Sail on this 11-day Antarctic Discovery exploration cruise from Ushuaia and back aboard World Voyager. As you cross the famous Drake Passage, keep an eye out for hourglass dolphins. Then, explore the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula with daily landings and complimentary zodiac safaris led by a world-class expedition team. Watch for penguins hatching from late December to January, or search for orcas, mikes, sperm whales, and humpback whales from January to March.
Highlights
Navigate the intrepid Drake Passage guided by petrels and albatrosses
Discover hidden gems like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, and more
Explore the South Shetland Islands and view wildlife and scenic landscapes
Experience Deception Island's volcanic caldera, heated springs, and more
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arrive at any time in Buenos Aires, and check into your hotel by 3 or 4 p.m. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to do as you please before resting up for your journey the next day.
Wake up early this morning to catch your charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, which departs between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m.; transportation from your hotel to the airport is provided.
Although its nickname is the “End of the World” – derived from its location along the southernmost tip of South America among the Tierra del Fuego archipelago – Ushuaia is far from the end of any adventure. Where the Andes meet the Beagle Channel and the snow-capped Martial Mountains sit behind a sprawling city of colorful buildings, lies a lively town ready and waiting to take you on the thrill ride of a lifetime. Scenes like Parque Yatana give you the chance to immerse yourself in the rich, indigenous culture.
Navigating the intrepid Drake Passage is made for the boldest of explorers. Petrels and albatrosses that glide across the skies guide the way. To witness its awesome power makes the journey to Antarctica all the more triumphant.
The Drake Passage leads you from the southernmost region of the Americas to the Antarctic Peninsula, the northern point of The White Continent. This waterway where the cold southern ocean meets warm northern sea water creates powerful currents that test your mettle.
But the rewards for the journeyer that braves these waters do not compare. The meeting of warm and cold waters creates an environment that attracts extraordinary wildlife. The Drake Passage offers the chance to witness the likes of humpback whales and hourglass dolphins that accompany the voyage. The soundtrack of the 48-hour journey through the Drake Passage includes the crash of the ocean against the ship and the cry of petrels, skuas, and gulls.
While the waterway is famous for its challenging navigation, you may still get another side of the Drake Passage. On some occasions, the channel is calm and tranquil, making for a pleasant voyage into Antarctica. That’s one of the more splendid characteristics of the Drake Passage – you never know what you get.
As you emerge from the Drake Passage, the mammoth, icy peaks of the South Shetland Islands loom ahead, greeting you on your victorious landing. You have completed the rite of passage to explore the seventh continent.
Day 5: Exploring the South Shetlands Islands - Captain's Choice, Antarctica
Part of the greater Antarctica region, the South Shetland Islands contains plenty of wildlife, scenic landscapes, hiking opportunities, and magnificent viewpoints that inspire a sense of discovering another world. A possible landing on Elephant Island, named for the shape of its cliffside and the elephant seals that call it home, puts you on the same path as the famous Shackleton Expedition. Deception Island, another possible landing and named for its very nature, is in fact a volcanic caldera where you can find heated springs amid the striking black sands. Other stops could include Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbor, Point Wild, and Barrientos Island, where you can find plenty of Gentoo penguin rookeries.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s captain sails around changing weather conditions as needed and takes you to the best areas for wildlife viewing.
Nicknamed The White Continent for its vast expanse of icebergs, snow, and glaciers, Antarctica is often the final frontier for experienced explorers to conquer. As you navigate Antarctic waters, you may set foot on sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, Hidden Bay, and many more. Each landing throughout the continent offers its own unique landscape, from expansive tundra to rugged mountain peaks, all beckoning you to follow the paths that few explorers have trekked before.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s captain sails around changing weather conditions as needed and takes you to the best areas for wildlife viewing.
Navigating the intrepid Drake Passage is made for the boldest of explorers. Petrels and albatrosses that glide across the skies guide the way. To witness its awesome power makes the journey to Antarctica all the more triumphant.
The Drake Passage leads you from the southernmost region of the Americas to the Antarctic Peninsula, the northern point of The White Continent. This waterway where the cold southern ocean meets warm northern sea water creates powerful currents that test your mettle.
But the rewards for the journeyer that braves these waters do not compare. The meeting of warm and cold waters creates an environment that attracts extraordinary wildlife. The Drake Passage offers the chance to witness the likes of humpback whales and hourglass dolphins that accompany the voyage. The soundtrack of the 48-hour journey through the Drake Passage includes the crash of the ocean against the ship and the cry of petrels, skuas, and gulls.
