Highlights

As your small expedition ship leaves the port of Ushuaia, Argentina, you’ll cruise south through the infamous Drake Passage on the way to Antarctica. Look out for the South Shetland Islands, the first sighting stop on the way to the White Continent: you’ll learn about the islands’ rich history and get the best opportunities to spot wildlife. Continue further south and finally set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula! This moment will make the heart of any avid explorer beat a little faster. Nothing can compare to the feeling you get from adding the most remote continent on the planet to your list of travelled places. Majestic mountains, glaciers, towering icebergs and the unique scenery of Antarctica await you.

Abundant Antarctic Wildlife: Antarctica is a penguin lover’s paradise! Encounter gentoo, chinstrap and adélie penguins. Spot marine mammals like Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, along with humpback and killer whales feeding on krill
Dramatic Polar Scenery: Antarctica has a unique feel and beautiful scenery. Enjoy this polar paradise from the deck of a small expedition ship, cruise in inflatable Zodiac boats and enjoy hiking ashore
Polar Legends and History: Follow in the footsteps of historic polar explorers and get a glimpse of the excitement they must have felt discovering the White Continent

Map/Itinerary

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.

Day 1Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina (hotel night)

Welcome to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point of your Antarctic expedition! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by staff and transferred to a quality hotel, which has been previously arranged 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.

Day 2Welcome aboard!

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 luxury expedition vessel.

Day 3-4Across the Drake Passage

After passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, you turn south to begin our 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 will possibly arrive in the South Shetland Islands on the evening of our second day at sea.

Days 5-9South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

Within the next days, you continue your in-depth exploration 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, some with gift shops and post offices.

New Year’s Day falls during this Antarctic Peninsula adventure. You will celebrate it with special meals and holiday festivities in the various traditions of multinational passengers. Prepare and dress in elegant attire for an evening of music, dancing and champagne. New Year’s Eve in Antarctica will be a night to remember!

Day 10-11Back across the Drake Passage

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 we enter the calm Beagle Channel, we enjoy a night of smooth sailing toward Ushuaia.

Day 12Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina

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!

Inclusions/Exclusions

This expedition includes:

1 pre-voyage night at the Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa Hotel, where you can relax in a warm jacuzzi with stunning views.
Welcome to Ushuaia! You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel on the day before embarkation.
Seamless group transfer to the ship for embarkation on Day 2.
Cozy accommodation aboard an elegant vessel, your home away from home.
All IAATO fees, governmental taxes, and port fees are included for a worry-free experience.
Delicious gourmet meals crafted by our chef throughout your voyage.
24-hour tea and coffee station, complete with cookies for a quick energy boost.
Scheduled landings and excursions (weather permitting) to explore breathtaking landscapes.
Expert leadership from an experienced Expedition Leader and top-notch Expedition Team.
A stylish branded expedition parka to take home as a cherished memento.
Comfortable rubber boots for shore landings during your cruise.
Welcome and Farewell cocktails to celebrate your journey with fellow travelers.
Group transfer to the airport or central location right after disembarkation.
Comprehensive pre-departure materials to prepare you for your adventure.
A Digital Voyage Log with photos and a memorable video from our expedition photographer.
Wi-Fi on board to stay connected during your journey.

This expedition excludes:

Visa fees (if applicable)
Airfare to the port of embarkation.
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, except those provided during special events and celebrations.
Personal expenses, such as laundry services and telephone calls.
Mandatory Emergency Evacuation Insurance with a minimum coverage of US$ 200,000 per person.
Gratuities for staff.
Optional activities such as kayaking and camping, which have limited availability and must be booked separately for an additional charge.

Adventure Activities

Sea Kayaking: US$ 895 – 1395 pp, depending on the date of departure

Camping (only available on select departures): US$ 495 pp

Photography: Included

Gallery

Dates & Prices

All prices are subject to availability, quoted per person and expressed in USD.

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