Antarctica

Life Returns | Springtime Expedition Cruise to Antarctica

Name: Life Returns | Springtime Expedition Cruise to Antarctica
Brand: HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)
Price: 17143 EUR
Availability: InStock

23-day all-inclusive Antarctica expedition cruise from Buenos Aires to Santiago de Chile

From$19,708per personSign in to see your member priceTaxes includedExtra 5% off Cabins or 10% off Suites+1AI PickActive promotion on this HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) departure to AntarcticaAI Pick23-day HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) voyage

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Route Map

Gallery

19 photos

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Voyage Overview

23-day all-inclusive Antarctica expedition cruise from Buenos Aires to Santiago de Chile

Voyage Highlights

Southern Ocean islands of wonder

Setting off from Buenos Aires, we’ll head to the windswept green hills and white-sand beaches of the Falkland Islands. While the wildlife here is plentiful, South Georgia is in a class of its own—the beaches heave with seals, penguins, and other seabirds.

Amazing Antarctic wildlife

The snow is fresh from winter at this time of year, and in the sea, towering icebergs glisten in newly sculpted grandeur. On land, the penguins are busy courting and building nests. Over the next five days, we'll explore several landing sites where you can truly experience the frozen continent up close. Your voyage ends in Chile’s Patagonia region.

Language Services

English

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Before the cruise

Please Note

All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions Excursions and activities are subject to change Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight stay might be needed (not included)

Flights

Flight in economy class from Punta Arenas to Santiago de Chile

Transfer

Transfer from the ship to the Punta Arenas airport after the expedition cruise

Food & Beverages

Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, wine, beer, and spirits
Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)

HX Expedition Gear

Wind and waterproof expedition jacket
A complimentary Ocean Bottle water bottle to refill on board and take home

Ship Facilities

Use of sauna, hot tubs, fitness room, lounges and more

Complimentary Wi-Fi

Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported

Extras

Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
Range of included activities

Onboard Activities

In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by our knowledgeable Expedition Team
Use of our Science Center, including the library and advanced biological and geological equipment
Citizen Science Program allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
Daily briefing with the Expedition Team about the plans for the next day

Landing Activities

Escorted landing with small expedition boats
Necessary equipment for activities, such as walking poles, will be provided on board on loan. Rubber boots are mandatory for biosecurity per IAATO guidelines. Your HX travel documents will have a recommended packing list.
Expedition photographer on hand to assist you

Notes

All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
Excursions and activities are subject to change
Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight stay might be needed (not included)

South Georgia Passenger Entry Visa:For sailings departing before April 1st, 2026, guests must apply and pay for this visa themselves. For sailings departing from October 1st, 2026 onwards, HX will manage and cover the cost. Find out morehere.
International flights
Additional overnight stay(s) may be required due to international flight schedules
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team

Ship

MS Fram

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)

Purpose-built as an expedition cruise ship, MS Fram is an exceptional base camp for explorers. On board, comfort is a top priority, so after a day of exploration you can relax in a hot tub, dine in your choice of two restaurants or at the outdoor BBQ and catch up with your fellow guests with a cocktail in hand as you watch the scenery glide past in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. In the Science Center, at the heart of the ship, you’ll discover more about the places you sail to and listen to talks by the Expedition Team. With key expedition features and technology, MS Fram is primed to bring you on a journey of discovery to our planet’s most alluring and unspoiled regions.

