Antarctica Adventure & Gay Cruise

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A Gay Travel Antarctica Adventure Tour

March 18 to March 28, 2027

Prices listed are per person and subject to availability:

Shared Twin Window Cabin: $10,100

Shared Superior Cabin: $11,700

Private Window Cabin: $17,170

Private Superior Cabin: $19,890

Private Cabins require a $4500 deposit at the time of signup

Deposit: $3500

Physical Challenge

Traveler Testimonials

“Come with a sense of adventure, leave with lifelong friends.” – M. Moffitt, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

“Beautiful and pristine” – M. Mullins, Laguna Beach, CA

“Respect for one another within the group was wonderful. Not only did I go to the remote land of Antarctica, but we were given lectures on the Antarctic Ocean, glaciers, icebergs, whales, penguins, geology, and the movement of the tectonic plates. We would go kayaking and boating in the morning and evening, camping for one night for a few of us, and some jumped in the Polar Plunge!” Traveling to Antarctica was on my bucket list and … [HE Travel] did a perfect job organizing the entire trip! The guide, Charly, was wonderful and it was a pleasure to explore Antarctica with a friendly group that I look forward to staying in touch with. I am looking forward to another adventure with HE Travel again!” — Rome O. New York, NY

Highlights
Overview
Itinerary
Includes
Extensions
FAQ

Live the explorer’s dream during this 10-night cruise through the Beagle Channel and across the Drake Passage. Our March 2027 cruise is a whale watching tour. Diving is optional on this departure. Possible visits to Danco Island, Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay, Pleneau & Petermann Islands, Port Lockroy, Wilhelmina Bay & Guvernoren and Charlotte Bay. (Weather dependent)

Highlights

Journey to Earth’s most remote continent!
See some of the most stunning wilderness on earth.
View extraordinary concentrations of versatile wildlife such as penguins, seals, and giant petrels.
Glide alongside icebergs, as glacier fields rise up to rugged mountains.
Ride a Zodiac raft to shore, then walk on the continent, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Maximize your time ashore – with only 108 passengers, everyone interested can enjoy every shore visit.
Enjoy this bucket-list trek with a friendly group of gay men, lesbians, and friends. (Please note that this is not a charter, so our group will be among other passengers on the ice-strengthened m/v Ortelius.)

Please note – a portion of your deposit representing 20% of your cruise cost is non-refundable from one week after deposit and cannot be applied to our Deposit for Life Program.

Let us know if you would like information about longer cruises to see even more of Antarctica.

Overview

Adventure in Antarctica

Journey to the world’s most remote continent from Ushuaia, Argentina. Sail down the Beagle Channel and across the Drake Passage between South America and Antarctica.

We will have the opportunity to trek the icy and rocky landscape as often as possible. This rugged and savage wilderness is teeming with extensive wildlife. Be on the lookout for rookeries of penguins and various seals as we glide past the icebergs, massive mountains, and ice shelves along the coast.

We will have the chance to explore rare human vestiges such as an old whaling station on Deception Island. Perhaps you’ll even want to join the Polar Plunge with a dip the icy waters.

The ship is from the renowned Oceanwide Expeditions, with a fleet of 108 to 174-passenger Expedition Ships. Since it is not a private charter, we will be part of a fun, friendly group from around the world. This is truly a voyage of a lifetime during which, weather and ice conditions permitting, we will encounter the ever-changing world of Antarctica.

Itinerary

Map:

The experience visiting the Antarctic Peninsula may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions. The availability of landing sites and opportunities to see wildlife are different on each journey. The final itinerary will be determined by the Expedition Leader and Captain on board. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.

The adventure starts in Ushuaia, Argentina, the capital of the province of Tierra del Fuego, and the southernmost city in the world. For those arriving early, consider horseback riding, hiking, wind sailing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and diving. We also offer an optional afternoon guided tour to the “end of the world” monument in Tierra del Fuego National Park. You can also plan a visit to Lago Escondido and Lago Fagnano.

The official tour starts with ship embarkation on Day 1. However, we highly recommend arriving in Ushuaia two or more days before sailing to minimize the risk of travel problems impacting your cruise.

Day 1: Embarking on our Great Journey!

A viiew from the ship on the gay tour in Antarctica day 1

After a leisurely morning and a chance to collect last-minute provisions in Ushuaia, we will board a comfortable passenger vessel designed specifically for this environment. The ship offers multiple observation decks, dining rooms, and private bathrooms.

