Grand Antarctica & Beyond

Arrive anytime in Buenos Aires and check your hotel in the afternoon. 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, a lively town ready to take you on the thrill ride of a lifetime. Scenes like Parque Yatana allow you 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 incredible 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 who braves these waters do not compare. Meeting 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. The channel is sometimes 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 can 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.

Nicknamed The White Continent for its vast expanse of icebergs, snow, and glaciers, Antarctica is often the final frontier for experienced explorers to conquer. You may set foot on sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, Hidden Bay, and many more as you navigate Antarctic waters. Each landing throughout the continent offers its unique landscape, from expansive tundra to rugged mountain peaks, all beckoning you to follow the paths 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 will sail around changing weather conditions as needed and take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing.

Imagine setting foot on the ethereal landscape of the Antarctic Sound, where the whispers of ancient glaciers echo. It’s a land of stark contrasts, known for tabular icebergs, stunning blue waters and abundant wildlife. It’s a place where the horizon seems endless, and time stands still. Each landing becomes a thrilling chapter in your adventure book. Step ashore onto remote, ice-strewn beaches and feel the crisp Antarctic air invigorate your senses. Greet curious penguins waddling across the snowy expanses, while seals lounge nonchalantly on drifting ice floes. Amid the Antarctic Sound’s possible landings, Paulet Island stands out with its volcanic landscape and some of the largest colonies of Adélie penguins in Antarctica. Remnants of historical expeditions can be found throughout, connecting you to explorers of the past. This is not just a destination; it’s an invitation to the adventure of a lifetime. Together, we will unearth the secrets of this frozen frontier.

CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with the expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones once you get to shore.

Springtime in South Georgia brings forth incredible wildlife as the fauna come out of hibernation, from elephant and fur seals entering mating season to Gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins waddling among the rocky terrain. But it’s the regal king penguins, standing tall amid fields of tussock grass and rugged cliffs, that are the island’s stars. The sight of these majestic creatures in a colony with thousands stretching as far as the eye can see invites you and your fellow explorers to find a moment of stillness as you connect more deeply with the world around you. A contrasting landscape of sweeping fjords and soaring mountains creates an awe-inspiring vista that beckons for exploration. Alongside your expert expedition team, you will gain greater insight and appreciation for the wondrous marvels South Georgia has to offer.

CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with the expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests..

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones once you get to shore.

Although small, Port Stanley has a big personality. Its signature landmark, the famous whalebone arch, speaks volumes about this eccentric and rarely visited destination. The colorful, small town lies on the Falkland Islands, a hot spot and haven for watching Magellanic penguins. The Malvinas call to every adventurer with abundant pubs, eateries, and historic attractions to explore. Visit the Historic Dockyard Museum, a one-stop site to learn about life in the camp, Antarctic connections, and the 1982 war with Argentina.

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones once you get to shore.

Bid farewell to the expedition team and fellow travelers as you disembark in Ushuaia today. Then, head to the airport for your flight home; 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). Booking flights from Buenos Aires no earlier than 8 p.m. is recommended.