Antarctica Small Ship Expedition

Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Board Magellan Explorer and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Antarctica. Important note: Boarding in Ushuaia is exclusively between 15:00 hr. and 16:00 hr. At 16:00 hr. boarding will close. Please be on time. Keep your passport on hand and allow enough time to clear port security and to reach the vessel.

Sail towards Antarctica across the famous passage named in honor of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th-century British explorer. As you sail en route to the South Shetland Islands, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the glass-enclosed lounge or the outside decks. You may spot magnificent sea birds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to Antarctica. After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the environment changes noticeably. Keep your camera ready, as this is the time to watch for the first icebergs and the sight of Antarctic land.

Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals, and whales. Each day, disembark by Zodiac boat and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. Enjoy spectacular vistas from the glass-enclosed lounge from the ship while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.

Your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel, or many other magnificent places. Our adventure will be very active, with several daily landings and cruises in Zodiac boats, lectures, and a very enjoyable time on board. Departure from Antarctica will be in the afternoon or evening of Day 8, depending on weather conditions.

Return to South America with a northbound Ocean Nova crossing of the Drake Passage. Relax and take the time to watch for wildlife from the bridge or outside decks, and participate in the presentations offered on Antarctic topics in the lounge.

The program ends upon arrival at the port in Ushuaia.