Passengers200

Tonnage11,647 GT

Built2007

Ice Class1B (Lloyd's Register)

Decks7

View Ship Details

Deck Plans

Onboard Facilities

Onboard Life

Live Position

Stanley – Falklands Nature Trek

Join us as we discover the plant and bird life of the Falkland Islands on a guided nature walk. Flora and fauna discovery A short transfer brings you to Whalebone Cove where your nature walk begins. The 3.5-mile hike takes you through the island’s rugged landscape. Your expert guide will share insight into Falkland life and culture, and help you identify key flora and fauna, which you can mark on a handy illustrated checklist. Look out for species such as Falkland Thrushes, Upland and Kelp Geese, Long-tailed Meadowlarks, Falkland Steamer Ducks and Magellanic Penguins, as well as various endemic ferns, shrubs and grasses. Duration: 3 hours Difficulty: Level 4 — Challenging Booking code: A-FAI1 Min. number: 10 traveller(s) Highlights: • Enjoy an exhilarating hike through the rugged coastal landscape. • Discover the fauna and flora of the Falklands and get spectacular views of Stanley. • Identify native species with the help of your knowledgeable guide. Practical information: • Included: Flora and fauna checklist and a bottle of water. To reduce plastic waste, guests are encouraged to bring their own refillable water bottle. • Remarks/requirements: Please wear warm and waterproof layered clothing and sensible footwear. A pen, binoculars and camera are recommended. • Walking or Activity information: Involves a high level of physical activity over an extended period, in terrain that may often be uneven, slippery and steep. You are expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. Not suitable if you have limited mobility. Includes 3.5 miles of walking over uneven, rocky, grassy terrain. • Wheelchair accessible: No • Language availability: English

$97

Stanley - Port Stanley Highlights

Discover the highlights of Stanley, the Falkland Islands’ charming capital, on this two-hour guided coach tour. Small, beautiful Stanley Your tour begins along Ross Road, the capital’s seaside main street. Your guide will point out the town’s highlights, including Christ Church Cathedral and the Whalebone Arch, the 1982 Liberation Memorial, the Lady Elizabeth shipwreck, and some of Stanley’s original houses. You’ll gain insight into the way of life and heritage in these rugged islands, and you can look out for local wildlife like the Upland Goose and the Falkland Steamer Duck. The tour ends at the Historic Dockyard Museum, or you can be dropped off at the Jetty Visitor Centre. Duration: 2h00 Difficulty: Level 1 — Easy Booking code: A-FAI7, FKPSY-OP02 Min. number: 25 traveller(s) Highlights: • Experience the highlights of Stanley, the tiny capital of the Falkland Islands • Get a unique insight into the life and history of these rugged islands with your local guide • See the iconic shipwreck of the iron barque, The Lady Elizabeth Practical information: Practical information: • Included: Free entry to Nutt Cartmell Cottage and a tour pack, including a map, stamped postcard, museum leaflet and a hot beverage voucher redeemable at the Teaberry Café or the Waterfront Kitchen Cafe. • Remarks/requirements: Warm and waterproof layered clothing and comfortable footwear are recommended. The order of sites may vary to avoid congestion. • Walking or activity information: Involves limited physical activity, most of the tour is operated by vehicle. There are photo stops on paved, gravel and grassy terrain. • Wheelchair accessible: Yes. Guests must be able to climb one small step onto the bus and wheelchairs must be foldable. • Language availability: English

$90

Camping – Bivvy Bag (Only Bookable Onboard)

Spend the night under the stars amid the Antarctic wilderness on this once-in-a-lifetime camping experience. Just us and nature at its purest After a pre-camp briefing and dinner onboard, we’ll head ashore to set up camp. Depending on the landing site, we may take walks to nearby viewpoints. Engage in conversations with the Expedition Team or simply slide into your cosy bivvy bag and enjoy the stillness. The next morning, after packing up, we’ll enjoy a special breakfast back on board the ship as we reflect on the unique experience we’ve just shared. Please note that while we aim to offer this activity on every voyage, its operation is subject to snow, ice and weather conditions, which may result in changes or cancellations. Duration: Late evening to early morning. Approx. 9-10 hrs total experience Difficulty: Level 2 — Moderate Booking code: N/A Min. number: N/A traveller(s) Highlights: • Sleep under the Antarctic sky with nothing separating you from the elements. • Experience Antarctica up close in a unique way few get to experience. • Truly connect with nature while staying warm and comfortable in Antarctic standard camping gear. Practical information: This is an optional add-on activity which comes at an additional cost. The activity can only be booked onboard. • Included: Antarctic standard camping gear (bivvy bag, foam mat, inflatable sleeping mat, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, head torch). Portable toilet for emergency use, emergency camping food, special onboard breakfast, and completion certificate. • Remarks/requirements: Guests must complete the pre-camp briefing and sign a waiver. We encourage guests to adhere to IAATO regulations. Bringing food ashore is not permitted, and nothing must be left behind. • Walking or Activity information: Involves physical activity on snowy terrain - the surface at the camp site is relatively level, and terrain getting there can be varied uphill/downhill. Short hikes also available if conditions allow. • Wheelchair accessible: No • Language availability: English

$402

Discovery Kayak (Only Bookable Onboard)

Enjoy the freedom of paddling at your own pace, with no set route, on this inflatable kayak experience. Paddling in Peace Designed for close-up exploration, there’s no better way to take in the raw beauty of your surroundings, and the quiet possibility of a wildlife encounter. Unlike our guided sea kayaking excursions, this experience gives you the freedom to paddle at your own pace within a defined perimeter. There’s no fixed route to follow, just time to absorb the soul-stirring scenery, before returning to the ship whenever you’re ready. Please note that while we aim to offer this activity on every voyage, its operation is subject to snow, ice and weather conditions, which may result in changes or cancellations. Duration: 1-1.5h00 Difficulty: Level 3 — Active Booking code: N/A Min. number: N/A traveller(s) Highlights: • Paddle at your own pace – no set route, no rush, just freedom within the designated perimeter. • Glide in silence through the wilderness with only your paddle breaking the stillness. • Get up close to the majesty of nature, from drifting icebergs to wildlife and glacier-carved coastlines. Practical information: This is an optional add-on activity which comes at an additional cost. The activity can only be booked onboard. • Included: Top quality inflatable kayak gear (inc. paddle, paddle jacket, boots, life jacket, whistle or signalling device) • Remarks/requirements: Guests must have basic swimming skills and be able to get themselves in and out of the kayak on water. Please wear waterproof trousers. Excursion is subject to weather and ice conditions. • Walking or Activity information: A reasonable level of fitness is required to participate in this activity. • Single guests are welcome to paddle on their own as long as there are sufficient kayaks available on the day. • Wheelchair accessible: No • Language availability: English proficiency is not required for this activity

$148

Camping – Tent (Only Bookable Onboard)

Spend the night in a tent amid the Antarctic wilderness for a once-in-a-lifetime camping experience. Sleep like an Antarctic explorer We’ll venture ashore after dinner to pitch the tents and prepare for a night in the wilderness. Zip into your tent and drift off to the sounds of shifting ice, distant penguin calls, and the sea lapping the shore. It’s just you and the elements. Early risers can step outside and watch the first light spread across the ice before returning to the ship for breakfast. Please note that while we aim to offer this activity on every voyage, its operation is subject to snow, ice, and weather conditions, which may result in changes or cancellations. Duration: Late evening to early morning. Approx 9–10 hrs total experience Difficulty: Level 3 — Active Highlights: • Sleep under the Antarctic sky with only the thin wall of your tent separating you from the elements. • Experience Antarctica up close in a unique way few get to experience. • Stay warm and comfortable with top-quality camping gear. Practical information: This is an optional add-on activity which comes at an additional cost. The activity can only be booked onboard. • Remarks/requirements: Optional, add-on activity at extra cost. Book on board only. • Included: Tent, Antarctic-standard mats, sleeping bag & liner, headlamp, portable toilet (emergency), emergency camping food, special onboard breakfast, completion certificate. • Pre-camp briefing and waiver required; IAATO rules enforced. • Subject to weather, snow, and ice conditions. • Walking/activity information: Involves physical activity on snowy terrain - the surface at the camp site is relatively level, and terrain getting there can be varied uphill/downhill. Guests will be pulling the pulkas with gear themselves and are also responsible for raising and dismantling their tent. Short hikes may also available if conditions allow. • Wheelchair accessible: No. • Language availability: English. • Activity level: 2–3.

