Untouched Antarctica 66° South 25% Advantage

Your journey begins in Ushuaia, where you'll have the opportunity to explore this vibrant port city before boarding your expedition ship. After crossing the Drake Passage, you will explore the impressive South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Expect stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife observations, and the chance to immerse yourself in the untouched nature of this unique region. Enjoy all the comforts on board and experience Antarctica in its most fascinating form.

Itinerary: Antarctica Expedition from Ushuaia

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
Welcome to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world and the starting point for our Antarctica expedition! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by our staff and taken to a high-quality hotel that we have booked for you and is included in the travel price. The rest of the day is yours to explore this vibrant port city and the starting point of our expedition. In the Ushuaia harbor, you may catch your first glimpse of our expedition cruise ship, which will take you towards Antarctica. To learn more about the local history and wildlife, a visit to the fascinating Museo del Fin del Mundo is worthwhile. If you have time, you can engage in various outdoor activities, such as hiking in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park or wildlife watching in the Beagle Channel. For dinner, Ushuaia offers a wide range of restaurants serving delicious Patagonian lamb and fresh seafood – a true culinary delight!

Day 2: Embarkation in Ushuaia
After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is free for you to continue exploring Ushuaia. Stroll along the picturesque waterfront and enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped Martial Range, the southernmost peaks of the Andes. Take the opportunity to shop for souvenirs or make last-minute preparations for your journey, such as obtaining warm clothing. Remember that you will soon receive your own parka to keep and waterproof boots that you can borrow on board the ship. For lunch, you can choose from numerous cafes, parrillas, and ice cream parlors on Avenida San Martín.
In the afternoon, you will be taken to the embarkation point, where we will warmly welcome you aboard the expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. Settle into your spacious suite and explore the ship, which will be your comfortable home during this extraordinary adventure. Once on board, a full program of informative briefings and introductions by your guides will begin. After dinner on board, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the deck and admire the stunning scenery and beautiful evening light as we navigate through the Beagle Channel.

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Day 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage
After passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, we head south into the Drake Passage. Along the way, we’ll keep an eye out for humpback and fin whales. The majestic wandering albatross and other graceful subantarctic seabirds are often seen in these waters and can be easily observed from the open panoramic decks and balconies. The stabilizers on the Sea Spirit provide additional stability in rough seas. During the crossing, the expedition team will provide you with information about your journey and an introduction to the behavior expected on land later. Initial lectures from experienced educators will get you ready for the arrival in Antarctica! We hope to reach the South Shetland Islands by the evening of our second day at sea.

Day 5-12: South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
In the following days, we will thoroughly explore the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. This region offers some of the most stunning landscapes in the world and the best wildlife observation opportunities in Antarctica. Sheltered bays and channels glimmer with ice, reflecting towering snow-covered peaks and massive glaciers. Icebergs of all shapes and sizes complete a picture of unparalleled beauty. In the krill-rich waters, numerous marine mammals and seabirds abound. The area is populated by penguins foraging for food at sea and forming large breeding colonies on land. There are also Antarctic research stations from various nationalities. The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands of Antarctica and will likely be our first area of exploration. This stunningly beautiful archipelago features many historically significant landing sites and a rich variety of wildlife. We will also explore the picturesque Gerlache Strait on the Antarctic Peninsula, an untouched wilderness with spectacular white landscapes, colossal icebergs, marine mammals, and vibrant penguin colonies. We plan to navigate the famous Lemaire Channel, also known as "Kodak Gap," because the narrow passage beautifully reflects the image of snow-capped mountains. On this special expedition cruise, we have additional days to push further south and attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle. The majestic ice landscapes in Crystal Sound and beyond are particularly stark, the weather can be wild, and the waters are filled with constantly shifting ice. Very few people have ventured this far south. This is a true expedition. Throughout the islands and on the mainland, we will find nesting colonies of gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins, sometimes existing side by side. It is a dramatic time in the colonies. While some parents remain at the nest to protect against skua attacks, others head out to sea for fishing in waters patrolled by predatory leopard seals and orcas. Meanwhile, fluffy chicks begin to leave their nests. Humpback and minke whales are also present in large numbers at this time, and the feeding frenzy is in full swing. Crabeater seals and Weddell seals are abundant in these waters. In this rugged yet accessible environment, exceptional wildlife observations can be best complemented by active adventures. For sea kayakers, the rich waters of Antarctica provide many opportunities to paddle alongside seals and penguins in some of the world’s most beautiful waterways. To make the most of your time on the White Continent, you can also spend a night camping on land, surrounded by the untamed Antarctic nature. This is expedition in its most authentic form. Our exact expedition cruise route and exploration opportunities will be determined by weather and ice conditions. Our experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust the plans to make the best use of the conditions in this challenging polar environment. With more than 17 hours of daylight each day, we will seize every opportunity for excellent wildlife observations and stunning scenery during land excursions and zodiac trips.

Day 13-14: Crossing the Drake Passage
Now it is time to sail back through the Drake Passage to South America, but the adventure is not quite over yet. Seabirds will be our constant companions, and there is always a chance of encountering whales in these wild waters. This is also the time for celebrations, such as the Captain's Farewell Cocktail and the slideshow summarizing the journey. Finally, we will enter the calm Beagle Channel and enjoy a peaceful night on our way back to Ushuaia.

Day 15: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
After early arrival in the harbor of Ushuaia and breakfast on board the ship, it’s time to say goodbye. A group transfer will take you, depending on your preference, to the airport or the city center. You will take home unforgettable memories and may already be planning your return to polar regions!

Note for booking your return flight: Disembarkation usually takes place between 8 and 9 AM (after breakfast). We recommend booking your return flight from Ushuaia no earlier than 12 PM.
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