marine expedition tour to antarctica antarctica penguins whales icebergs drake passage ushuaia antarctic ocean polar station sea trip yacht cruise to Antarctica

South Shetland Islands Drake Passage
From Barbados to Brazil, uncover the wonders of South America's Atlantic coast Experience the biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest, encounter colonial history in cities like Georgetown and Paramaribo and reach the mouth of the mighty Amazon River.

Two days in sun-drenched Bridgetown give way to the Dutch colonial elegance of Paramaribo, followed by a day ashore on the mysterious Îles du Salut, where the jungle has reclaimed the old prison walls.

Upon entering the Amazon via Macapá, the pace slows and the wilderness deepens: the Rio Cajari Extractive Reserve, the winding channels of Furo do Cujubim, the car-free river town of Afuá, and finally the mesmerizing Breves Narrows, before arriving at the magnificent, mango-shaded streets of Belém.

Antarctica in elegance of a brand-new luxury polar-class expedition cruise ship South Shetland Islands Drake Passage

SСHEDULE AND COST:


Travel dates: October 5 - 16, 2027

Duration: 12 days / 11 nights

The cost of a cabin depends on the deck where it is located. Cabin descriptions can be found below at the bottom of the page.

Price per person (based on double occupancy)*:
  • Cabin with window, 20 sq. m – from 11,975 USD
  • Cabin with balcony, 25 sq. m – from 13,100 USD
  • Suite, 40 sq. m – from 19,975 USD
  • Premium Suite, 47 sq. m – from 22,825 USD

9% early booking discount if the contract is signed 6 months prior to departure.

*Prices are subject to change and vary depending on the departure date. Please check with a manager for cabin availability and current rates.

TRAVEL PROGRAM: South America, Carribean islands, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil

Day 1 - 2. October 5 - 6, 2027. BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS

Bridgetown, the vibrant capital of Barbados, is a dynamic Caribbean city that merges historical charm with modern energy and a warm island welcome. Its UNESCO-listed historic district showcases colonial-era architecture, including the 1870s’-built Parliament Buildings. The bustling city offers colourful markets, duty-free shopping and Bajan restaurants. Bridgetown also has pristine beaches with crystal clear waters, such as Carlisle Bay.
Boarding begins at 4:00 PM on October 5, you must make your own way to the port by this time. You will spend the night on board, and the ship departs at 6:00 PM on October 6.

Meals: "all inclusive" system on board
Accommodation: in cabin on board of SH Vega


Day 3. October 7, 2027. DAY AT SEA

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean.
A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Meals: "all inclusive" system on board
Accommodation: in cabin on board of SH Vega


Day 4 - 5. October 8 - 9, 2027. PARAMARIBO, SURINAME

At the heart of Paramaribo, Suriname's capital, is the UNESCO World Heritage historical centre blending Dutch architecture with local craftsmanship. Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral-Basilica is one of the Western Hemisphere's largest wooden structures. Notable sites include Fort Zeelandia, a 17th-century fortress, the Garden of Palms and broad streets. The central square is encircled by impressive buildings including the Presidential Palace (1730).

Meals: "all inclusive" system on board
Accommodation: in cabin on board of SH Vega


Day 6. October 10, 2027. ILES DU SALUT, FRENCH GUIANA

The Iles du Salut (Salvation Islands) are a tiny archipelago off French Guiana's coast, with three main islands: Royale, St-Joseph and Diable - or Devil's Island, a penal colony. Serious offenders and political prisoners, such as Captain Alfred Dreyfus, were held here and dead prisoners were fed to the sharks. The prison buildings are now overgrown, and the islands are now home to green-winged macaws, capuchin monkeys, iguanas and sea turtles.

Meals: "all inclusive" system on board
Accommodation: in cabin on board of SH Vega


Day 7. October 11, 2027. DAY AT SEA

Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views.
Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.

