Antarctica’s Whale Season 30% Advantage

This expedition cruise follows the classic route into Antarctica and combines days at sea with intensive time in polar waters. On board, Polar Experts provide context on wildlife, ice and the human history of the region, complemented by photography opportunities and a Citizen Science program. In the South Shetlands and along the Antarctic Peninsula you encounter volcanic shaped coastlines, glaciers and icebergs, as well as penguins and several seal species. During whale season, sightings are often frequent, especially where krill concentrates close to the surface.

Antarctica’s Whale Season: Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia and time to explore
After you land, you will be met at the airport and transferred to one of the partnered premium hotel resorts set in Patagonian surroundings. Depending on your arrival time, you can take a moment to rest or head out to explore Ushuaia, widely known as the southernmost city in the world. The town offers small shops and local museums, and it is a practical place to get a first sense of Tierra del Fuego before the voyage begins. In the evening, an optional briefing is offered. It is a calm introduction to the days ahead, with time to ask questions and meet some of your fellow travelers.

Day 2: Embarkation
Your morning is free in Ushuaia. You may choose to relax at the hotel, visit a museum, or walk through town for last minute errands before heading to the port. In mid afternoon you will be escorted to the ship, where the Expedition Team and ship staff welcome you on board and help you get settled. After embarkation, you attend the required safety and orientation briefing so that procedures and daily routines are clear from the start. The day concludes with the Captain’s welcome dinner. Later, the ship departs and you begin your southbound journey toward Antarctica.

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Day 3: Drake Passage, beginning the crossing
Today the ship enters the Drake Passage, the well known stretch of ocean between South America and Antarctica. Life on board settles into an expedition rhythm, with presentations by Polar Experts covering Antarctic wildlife, the polar environment and the region’s history. You can also take part in the Citizen Science program, contributing to observations and data collection during the voyage. Time on deck is often rewarding, as seabirds frequently follow the ship and can be identified with binoculars. As you approach and cross the Antarctic Convergence, conditions typically shift and the air becomes noticeably cooler, marking the transition into Antarctic waters.

Day 4: Drake Passage, continuing south
A second day at sea allows for further briefings and deeper context from the Expedition Team. Topics often expand to include ice dynamics, weather patterns and practical guidance for upcoming landings and activities. Many guests use this time to prepare camera settings, review wildlife identification tips, or simply watch the ocean and birdlife from sheltered deck areas. The crossing is also a useful period for the group to settle in, with a steady routine of talks, observation and informal conversations. As the ship continues south, anticipation builds for the first sightings of Antarctic landscapes.
Day 5: South Shetland Islands, volcanic scenery and wildlife
The South Shetland Islands are a group of twelve islands separated from the Antarctic Peninsula by the Bransfield Strait. Their geology has been shaped by significant volcanic activity, creating striking coastlines and terrain that stand out even in polar regions. Over the next hours you explore areas with views of mountains and glaciers, and you can expect abundant wildlife. Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins are common, and it is not unusual to see Elephant seals and Fur seals near the shoreline. This is also a productive time of year for Humpback whales, which often feed where krill is plentiful. Whale sightings can therefore occur during transits as well as near landing areas.
Day 6: South Shetland Islands, further exploration
Your second day in the South Shetlands offers more time to experience the variety of this island chain. Depending on conditions, the ship navigates to additional bays and sheltered stretches of coast to support wildlife viewing and safe operations. The contrast between snow, dark volcanic rock and glacial ice creates distinctive scenery that is well suited to photography. Penguins and seals remain frequent companions, both on land and in the water. Throughout the day, attention stays on the surrounding sea as Humpback whales may surface nearby. The Expedition Team provides guidance on respectful viewing and helps interpret behavior and species characteristics.
Day 7: Antarctic Peninsula, bays, channels and landing sites
You now continue toward the Antarctic Peninsula. Over the coming days you explore a selection of bays and well known landing sites, navigating through channels that are often rich in wildlife. Along the way you pass icebergs of many shapes and sizes, and the changing light and weather can alter the appearance of the landscape from hour to hour. Historic sites may be included, offering a grounded perspective on earlier exploration in the region. Depending on the route, you may also pass an active scientific base, providing a glimpse into modern research presence in Antarctica. Wildlife remains a constant theme, with penguins, seals and regular whale activity in these productive waters.
Day 8: Antarctic Peninsula, whale season focus
This day continues the exploration of the Peninsula and its surrounding waters, with particular attention to whale activity. During this season, Humpback whales are often encountered feeding on krill, sometimes in areas where the sea is calm and visibility is good. Orcas and Minke whales are also commonly reported in the region, adding variety to sightings. The Expedition Team supports identification and explains what to look for in surfacing patterns and behavior. Icebergs and glacial fronts remain part of the daily scenery and provide strong photographic subjects. If offered and conditions allow, kayaking activities can give a quieter, close to the water perspective on the environment.
Day 9: Drake Passage, heading north
After your days in Antarctica, the ship turns north and begins the return crossing of the Drake Passage. The pace on board often becomes more reflective, with time to review experiences and continue discussions with the Expedition Team. Citizen Science elements may be summarized and placed into context, and there is usually time for questions and informal learning. On deck, seabirds can again be observed, and the open ocean provides a clear sense of distance and scale. Many guests use the sea days to organize photos, write notes, or simply watch the changing conditions as the ship moves back toward South America.
Day 10: Drake Passage, voyage wrap up
The second day of the northbound crossing is typically used to bring the expedition to a structured close. As the ship approaches Tierra del Fuego, the team often presents a special slideshow or shared recap that gathers key moments from the voyage. A final meal together marks the end of the onboard journey. There is also time to settle accounts, pack, and prepare for disembarkation the following morning. As temperatures gradually rise again, the transition out of polar waters becomes noticeable, and the expedition atmosphere shifts toward departure logistics.
Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
You disembark in Ushuaia in the morning. From here you can catch a flight onward to Buenos Aires or choose to stay in Ushuaia for additional independent sightseeing. The tour package ends with disembarkation.
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