Antarctica Springs to Life 15% Advantage

This ten day expedition leads from Ushuaia across the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands and on into Antarctic waters during the austral spring. The focus is on transitional ice landscapes, coastlines with volcanic geology and the return of wildlife after winter. Penguins can regularly be observed during courtship, nest building and chick rearing, while seals and whales may appear in the water depending on conditions. Zodiac cruises, possible kayaking and landings bring you close to the scenery. At the same time, the itinerary remains flexible and is decided by the expedition team based on weather, ice and local conditions.

Antarctica Springs to Life: The Itinerary

Day 1, Arrival and Time in Ushuaia
After arrival, you will be welcomed and taken to a partner accommodation in the Patagonian wilderness. Afterwards, there is time to rest or for your own explorations in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. In the evening, an optional briefing may take place, where questions are clarified and you meet your first fellow travelers.

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Day 2: Embarkation and Start of the Expedition
The morning is available for relaxing hours at the hotel, a museum visit, or a stroll through Ushuaia’s shops. In the afternoon you will board with an escort, where the expedition team and crew will welcome you and help you settle in. After the safety and orientation briefing, the journey begins with dinner, before the ship sets course for Antarctica.

Days 3 to 4: Drake Passage
During the crossing, you will be accompanied by a lecture program led by polar experts, providing context on Antarctic wildlife and history. Depending on conditions, you can take part in the Citizen Science program or observe the passage in peace. Watch for seabirds accompanying the ship, and look out for the crossing of the Antarctic Convergence, when the air and water become noticeably cooler. Rarely seen species may also appear along the way, although sightings cannot be planned.

Day 5: South Shetland Islands
The archipelago is shaped by volcanism and features striking geology with mountains, glaciers and coastal stretches where life becomes more active again after winter. Chinstrap penguins and gentoo penguins are common here, and elephant seals and fur seals are regularly spotted along the waterline. Whales are often seen in this area, depending on weather and ice. By Zodiac you will explore the surroundings for most of the day, possibly including a walk across black sands on Deception Island. Whether on land, on the water or by kayak, the day is designed as an intensive introduction to this region.

Days 6 to 7: Antarctic Spring
In the coming days, the Antarctic Peninsula conveys an impression of a freshly awakening season, with sea ice, drift ice and the first moving icebergs. With good chances, various penguin species can be observed during landings, courtship, nest building and chick rearing, depending on the location of the colonies and the local regulations. In the water, it is worth watching for seals and whales that occur in these waters, although sightings are not guaranteed. The daily plan remains flexible and depends on ice and weather, as well as on suitable landing sites. Visits to active research stations and historic landing sites may be possible. In the evening, colorful sunsets are often visible at this time of year, provided visibility allows.

Days 8 to 9: Drake Passage Back North
On the return journey, the route once again heads north across the Drake Passage. The expedition team rounds out the days with reflections and shared moments on board, as the scenery slowly changes and temperatures become milder. To conclude, a photo slideshow may take place before a final shared meal brings the expedition to a close.

Day 10: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
In the morning you reach Ushuaia and disembark. After breakfast, the tour services end.

Accommodation:
During the trip you stay on board. Before embarkation a partner lodge in Patagonian nature is planned, from where you can explore Ushuaia or recover.

Special features:
The expedition itinerary is explicitly flexible and depends on weather, ice and local conditions. Landings and excursions take place depending on the situation by Zodiac boats or, if offered and conditions allow, as part of other activities such as kayaking or snowshoeing. Wildlife encounters are likely, but not guaranteed. Travel begins in Ushuaia, and disembarkation takes place there on the final morning.
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