Polar & Solar Discovery

Day 1 - Arrival, Ushuaia:

Arrive in the world's southernmost town, Ushuaia, where you will embark the vessel. Depending on your arrival time, you may be able to fit in some city-exploring or get out into the local countryside. Or perhaps you will head further afield out to Tierra del Fuego. This raw, natural archipelago is a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. 

You will board the ship in the afternoon, setting sail through the calms of the Beagle Channel.

Day 2 - At Sea:

As you journey towards the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) there will be plenty of time to get to know the ship as well as participating in the many activities offered on board. Lectures about wildlife and the history of the Falkland Islands will be held, and the expedition team will share varying stories and presentations based on the locations that will be visited and their areas of expertise.

Days 3 & 4 - Falkland Islands:

The plan is to reach the Falkland Islands by morning and the harbour of Port Stanley in the early afternoon. Stanley is the capital of the Falkland Islands, the remote South Atlantic archipelago. In the zodiacs, you'll cruise to the town centre where you can spend a few hours exploring the streets of Stanley.

On the following day, weather permitting, there will be landings at two of the islands’ many magnificent wildlife spots, where penguins and numerous other sea birds gather.

Days 5 & 6 - At Sea:

Sailing to South Georgia, these days at sea are great for participating in lectures, photo sessions and recaps, reading books in the library and watching the ubiquitous storm petrels and albatrosses from the top deck. There will be photography workshops in addition to presentations by the expedition team and guest lecturers.

An onboard auction will also take place, raising funds for charitable organisations focused on global issues and local environmental solutions. While learning more about the subjects that such organisations support, you'll be able to take the opportunity to give back to the region.

Days 7 to 11 - South Georgia & the South Atlantic:

Reach South Georgia, with a myriad of wildlife encounters to be had. You can expect to be in company with breeding penguins, sea birds, sea lions and seals, all seeking shelter in this oasis amidst the roaring Southern Ocean. 

As you explore the coastline, both rich in wildlife and stunning in natural beauty, the whaling history will reveal itself between the fjord. A landing at Grytviken gives you chance to visit the final resting place of Shackleton. 

Dependent on conditions, either 2 or 3 days will be spent navigating the fjords in the north coast with as much landing time as much as possible. 

Day 12 - December 4th - Solar Eclipse:

A once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon. The ship will be positioned in the best spot east of South Orkney to observe the solar eclipse early in the morning. You'll witness the moon shadow speed south at 10,000km per hour towards the South Orkney Islands and Antarctica, creating a wondrous event. Although lasting for just a few minutes, your memory of it will endure forever.

Day 13 - At Sea:

As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on the horizon, the presence of wildlife multiplies by tens of thousands with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals.

Days 14 to 17 - Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands:

Spend the next few days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. Wildlife abounds here: leopard, fur and Weddell seals of Cuverville Island; humpback whales of Gerlache Strait; Paradise Bay; and the dramatic Lemaire Channel's orcas. 

In the Antarctic Sound, named in 1902 after the Swedish vessel Antarctic, the captain and expedition team will keep a watchful eye on the mighty tabular icebergs, born from the floating Larsen Ice Shelf further south. The aim is to have both continental and island landings on the shores of Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea, always on the lookout for some of the unusually large penguin colonies, which have recently been observed.

The exact itinerary and activities will depend on weather and ice conditions, and thus will be determined by the captain at the time.

Days 18 & 19 - Crossing the Drake:

You'll depart Antarctica for your return to Ushuaia, navigating the notorious Drake Passage, cruising past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America and sailing through the calms of the Beagle Channel. During your time at sea, a variety of activities will be offered on board to enjoy with your fellow explorers.

Day 20 - Disembarkation, Ushuaia:

The conclusion of your voyage is your arrival back in Ushuaia, where you can continue your adventures or begin your return journey home.

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.