Later, the ship sets sail and follows the Beagle Channel (Canal Beagle) for the evening.

Day 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage

Smiling faces on the gay travel tour in Antarctica day 2

Over the next two days, we will be sailing across the Drake Passage, where the waters of the South Atlantic and the Southern Ocean converge. Some of the native birds include Petrels (Blue, Wilson’s Storm, and Antarctic); Albatross (Wandering, Grey-Headed, Black-browed, and Light-mantled Sooty); Southern Fulmars; and Cape Pigeons. Soon we’ll be seeing icebergs near the South Shetland Islands.

Days 4-8: Antarctica!

A warm penguin welcome on the gay travel tour in Antarctica day 4

During the days of sailing among the islands off the Antarctic Peninsula, we will view numerous islands such as the Danco and Petermann Islands. Encounter or observe diverse wildlife colonies including Gentoo Penguins, Brown and South Polar Skuas, Antarctic Terns, Dominican Gulls, Chinstrap Penguins, Adelie Penguins, Blue-eyed Shags, Weddell or Crabeater Seals. Appreciate the breathtaking scenery of deep-cut fjords, glaciers, and alpine peaks.

Gay group pride in Antarctica day 5

From the deck, we are likely to spot Humpback, Minke, and Fin Whales. Zodiac cruises and shore visits will provide close-up wildlife viewing and a deep appreciation for the unique landscape (and icescape) of the region.

A whale breaches next to the gay tour on a kayaking excursion in Antarctica day 6

These are possible stops during the tour. The schedule is always dependent on the weather conditions.

Danco Island – Activities here may focus on the gentoo penguins nesting on the island, in addition to the Weddell and crabeater seals that can be found nearby.

Neko Harbour – An epic landscape of mammoth glaciers and endless wind-carved snow, Neko Harbour offers opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and landing that afford the closest views of the surrounding alpine peaks.

Paradise Bay – Enjoy a Zodiac cruise in these sprawling, ice-flecked waters, with a good chance of encountering a humpback and minke whales.

Pléneau & Petermann Islands – If the ice allows it, sail through the Lemaire Channel in search of humpback and minke whales, as well as leopard seals.

Port Lockroy – After sailing through the Neumayer Channel, we may get a chance to visit the former British research station – now a museum and post office – of Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. We may also be able to partake in activities around Jougla Point, meeting gentoo penguins and blue-eyed shags.

At the nearby sites, such as Damoy Point there may be the opportunity for snowshoeing to the old ski-way, this is also one of our favorite camping sites.
Wilhelmina Bay & Guvernøren – This is a great place to spot humpback whales. We may embark on a Zodiac cruise ending at the ghostly wreck of the Guvernøren, a whaling vessel that caught fire here in 1915. Around the Melchior Islands, amid a frozen landscape peopled with icebergs, we may encounter even more whales, leopard seals, and crabeater seals.Charlotte Bay – We might encounter a variety of wildlife, including gentoo penguins, Weddell seals and possibly some migrating whale species such as humpback whales or minke whales.

A new friend on the gay travel tour in Antarctica day 7

Pub time on the gay tour in Antarctica day 8

Days 9-10: Back Across the Drake Passage

Cruising through Drake Passage on the gay tour in Antarctica day 9

After several exhilarating days exploring the ice-covered land of Antarctica, the ship crosses back through the Drake Passage and allows for another chance to observe a myriad of seabirds.

Day 11: Back to Mainland South America

Departure day in Argentina on the Antarctica gay tour day 11

This journey ends with an early morning arrival in Ushuaia Harbor. A mid-morning transfer will be provided to Ushuaia Airport for flights around noon or later, or you can stay in downtown Ushuaia to begin your next adventure.

Price Includes

Price includes: Shared accommodations aboard our Expedition ship. All meals onboard the ship. Expedition leaders and lecturers. All shore excursions by Zodiac boat. Lectures, videos, and slide presentations. Free use of rubber boots for shore landings. Opportunity for kayaking and/or camping on the ice for a night, subject to availability (for an additional charge). Resident onboard medical officer. Transfer from hotel in Ushuaia to ship for embarkation and from the ship to Ushuaia Airport on the morning of disembarkation. Services of a knowledgeable HE Travel tour host (with a minimum number of participants) and assistance from local guides. Assistance with flights and extra nights in Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Iguazu Falls, or elsewhere in South America upon request. HE Travel provides complimentary Medical & Evacuation Insurance for every US Resident on our group tours who does not have other coverage.

