Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost city. Explore this vibrant Patagonian city, or stretch your legs in the surrounding forests. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path into the raw nature of Tierra del Fuego. The island of Tierra del Fuego is a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows, and rich boggy wetlands. In the afternoon, board the vessel, waiting to welcome you in port.

After the mandatory safety drill, the expedition begins as travelers navigate through the calm waters of the famous Beagle Channel (named for Charles Darwin's ship). This steep-sided strait divides southern Tierra del Fuego between Chile and Argentina and has been the jumping-off point for thousands of expeditions into the unknown. Watch out for whales and dolphins as you sail off the edge of the map into the tempestuous Drake Passage.

Following the ocean currents of the South Atlantic, travelers head towards the rarely-visited Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). 

The waters between South Georgia and the Falklands are some of the richest in the world, with huge whale, seal and penguin populations feeding where cold Antarctic waters meet the warmer waters of the South Atlantic, so keep binoculars at the ready as you sail across the Antarctic convergence (especially around Shag Rocks). Otherwise, join your Expedition Team lecturers to hear about these islands' fascinating history, biology and unique 'Kelper' (as the locals call themselves) culture. 

On your first day in the Falklands, you'll explore the remote outer islands in the West Falklands, known locally as 'Camp.' These islands, including West Point, Carcass, and Saunders, are renowned for their abundant wildlife, featuring Southern Rockhopper Penguins, Black-Browed Albatross, King Cormorants, and a variety of bird species. In the waters around these islands, you may spot commerson's dolphins and South American sea lions.

The next morning, you'll anchor at Port Stanley, a small British-flavored city with colorful buildings, Victorian houses, red phone boxes, and pubs serving traditional British fare, offering you a unique glimpse into Falkland Islands culture. Highlights include Christchurch Cathedral, local shops with quality woolen goods, welcoming cafes and pubs, and various museums. Nearby, you'll find stunning beaches with abundant penguins and golden-white sands.

From the Falklands, you'll sail eastwards into the Furious Fifties, signifying the entry into Antarctic waters, and arrive at South Georgia in just two days, thanks to the vessel's robust engines and the specially-designed X-Bow. The Expedition Team will assist you in biosecuring your equipment and offer insightful lectures about South Georgia's history, biology, and wildlife. Don't forget to bundle up and join them on deck to observe a wide range of wildlife, including whales, albatrosses, penguins, and seals, in this biologically rich region where sub-Antarctic and polar species coexist.
 
The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the Captain and Expedition Leader and communicated to the guests through regularly scheduled briefings.

A strip of jagged mountains pierce the brooding clouds of the Southern Ocean. Icebound peaks loom over storm-washed beaches, while glaciers peek from the head of deep fjords. First believed to have been landed on by legendary explorer Captain James Cook, even to modern explorers, South Georgia presents a forbidding aura. But peer closer, and you will see greenery among the ice; movement on the beaches; wings in the skies above. 

The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the Captain and Expedition Leader and communicated to the guests through regularly scheduled briefings.

Now comes your time to cross the famed Drake Passage—the stretch of water that separates Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Known for its rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds—the Furious Fifties and the Screaming Sixties—the Drake Passage can be challenging, but you can rest comfortably aboard our expedition vessels. They’re purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines, and are manned by a highly qualified crew. Even the most spirited sailors consider the Drake Passage a lifetime achievement—and you’ll complete the crossing twice!

Your days in the Drake Passage will be put to good use as you prepare for arrival in Antarctica. Your Expedition Leader will provide you with a comprehensive briefing on how to stay safe and minimize your impact on this precious wilderness, along with an overview of our plans for exploring, complete with tips for wildlife watching. Our dedicated Expedition Team will also assist you in biosecuring your clothing and equipment, while sharing tailored lectures on Antarctic exploration history, wildlife, geology, glaciology, and more!

In the coming days, you'll enjoy a safe and exciting Antarctic adventure. We'll start in the South Shetland Islands, rich in wildlife with Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies, and head further south to the Antarctic Peninsula in the Gerlache Strait region, known for its stunning landscapes and iconic wildlife.

The Gerlache Strait offers breathtaking experiences, including Zodiac cruises in Paradise Bay among massive icebergs, observing penguins caring for their eggs on Cuverville Island, and exploring historic huts like Damoy Point. Throughout your journey, encounter endemic wildlife and captivating history.

The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the Captain and Expedition Leader and communicated to the guests through regularly scheduled briefings.

After leaving Antarctica, spend two days at sea, heading north across the Drake Passage back to the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. During this time, various activities for reflection, include cocktails at the Nordic Bar, lectures in the Shackleton Lounge, and watching albatross as companions. On the final evening, join the Farewell Cocktail Party with the Captain and Officers, followed by a photo and video presentation to reminisce about your Antarctic adventure. Cheers!

Arrive in Ushuaia and disembark after breakfast.