Antarctic Explorer

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

With a population of more than 70,000 people, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. The city has grown over the past few years, yet it has retained an easy going and accessible feel. With the sea to the south and mountains to the north, Ushuaia is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruise. If you arrive early, you can spend some time in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, enjoy some Argentinean wines and barbecues in the city, or visit the many boutique shops and cafes before you leave for your expedition to Antarctica.

Day 2: Embarkation Day

Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of excitement as you depart - the next time you see land you'll be in the world's most southern continent!

Days 3-4: At sea towards Antarctica

Prepare yourself for potentially rough water, but hope for a smooth sailing as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing. You'll spend these first days getting to know your shipmates while we'll provide safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead.

Days 5-8: Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands

When the Antarctic Convergence is left in our wake, you will truly begin your Antarctic adventure. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition.

You can begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travellers alike. Every time we visit Antarctica we witness something new or unexpected, meaning your expedition will be unlike any other - creating a unique, personal experience. We will take zodiac excursions from the ship to explore bays, channels and landing sites each day. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for Humpback and Minke whales and search for a number of the southern seal species, including the cunning Leopard seal.

The majesty of the Peninsula's mountains will enchant you as you scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360 views of your surroundings. One of these in particular, in Orne Harbour, gives the opportunity to visit a Chinstrap penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here you'll have the choice between going for a mountain hike or spending time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach to enjoy the antics of curious penguins. If you're feeling extra adventurous, participating in the Polar Plunge swim is about as crazy as it gets! Amidst the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes now become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles or the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbour.

Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team so as to entertain and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.

Days 9-10: At sea towards Ushuaia

The journey back across the Drake Passage provides you with some final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy a few final presentations by your Expedition Team or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.

Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning allowing for you to continue your adventure on land or catch your flights home.

Additional Notes:

• The 5-Nov-2019, 2-Dec-2019, 11-Dec-2019, 7-Jan-2020, 28-Jan-2020, 6-Feb-2020 and 7-Mar-2020 departures are 11 days long and start and end in Buenos Aires. There is an optional USD $950 domestic flights, hotel and transfer package in addition to the price of the voyage. If you decide not to choose this, your trip starts the following day, with embarkation in Ushuaia.
• The 7-Dec-2019, 8-Dec-2019, 17-Dec-2019, 3-Nov-2020 and 13-Nov-2020 departures are 12 days long.

All other departures are 11 days long. Please get in touch for more information.

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.