Antarctic Peninsula Explorer

Arrive in Ushuaia, where you will be met by a representative and transferred to your group hotel. Here, you will confirm whether you want to join tomorrow's complimentary tour of Lake Escondido. 

This full-day excursion offers a memorable panoramic drive through large glacial valleys and evergreen forests, past gushing waterfalls and rivers in the vast Andes Mountains. You will wind your way up through Garibaldi Pass, where you can take in incredible views of Lake Escondido and, if the weather permits, Fagnano Lake.

Next, you will start your descent to reach Fagnano Lake’s shore, where you will visit a local ranch and have the opportunity to sample a classic Fuegian lamb barbecue. 

This morning, either enjoy some free time in Ushuaia or the complimentary tour of Lake Escondido. In the late afternoon, you will transfer to the port and embark on your ship. 

As the vessel pulls away from Ushuaia, soak up the spectacular views of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego from the deck. A welcome dinner will give you chance to get to know your fellow expeditioners and friendly expedition team and crew.

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.

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.

As you arrive on the western side of the peninsula and you spot your first iceberg, take a deep breath of some of freshest and crispest air on Earth; it is an experience that will stay with you forever. Being so far south, we will enjoy 18-24 hours of daylight meaning the days can be as busy and full as you wish. Your Expedition Team, having made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage choosing options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.

Generally, there will be either landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. Zodiacs are used to cruise alongside spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs where you'll be keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. They will also transport you from the ship to land, to visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some iconic places along the peninsula.

Onshore, you will be wandering along pebbly beaches and up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. There will be opportunities to enjoy optional additional activities whenever conditions allow, including a chance to become a "polar plunger" by fully immersing yourself in polar waters - conditions permitting!

In addition to these activities, the ship may cruise some of the narrow and dramatic straits that separate offshore islands from the mainland, or perhaps linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. Whether you're in the observation lounge or you make your way to the bridge, you will have uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour. Keep an ear out to listen for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve their way from summit to sea and take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of the incredible White Continent.

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

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