Cruise to The Antarctic Peninsula

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Despite its small size, the city of Ushuaia is the world's southernmost city, the capital of Tierra del Fuego and the main starting point for voyages to Antarctica. Admire the surrounded views of Beagle Channel and the Andes Mountains. If you arrive early, you may want to visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, the southernmost on the planet.

In the town, stroll along the main street of Avenue San Martin and pause at one of the many cafes, shops or restaurants, taking advantage of souvenir shopping and the variety of dining options. Your hotel accommodation is arranged and included in the price of the voyage.

Day 2: Ushuaia, embarkation

In the afternoon there is a group transfer to the pier, where you will be welcomed aboard the expedition ship. Explore the ship and get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come.

Savour the anticipation of your Antarctic dreams coming true as we slip our moorings and sail toward a true wilderness where wildlife abounds. The scenery as we sail through the Beagle Channel on our first evening is wonderful and there is already the possibility of marine mammal encounters.

Days 3-4: At sea towards Antarctica

The Drake Passage spans 600 miles from the top of South America to the South Shetland Islands. The ship's stabiliser fins will help to make the crossing comfortable. Lectures and presentations by the friendly team of Antarctic experts prepare us for what lies ahead. At the Antarctic Convergence, watch for sea mammals, albatrosses and petrels in these krill-rich waters. If the Drake has behaved, we will approach the sub-Antarctic South Shetlands during the afternoon of Day 4.

Days 5-9: The Antarctic Continent and the South Shetlands

This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our route and exploration opportunities in Antarctica are heavily dependent on weather and ice conditions. Our experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant. We take advantage of long daylight hours to exploit every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing, amazing scenery, and excursions via Zodiac.

The Antarctic Peninsula region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and some of Antarctica’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. Protected bays and narrow channels are surrounded by towering mountain peaks covered in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to a variety of whale and seal species. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large nesting colonies at special places on land. The area is also home to Antarctic research stations of various nationalities. Some stations have a gift shop and post office.

The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be our first sighting of land. This wild and beautiful island chain contains numerous landing sites with abundant wildlife and historical significance. Among them is Deception Island, where the flooded caldera of an active volcano harbors an abandoned whaling station.

Farther south, on the Antarctic Peninsula, the vast Gerlache Strait area contains sheltered bays, accessible wildlife, and stunning scenery. Places with names like Paradise Bay are the epitome of everything Antarctic: glaciated mountains, towering icebergs, feeding whales, seals on ice floes, and bustling penguin colonies.

At the southern end of Gerlache Strait is the famous Lemaire Channel, also known as “Kodak Gap” because of the photogenic way the mountainous sides of the narrow channel are reflected in calm waters strewn with icebergs.
Our days in Antarctica are filled with memorable excursions, sumptuous meals, presentations by our experts, and enough incredible scenery and wildlife to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions.

Days 10-11: Drake Passage

As you head back to Ushuaia, there are some final opportunities to ask questions of our Antarctic experts, to share photos and experiences with newfound friends, and to enjoy our festive farewell dinner. Wave goodbye to the birds and whales, until you meet again on your next voyage to the White Continent!

Day 12: Ushuaia, disembarkation

Disembark after breakfast and take a group transfer to the airport or the city centre.

Additional Notes:

• The 29-Nov-2019, 29-Nov-2020 and 18-Dec-2020 departures are 11 days long and spend 1 day less on the Peninsula (4 full days).

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.