Not included: Airfare to and from Ushuaia (we strongly suggest arriving two or three days before sailing and departing 12:00 noon or later on final tour day). Visa fees (citizens of most countries including the United States, Canada, and Australia do not need visas or payment of a reciprocity fee, but citizens of other countries should confirm requirements). Airport departure taxes (usually included in air tickets). Transfer from Ushuaia Airport to the hotel. Hotel nights in Ushuaia, Buenos Aires or other locations in Argentina. Warm weather clothing other than rubber boots that the ship loans while onboard. Alcoholic drinks. Personal items such as laundry, telephone calls, and gratuities. FUEL SURCHARGE: Oceanwide Expeditions reserves the right to levy a fuel surcharge if world fuel prices are significantly higher than budgeted when cruise prices were put in place.

Optional Tour Choices (all subject to availability):

Iguazu Falls

$3698 per person in a shared room
$5098 for a private room

Price Includes: Four nights in a hotel in a shared room with breakfast. Guided tour of Iguazu Falls including Gran Aventura boat at bottom of falls, and 4 Wheel Drive jungle excursion. Local bilingual guide. National Park entrance fee. transfer from Buenos Aires hotel to the domestic airport at the beginning of the extension. All transportation at Iguazu for airport transfers and included activities. Transfer from Buenos Aires domestic airport to the International Airport after return from Iguazu. and services of HE Travel tour director (subject to minimum participation).

Not included: International airfare. Domestic flights within Argentina (est. $700 for Iguazu Falls extension). Departure taxes for international flights. Meals not included in tour package. Gratuities for guides and HE Travel tour director. Personal items including alcoholic beverages, snacks, laundry, and telephone calls.

Extensions

Stay longer and visit Iguazu Falls – Dates to be announced

Argentina falls on gay tour of Antarctica

Fly into Buenos Aires for 1 night before heading out on Day 2 to Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, on the border with Paraguay and Brazil. This small town is at the confluence of the Iguazu and Parana Rivers, the natural borders between the three countries. Transfer to the Gran Melia Iguazu Resort, which has a wonderful view of Iguazu Falls, and is located a few steps away from the middle of a sub-tropical rain forest.

Argentina is a land of contrasts. Join us to witness its amazing beauty from Buenos Aires to the glaciers and mountains of the mystical land called Patagonia. For a complete contrast, we conclude with an optional extension to the tropical mists of Iguazu Falls.

View Argentina and the Iguazu pre-tour page here.

When you take two tours Back-to-Back, you are eligible for a discount. Contact us for details about visiting Antarctica and Argentina!

Tour Insurance

We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Cancellation and Interruption insurance to protect your vacation investment in case of unforeseen circumstances such as flight delay, illness, or injury. Click Here to learn more about our Insurance partner.

FAQ

The cruise starts and ends in the southernmost city in the world, the Beagle Channel port of Ushuaia, Argentina. The tour dates show the date the ship departs from Ushuaia and the date it returns to the port. We strongly urge you to arrive in Ushuaia at least two days before the tour starts, since it is nearly impossible to catch up to the cruise if you miss the sailing. There are a lot of things to do around Ushuaia in your extra time.

Most travelers will fly between their home airport and Buenos Aires (the international airport is EZE). Aerolineas Argentinas and American Airlines fly non-stop between Miami and Buenos Aires several times a week, and various other North American and European carriers fly to Buenos Aires from other hub airports. Most flights between North America and Argentina are overnight in both directions, but there are now a handful of morning departures from each end. Within Argentina, all travelers will need to fly the four-hour flight between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, at the southern tip of the country. At this time, Aerolineas Argentinas is the only airline flying this route. Anyone visiting Iguazu Falls before or after the cruise will also need to reserve the two-hour flight between Buenos Aires and Iguazu. Flights are not included in the tour package, but we are happy to assist with flights. We can often obtain lower ticket prices than can be obtained elsewhere, especially for Business Class international flights.

Almost everyone will need to take a long flight to Buenos Aires, then a 4-hour flight to Ushuaia. We encourage you to consider spending at least a day or two in Argentina’s vibrant capital while you are passing through. You may also want to take a few more days and take in the amazing waterfalls of Iguazu Falls. Please contact us if you’d like suggestions about how best to plan extra time to explore more of Argentina.

