Realm of Penguins & Icebergs

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 passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, turn south to begin your crossing of the Drake Passage. Watch for humpback and fin whales along the way. The majestic wandering albatross and other graceful subantarctic seabirds are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks and balconies. You also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas. Briefings, bio-security procedures, and presentations by your lecture staff prepare you for your arrival in Antarctica. You hope to arrive in the South Shetland Islands on the evening of your second day at sea.

Within the next few days, explore the highlights of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. This region contains some of Antarctica's most impressive scenery and the best wildlife viewing. Sheltered bays and channels sparkle with ice, reflecting towering mountain peaks coated 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 many marine mammals and seabirds. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large rookeries at unique places on land. Here, you also find Antarctic research bases of various nationalities.

The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be your first area of exploration. This wildly beautiful island chain contains many landing sites with historical significance and abundant wildlife. Explore the Antarctic Peninsula's supremely picturesque Gerlache Strait area, a pristine wilderness of spectacular white landscapes, colossal icebergs, obliging marine mammals, and bustling penguin colonies. You hope to see the famous Lemaire Channel, also known as "Kodak Gap," because of the photogenic way the narrow channel reflects the image of sheer snowy mountains.

This area contains large colonies of Gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins, sometimes side by side. This a great time for close encounters with inquisitive penguin chicks, who are now gaining independence as they fledge. This is also the peak of the whale-watching season. 

In this rugged yet accessible environment, superb wildlife viewing is best complemented by active adventure. Your knowledgeable guides will offer hiking and hill climbing for an even greater perspective of this raw polar wilderness. For sea kayakers, the wildlife-rich waters of Antarctica provide many chances to paddle with seals and penguins in some of the world's most scenic waterways. To make the most of your time on the White Continent, you can also spend a night camping ashore, surrounded by untamed Antarctic nature.

This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Your precise route and exploration opportunities will be shaped by weather and ice. Your experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust plans to take maximum advantage of the conditions in this challenging polar environment. 

It is time to head back across the Drake Passage toward South America, but the adventure is not quite over. Seabirds are your constant companions, and whale encounters in these wild waters are always possible. 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 yet another delicious breakfast on board, you bid a fond farewell in Ushuaia. If you wish to spend more time here, a group transfer to the airport or the city center is provided. As you reflect on your wonderful experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next polar adventure!