An incredible voyage visiting prime wildlife sites along the Antarctic Peninsula and in the nearby South Shetland islands. The perfect introduction to the Antarctic!
Your journey begins in the southernmost town in the world – Ushuaia, in Tierra del Fuego – nestled between the spectacular snow-capped mountains of the Andes and the Beagle Channel. You travel across the Drake Passage, accompanied by a rich variety of pelagic seabirds such as wandering albatross, southern giant petrel, cape petrel and black-browed albatross, not to mention the wealth of marine wildlife, including humpback, orca, and minke whale.
Your first stop will normally be the South Shetland Islands, where you visit enormous penguin rookeries, land on beaches ruled by Antarctic fur seals, and observe wallowing elephant seals. The vessel will then move on to the Antarctic Peninsula where you will have plenty of time to experience the special magic of this awe-inspiring wilderness. Visit huge rookeries of gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, and see blue-eyed shags, kelp gulls and cape petrels. You are also likely to see Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, while orca, humpback and minke whale are often encountered at close range.
Finally, you will head back north back across the Drake Passage before rounding Cape Horn and making your way back to Ushuaia.
A typical Classic Antarctica itinerary is shown below, however, we offer a range of itineraries, expedition vessels and cabin types to suit your requirements.
Typical Itinerary
-
Day 1:
Embark in Ushuaia, Argentina
Embark in Ushuaia and set sail along the Beagle Channel
-
Days 2-3
:
Cross the Drake Passage
Over the next two days you sail across the Drake Passage – the crossing offers excellent bird watching from the outer decks or the warmth of the bridge.
-
Days 4-8
:
South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Your first port of call is the South Shetland Islands, a chain of volcanic islands that's home to huge numbers of penguins. You'll board a Zodiac inflatable to go ashore to see the stunning scenery and have your first experience with Antarctic wildlife – the beaches are ruled by Antarctic fur seals and wallowing elephant seals.
One highlight will be sailing into the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island, and perhaps even taking a dip in its geo-thermally heated water. Your on-board team of naturalists and experienced expedition personnel, in coordination with the captain and officers, will attempt an average of two landings each day, though factors such as weather, sea and ice conditions, and not least wildlife behaviour, will influence the programme. They will also keep you entertained with a series of talks and presentations on a range of topics relating to the Antarctic, from its wildlife, to the great explorers, and the future of the Antarctic.
The next item on your agenda is the Antarctic Peninsula - here you'll encounter penguins, seabirds, seals and whales. During the summer months, the peninsula is a playground for birds, a fantastic feeding ground for whales, and a safe haven for seals looking to mate and for penguins to rear their young.
Depending on the conditions en route, your voyage may include visits to:
Paradise Harbour, filled with a mind-boggling array of icebergs
The Neumayer Channel and the Lemaire Channel, beautiful ice-choked waterways overlooked by towering rock faces and spectacular glaciers
Port Lockroy, with its thriving colonies of penguins and a former British base that now serves as one of the world’s most isolated museums
Petermann Island, with Adelie and gentoo penguins, skuas and blue-eyed shags.
-
Days 9-10
:
Sail back across the Drake Passage
As the vessel travels north across the Drake Passage, there’s time to watch for seabirds, enjoy entertaining talks, discuss what you’ve seen and learned, exchange photos and stories.
-
Day 11:
Disembark in Ushuaia
Please note: Exact itinerary and duration will depend on your chosen vessel, departure date and local conditions. Additional adventure activities are not available on every vessel and may incur an additional cost.
Prices are based on a twin-share cabin and exclude any current offers. Please contact us for special offers.
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS
To enhance your Antarctic adventure, why not extend your journey and discover more of South America’s natural and cultural wonders? Soak up the vibrant energy of
Buenos Aires, feel the spray of the mighty
Iguazú Falls, or explore the windswept wilderness of Patagonia. You could search for elusive pumas in
Torres del Paine or embark on a self-drive adventure through jaw-dropping Andean landscapes.
Ask us for ideas or more information on how to make the most of your time in the region.
LUXURY VESSEL
LUXURY VESSEL
EXPEDITION VESSEL
LUXURY VESSEL
LUXURY VESSEL
LUXURY VESSEL
LUXURY VESSEL
EXPEDITION VESSEL
EXPEDITION VESSEL
EXPEDITION VESSEL
LUXURY VESSEL
LUXURY VESSEL
