2024 March 4 to 16 – Basecamp Experience
2025 February 25 to March 9 – Basecamp Experience
2024 Prices listed are per person and subject to availability:
Shared Twin Porthole Cabin: $11,200
Shared Twin Window Cabin: $11,750
Shared Twin Deluxe Cabin: $12,450
Shared Superior Cabin: $13,250
Private Porthole Cabin: $19,040
Private Window Cabin: $19,975
Private Deluxe Cabin: $21,165
Private Superior Cabin: $22,525
Private Cabins require a $4500 deposit at the time of signup
2025 Prices listed are per person and subject to availability:
Shared Twin Porthole Cabin: $12,150
Shared Twin Window Cabin: $12,650
Shared Twin Deluxe Cabin: $13,400
Shared Superior Cabin: $14,300
Private Porthole Cabin: $20,655
Private Window Cabin: $21,505
Private Deluxe Cabin: $22,780
Private Superior Cabin: $24,310
Physical Challenge
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.
Enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime 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 this 160-passenger ship.)
Please note – a portion of your deposit representing 20% of your cruise cost is non-refundable from one week after deposit and can not be applied to our Deposit for Life Program.
Please let us know if you would like information about longer cruises to see even more of Antarctica.
Overview
Adventure in Antarctica
Starting in Ushuaia, we will head to the world’s most remote continent: Antarctica! Over 10-12 days, we’ll sail down the Beagle Channel then across the Drake Passage between South America and Antarctica. Next, we will explore the waterways and bays of the Antarctic Peninsula and its islands. We will certainly trek onto the icy and rocky landscape as often as possible. We’ll see some of the most stunning wilderness areas on earth, rugged and savage, teeming with extensive wildlife. Be on the lookout for Weddell seals, Elephant seals, and rookeries of penguins.
Along the coast, we’ll see icebergs, massive mountains, and ice shelves. On land, we will explore the rare human vestiges such as an old whaling station on Deception Island, and probably take a thermal dip in the waters at Pendulum Cove. Our ship is from the renowned Oceanwide Expeditions fleet, a 120- to 174-passenger Expedition Ship. This is not a private charter, but it will be a fun, friendly group from around the world. This is truly a voyage of a lifetime during which, weather and ice conditions permitting, you will encounter the ever-changing world of Antarctica.
Our 2024 & 2025 trips are Basecamp Cruises, which are two days longer than this listed daily agenda. Basecamp cruises including free camping, kayaking, snowshoe hiking, mountaineering, and a photo workshop. Come join us!
Your experience visiting the Antarctic Peninsula may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions. Hence 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.
Our trip starts in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world and the capital of the province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica, and the Southern Atlantic Islands. For those arriving early, consider checking out a number of activities including horseback riding, hiking, wind sailing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and diving. Certainly consider a visit to the nearby Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, or Lago Escondido and Fagnano (lakes).
The official tour starts when we board our ship on Day 1, but we highly recommend arriving in Ushuaia at least one day before sailing to minimize the risk of travel problems impacting your cruise. For those arriving early, we offer an optional afternoon guided tour to the “end of the world” monument in Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Day 1: Embarking on our Great Journey!
After a leisurely day in Ushuaia to get last-minute provisions, we will board our ship in mid-afternoon. Our ship is a comfortable passenger vessel designed specifically for this environment, with multiple observation decks, dining rooms, and private bathrooms.
Later in the afternoon we set sail and follow the Beagle Channel (Canal Beagle) into the evening.
Day 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage
Over the next two days, we will sail across the Drake Passage, where the waters of the South Atlantic and the Southern Ocean converge. Some of the birds we’ll see 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 will begin seeing icebergs as we near the South Shetland Islands.
Days 4-8: Antarctica!
During our days of sailing among the islands off the Antarctic Peninsula, we’ll see numerous islands such as the Melchior, Brabant, and Anvers Islands. We’ll have the opportunity to see or visit diverse wildlife colonies (such as Gentoo Penguins, Brown and South Polar Skuas, Antarctic Terns, Dominican Gulls, Chinstrap Penguins, Adelie Penguins, Blue-eyed Shags, Weddell or Crabeater Seals). We’ll glide past breathtaking scenery of myriad icebergs, deep-cut fjords, glaciers, and alpine peaks.
