Antarctic Sail & Fly Combination

Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia 

Make your way south from Buenos Aires to the Patagonian city of Ushuaia. After landing at the beautifully situated airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in from 3pm onwards. Spend the rest of the day exploring the quirky shops and historical museums in this bustling port city at the very tip of Argentina.

If you'd like to join tomorrow’s included catamaran cruise excursion around Isla de Los Lobos – which translates to “sea lion island” – you'll have the option to confirm your place today. 

Day 2: Embarking on your ship 

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast at your hotel before spending the morning exploring more of Ushuaia. In the early afternoon, if you have chosen to take part in the scenic catamaran cruise, you’ll head to the port to set sail on the Beagle Channel.

Look out for sunbathing sea lions and imperial cormorants on the rocky shores. You might also spot soaring gulls, rock cormorants, skuas and black browed albatrosses, giving you a taste of the birdlife to come. As well as taking in panoramic views of the city and its mountainous backdrop, your guide will share fascinating stories about the region's people and communities.

Afterwards, you’ll be transferred to the pier to embark on your ship. Once aboard your floating home from home, attend your first key briefings then head out on deck as you sail down the Beagle Channel and south towards Antarctica. 

Days 3 & 4: Crossing the Drake Passage

The journey across the infamous Drake Passage gives you plenty of time to get used to the rhythm of the ocean. During these two days, the friendly naturalist guides in your expedition team will be busy preparing you for your arrival in Antarctica. You'll be briefed on essential wildlife guidelines and biosecurity measures to help make sure the trip runs smoothly. The team will also launch their immersive lecture program covering Antarctica's fascinating history, wildlife and environment.

Keep your camera handy as you spend time out on deck – majestic birds such as albatrosses and giant petrels soar alongside the vessel, offering unforgettable photo opportunities. There may be chances to participate in citizen science programs including bird counts and cloud surveys. 

As the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula draw closer and the excitement builds, keep an eye out for your first iceberg sighting.  

Crossing the Antarctic Convergence marks a significant shift as the air and sea temperature drops. Weather and sea conditions permitting, the Captain might attempt your first Antarctic excursion by late afternoon of Day 4, marking the official start of your polar adventure. 

Days 5 to 10: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula

The Antarctic Peninsula’s western reaches and the South Shetland Islands are yours to explore for the next six days. 

Your experienced Expedition Leader and Captain will use their knowledge to curate an action-packed itinerary based on the weather, ice conditions and opportunities to see wildlife. They’ll attempt to make landings or zodiac excursions twice a day, so you might find yourself cruising through sculptural iceberg graveyards while on the lookout for snoozing seals hauled out on the ice. 

The zodiac ribs will also ferry you between ship and shore, where you might visit chaotic penguin rookeries where there’s drama at every turn. You may take gentle hikes along pebble beaches or trek up snow-covered ridgelines to enjoy views of the ice-speckled ocean below and glaciers stretching off into the distance. 

Any optional activities you have booked in advance, such as kayaking and snorkelling, will be arranged whenever conditions permit. If a polar plunge is on your bucket list, the expedition team will also attempt to organise an opportunity for you to jump into the frigid Antarctic waters. 

As the ship navigates between landing sites, the scenery is sublime. These moments are perfect for unwinding in the observation lounge with its wraparound windows. Or pop on your swimsuit and head into the outdoor Jacuzzi to enjoy the icy landscapes from a unique perspective.  Listen for the thunder of breaking ice as glaciers calve and the captivating calls of seabirds – the White Continent creates a soundtrack you won't forget in a hurry. 

Day 11: Flying from King George Island to Punta Arenas

Wrapping up your adventure, the ship will anchor at Frei Base on King George Island. Here, you’ll board a flight to Punta Arenas, Chile, cutting two days of sailing time on the Drake Passage down to a quick two hour flight. On arrival back into civilisation you’ll be met and taken to your hotel for a final night.   

Day 12: Leaving Punta Arenas

After a complimentary breakfast, bid a fond farewell to your fellow travellers as you continue your travels in Chile or begin the journey north towards home. Your transfer to the airport is included as part of the trip.   

PLEASE NOTE: While choosing to fly to/from Antarctica is the most expedient option, it's also more weather dependent than travelling by ship across the Drake Passage. Charter flights to/from Antarctica operate on a very flexible schedule to accommodate the changeable weather conditions. As a result, flight timings may be brought forward or delayed to ensure safe operating conditions. To discuss in more detail, please get in touch. 

This itinerary is for guidance only, as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions as well as taking advantage of impromptu wildlife opportunities.