Journey to the Antarctic Circle (Christmas & New Year)

On arrival at Ushuaia Airport, make your way through to the Arrivals Hall where your representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. The first night of your voyage is spent in the quaint town of Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world, and the capital of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire).

The remainder of the day is at leisure and you are free to explore, perhaps making a few last-minute purchases from the many shops or artisan markets or relaxing in a café. Visit the excellent museums along the main street, Avenida San Martin, or wander the streets and take in the town’s dramatic setting, with views of the mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south.

This morning is free for you to explore Ushuaia, giving you time to wander the streets of this quaint port town or discover Tierra del Fuego National Park. Transfer to the pier of Ushuaia for embarkation in the late afternoon. You will be welcomed onboard the Ocean Endeavour by the Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers. This evening set sail through the Beagle Channel that was named after the British ship the HMS Beagle. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America and is rich in wildlife. Keep a lookout for Magellanic penguins, rock cormorants, petrels, and black-browed albatross from the deck as well as sea lion colonies.

As your ship leaves the Beagle Channel, prepare yourself for potentially rough seas as we enter the legendary Drake Passage. This infamous and unpredictable channel of water separates the southernmost tip of South America from the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. It was named after the English explorer, Sir Frances Drake. As you head southwards, there is time to get to know your shipmates and get an insight into the excitement ahead with presentations from the Expedition Team on everything Antarctic - from the history and geology to the incredible wildlife. You will notice a drop in temperature as you cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. At the Antarctic Convergence, the colder polar waters flowing north meet the warmer equatorial waters flowing south. This mixing pushes nutrient-rich waters to the surface, attracting a variety of seabirds, whales, and other species. Look out through the panoramic observation windows or brave the elements outside on the deck as you keep your eyes peeled for albatrosses flying overhead, icebergs, and maybe even breaching whales.

Leaving the Antarctic Convergence in your wake, continue south towards Antarctica, maybe making landfall by early evening on Day 4, if conditions are favorable. The first sighting of land always brings great excitement and is often embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition.

For the next four days, explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula that is famed for its majestic mountains, glaciers, imposing icebergs, ice-strewn waters, and abundance of wildlife. The scenery, wildlife and serene silence of Antarctica will enchant and enthrall and you will soon realize why this region has captivated the attention of explorers and travelers for centuries. Your days on the Antarctic Peninsula will form the core of your adventure. Every day will be different as you cruise by Zodiac amongst the beautifully sculpted icebergs and take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels, and landing sites. The unpredictable weather and ice condition mean that the itinerary will be flexible, but will make the most of wildlife sightings. Your aim is to explore penguin rookeries, seal and bird colonies, whale feeding areas and, as well as visiting sites of historic, scientific interest and climbing to vantage points for panoramic views. There is always something new or unexpected to see, with opportunities for kayaking, snowshoeing, and photography with an expert, which means that your expedition will be a unique and personal experience and unlike any other. Enjoy the antics of thousands of curious penguins as you sit on a pebbled beach, scout for whales and seals as you cruise by Zodiac, visit a research base, listen out for the mighty crack of a calving glacier and maybe brave a polar plunge in the icy waters!

​As you cruise through the Peninsula, the lecture program continues and, sightseeing is at its most spectacular of the ship’s outer decks. Enjoy the Ocean Endeavour’s newly-designed health and fitness features, with facilities that include a spa, His and Hers saunas, saltwater pool, and gym plus yoga sessions.

If weather conditions are favorable, continue to push south, past vast icebergs, in the hope of reaching latitude 66°33’ S to cross the fabled Antarctic Circle. This is a point that only a few intrepid travelers have reached, an impressive achievement and one worthy of a celebration! Toast yourselves and toast the first explorers who ventured this far south. The area is home to Weddell seals and beautifully sculptured ice formations and you may see humpback whales and minke whales that feed on the krill-rich waters.

Heading north once more, continue to explore the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, keeping a close watch for wildlife and scanning the waters for whale activity. Make the most of the onboard facilities, and enjoy your final Zodiac excursions and shore landings.

Leaving the Antarctic Peninsula behind, head back across the Drake Passage. This is another great opportunity to look out for wildlife from the deck of the ship, as you identify seabirds and maybe whales with the help of your Expedition Team. Gain more insight into the region by attending final lectures and presentations by the polar experts and take time to relax and reminisce about your Antarctic experiences. By the evening you can hope to be back in the tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel, ensuring a restful night's sleep on board.

You are scheduled to arrive in Ushuaia early this morning, disembarking after a final breakfast aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, or maybe spend a few days in Ushuaia, giving you time to explore further, maybe hiking in Tierra del Fuego National park.