Highlights

Experience All That Antarctica Has to Offer, While Experiencing “Just Enough” of the Drake Passage. Explore the full range of Antarctic experiences aboard one of the most renowned expedition vessels in operation, on this voyage that begins with a crossing of the legendary Drake Passage (by sea) and ends in the comfort of a private flight (by air). Your adventure begins in Ushuaia, our planet’s southernmost city, before embarking on a journey that has set the standard for the term “life-changing.” Join us as we explore the very best of Antarctica, guided safely by your skilled and knowledgeable Expedition Leader and team.

Sail among breathtaking icebergs and through ice-filled fjords.
Spot penguins, seals, and whales in their natural Antarctic habitat.
Explore the dramatic landscapes of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.
Experience exciting landings on remote Antarctic shores by Zodiac.
Join daily guided excursions led by expert polar guides.
Cruise through secluded fjords, surrounded by pristine natural beauty.

Map & Itinerary

Day 1Arrive and Explore in Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina, check in, and relax at the Hotel Albatros, located in the heart of this fascinating Patagonian city. Ushuaia is the main hub for global visitors to Antarctica, situated on the Beagle Channel at the edge of the infamous Drake Passage. Meet your fellow explorers and prepare yourself for adventure!

Day 2All Aboard in Ushuaia!

Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia before our mid-afternoon escort to the ship. Our Expedition Team and onboard crew will welcome you as you board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and the Captain’s welcome dinner. We’re on our way to Antarctica!

Day 3-4Drake Passage

Join our Polar Experts as they share their extensive knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in our pioneering Citizen Science program, or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching glimpses of rarely seen wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy to identify the many seabirds that escort our ship as we cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctica’s waters and noticeably cooler temperatures.

Day 5-7Immersive Antarctica

It’s time to slow our ship down, allowing you to fully explore the dreamlike world around us and let the power of this extraordinary place sink in. This is your opportunity to become more intimately acquainted with Antarctica by Zodiac, kayak, snowshoe, or while spending unhurried time ashore, taking in the silence and scale of the landscape. For those engaged in our Citizen Science program, the important work of understanding and documenting this fragile environment continues. Be sure to keep your camera handy, as penguins, seals, and whale sightings are all part of this incredible experience. And a passing iceberg, towering high above, its magical blue light seeming to glow from within, is something you’ll want to share with friends back home.

Day 8South Shetland Islands

Over time, the volcanic activity of the South Shetland Islands has created a geology unlike any other. Here, you can expect a spectacular display of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife, including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins. It’s also not uncommon to share the water’s edge with elephant and fur seals, while whales are often spotted as well. We’ll settle into our Zodiacs and spend our final day exploring Antarctica.

Day 9King George Island – Disembarkation

On the final day of our expedition, we arrive beneath the peaks of Ushuaia, Earth’s southernmost city and capital of Argentine Tierra del Fuego. After a hearty breakfast and a fond farewell to the Expedition Team, officers and crew, we disembark in the morning, either to begin your journey home or continue your adventures in Patagonia.

Day 10Punta Arenas, Chilean Patagonia

Spend the day exploring the best of Chilean Patagonia on an excursion to the famous Estancia Olga Teresa, a local ranch that embodies Patagonian hospitality. Learn about life at the bottom of the world and keep a close eye out for wildlife, including guanacos, rhea, and Andean condors. In the evening, relax in exceptional comfort back at your hotel or explore the vibrant city of Punta Arenas.

Day 11Punta Arenas – A Fond Farewell

After bidding farewell to your fellow explorers, continue exploring the surroundings of Punta Arenas, head off for more adventure in Patagonia, or travel to the airport for your return journey home and a well-earned rest.

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.

Inclusions/Exclusions

Inclusions

Prior to Embarkation

Voyages commencing in Ushuaia, Argentina:

Transfer from Ushuaia Airport to group hotel (providing you arrive on Day 1 of the itinerary, and we have your confirmed air itinerary at least 15 days prior to departure)
One pre-voyage night at Albatros Hotel. Occupancy at the hotel is the same as you have booked for the voyage – single, twin/double, or triple. If you are traveling solo, unless you have paid the single rate for your voyage, please expect that you will be sharing a room at the hotel with another solo traveler of the same gender.
For voyages sailing across the Drake Passage, Voyage/Antarctic introductory programs prior to arrival in Antarctica (biosecurity checks, IAATO, and Zodiac briefings, etc.) will take place onboard.
Ground services and transfers to the ship in Ushuaia.
One-way charter flight from King George Island, Antarctica (TNM) to Punta Arenas (PUQ) at the end of the voyage.
Morning transfer to Punta Arenas international airport.

On Board

Shipboard accommodations and meals
“Welcome” and “Farewell” receptions with sparkling wine and soft drinks
Beer/Soft Drinks at Lunch
Beer/Wine/Soft Drinks at Dinner
Coffee/Tea/Cocoa 24 hours a day
1GB WiFi card for use on your personal devices
Expedition jacket – yours to keep
A pair of loaner boots for use during the voyage
All scheduled landings and excursions
Citizen Science program
Photography Coach available throughout the voyage
Participation in the Polar Plunge
Access to our onboard medical clinics
Access to our onboard gym
All port and landing fees
Digital Voyage Log

Post Disembarkation

Voyages ending in Punta Arenas, Chile:

Charter flight from King George Island, Antarctica (TNM) to Punta Arenas (PUQ), as per itinerary.
Group transfer from Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Hotel Cabo de Hornos upon arrival.
Two post-voyage hotel nights, including breakfast and dinner.
Full-day excursion to Estancia Olga Teresa on the first day after arrival from Antarctica to Punta Arenas (including lunch).

Exclusions

Any airfare or travel expenses associated with arrival or departure other than those specified above.
Flights between Santiago de Chile (SCL) and Punta Arenas (PUQ).
Pre- or post-voyage expenses in Punta Arenas other than those specified above.
Travel insurance; medical insurance; evacuation coverage.
Laundry and personal expenses incurred on board, except as listed in inclusions.
Any other alcohol and soft drinks, except as listed in inclusions
Onboard communication charges such as outgoing phone calls or WiFi, except as listed above
Staff/crew gratuities.

Adventure Activities

Discover Kayaking: From $350
Citizen Science: included
Photography Coach: included

Gallery

Dates & Prices

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

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