Meals: "all inclusive" system on board
Accommodation: in cabin on board of SH Vega


Day 8. October 12, 2027. MACAPA, RIO CAJARI, AMAZON RIVER, BRAZIL

The most remote of Brazil’s 26 state capitals, Macapá, the capital of and the largest city in the Amapá State, sits on the north bank of the Amazon Delta. Founded by the Portuguese as an outpost, this city's foremost attraction is the Marco Zero monument, a 113-centimetre concrete sundial which symbolises the centre of the metropolis. Other sights include the Fortaleza de São José and the Museu Sacaca.

The Rio Cajari Extractive Reserve in Amapá highlights remarkable ecological diversity while balancing conservation with sustainable use by local communities. Encompassing rainforests, cerrado grasslands, and flooded riparian zones, the reserve is home to valuable tree species like Brazil nuts and açaí palms. It supports a wide range of wildlife, including tapirs, monkeys, cats, alligators, turtles and numerous bird and fish species.

Meals: "all inclusive" system on board
Accommodation: in cabin on board of SH Vega


Day 9. October 13, 2027. GURUPA, FURO DO CUJUBA, AMAZON RIVER, BRAZIL

Gurupa is a fishing town on the Amazon River delta in Brazil. Located on Ilha Grande do Gurupá island, it lies near the Amazon's convergence with the Xingu River. Adapted to seasonal floods, Gurupa offers access to the biodiversity of the vast Amazon Basin and an ecosystem which includes várzea forest and savanna. The area provides habitat for endemic birds like the scaled spinetail, fish, monkeys and bats drawn to the várzea's fruiting trees.

Furo do Cujuba is a stream in Pará, Brazil, that traverses diverse Amazonian ecosystems, including forests, lowland forests and aquatic vegetation. This waterway is part of the intricate system of rivers and channels that characterise the Amazon region. These ecosystems play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Amazon. Along the furos are riverside communities whose daily lives are intimately connected to these waterways.

Meals: "all inclusive" system on board
Accommodation: in cabin on board of SH Vega


Day 10. October 14, 2027. AFUA, AMAZON RIVER, BRAZIL

Nestled within the world's largest rainforest, Afuá in Pará state, known as "Marajó's Venice" or the "Amsterdam of the Tropics," rests on fluvial Marajó Island near the Amazon's mouth. Built primarily on wooden stilts 1.5m above the waterways with boardwalks, this car-free city aims to become a net-zero emissions model. Residents travel the narrow streets by bicycle and boat, with many relying on fishing for their livelihood.

Meals: "all inclusive" system on board
Accommodation: in cabin on board of SH Vega


Day 11. October 15, 2027. CRUISING BREVES NARROWS, BRAZIL

Navigating Brazil's Breves Narrows, upriver from Belem in the Thousand Islands region, is a mesmerising Amazonian journey. This natural passage, surrounded by towering walls of lush vegetation, creates a secluded green canyon in the heart of the jungle. Enigmatic wildlife such as scarlet macaws, and equatorial flora such as giant Victoria water lilies flourish. The welcoming locals, known as ribeirinhos, offer warm hospitality.

Meals: "all inclusive" system on board
Accommodation: in cabin on board of SH Vega


Day 12. October 16, 2027. BELEM, BRAZIL

Once one of South America's most prosperous cities, known as ‘tropical Paris’, today Belém remains a thriving port and is the gateway to the Amazon. The opulence of Belém’s golden era is showcased at the neoclassical-style 1874 Theatro da Paz on the Praça de República. Pretty green spaces are shaded by mango trees and the historical centre has plenty of wonderful museums. The bustling Ver-o-Peso market is Latin America's largest open-air market.

The vessel arrives in Belém at 08:00 AM. You will need to make your own way to the airport.

Meals: "all inclusive" system on board
Accommodation: in cabin on board of SH Vega


NOTE: This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit.

* Please do not purchase tickets without prior approval from us.