There are several cabin types on this ship. We are holding several TWIN WINDOW and TWIN DELUXE cabins for our group, with upgrades to Superior and reductions to Twin Porthole cabins available on request. These are current prices per person based on double occupancy. Please note that for guests asking us to match them with a roommate or roommates to share a cabin, roommates are matched by gender but may or may not be traveling as part of the HE Travel group.

The following cancellation policy applies for cruises operated in conjunction with Oceanwide Expeditions. This policy supersedes the standard HE Travel cancellation schedule for tours operated by HE Travel. The penalty for canceling the tour is based on the date of cancel: For cancellations 90 or more days prior to departure: 20% of total cruise price; cancellation 31-89 days before departure: 50% of total cruise price plus Argentina travel options; cancellation 30 or fewer days before departure: 100 % of total cruise price and options in Argentina. We strongly recommend purchasing cancellation and interruption insurance for this cruise to protect your financial investment.

Our cruise is during the Antarctic summer or fall, and our ship is always sailing on open water. This means that daytime temperatures average just above freezing, and it usually does not get too much colder during the short nights. Extreme high and low temperatures are very rare during the summer season. However, the region we visit still has some of the most unpredictable weather on earth. On any given day you may observe a heavy snowfall, bright sunshine, and heavy rainfall, and wind chills can feel very cold when the frequent heavy winds blow in. For this reason, having thin warm long underwear (top and bottom), waterproof outer pants, a waterproof jacket with a hood, warm gloves or mittens, and a scarf around your neck are all recommended. Having all of these options will give you the flexibility and confidence to join every shore excursion or Zodiac ride, in any weather conditions. With these, you can enjoy hiking amongst the penguins even while walking through snow and slush during a heavy downpour. Polarized sunglasses can also reduce the glare when you are walking on ice and snow under a bright sun. For all the travelers whose phone is their camera, be sure to have at least a zip-lock bag for wet conditions, and ideally a strap as well.

A brave group camps on the ice on the HE Travel Gay Antarctica Adventure. Our cruise offers an exciting ‘open-air’ camping option, providing an intensive experience of the Antarctic wilderness for a limited number of participants. The camping is on the Antarctic Peninsula or nearby islands. After dinner, the camping group will be taken ashore and will return to the ship before breakfast. We’ll be ashore up to 10 hours, but it will never get completely dark during December-February cruises. Polar sleeping bags and sleeping mattresses will keep campers dry, warm and comfortable during the night in the open air of Antarctica. Depending on the weather, you will have the option of sleeping in a 3-person tent or using individual waterproof, breathable bivouac bags (lightweight alternative to tents) to sleep under the open sky. Our Basecamp cruises include one night on the ice for all interested participants, at no additional charge. For other cruises, one night on the ice can be reserved in advance (subject to availability), but the expedition team will offer more camping occasions when the ship will remain close to shore overnight and weather conditions permit. Onshore a camp will be made in a place where wildlife will not be disturbed. According to international regulations we are not allowed to take stoves, fuel, nor food ashore, in order to prevent the spreading of diseases and seeds of alien plant species. (The exception is that our guides are able to carry emergency rations and survival gear, drinking water, and medical supplies.) Toilet facilities are extremely limited since everything must be taken back to the ship. Details will be sent to those who select this option. Upon departure, everything that was carried ashore must be returned to the ship. Please note that camping is always subject to weather, local site, and environmental regulations. Our tour director on a recent cruise said: “Camping on the Antarctic Continent is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’ve never tried winter camping, this will definitely be a unique experience in many ways. (In December) there was daylight for about 20 hours, with dusk-like darkness for the other 4 hours. You have the choice of sleeping under the sky (no stars) or in tents. If it is not too windy, most folks on a clear night choose to sleep out in the open. All the necessary equipment is provided by the ship to provide comfort – a warm sleeping bag and a sleeping pad. The excursion starts after dinner and you will be back on the ship before breakfast time the next morning. There's nothing quite like the stillness and sheer beauty of a night out in the Antarctic wilderness. It’s a special experience and one you will remember forever.”

Plan a Custom Tour with HE Travel

HE Travel creates custom tours for travelers who want a private journey or dates outside our scheduled departures. Our team can help arrange the itinerary, logistics, and overall experience around the destinations and timing that work best for you.

Complete this form and an HE Travel team member will get in touch to discuss your interests, preferred travel dates, and the kind of custom tour you would like us to create.