Antarctic Peninsula in Depth

Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina

You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its soaring architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to the group hotel (pre-night hotel included).

Day 2: Ushuaia, Argentina

After breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will have a little time to explore this quaint port town before heading to the pier. Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel.

Days 3-4: At sea towards Antarctica

While crossing the Drake Passage, you will spend this time preparing for the exciting days ahead, with numerous educational and informative lectures presented by your Expedition Team. You'll learn about everything from safety procedures to the history of whaling in Antarctica.

Day 5: Elephant Island

Mountainous and ice-covered Elephant Island is the first land you'll visit following the crossing. Named by early explorers for the elephant seals that dotted its shoreline, the island is best known as the refuge for Ernest Shackleton's crew. Point Wild, the site of the crew's camp, is an Antarctic Historic site.

Days 6-8: Weddell Sea

Battered with ocean currents all year long, the remote east side of the Antarctic Peninsula is completely different to the more commonly visited west coast. Here, you'll see mile-long tabular icebergs formed over hundreds or even thousands of years and broken off of ice shelves further south.

Days 9-15: Antarctic Peninsula and Antarctic Circle

Travel around the Peninsula includes a variety of experiences. Glaciers, penguin colonies and breaching humpback whales will highlight your days, while friendly seals are plentiful in these waters. You can also expect to encounter what is arguably the most formidable Antarctic predator, the leopard seal.

Days 16-17: South Shetland Islands

Places such as Half Moon Island or Livingston Island support huge numbers of nesting chinstrap, gentoo and even some macaroni penguins. Giant and cape petrels, blue-eyed shags and kelp gulls nest in the cliffs. You will explore the busy penguin and seabird rookeries and marvel at the huge elephant seals that wallow along the shore.

Days 18-19: At sea towards Ushuaia

Use your second passage across the Drake Passage to put your newfound Antarctic knowledge to use; spend time on deck, spot icebergs and name seabirds. Enjoy presentations by our onboard experts and bond with your shipmates.

Day 20: Disembark in Ushuaia and fly to Buenos Aires

After disembarking, you will get a little taste of Patagonia, touring Tierra del Fuego National Park before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.