Antarctica Expedition During Whale Season

This eleven day expedition voyage takes you from Ushuaia across the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands and on to the Antarctic Peninsula. The focus is the time of year when whale watching is especially frequent and humpback whales feed in krill rich waters, complemented by possible sightings of orcas and minke whales. Along the way, icebergs, glacier bays, and volcanically shaped coasts define the route. Guided landings and Zodiac cruises alternate with talks by polar experts and citizen science activities. The exact route remains flexible and is consistently adapted to weather, ice, and local conditions.

Antarctica Expedition During Whale Season: the itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia
After arrival, you will be welcomed and taken to the partner hotel in the Patagonian countryside. Depending on your arrival time, there is time to explore Ushuaia or to rest. In the evening, a briefing provides space for questions and to get to know other travelers.

All pictures of this partner
Day 2: Embarkation
The morning is available for relaxing hours at the hotel or for your own explorations in Ushuaia. In the afternoon, the accompanied transfer on board takes place. After arrival, safety and orientation information follows, before you can join the Captain's welcome dinner.

Days 3 to 4: Drake Passage
During the crossing of the Drake Passage, lectures by the polar experts deepen your knowledge of Antarctic wildlife and history. You can take part in the Citizen Science program or accompany the passage while watching seabirds that often circle the ship. When crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the temperature change noticeably, often a first sign of Antarctic waters. With a bit of luck, rarely seen species appear, and the first sighting of an iceberg provides a striking opening for the days to come.

Days 5 to 6,:South Shetland Islands
The South Shetland Islands lie north of the Antarctic Peninsula and are shaped by volcanic activity, which makes the landscape exceptionally varied. In bays and along coastal stretches, chinstrap and gentoo penguins can regularly be seen, and depending on the location and conditions, southern elephant seals and fur seals are also found at the water’s edge. Glaciers, rugged mountains, and drifting ice form the backdrop for guided landings and Zodiac cruises. At this time of year, humpback whales often feed in the region, so encounters on the water are quite possible, always depending on weather and visibility.

Days 7 to 8: Antarctic Peninsula
Further south, the Antarctic Peninsula opens up a realm of possibilities with sheltered bays, striking channels, and landing sites, which the expedition team selects depending on ice and weather conditions. Between towering icebergs and in front of glacier fronts, Zodiac cruises are used to get close to the shapes of the ice and to keep wildlife viewing calm. A key focus during this part of the trip is whales: humpback whales are often on the move in krill rich waters, and orcas and minke whales are also regularly sighted. Historic sites and, under certain circumstances, an active research station may be part of the program, without any individual visits being guaranteed.

Days 9 to 10: Drake Passage Northbound
On the return journey across the Drake Passage, the lecture programme continues, complemented by reviews of observations and the expedition’s route decisions. Depending on conditions, seabirds once again accompany the ship, while temperatures gradually rise. To conclude, the trip is celebrated together, including a presentation, a photo competition and a final meal together. The evening provide an opportunity to look back on your experiences and ask the team any final questions.

Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
In the morning you will reach Ushuaia and disembark. After breakfast and transfer from the ship, the tour services end.

Accommodation:
In Ushuaia you stay in a partner hotel in the Patagonian landscape before embarkation (incl. breakfast). During the expedition you spend the nights on board, where you attend talks and go on Zodiac cruises and guided landings, depending on local conditions.

Special features:
Expedition voyages to Antarctica do not follow a fixed route. Landings, Zodiac cruises, and possible visits to historic sites or an active research station are planned by the expedition team according to conditions. Weather, ice, and visibility determine which bays, channels, and landing sites are approached. Wildlife viewing, especially of whales, penguins, seals, and sea birds, is likely, but cannot be guaranteed.
Show all dates