Welcome to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and gateway to your Antarctic adventure! Upon arrival, the staff will greet you at the airport and transfer you to a comfortable, pre-arranged hotel included in your itinerary. Explore this lively port city and outdoor paradise for the rest of the day.  

To glimpse local history and wildlife, visit the fascinating Museo del Fin del Mundo. If time allows, immerse yourself in nature with activities suited to all interests, from hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park to spotting wildlife in the Beagle Channel. In the evening, savor Patagonian lamb or fresh Fuegian seafood at one of Ushuaia’s many excellent restaurants.

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a leisurely morning in Ushuaia. Stroll along the scenic waterfront, taking in breathtaking views of the snow-capped Martial Range, the southernmost peaks of the Andes. This is a great opportunity to browse for souvenirs or pick up any last-minute essentials. Rest assured, you receive a complimentary parka and waterproof boots available on board. For lunch, indulge in the flavors of Patagonia at a cozy cafe, a traditional parrilla, or a gelato shop along the bustling Avenida San Martín.  

In the afternoon, transfer to the pier and be warmly welcomed aboard the luxurious expedition vessel, M/V Sea Spirit. Settle into your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your home for the adventure ahead. Once underway, the expedition team will introduce you to the journey with engaging briefings and an exciting schedule of events. After the first of many gourmet dinners on board, step onto the open decks to soak in the stunning evening light as the ship sails through the legendary Beagle Channel.

After transiting the Beagle Channel and passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, head northeast toward the Falkland Islands and watch for dolphins and whales. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas. Presentations by the experts prepare you for your arrival in the Falkland Islands.

The remote and sparsely-populated Falkland Islands are a birders’ paradise. You anticipate spending two days in the remote outer islands where large colonies of penguins and albatross are easily accessible. The Falklands are also a great place to observe marine mammals. The waters around the archipelago are home to cetaceans such as Peale’s and Commerson’s dolphins. Your route and exploration opportunities depend on the weather among these isolated and windswept islands.

You also intend to visit the port of Stanley, the charmingly British capital of the Falkland Islands. Attractions within pleasant walking distance along the waterfront promenade include the Falkland Islands Museum, the governor’s house, a cathedral with an impressive whalebone arch outside, a war memorial, quality gift shops, pubs, and views of shipwrecks in the harbor.

From the Falkland Islands, head east toward South Georgia. Cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. Briefings, bio-security procedures, and lectures from your experts prepare you for your arrival in South Georgia.

This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Your route and exploration opportunities in South Georgia heavily depend on the weather conditions you encounter. Your experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant. You can be sure that the best possible advantage will be taken of the circumstances presented to you by nature in this wild and remote corner of the world. You take every safe opportunity to go ashore in this amazing place.

South Georgia is a scenic wilderness and an unrivaled paradise for subantarctic wildlife viewing. The islands host over 100 million seabirds, including numerous albatross species, penguins, prions, petrels, and terns. On beaches such as Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay, over 100,000 elephant seals and three million fur seals jostle for space among innumerable penguins, including stately king penguins and sprightly macaroni penguins. The recently completed rat eradication program will make this wilderness more pristine and rich with birdlife.

An increasing number of whales also inhabit the bountiful waters surrounding South Georgia. The historical whaling station of Grytviken is now home to the excellent South Georgia Museum, managed by the South Georgia Heritage Trust. Grytviken is also the final resting place of Ernest Shackleton, the legendary polar explorer.

Your days in South Georgia are filled with memorable excursions, sumptuous meals, expert presentations, and enough incredible scenery and wildlife to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions.

Continue west toward the Antarctic Peninsula. Pelagic seabirds, including the majestic albatross, are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks or exterior stateroom windows and balconies. You may also encounter enormous tabular icebergs drifting north from the Weddell Sea.

The Antarctic Peninsula region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and Antarctica’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. Protected bays and narrow channels are surrounded by towering mountain peaks covered in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to various whale and seal species. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large nesting colonies at unique places on land. The area is also home to Antarctic research stations of various nationalities.

The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be your first sighting of land. This wild and beautiful island chain contains numerous landing sites with abundant wildlife and historical significance. Among them is Elephant Island, where men from Shackleton’s famous Endurance expedition spent the winter.

Farther south, on the Antarctic Peninsula, the gorgeous Gerlache Strait area contains sheltered bays, accessible wildlife, and stunning scenery.

The wilderness of Antarctica is subject to unpredictable weather and ever-changing ice conditions, which dictate your route and exploration opportunities. This is a genuine expedition. You exploit every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing, fantastic scenery, and excursions via Zodiac.

It is time to head north across the Drake Passage toward South America, though the adventure is not quite over. You are always looking for marine mammals and seabirds in these wild waters. This is also the time for festivities such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slideshow. Finally, as you enter the calm Beagle Channel, enjoy a night of smooth sailing toward Ushuaia.

After breakfast, say farewell in the city of Ushuaia, where you started. A group transfer to the airport or the town center is provided if you wish to spend more time here. As you reflect on your wonderful experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next incredible adventure to the ice!