$505

Guided Sea Kayaking Adventure (Only Bookable Onboard)

Our experts will lead you on this sea kayaking adventure. Paddle into Wonder There’s truly no better way to feel the scale, silence, and raw beauty of this landscape than from the seat of a kayak. Guided by seasoned experts, you’ll glide across the water with your fellow adventurers, experiencing your surroundings in a uniquely intimate and peacefully immersive way. Duration: 3h00 Difficulty: Level 3 — Active Highlights: • Explore from a rare water-level perspective • Encounter wildlife up close, without the noise of a motor. • Each outing is led by expert guides who ensure the utmost safety and share insights, and you’ll be provided with all the top-quality gear you need. Practical information: • This is an optional, add-on activity, available at an additional cost. • This activity can only be booked on board. • Top-quality kayaking gear is provided, including a two-person hard-shell sea kayak, paddle, boots, life jacket, drysuit, and pogies. • Please note that this kayaking activity only uses two-person kayaks. Solo guests will be paired with another guest. • Participants must have basic swimming skills and be able to get in and out of the kayak on the water independently. • While we aim to offer this activity on every voyage, its operation is subject to weather and ice conditions. • A reasonable level of fitness is required to participate. • Wheelchair accessible: No • Language requirements: A basic level of English is needed to understand the guide’s instructions.

$229

Port Stanley - Seal Bay Wildlife Safari

Enjoy a rugged off-road adventure to remote Seal Bay, home to five species of penguin, sea lions, Oyster Catchers, and more. Off-road adventure Depart Stanley by 4x4 and venture off the beaten track to remote Seal Bay, hosted by the Gilding family, who’ve called this corner of the Falklands home for over two decades. Journey through rugged terrain, meet rare Rockhopper and Macaroni Penguins, and drive through shimmering Swan Pond. Then enjoy a light lunch on a deserted white-sand beach where Gentoo and Magellanic Penguins roam. You may even spot the odd King Penguin or sea lion. This is an intimate, off-road adventure brimming with wildlife spotting opportunities. Duration: 7h00 Difficulty: Level 2 — Moderate Booking code: A-FAI19 Min. number: 8 traveller(s) Highlights: • Travel deep into the wilderness on a 4x4 overland journey, hosted by the Gilding family of Port Louis Farm. • Enjoy an exclusive wildlife adventure, limited to 24 guests per day over just 5 months of the year. • Look out for Rockhopper, Gentoo, Macaroni, Magellanic and King Penguins as well as sea lions as you explore pristine beaches few get to reach. Practical information: • Included: Light meal and refreshments. • Remarks/requirements: Please wear warm layered clothing and suitable footwear for uneven grassy terrain. • Walking or Activity information: Involves moderate physical activity on relatively level surfaces and gentle terrain. Any walking is at guests’ discretion; vehicles will go all the way to the colonies. • Wheelchair accessible: No • Language availability: English • Activity Level: 2

$381

Stanley - Mt William Hike

Hike two historic peaks above Stanley for panoramic views and a deeper connection to the Falklands' rugged beauty. Windswept panoramas Leave the town behind and hike through Falklands high ground, summiting Mount William and Mount Tumbledown with your expert guide. As you climb, panoramic views unfold over Stanley, Port William and the windswept ridges that once shaped the 1982 conflict. This is an active, off-the-beaten-path experience that offers both natural beauty and historical depth. Bring binoculars, a camera and dress for the elements – the scenery makes every step worthwhile. Duration: 4h00 Difficulty: Level 4 — Challenging Booking code: A-FAI21, FKPSY-OP08 Min. number: 30 traveller(s) Highlights: • Summit Mount William and Mount Tumbledown with expert guides leading this exhilarating mountain hike. • Take in panoramic views across Stanley, Port William and battle-scarred ridgelines from 1982. • Enjoy a rewarding, active experience with local insight into the landscape's renowned history. Practical information: • Remarks/requirements: Please wear warm, waterproof layered clothing and sensible footwear. • Walking or Activity information: Involves a high level of physical activity over an extended period, in terrain that may often be uneven, slippery and steep. You are expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. Not suitable if you have limited mobility. Distance 3.25 miles • Wheelchair accessible: No • Language availability: English • Activity Level: 4

