Day 1: Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia today, or take advantage of our flexible arrival program and arrive up to twenty-four hours ahead. You’ll be staying at the beautiful Arakur Hotel & Resort, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.
Explore the trails, relax, and soak in the surroundings—or explore Ushuaia and browse the Argentinean leather markets. Meet fellow travellers and ask questions at our optional evening briefing. Enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast in the morning.
Day 2: Embarkation
This morning, you’re free to explore Ushuaia or unwind at the resort until our mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. On board, you’ll be greeted by our Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers. A concise safety and orientation briefing will be followed by the Captain’s welcome dinner. After dinner, we’ll relax and take in the scenery on our early evening sail through the Beagle Channel. Watch for Magellanic penguin, rock cormorant, and sea lion colonies as we sail.
Day 3-4: Drake Passage
As we steam our way southward, our expedition team will prepare us with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. We will notice a drop in temperature as cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean!
Take part in seabird sighting surveys, or help collect salinity samples and weather data along the way. Expect to see icebergs, an array of seabirds, and if we’re lucky, breaching whales!
Day 5-6: South Shetland Islands
In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, our flexible itinerary will aim for penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas, as well as sites of great historic and scientific interest.
Our first sight of land will likely be the South Shetland Islands. We may visit Half Moon Island nestled inside Livingston’s eastern shore, or conditions permitting visit historic Deception Island. Sub-Antarctic species are more commonly found here, including chinstrap penguins and southern elephant seals.
Day 6: Stanley, East Falkland
Chosen for its sheltered harbour and access to abundant fresh water and peat for fuel, Stanley is easy to discover on foot as most shops and services are centered on the port. The museum, the post office (featuring first-day covers), plenty of shops with locally made wool items, and Stanley's lively pubs will all be available. It is possible to experience the wildlife of the Falklands from the town including sea lions and Peale's and Commerson's dolphins in the harbour or bird life in nearby Gypsy Cove.
Day 7-9: Antarctica
Heading south across the Bransfield Strait, we may explore any number of extraordinary geographic features. We may stop at an active scientific base such as Poland’s Arctowksi or Ukraine’s Vernadsky, or a historic base such as the United Kingdom’s Port Lockroy or Wordie House.
Penguins abound, along with Weddell and Crabeater seals, predatory leopard seals, and assertive Antarctic fur seals. Minke and humpback whales are frequent visitors in this season, and orcas sightings are also common.
Day 10-11: Drake Passage
Take part in our presentation series and wildlife spotting as we make our journey home. Our course now is ever northward across the Drake Passage. Crossing the Antarctic Convergence means warmer water this time.
Sailing back to Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel, we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow.
Day 12: Ushuaia Disembarkation
Morning disembarkation allows you to catch a flight to Buenos Aires and onward, if you wish. Or, stay in Ushuaia for more sightseeing and adventure in Tierra del Fuego!
