Encounter the Antarctic Circle

Day 1 - Embark in Ushuaia

This afternoon you will board your ship. After a mandatory safety drill, you will set sail through the Beagle Channel (named for Charles Darwin's ship). Get out on deck and look for some of the Channel’s wildlife. This a great location to look for black-browed albatross and giant petrels floating on the water in rafts. You may also spot a Magellanic penguin or a sea lion speeding past. It’s a great way to get familiar with the ship’s layout before you head into the Drake Passage. 

Please note that we strongly recommend arriving into Ushuaia at least one night prior to boarding. This will help avoid any impact of flight delays and minimise the risk of missing embarkation. Swoop is happy to assist with making arrangements for hotels, transfers and any day trips.

Days 2 & 3 - At sea, crossing the Drake Passage 

Sailing onward, you will cross the Drake Passage – the famed body of water separating the southern tip of South America from the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. The crossing is known for its potentially lively conditions, though the purpose-built X-bow design of your ship will help slice through the waves, reducing some of the pitching. 

Your time in the Drake Passage will be spent preparing for your arrival into Antarctica, as well as enjoying soaring birds gliding past the ship. You will be briefed on how to stay safe and minimize your impact on this precious wilderness, as well as talking through how your time will be spent exploring, including hints and tips for wildlife watching. The Expedition Team of naturalist guides will be kickstarting the educational side of your trip with fascinating presentations on topics such as wildlife, geology, glaciology, history, and more.  

Once you have arrived in Antarctic waters, the ship may head straight down towards the Antarctic Circle (adding another day at sea before your first landing) - the decision will depend on weather and ice conditions. 

Days 4 to 9 - Exploring Antarctica

With no set itinerary outside of the aim to cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′ South, this expedition voyage offers travellers the chance to experience Antarctica as it was meant to be - flowing with the vagaries of the wind, sea and ice, and taking the best scenic and wildlife opportunities the White Continent can offer. The ship’s exact routing will be subject to careful planning by the Expedition Leader and Captain, but the overriding objective is to visit a range of sites which showcase the best of this jaw-dropping region. 

During your time exploring Antarctica you will head out on Zodiac cruises to marvel at the vast, sculptural icebergs and crumbling glaciers. On shore, watch quietly as penguins waddle past en route from their chaotic rookeries to fish for krill, or hike up to ridgepoints for stunning views out across the endless icy mountains. Spend time out on deck as the ship squeezes through ice-riddled channels, and look out for the distinctive blow of passing whales. The Expedition Team will be on hand to help talk through all the incredible sights you will be seeing, and in the evenings there will be recaps on the day’s activities, as well as a tentative outline of the Plan A for the following day. 

Days 10 & 11 - Crossing the Drake Passage

Bidding Antarctica a fond farewell, spend two days at sea on the way north back across the Drake Passage towards the Beagle Channel and the dock at Ushuaia, Argentina. There will be time to relax and reflect on your adventures and to start sorting through all of your photos. The educational opportunities continue, with more captivating lectures from your Expedition Team. 

During your last evening onboard, join the Captain and Officers for the Farewell Cocktail Party, followed by a presentation of photos and video by your onboard photographer - a perfect way to wrap up your once-in-a-lifetime trip. 

Day 12 - Disembarkation in Ushuaia

After a hearty breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the crew and Expedition Team, and head back to dry land as you disembark at the pier in Ushuaia. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward travel arrangements. 

Please note: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise.