs of silk, polypropylene or cotton/wool socks • A sturdy, lightweight and waterproof daypack for landings or Zodiac excursions • Sunglasses with U.V. filter • Protective sunscreen for lips, hands and face • Swimsuit for hotels, aboard some ships and (maybe) for a polar plunge • Camera with spare batteries and memory cards • Extra pair of prescription glasses • Prescription medicines and other remedies such as seasickness medication • Binoculars • Zip lock plastic bags or dry sacks for carrying camera, batteries, etc. • T-shirts or other casual warm weather clothes • Clothes for gateway cities
There is no currency in Antarctica but the unit of currency in Argentina is the Argentinian Peso. The main currency at the Port Lockroy Post Office is the US dollar although the UK £ and Euro € are also accepted. On all Antarctic cruises meals are included but drinks and souvenirs need to be purchased separately. Most cruise ships accept Euros € and US $. Major credit cards, in particular Visa and Mastercard are also widely accepted on board. If your Antarctic cruise includes the Falkland Islands, the currency of the islands is the Falkland Islands Pound (FK £), although UK £’s are accepted as well.
Many of our Antarctic cruise ships boast a gym, sauna and small pools, along with a lecture theatre, library, bar and restaurant, as well as the main deck. All ships offer a series of lectures focusing on the geology, history and wildlife of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, to help you prepare for what lies ahead. You can interact with the crew and expedition team as well as your fellow passengers in the common areas and either brave the elements to stand on deck taking in the spectacular scenery and wildlife-watching, scanning the horizon for whales, seals and seabirds, or do so from the comfort of the indoor lounges and observation decks.
There is no native Antarctic language as there are no indigenous inhabitants. The majority of residents are linked to research stations and so speak the language of their home countries. Scientific research is generally formalised in English, with French where necessary.
Shore landings are a feature of our Antarctic cruises and one or two shore or Zodiac excursions are usually planned per day, weather conditions permitting.
Yes, a laundry service at a reasonable cost is included on every ship.
Shore landings are mainly for wildlife watching of penguins, seals and nesting birds although itineraries often try to include a visit to a scientific base. Certain cruises provide opportunities for activities such as snowshoeing, hiking, photography, and even overnight camping.
The number of people on board varies depending on the ship but the majority of our ships carry between 50 and 150 passengers. A few of the purpose-built cruise ships carry around 250 passengers.