Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Starts: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ends: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Program Starts/Ends: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Embarkation: Ushuaia, Argentina
Disembarkation: Ushuaia, Argentina
Cruise duration is 10 days/9 nights.
Embark on this adventure trip of a lifetime on board our boutique ice-class expedition ship. Our once-in-a-lifetime trip provides you with the best of an Antarctica cruise combined with the unique flora and fauna of the South Shetland Islands. Test your mettle as you cross the notorious Drake Passage to reach the world’s most beautiful ice-filled waters where magnificent icebergs creak and breaching minke and humpback whales swim gracefully. Breathe in the icy air on this life-changing voyage across the southern seas and capture memories in your mind that will last a lifetime.
Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina (hotel night)
You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its rich architecture and European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-night hotel included).
Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
After breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina.
Ushuaia is the gateway to the White Continent. Found at the southernmost tip of South America in Argentinian Patagonia, the city is often described as “the End of the World”. The city’s mountain backdrop rises above the harbour and entrance to the Beagle Channel. The town itself is walkable and has a few small museums as well as pubs, restaurants and cafes.
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon.
Day 3-4: Drake Passage
As you cruise to your next port of call, spend the day at sea savouring the ship’s facilities and learning about your destination’s many facets from the knowledgeable onboard experts. Listen to an enriching talk, indulge in a relaxing treatment at the spa, work out in the well-equipped gym, enjoy some down- time in your cabin, share travel reminiscences with newly found friends: the options are numerous.
Day 5: South Shetland Islands
While the South Shetlands’ proximity to Antarctica makes the ice-bound sea impassable during winter (April to October), these are the first islands to see snow melt in spring (November) and the slightly warmer temperature means that the fauna is also different from what you see in Antarctica proper. As we go ashore by Zodiac, notice ferns, grasses, lichens and native flora that have more in common with Patagonia than they do with Antarctica.
Day 6-8: Antarctic Peninsula
Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent will live out their Antarctica dream. The Antarctic Peninsula, the most accessible area of the continent, hosts several scientific bases and some of the most interesting wildlife scenery, such as the extremely photogenic Lemaire Channel. Shore excursions might include Petermann Island, where among Adelie penguins, blue-eyed shags and skuas, huge, lumbering elephant seals haul out.
Day 9-10: Drake Passage
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides a final opportunity to enjoy the invigorating Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, and celebrate the experiences you’ve shared exploring the remarkable world of Antarctica.
Day 11: Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. Transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
Please note: Itinerary changes and surprising experiences are part of expedition cruise life. The world has a habit of amazing us with incredible things when we yield to the unexpected. Join us with an open mind and a sense of adventure and you’ll find that this can pay off in the most rewarding ways.