Upon arrival in Ushuaia, situated amidst icy peaks and the chilly Beagle Channel, aptly nicknamed "El Fin del Mundo" or "The End of the World," transfer from the airport to the hotel. In the evening, gather for dinner and a briefing on the upcoming adventure.

Depart from your hotel and commence the exploration of this remarkable area. Explore Tierra del Fuego National Park, covered in dense beech forest reminiscent of ancient Antarctica. Enjoy lunch aboard a private catamaran as you cruise the Channel, observing South American sea lions and seabirds like the imperial cormorant. By day's end, you'll be comfortably aboard the ship, prepared to set sail for the White Continent.

At times ferocious, at others flat calm, this legendary 500-mile-wide strait divides South America from the Antarctic Peninsula. Feel the excitement build as you begin the crossing, often accompanied by seabirds like the wandering albatross and—if luck allows—a pod of killer whales or rare dolphins. Get to know the ship and prepare for the adventures ahead. Visit the Bridge (ideal for wildlife spotting), relax with a massage, attend a talk on the unique biology of penguins or simply settle into a comfy chair in the observation lounge, looking out over the waves as you contemplate the history of this passage named for English privateer Francis Drake, but first discovered by Spanish navigator Francisco de Hoces.

With long hours of daylight at this time of year, you have ample opportunities to explore. The schedule is flexible, allowing you to take advantage of the unexpected, whether you’re watching whales at play off the bow of the ship, hiking alongside penguin highways, or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise amid porpoising penguins. While wildlife is magnificent, ice defines the Antarctic. Get to know ice up close and personal—from icebergs the size of islands, bergy bits and near-vertical glaciers, to the fragile, nearly invisible layers that have just begun to freeze. One day, you might set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level; embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags; or walk amid thousands of Adelie and gentoo penguins. Next, you might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice. Everywhere you go in Antarctica, you're surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way, your expert expedition team enriches every experience.

This morning finds the ship is anchored off King George Island. Home to a diverse assortment of wildlife—Weddell and elephant seals; Adelie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins—this island also has a human presence. Researchers from a wide range of countries, including the U.S., Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, call the various stations home. Disembark and Zodiac ashore to board your two-hour flight back to Puerto Natales, where you stay overnight at Hotel Costaustralis or Remota Patagonia Lodge (or similar).

Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport to begin your journey homeward.

Note: Outbound flights from Puerto Natales should depart no earlier than 1:00 p.m. local time (or as late in the day as possible).