** Attention! All activities during the cruise depend on weather conditions and are determined by the expedition leader and captain. The actual progress of the expedition may differ from the stated.
Expedition vessel SH Vega
Put into operation in 2022.
The SH Vega was conceived and designed specifically for expeditions. You will be able to visit remote corners of the planet without giving up the usual level of comfort and service.
SH Vega is a modern sophisticated design and elegant interiors in Scandinavian chic style. The ship has well-thought-out infrastructure and spacious common areas.
There are: an equipped observation deck, an expeditionary laboratory and a thematic library, a stage, screens and equipment for lectures.
This vessel is built with the latest environmental standards and requirements in mind.
Available in all cabins:
  • Interactive TV
  • Mini bar
  • Safe
  • Air conditioning system
  • Pillow Menu
  • Hair dryer Babyliss
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • Coffee machine
  • Service 24/7
  • 24-hour self-service laundry on deck
      • Cabin with window
        Area 19 sq.m. Maximum capacity 2 people
        5 cabins with a window are additionally equipped with a sofa and have a max. capacity 4 people.

      • Cabin with balcony
        Area 28 sq.m., including a panoramic balcony of 6 sq.m. Maximum capacity 2 people
      • Suite
        The area is 44 sq.m., including a panoramic balcony of 12 sq.m. Maximum capacity 4 people.
        Up to 5 people are allowed upon request.
        The suite can be combined with a cabin with a balcony, while the total area of the two combined cabins will be 72 m2.
        The bedroom is fitted with a Superking bed.
      Cost includes:
      • One-night pre-cruise accommodation in a cabin on board; the ship serves as a hotel while docked in Bridgetown Meals on board
      • All meals onboard;
      • 24-hour room service;
      • Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day;
      • Unlimited access to the sauna, swimming pool, and gym
      • Expedition activities and Zodiac landings led by the expedition team
      • Lectures by expedition team members and guest speakers
      • One shore excursion at each port of call, selected by Swan Hellenic
      • Waterproof backpack and reusable water bottle
      • Port and service charges for the itinerary
      • Use of self-service laundry facilities



      Cost excludes (to be additionally paid):

      • International flight;
      • Transfers from Barbados airport to the ship, and a transfer to Belém airport at the end of the trip;
      • Visa fees (if applicable);
      • Health insurance;
      • Travel insurance;
      • Alternative excursions
      • Alcoholic beverages of premium brands,
      • Spa and beauty services, shopping at retail stores on board


      To take with:

      • Sets of clothing appropriate for the weather conditions, including sets of light clothing (shorts, t-shirts)
      • Headwear for different weather conditions: baseball cap/hat/panama hat for sun protection
      • Comfortable, lightweight footwear (sneakers)
      • Swimwear/swim trunks
      • Raincoat (or Poncho)
      • Personal hygiene products
      • Personal medications (including analgesics, antiseptics, antibiotics, your necessary personal medicines, antivirals, intestinal medications, multivitamins, rehydration salts (e.g., Pedialyte), band-aids/plasters)
      • Malaria prophylaxis tablets (your decision, but recommended)
      • Sun and wind protection (cream)
      • Sunglasses
      • Repellents: sprays, creams
      • Large backpack (or suitcase) for belongings
      • Small backpack for day trips (25 – 30 L)
      • Photo and video equipment, spare batteries
      Why with MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS?
      • UNIQUENESS
        We find the most astonishing places on Earth and speed up to reach them. Our motto is to go ahead of road roller, touch the unique and unknown, before it disappears.
      • ADVENTURISM
        Wherever we go, we look for challenging activities and adventures, filling the journey with absolutely different spirit and emotions. That is why people join us over and over again.
      • SAFETY
        In our trips we pay special attention to safety. All our travels are based on personal experience, equipped with the best gear, involving proved providers and experienced local guides who perfectly know local features.
      • EXPERIENCE
        We have a unique experience of the most offbeat expeditions and ascents, deep knowledge of countries and peoples, and are ready to share it with you. All the expeditions and climbings are guided by Mzungu himself, guaranteeing exciting traveling and your comfort.
      • LOW PRICE
        All our trips are reach in adventures, with high quality accommodation, transportation and meals included. We do not save on it. Thanks to solid contacts with reliable providers we offer really good prices and high quality.

      WE ARE IN SOCIAL NETWORKS:

      © MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS LLC, 2009-2026. All Rights Reserved
      kolbov@yandex.ru
      Our Data Privacy policy