Day 1: End of the World, Start of a Journey
Your voyage begins at Ushuaia, Argentina, reputed to be the southernmost city on the planet. Starting in the afternoon, you embark and sail the scenic, mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the rest of the evening.
Day 2 - 3: Path of the Polar Explorers
Over the next two days on the Drake Passage, you`ll follow the path of the polar explorers who first travelled these regions. After passing the Antarctic Convergence, you`ll notice how does the marine and avian life change. Then, near the South Shetlands Islands, the first icebergs flash into sight.
Day 4 - 7: Enter the Antarctic
You may sail into the Weddell Sea via the Antarctic Sound, surrounded by hug tabular icebergs. During this part of the cruise, the search is on for emperor penguins. Using both the vessel and helicopters, there’s a good chance you’ll find them. You might also enjoy scenic flights and – if conditions allow – helicopter landings in locations otherwise out of reach this time of year. Visits may include:
* Antarctic Sound – The western side of this area is rarely seen from the air, though the landscape is truly worth the flight: Layered sandstones, lava flows, glaciers and icebergs can be spoted. There are often individual emperor penguins and Adélie penguins on the ice floes, as well as kelp gulls, skuas, and various breeds of petrel.
* Duse Bay – An overflight may take you to a rocky hillock close to an old refuge hut overlooking the bay. There is still a lot of snow and ice, but much of the walk on the Antarctic is over frost-shattered rock covered with lichen of all shapes and colors.
* Seymour Island – Here’s where the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901 to 19044 wintered under harrowing circumstances. Sedimentary rock, fossils, and great views define this location.
If conditions allow for deeper ventures into the Weddell Sea, Zodiac trips may include:
* Devil Island – Home to a large colony of Adélie penguins, this island offers a magnificent view for hikers willing to make it to the top of the hill. Melting ice sometimes forms a waterfall dropping from the cliffs.
* Brown Bluff – Maybe the most scenic location of the Antarctic Continent: sheer canyon walls, fallen boulders, beautiful volcanic creations capped with ice. A large Adélie penguin rookery lives here.
* Gourdin Island – Chinstrap, gentoo, and Adélie penguins like this place, yet another option for your continuing Antarctic adventure.
* Esperanza Base – This Argentine research station may be another landing site.
Day 8: Last Landing
In the morning, you sail to Deception Island for the last landing of the voyage – at Pendulum Cove or Whalers Bay. Conditions on the Drake Passage determine the exact time of departure.
Day 9 - 10: Familiar Seas, Familiar Friends
Your return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds.
Day 11: There and Back Again
On the morning, disembark in Ushuaia
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
* Scuba Diving: If you’re searching for a way to expand your diving experience, join us on one of our diving cruises. Experienced divers will have the chance to glide through the amazing blue waters of the Antarctic.