$119

Stanley - Fitzroy Farm Visit

Visit a working Falklands farm, where you’ll experience sheepdogs and shearing, a traditional ‘Smoko’ and stories. A Falklands farm experience On this experience, you’ll journey from Stanley to Fitzroy as your guide shares the roots of Falklands farming. At the heart of the farm, your first stop is the shearing shed. Watch sheepdogs at work, then step inside for a live shearing and wool-handling demonstration. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional ‘Smoko’ at the Settlement Hall, with locals on hand to share stories of island life. Wander through vegetable gardens, meet miniature horses, and explore the flower-filled grounds for insight into daily life on a working Falklands farm. Duration: 4h30m Difficulty: Level 1 — Easy Booking code: A-FAI22, FKPSY-OP09 Min. number: 20 traveller(s) Highlights: • Watch skilled sheepdogs, shearers and wool handlers at work in an authentic sheep farm. • Enjoy homemade cakes and savouries with a traditional ‘Smoko’ shared with the farm manager and local residents. • Explore farm life past and present, from polytunnels to quad bikes and miniature horses. Practical information: • Included: Tea/coffee and light snack • Walking or Activity information: Involves limited physical activity, most of the tour is operated by vehicle. Approx. 160 yds of walking. • Wheelchair accessible: No • Language availability: English • Activity Level: 1

$136

Stanley - Community Walk

Enjoy a leisurely and informative stroll through the charming town of Stanley and learn more about its intriguing history. Take a guided walk to get insight into life in the Falklands, where approximately 2500 people call home. Head to the Jubilee Villa Gardens and take a stroll along Ross Road to the Christchurch Cathedral, built in the late 1800s, with Cathedral wardens available to explain the history of the church and answer any questions. Further along, there are plenty of photo opportunities, such as the Whalebone Arch, constructed from the jawbones of two blue whales and erected in 1933; there’s Victory Green, alongside the harbor wall and the mast of SS Great Britain, some of the many picturesque points. End your walk at the Historic Dockyard Museum and learn via a self-guided visit about previous explorers, the history and heritage of the island as well as the animals, plants and sea all around. Explore at your leisure with museum staff available to answer your questions. Practical information • Language: English • Remarks/requirements: Warm and waterproof layered clothing and sensible footwear • Included: Museum entrance • Walking information: Approximately 1.75km Walking in total • Wheelchair accessible: No Duration: at leisure Difficulty: Level 2 — Moderate Booking code: INCL-FAI1 Min. number: 100 traveller(s) Highlights: • An introduction to Stanley • Jubilee Villa Gardens • Historic Dockyard Museum

$90

Current Offers

4 promotions apply to this voyage. Click any offer for full terms.

Booking & Cancellation Policies

Children Policy

Children: 5–15 years Child discount: 20%

Third Person Policy

Child discount: 50%

Cancellation Policy

120+ days before departure: 25% penalty 119–90 days before departure: 40% penalty 89–58 days before departure: 70% penalty 57–44 days before departure: 90% penalty 0–43 days before departure: 100% penalty

Wi-Fi & Communications

See General Terms & Conditions PDF (guestAgreementPdf) — HX consolidates all specific policies (cancellation / name change / children / third person / onboard charges) into a single T&Cs document.

Your booking is made with Gvoya — the terms shown above are the Gvoya platform terms applied to this voyage. Full details: Booking Terms·Cancellation Policy