This classic Antarctica cruise departs from Ushuaia, Argentina. The air gets colder and daylight grows longer as you head south across the infamous Drake Passage, accompanied by albatross. The first sighting of the White Continent is the South Shetland Islands, historically significant and rich with iconic Antarctic wildlife.
The time in the Antarctic Peninsula region focuses on the Gerlache Strait area, where towering mountains, immense glaciers, and blue icebergs create a picture-perfect setting for incredible penguin and marine mammal encounters. This cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula is an authentic expedition in a wilderness of epic proportions.
Please note: This itinerary is meant to serve as a general guide. Plans may change along the way, depending on weather, sea conditions, or choices made by the Expedition Leader and team to give you the safest and most rewarding experience.
Welcome to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point of our Antarctic expedition! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by staff and transferred to a quality hotel, which has been arranged in advance and is included in the price of the itinerary. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore this vibrant port city and adventure hub.
After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to enjoy Ushuaia. Explore the delightful waterfront and savor views of the snowcapped Martial Range, the southernmost peaks of the Andes. Take advantage of shopping for souvenirs or some last-minute necessities such as cold-weather gear. Just remember, you will soon receive your very own parka to keep and waterproof boots to borrow on board the ship. For lunch, the many cafés, parrillas and gelato shops on Avenida San Martín will be sure to satisfy any appetite.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where you will be warmly welcomed aboard a deluxe expedition vessel.
After passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, you turn south to begin your crossing of the Drake Passage. Watch for humpback and fin whales along the way. The majestic wandering albatross and other graceful subantarctic seabirds are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks and balconies. You also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas. Briefings, bio-security procedures and presentations by lecture staff prepare you for your arrival in Antarctica. You’ll possibly arrive in the South Shetland Islands on the evening of your second day at sea.
Within the next days, you explore the highlights of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. This region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and the best wildlife viewing in Antarctica. Sheltered bays and channels sparkle with ice and reflect towering mountain peaks coated in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to huge numbers of marine mammals and seabirds. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large rookeries at special places on land. Here you also find Antarctic research bases of various nationalities.
It is now time to head back across the Drake Passage toward South America, but the adventure is not quite over. Seabirds are your constant companions and there is always the possibility of whale encounters in these wild waters. This is also the time for festivities such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slideshow. Finally, as you enter the calm Beagle Channel, you enjoy a night of smooth sailing toward Ushuaia.
After yet another delicious breakfast on board, we bid you a fond farewell in Ushuaia. A group transfer to the airport or to the city center is provided if you wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next polar adventure!
This expedition includes:
This expedition excludes:
