Antarctic Peninsula Explorer

Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia, where you will be met by a representative and transferred to your group hotel. 

Day 2: Embarkation in Ushuaia

After a morning exploring Ushuaia, it is time to embark on your adventure. Ushuaia, capital of Tierra del Fuego is located at the shores of the Beagle Channel and surrounded by the Martial Mountains giving you a unique landscape in Argentina, which is the combination of mountains, sea, glaciers and forests. 

After embarkation, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin before our important mandatory briefings. As the ship pulls away from Ushuaia we’ll gather on the deck to enjoy spectacular views of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. A welcome dinner will give you chance to get to know your fellow expeditioners and friendly Expedition Team and crew.

Day 3: Crossing the Drake Passage

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.

Day 4: Drake Passage & South Shetland Islands:

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.

Days 5 to 9: Antarctica Peninsula

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.

Day 10 & 11: Drake Passage

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.

Day 12: Ushuaia

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.

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. Furthermore, it's important to understand that the charter flight(s) to/from Antarctica are particularly prone to weather, which requires a flexible flight schedule.