While the waterway is famous for its challenging navigation, you may still get another side of the Drake Passage. On some occasions, the channel is calm and tranquil, making for a pleasant voyage into Antarctica. That’s one of the more splendid characteristics of the Drake Passage – you never know what you get.
As you emerge from the Drake Passage, the mammoth, icy peaks of the South Shetland Islands loom ahead, greeting you on your victorious landing. You have completed the rite of passage to explore the seventh continent.
Day 11: Ushuaia, Argentina | Disembark | Fly to Buenos Aires
1 Breakfast
Bid farewell to the expedition team and fellow travelers as you disembark in Ushuaia today. Then head to the airport for your flight home, a transportation from the ship to the airport is provided. Your charter flight departs at approximately 1 p.m. and should arrive at approximately 4:30 p.m. (though this may vary). It is recommended to book flights from Buenos Aires no earlier than 8 p.m.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$15,8992-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Adventure Oceanview Stateroom (AO)
Located: Deck 3
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 183 sq. ft.
• Sitting area with chair, desk and TV
Horizon Stateroom (A2)
Located: Deck 5 and 6
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 270 sq. ft. including floor-to-ceiling Juliette Balcony with top-drop electric window
• Sitting area with sofa and TV
Horizon Stateroom (A1)
Located: Deck 5 and 6
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 270 sq. ft. including floor-to-ceiling Juliette Balcony with top-drop electric window
• Sitting area with sofa and TV
Veranda Stateroom (B2)
Located: Deck 5 and 6
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 270 sq. ft. (including balcony)
• Sitting area with sofa and TV
Veranda Stateroom (B1)
Located: Deck 5 and 6
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 270 sq. ft. (including balcony)
• Sitting area with sofa and TV
Veranda Deluxe Stateroom (E2)
Located: Deck 6
Occupancy: Up to 3 guests
• 300 sq. ft. (including balcony)
• Living room with sofa and vanity
Horizon Deluxe Stateroom (E1)
Located: Deck 6
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 300 sq. ft. including floor-to-ceiling Juliette • Balcony with top-drop electric window
• Interior seating area with sofa and TV
Journey Suite (JS)
Located: Deck 5 and 6
Occupancy: Up to 3 guests
• 382 sq. ft.
• Oversized private balcony with teak furnishings
• Walk-in closet and wardrobe
• Living room with sofa and vanity
• Includes 2 wall-mounted TVs with “infotainment” system
Discovery Suite (DS)
Located: Deck 5
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 445 sq. ft.
• Oversized private balcony with teak furnishings
• Walk-in closet and wardrobe
• Living room with sofa and vanity
• Includes 2 wall-mounted TVs with “infotainment” system
Navigator Suite (NS)
Located: Deck 5 and 6
Occupancy: Up to 3 guests
• 465 sq. ft.
• Oversized private balcony with teak furnishings
• Double sinks and tub
• Walk-in closet and wardrobe
• Living room with sofa and vanity
• Includes 2 wall-mounted TVs with “infotainment” system
Initial deposit is $1000/pp for stateroom and/or $1500/pp for suite rooms, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Credit Card, Wire/bank Transfer
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 9 Dinners
10 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Pre-Paid Gratuities
Unlimited beverages, including fine wines, spirits and craft beers
Open bars and lounges, including 24-hour bar service with specialty canapes
In-room minibar with your preferences
Specialty coffees, teas and fresh-pressed juices
Champagne and gourmet canapes during meet and greet
24-hour room service, including spirits, wine and beer
L'OCCITANE bath amenities
Atlas Ocean Voyages provides an Emergency Medical and Trip Delay Travel Protection plan on your behalf. The plan includes reimbursement for expenses such as trip cancellation, trip delays, baggage loss, medical situations and more.
While not required, we strongly recommend that all our guests purchase additional travel insurance with increased maximum reimbursement. Please refer to the plan documentation at HERE for specific terms, conditions.
Shore landings by zodiac
Polar Plunge
Private charter jet service - roundtrip from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
Atlas Ocean Voyages parka and vest
Use of knee boots
1-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay on Antarctica Expeditions
Cultural immersion
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Buenos Aires Hotel tax (up to $2 per person/night) - paid at checkout
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Adventure Life has a great team. They were very knowledgeable and responsive and helped us choose the right Arctic Expedition for us. We would recommend them.
Kbear
5 months ago
Friendly representative, ease of booking and bountiful information along the way.
Gary Brodarick
6 months ago
Erin was really helpful during the booking process! She met with me, answered all my questions and made the booking process really easy!