Your experience visiting the Antarctic Peninsula may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions. Hence the availability of landing sites and opportunities to see wildlife are different on each journey. The final itinerary will be determined by the Expedition Leader and Captain on board. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.

Our trip starts in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world and the capital of the province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and Southern Atlantic Islands. For those arriving early, consider checking out a number of activities including horseback riding, hiking, wind sailing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and diving. Certainly consider a visit to the nearby Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, or Lago Escondido and Fagnano (lakes).

The official tour starts when we board our ship on Day 1, but we highly recommend arriving in Ushuaia at least one day before sailing to minimize the risk of travel problems impacting your cruise. For those arriving early, we offer an optional afternoon guided tour to the “end of the world” monument in Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Day 1: Embarking on our Great Journey!

After a leisurely day in Ushuaia to get last-minute provisions, we will board our ship in mid-afternoon. Our ship is a comfortable passenger vessel designed specifically for this environment, with multiple observation decks, dining rooms, and private bathrooms.

Later in the afternoon we set sail and follow the Beagle Channel (Canal Beagle) into the evening.

Day 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage

Over the next two days, we will sail across the Drake Passage, where the waters of the South Atlantic and the Southern Ocean converge. Some of the birds we’ll see include Petrels (Blue, Wilson’s Storm, and Antarctic); Albatross (Wandering, Grey-Headed, Black-browed, and Light-mantled Sooty); Southern Fulmars; and Cape Pigeons. Soon we will begin seeing icebergs as we near the South Shetland Islands.

Days 4-8: Antarctica!

During our days of sailing among the islands off the Antarctic Peninsula, we’ll see numerous islands such as the Melchior, Brabant, and Anvers Islands. We’ll have the opportunity to see or visit diverse wildlife colonies (such as Gentoo Penguins, Brown and South Polar Skuas, Antarctic Terns, Dominican Gulls, Chinstrap Penguins, Adelie Penguins, Blue-eyed Shags, Weddell or Crabeater Seals). We’ll glide past breathtaking scenery of myriad icebergs, deep-cut fjords, glaciers, and alpine peaks.

From the deck it’s likely we’ll spot Humpback, Minke, and Fin Whales. Zodiac cruises and shore visits by foot or by kayak (if that option is selected) will provide close-up wildlife viewing and a deep appreciation for the unique landscape (and icescape) of the region. Adventurous visitors may enjoy optional camping and kayaking activities. (Early pre-registration is required for these activities that always sell out)!

Next, we will visit Antarctica’s research stations, where visitors always receive a warm welcome. We will also learn about modern scientists’ life and work on the White Continent. One of the most prominent is the Vernadsky Research Base, founded by the British after World War II, but sold to the Ukrainian government in 1996. It has two major claims to fame. The first is that scientists here were the first to discover the hole in the ozone layer surrounding the earth.

The second is the world’s southernmost bar, where visitors can get a quick swig while shopping in their gift shop for souvenirs, or getting postcards stamped with the imprint of the world’s southernmost post office. The bar was created when some bored British scientists commandeered some wood intended for a new pier to instead re-create an English pub. It still retains its original look – however, the menus are now also printed in Cyrillic.

Days 9-10: Back Across the Drake Passage

After several exhilarating days exploring the ice-covered land of Antarctica, we start our way back across the Drake Passage. So we will have another chance to observe a wide variety of seabirds that call this bleak region home.

Day 11: Back to Mainland South America

Our journey ends with an early morning arrival in Ushuaia Harbor. A mid-morning transfer will be provided to Ushuaia Airport for flights around noon or later, or you can stay in downtown Ushuaia to begin your next adventure.