No need to stress about missed connections or flight delays as you arrive with plenty of time to unwind and enjoy your beautiful hotel or spend time discovering the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia.

Explore the sights of Ushuaia such as the museums and Argentinean leather markets or continue relaxing at the hotel. Attend the optional evening briefing for the opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow travelers.

Spend your morning exploring Ushuaia or unwinding at the resort until your mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. Your Expedition Team and ship staff greets you on board, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and Captain’s welcome dinner.

Join your Polar Experts as they teach you about everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history; participate in the renowned Citizen Science program; or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching exciting glimpses of wildlife. Grab your binoculars to identify the many seabirds that follow the ship as you cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctic waters and noticeably cooler temperatures.

In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula make as much time as possible to explore by inflatable Zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature’s glory. The Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity. Aim for the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas, as well as sites of historic and scientific interest.

The first sight of land will likely be that of the South Shetland Islands. These highly volcanic islands offer amazing abundance and beauty. You may visit Half Moon Island nestled inside Livingston’s eastern shore, or conditions permitting visit historic Deception Island. Being further north, sub-Antarctic species are more commonly found here, including Chinstrap penguins and Southern Elephant seals.

Here you’ll explore any number of picturesque bays and famed harbors, maneuvering through majestic channels as you travel the wildlife-rich waters. There are great opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites as you spot numerous species of penguins, seals, and whales along the rugged coastlines and in the sea.

The trip may include picturesque Neko Harbor, sheltered Paradise Harbor, the Humpback Whale favored Wilhelmina Bay, the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel. You may stop at an active scientific base such as Poland’s Arctowksi or Ukraine’s Vernadskiy as well as a historic base such as U.K.’s Port Lockroy or Wordie House.

Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins abound, and Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals are often found hauled out to rest along with predatory leopard seals and the assertive Antarctic fur seal. Minke and humpback whales are frequent visitors in the late season and orca sightings are also common.

As you leave this magical place and make your way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage, continue your presentation series and wildlife spotting. Sailing back to Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel, celebrate the conclusion of your expedition with a special slideshow. 

Morning disembarkation lets you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.