Come on a real Antarctic adventure! 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! Nothing can compare to the feeling you get from adding the most remote continent on the planet to your list of travelled places.
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 luxury expedition vessel.
After passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, we turn south to begin our crossing of the Drake Passage. We 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. We 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 our lecture staff prepare you for our arrival in Antarctica. We hope to arrive in the South Shetland Islands on the evening of our second day at sea.
During the next four days, we 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 we also find Antarctic research bases of various nationalities, some with gift shops and post offices.
Your Antarctic adventures will be even more memorable as Christmas Day falls during your days of exploration! You will celebrate it with special meals and festivities that honor the diverse traditions of the multinational passengers.
It is now time to head back across the Drake Passage toward South America, but the adventure is not quite over. Seabirds are our 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.
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!
Note for booking your return flight: Disembarkation typically takes place between 8:00 and 9:00 AM (following breakfast). We recommend scheduling your return flight from Ushuaia for 12:00 noon or later.
This expedition includes:
This expedition excludes:
