In the realm of penguins and icebergs 25% Advantage

This expedition voyage departs from Ushuaia and heads into southern latitudes, combining days at sea, shore landings and Zodiac cruises into a clear, nature focused itinerary. After departure, you cross the Drake Passage, where seabirds such as albatrosses are often seen and conditions change gradually as you approach Antarctica. First landfalls are usually made in the South Shetland Islands, where wildlife viewing can be closely linked with places that recall early exploitation, exploration and research. The route then continues along the Antarctic Peninsula, including areas such as the Gerlache Strait with its snow covered mountains rising steeply from the water, large glacier fronts and drifting icebergs. Depending on ice and weather, sheltered bays and passages are visited where the variety of ice is particularly evident, from small fragments to large tabular bergs. A key focus is observing Antarctic wildlife: penguin colonies on land, seals on ice floes or beaches, and possible sightings of humpback whales and orcas on the water. Alongside nature, the human presence in Antarctica also plays a role. Where planning allows, sites with preserved historical traces may be visited, as well as facilities that serve research today. A photography programme is included in the tour price, offering practical support for photographing landscapes, ice and wildlife. Optional activities such as the Sea Kayak Club or a night of camping in Antarctica can add further perspectives on the environment.

Itinerary: In the Realm of Penguins and Icebergs

Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia and embarkation
Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. During the day you arrive and board your expedition ship. After check in, you settle into your cabin and receive important information about onboard procedures and safety. In the evening, the ship departs Ushuaia and sets course south.

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Day 2: At sea towards the Drake Passage
Today you are at sea, approaching the Drake Passage. As you travel south, the air becomes cooler and the days can feel longer. Seabirds often accompany the ship, including albatrosses. On board, you use the time for introductions to the region as well as guidance on conduct and safety for Zodiac operations and shore landings. The photography programme may also provide initial practical tips, for example on light, weather and equipment.

Day 3: Crossing the Drake Passage
The crossing of the Drake Passage continues. Conditions can be changeable, so the daily schedule on board remains flexible. As the ship travels further south, there are still good opportunities to observe seabirds. At the same time, preparations for the first activities are intensified, in particular regarding Zodiac cruising, landing procedures and the rules designed to protect this sensitive environment. The photography programme offers the chance to clarify questions and to prepare equipment for cold and wet conditions.

Day 4: First approach to Antarctica and the South Shetland Islands
As you reach Antarctic waters, the first land contact draws closer. The South Shetland Islands are often the first sighting, known for their wildlife and numerous historical sites. Depending on conditions, initial explorations begin, which may include observations from the ship as well as activities by Zodiac. Ice, wind and visibility determine the choice of locations and the flow of the day.

Day 5: Antarctic Peninsula and wildlife viewing
Over the following days, the focus is on the Antarctic Peninsula and the offshore islands. The region is known for penguin colonies and biodiversity, including breeding colonies of gentoo and chinstrap penguins, and in some areas also Adélie penguins. Shore landings and Zodiac cruises allow observations from an appropriate distance. Seals such as Weddell seals and crabeater seals, and occasionally leopard seals, may rest on ice floes or on the beach. With some luck, humpback whales or orcas can be seen while feeding. The photography programme supports you in documenting these observations.

Day 6: Gerlache Strait and ice landscapes
The area around the Gerlache Strait is among the more distinctive scenic sections. High, snow covered peaks, large glacier fronts and drifting icebergs shape the view. The range of ice extends from small fragments and loose ice fields to large tabular bergs. Zodiac cruises, where possible, take you close to the ice formations, and landings provide additional perspectives. Wind, ice drift and visibility influence the day’s planning. For photography, this section is particularly productive, as light and weather can change quickly.

Day 7: Passages and a possible transit of the Lemaire Channel
Today, further passages along the peninsula are in focus. The Lemaire Channel is a well known narrow passage, and whether it can be navigated depends on ice and weather. In addition, shore landings and Zodiac cruises are planned to explore coastal sections, bays and wildlife sites. Penguins and seals remain frequent observations, and on the water there are still chances of whale sightings. Lectures and discussions on board provide additional context on glaciers, sea ice and ecology.

Day 8: People in Antarctica and possible research stations
Alongside nature and scenery, the history of human activity is also addressed. Along the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands there are places with traces of early whalers, polar explorers and scientific expeditions. Depending on route and permits, a visit to an active research station may be possible. Some historical facilities now serve as museums, sometimes with a post office or small souvenir shop, such as Port Lockroy. Weather and logistics determine the exact implementation; alternatively, further Zodiac cruises or landings may take place.

Day 9: Optional activities and further exploration
Depending on date and programme, optional activities may be offered. The Sea Kayak Club provides selected paddling outings in sheltered waters, and camping allows a night in a tent on snow and ice. Regardless of this, further shore landings and Zodiac cruises are scheduled, focusing on wildlife viewing and ice landscapes. The expedition photographer continues to provide practical guidance, including on protecting equipment in cold and damp conditions.

Day 10: Final days on the peninsula and turning north
The remaining time is used for additional landings and Zodiac cruises, depending on weather and ice. Once more, penguin colonies, seal haul outs and possible marine mammal sightings are central. Icebergs and glacier fronts continue to shape the route. On board, impressions are brought together through reviews, discussions or elements of the photography programme before the ship sets a northerly course.

Day 11: At sea in the Drake Passage
The return journey again crosses the Drake Passage. A day at sea offers time for reflection and further observations, often including seabirds. On board, lectures, discussions or programme elements may take place, and within the photography programme there is time to review images and ask questions. The passage once more underlines the distance and remoteness of Antarctica.

Day 12: Arrival in Ushuaia and departure
On the final morning, the ship reaches Ushuaia. After breakfast, you disembark and your journey ends in Ushuaia. From here you begin your individual onward journey home or elsewhere.

Accommodation: You travel on board an expedition ship and spend all nights in your booked cabin category. The ship serves as the base for exploration throughout the voyage and provides the infrastructure for lectures, the photography programme included in the tour price, and the organisation of Zodiac cruises and shore landings. Details on cabin types, facilities and deck plans depend on the specific booking and the ship used.

Included:

• Expedition cruise as per itinerary
• Accommodation on board in the booked cabin category
• Full board on board
• Zodiac cruises and shore landings according to expedition planning
• Photography programme with an expedition photographer

Not included:

• Travel to and from Ushuaia
• Personal expenses on board
• Optional activities

Optional upgrades:

• Sea Kayak Club
• Camping in Antarctica

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