From the deck it’s likely we’ll spot Humpback, Minke, and Fin Whales. Zodiac cruises and shore visits by foot or by kayak (if that option is selected) will provide close-up wildlife viewing and a deep appreciation for the unique landscape (and icescape) of the region. Adventurous visitors may enjoy optional camping and kayaking activities. (Early pre-registration is required for these activities that always sell out)!
Next, we will visit Antarctica’s research stations, where visitors always receive a warm welcome. We will also learn about modern scientists’ life and work on the White Continent. One of the most prominent is the Vernadsky Research Base, founded by the British after World War II, but sold to the Ukrainian government in 1996. It has two major claims to fame. The first is that scientists here were the first to discover the hole in the ozone layer surrounding the earth.
The second is the world’s southernmost bar, where visitors can get a quick swig while shopping in their gift shop for souvenirs, or getting postcards stamped with the imprint of the world’s southernmost post office. The bar was created when some bored British scientists commandeered some wood intended for a new pier to instead re-create an English pub. It still retains its original look – however, the menus are now also printed in Cyrillic.
Days 9-10: Back Across the Drake Passage
After several exhilarating days exploring the ice-covered land of Antarctica, we start our way back across the Drake Passage. So we will have another chance to observe a wide variety of seabirds that call this bleak region home.
Day 11: Back to Mainland South America
Our 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.
Basecamp cruises including free camping, kayaking, snowshoe hiking, mountaineering, and a photo workshop.
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):
FREE in 2024 & 2025: Camping for one night on the ice (subject to availability and weather, but must be reserved in advance)
FREE in 2024 & 2025: Guided Kayak Excursions for most shore visits (subject to availability and weather, but must be reserved in advance)
Reductions
(-$1750) for passengers willing to stay in a three-berth cabin. (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.
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.
Extensions
Stay longer and visit Iguazu Falls – Dates to be announced
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!
FAQ
- What if I am traveling alone?
- Most of our trips draw more single travelers than couples. When couples do join us, it’s usually because they’re looking forward to interacting with a gay group; if they wanted a holiday by themselves, they wouldn’t have signed up to travel with us. Furthermore, the activities included with our trips serve as natural ice-breakers. Within a day, you’ll be traveling with friends. You don’t need to pay the single supplement if you’re traveling alone. We’ll be happy to match you with a roommate. Pay the single supplement only if you want a bedroom to yourself. For selected trips, including cruises, we will charge half the single supplement if you request a roommate but we can’t match you with someone.
- What is the physical activity level of this tour?
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Physical Activity Level
Antarctica is a challenging and remote destination. You should be physically fit and ready to deal with uncertain weather and seas, able to hike comfortably and able to deal with extremes in temperature. Please note that the sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina to the Antarctic Peninsula typically takes about 48 hours in each direction across rough seas with storms and swells. Consult your physician regarding using a patch or other methods to counteract motion sickness.
- When and where does the Antarctica cruise start and end?
- 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 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.
- What flights are required to get there?
- 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.
- What about additional travel between my home and Ushuaia?
- 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.
- What cabins are available on the mv Hondius?
- There are several cabin types on this ship. We are holding several TWIN DELUXE WINDOW cabins for our group, with upgrades to Superior and Grand Suite with Balcony and reductions for 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. These are prices per person based on double occupancy. Antarctica Cruise Price Per Person: Twin Deluxe Window cabin with private bath and two twin beds: $10,450; Superior cabin with private bath, one double bed and pull-out sofa: $11,300; Triple Porthole cabin with private bath, bunk bed, and single bed for three people: $8,700 Single occupancy is available by paying 1.7 times the double occupancy per person rate for any cabin category, so: Single occupancy of Twin Deluxe Window cabin: $17,765; Single occupancy of Superior cabin: $19,210
- What is the cancellation policy for the Oceanwide Expeditions cruise?
- 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.
- What is the Camping on the Ice option?
- 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 is 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.”
- How Cold Will it Get?
- Our cruise is during the Antarctic summer, 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.
- Additional Questions
- For answers to your additional questions, please email info@hetravel.com or call 305-294-8174