This is our fantastic 9-day sunset voyage to the Great White Continent. Experience incredible whales, stunning mountain sceneries and gigantic icebergs in action-packed days.

Once we hit mid to late march, we end our season with a truly unique experience. These shorter days with magical sunsets allow us to explore the isolated Antarctica more or less by ourselves, as the peace settles in. We do expect plentiful company in the form of humpback whales as their numbers peak in this part of the season. Wildlife is the highlight of a mid to late march trip as pictures of whales, seals, birds and penguins fill our SD memory cards.

Departing Ushuaia in Argentina, we cross the mighty Drake Passage en route for the South Shetland Islands, making Zodiac landings at fascinating places along the way. Taking our time to soak in all the beauty of these astonishing landscapes we deploy kayaks and arrange hikes to get as close to the nature as possible.

Onboard our strong, ice-classed expedition vessel, we are sure to get close to the dramatic coastlines. Zodiac cruising and shore landings are an important and considerable part of the planned itinerary, enabling all expedition guests to set foot several times on the Antarctic continent, as well as the many surrounding sub-Antarctic islands.

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina – the world’s southernmost city. In the afternoon, we board our ship.

Our journey begins as we navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.

Day 2-3: At Sea – Drake Passage

Sailing onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage – a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our expedition vessel, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice!

In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view -the area is well-known for its abundance of birds.

Day 4: South Shetland Islands

Over the day, we will begin the exciting Antarctic experience our ancestors only dreamed of. We will explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marveled by the captivating landscapes we will encounter along the way.

Weather permitting, our projected landfalls include: Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson’s storm petrels.

Day 5-6: Antarctic Peninsula

As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on our horizon, wildlife abounds along our projected route along the Antarctic Peninsula, with especially Antarctic fur seals, gentoo penguins and humpback whales being active in these wonderful waters.

We aim to take our time at these outings, allowing us to wonderful hikes in the pristine nature. The late season solitude creates unique memories as the sun sets and as we leave these isolated areas that most probably won’t welcome any visitors until next spring.

The projected landings include: Wilhelmina bay with plenty of humpback whales; Neko harbour with its gentoo penguins and seals; Brown station and Paradise harbour with wonderful views and on our way back north, a wonderful walk at Hannah Point awaits us.

Visitors to these far southern reaches in mid to late March/beginning of April will experience large amounts of whales, wonderful sunsets, crisp fresh air, dustings of snow and other telltale signs of the seasonal change. Some penguin colonies will be near deserted whilst others will be very busy. Many say that this is the time to visit the real Antarctic, and have it all for yourselves. It is safe to say that there will be fewer other ships around as we wrap up the season.

Day 7-8: At Sea – Drake Passage

We depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on our way back to the calms of Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. En-route, we will cross Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America.

During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board which will provide the perfect opportunity to socialize with fellow travelers equally passionate for discovering the world, enjoy the lectures by our expedition on board, visit our shop or relax at leisure on our ship’s facilities, designed to provide a comfortable, relaxing time.

Day 9: Ushuaia, Argentina

This morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia for the conclusion of our tour, where you can continue your adventures or begin your return home.