The Antarctic Peninsula

Arrive in Ushuaia anytime today. Your day is free to relax or enjoy the Argentinean leather markets and succulent lamb dishes that make Patagonia famous as you explore the southernmost town in the world. Our optional evening briefing is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and meet some of your fellow travelers.

The morning is free to explore Ushuaia until our mid-afternoon transfer to the ship, where you will be greeted by our Expedition Team and ship’s officers at a safety briefing and orientation, followed by the Captain’s Welcome Dinner. After dinner, relax and take in the mountainous scenery on our early evening sail down the Beagle Channel past magellanic penguins, Rock Cormorant and sea lion colonies

As we sail south, there are many opportunities for wildlife spotting. Catch a glimpse of Albatrosses, Prions, and Petrels that frequently follow ships. Our Expedition Team will be out on deck as well, looking for the Whales and Dolphins in the area. Our experts will begin the presentation series with informative and entertaining presentations on the wildlife, history, and geology of Antarctica. Helpful briefings on expedition safety and environmental regulations will also be held in the comfortable presentation hall. The length of our crossing will depend on the sea conditions, but we are usually in sight of the South Shetland Islands of the Antarctic Peninsula on the evening of Day 4.

The land of superlatives, Antarctica! Our Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity. The route will stress the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas as well as sites of historic and scientific interest.  The trip may include picturesque Neko Harbor, sheltered Paradise Harbor, the Humpback Whale favored Wilhelmina Bay, the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel.

We may stop at an active scientific base such as Poland’s Arctowksi or Ukraine’s Vernadskiy as well as an historic base such as U.K.’s Port Lockroy or Wordie House. Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins abound, and Weddell, Crabeater and Elephant Seals are often found hauled out to rest along with predatory Leopard Seals and the aggressive Antarctic Fur Seal. Minke and Humpback Whales are frequent visitors in the late season and Orca sightings are also common.

We will continue our presentation series and wildlife spotting as we sail back to Ushuaia and reflect on beautiful Antarctica and its fragile future. We arrive at Ushuaia in the early hours of Day 12.

Morning disembarkation lets you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.