Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. Your representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. You will be informed at the hotel of your journey and details of embarkation. If you happen to arrive early, there are a surprising amount of ways to entertain yourself. Check out the Museo Maritimo to brush up on the history of the region. Take a stroll down Avenida San Martin if you are after any last-minute essentials before departing. Enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant and sample some of Argentina's famous red wine.

This afternoon you’ll board the Ocean Endeavour, settle into your cabin and begin cruising down the stunning Beagle Channel, named for Charles Darwin’s ship. The channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, the most southerly national park of South America. The Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers will be waiting to welcome you aboard. This evening you sail along the wildlife-rich Beagle Channel, towards the White Continent of Antarctica. As you leave the lights of Ushuaia behind, look out for Magellanic Penguins, Rock Cormorants, Petrels, and Black-browed Albatross from the deck as well as noisy sea lion colonies.

The Drake Passage is one of the most famous bodies of water on the planet. It can be a little rough, but if weather conditions are good, you can head out on the outer decks for a chance to spot ocean dwellers like whales and dolphins, or perhaps seabirds including the spectacular wandering albatross, prions and petrels. Over the next two days, you'll get to know your expedition team experts as the comprehensive lecture program gets underway. The polar experts will share their knowledge of the Antarctic region so you can gain a great understanding of its wildlife, history and geology and help prepare you for the adventure that lies ahead. Your expedition team are experts on the marine life that inhabit these parts and will help scout for sightings as you join them on the Ocean Endeavour's bridge and spacious outer decks. With favorable conditions, you are scheduled to arrive at the Antarctic Peninsula late on the evening of day four.

It’s time to take your first steps on Antarctica, courtesy of a Zodiac cruise through the icy waters. There are several potential landing sites including Neko Harbour, Petermann Island and Port Lockroy, and while weather dictates which specific site you'll land at, each of them presents an opportunity to get up close with some truly incredible wildlife, watch penguins waddle and seals slide as icebergs and glaciers crackle and crumble.

If you have any questions, look to your expedition team to inspire and educate you about this fascinating part of the world. A range of adventure options are available if you’re feeling active, including snowshoeing, kayaking and day paddling You'll also have an opportunity to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Endeavour. There’s nothing quite like a quick dip in the Antarctic’s icy depths to wake you up!

Antarctica will enchant you with its incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snow-capped peaks, vast icebergs, and ice strewn channels. Not to mention the wildlife – from extensive colonies of chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins, to crabeater, Weddell, fur and elephant seals and a plethora of fascinating birds. When you are on board the Ocean Endeavour, the expedition team will keep the education going with a range of wildlife and history presentations and documentary screenings, or you can make the most of the onboard wellness facilities including a spa, saltwater pool, sauna and gym, or perhaps join a yoga class with the incredible backdrop of Antarctica!

An average day on board begins with a wake-up call from your Expedition leader around 7am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow expeditioners for breakfast in the Polaris restaurant. You will usually have two excursions per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with a delicious lunch served on the Ocean Endeavour in between excursions.

Venturing to the ends of the earth is a moment to revel in as not all expeditions come this far south. Few people can say they’ve crossed the Antarctic Circle, and you are one of them. Weather conditions permitting, celebrations will be in order after reaching 66°33’ S. This is now deep Antarctica, home to Weddell seals, spectacular ice formations, and the midnight sun. This region is also home to the densest concentration of wildlife in Antarctica. Toast to the sheer rawness of the surroundings and take it all in like a dream comes to fruition – while not a typical landing, the crossing of the Antarctic Circle leaves a lasting memory.

Say goodbye to the Antarctic Peninsula as you begin your return leg to Ushuaia. Grab the opportunity to share photographs with fellow travelers, enjoy some final lectures from polar experts, and speak with the WWF-Australia team about their whale research findings from their time on the Peninsula. Ultimately, Dr. Friedlaender and his team hope that their research will lead to the establishment of an Antarctic marine protection area, preventing krill fishing in the region, and safeguarding the health of baleen whales. With The Intrepid Foundation helping to facilitate this research voyage and supporting WWF-Australia’s Protecting Antarctic Giants project, this is a cause to get behind.

The journey’s final leg offers an opportunity to reflect on the spectacular scenery and prolific wildlife encountered throughout the voyage. Your last days onboard are also a great opportunity to make use of Ocean Endeavour’s health and wellness facilities, including its saunas, spa, heated pool, yoga classes, and gym. Spend some time with your shipmates, who you’ve no doubt bonded with, and enjoy a final together to toast the end of this Antarctic adventure.

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

After saying your farewells to your Expedition Team and the Ocean Endeavour crew, transfer you to the airport for your onward flight, or you may like to spend an extra few days in Ushuaia, giving you time to explore this fascinating town and the surrounding areas.