Route Description - Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage
Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage
Day 1: End of the World, Start of a Journey
The voyage begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, often described as the southernmost city in the world. Located on the far southern tip of South America in the region known as Tierra del Fuego, this small resort town—nicknamed “The End of the World”—serves as the embarkation point. In the afternoon, travelers board the vessel and set sail through the stunning, mountain-lined Beagle Channel, cruising into the evening.
Day 2–3: Path of the Polar Explorers
The next two days are spent crossing the legendary Drake Passage, where passengers follow in the wake of historic polar explorers. The experience is immersive: the cool salt air, rolling southern seas, and possible sightings of fin whales surfacing with towering spouts. Upon crossing the Antarctic Convergence—a biological boundary where cold Antarctic waters meet warmer northern seas—the marine ecosystem transforms. Seabird sightings increase, with potential glimpses of wandering, grey-headed, black-browed, and light-mantled sooty albatrosses, along with cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels
Day 4–7: Enter the Antarctic
The Antarctic Peninsula rises into view with a surreal landscape of snow-draped peaks, blue-white glaciers, and remarkable wildlife. The voyage passes the Melchior Islands and navigates through Schollaert Channel between Brabant and Anvers Islands, leading into a wonderland of icy vistas and unforgettable encounters.
Potential landing sites include:
Danco Island – A nesting site for gentoo penguins, where Weddell and crabeater seals are often spotted lounging nearby.
Neko Harbour – Towering glaciers and rugged mountain terrain define this breathtaking bay. Zodiac cruises and landings offer up-close experiences with the icy landscape.
Paradise Bay – Aptly named, this expansive body of water is often dotted with icebergs and frequented by humpback and minke whales, perfect for Zodiac exploration.
Port Lockroy – After navigating Neumayer Channel, travelers may visit this historic British research station on Goudier Island, now a museum and post office. Gentoo penguins and blue-eyed shags often inhabit the nearby Jougla Point.
Damoy Point – When conditions allow, there are opportunities for snowshoeing along the shore and up to the site of an old ski-way, offering panoramic views and a dose of adventure
Day 8: Scenes of the South Shetland Islands
The South Shetland Islands present a stark beauty, often draped in fog and battered by wind, but teeming with life. Mosses, lichens, and small flowering grasses cling to the volcanic soil, while gentoo and chinstrap penguins share the landscape with southern giant petrels.
Deception Island – Ships enter through Neptune’s Bellows into the flooded volcanic caldera. Here lie the haunting ruins of an old whaling station, surrounded by thousands of cape petrels, kelp gulls, skuas, and Antarctic terns. Hikes across this surreal volcanic terrain are often possible.
Half Moon Island (alternative site) – This scenic island hosts chinstrap penguins and Weddell seals, often spotted near the Argentine research base Cámara. The day's itinerary is shaped by conditions in the Drake Passage, which dictate the timing of departure.
Day 9–10: Familiar Seas, Familiar Friends
The return journey across the Drake Passage may feel familiar, but it remains just as awe-inspiring. Seabirds that once seemed exotic now feel like old companions, gliding effortlessly beside the vessel as it charts its course back north.
This Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands cruise transports travelers into a dramatic world of dark, rugged rock, pristine white snow, and an astonishing array of wildlife. Whales, seals, and thousands of penguins await in this once-in-a-lifetime polar expedition.
Day 11: There and Back Again
All journeys, even the most extraordinary, must come to a close. Disembarkation takes place in Ushuaia, bringing the expedition full circle. Though the ship returns to port, the memories and spirit of Antarctica will continue to accompany each traveller, shaping stories and inspiring adventures for years to come.