Antarctic Peninsula Explorer

Due to COVID-19, ​the routing of this voyage has been adjusted for the 2021/2022 season. Please get in touch for more details about embarkation and disembarkation.

Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia, where you will be met by a representative and transferred to your group hotel. 

Day 2: Embarkation in Ushuaia

After a morning exploring Ushuaia, it is time to embark on your adventure. Ushuaia, capital of Tierra del Fuego is located at the shores of the Beagle Channel and surrounded by the Martial Mountains giving you a unique landscape in Argentina, which is the combination of mountains, sea, glaciers and forests. 

After embarkation, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin before our important mandatory briefings. As the ship pulls away from Ushuaia we’ll gather on the deck to enjoy spectacular views of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. A welcome dinner will give you chance to get to know your fellow expeditioners and friendly expedition team and crew.

Day 3: Crossing the Drake Passage

We commence our Drake Passage crossing, and make the most of our time getting comfortable with the motions of the sea. There are also preparations for our first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures, and we start our lecture program to help you learn more about Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment.

Our wildlife experiences begin as we enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following in our wake. They rise and fall skilfully, using air currents created by the ship to gain momentum.

Day 4: Drake Passage & South Shetland Islands:

Nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, the excitement is palpable watching for our first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once we are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. Weather permitting, we may attempt our first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.

Days 5-9: Antarctica Peninsula

The Antarctic Peninsula's western flanks offer long days and relatively ice-free waters. We visit historic huts and Zodiac cruise through narrow straits and majestic icebergs, and if we're lucky, whale watch from the bow of the ship. A few landing points we hope to visit include Half Moon Bay, Lemaire Channel, Hydrurga Rocks and more. We will also venture into Weddell Sea if weather and ice conditions permit. We hope to visit the large Adelie and gentoo penguin colonies of Brown Bluff or Paulet Island, and fossil-rich Seymour Island. We may hike to spectacular vantage points on Beak or Devil Islands; large tabular icebergs and volcanic scenery create long lasting memories. Wherever we go, wildlife, Heroic Age relics and haunting landscapes await.

Day 10-11: Drake Passage

Relax and reminisce as we cross the Drake Passage, bound for South America. Our expedition team recap all the incredible things we've witnessed, or perhaps you'll find a quiet moment place to review the hundreds of photos taken.

Day 12: Ushuaia, Argentina

We slip up the Beagle Channel and pull into Ushuaia, where you'll say goodbye to new friends and begin any onward travel.

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. Furthermore, it's important to understand that the charter flight(s) to/from Antarctica are particularly prone to weather, which requires a flexible flight schedule.