Day 1 - Departure from the city of Ushuaia
The Cruise begins from the city of Ushuaia, Argentina , famous for being the southernmost city in the world - nicknamed "The City at the End of the World". We board in the afternoon and sail through the famous Beagle Channel.
Days 2 and 3 - Crossing the Drake Passage
During the next few days, we will navigate the same route taken by the first polar explorers who ventured into the region. The Drake Passage is the framework of the Antarctic Convergence, a natural biological barrier, which generates notable changes in the composition of the landscapes, fauna and flora, as we advance. You will be able to identify, with the help of the staff, the enormous variety of seabirds.
The first icebergs and snow-capped mountains indicate that we have arrived at the South Shetland Islands, an archipelago of 20 islands and islets discovered in 1819 .
Days 4 to 5: Entering Antarctica
The South Shetland Islands are full of wildlife, snow-capped peaks of gray stone, towers of blue and white ice. Sites you can visit include:
* Cuverville Island - The island is home to a huge colony of gentoo penguins, as well as pairs of brown skuas.
* Neko Harbor - An epic landscape of gigantic glaciers carved by the wind. There will be opportunities for Zodiac rides and kayaking, to get the best views.
* Paradise Bay - You can take a Zodiac adventure in these ice-covered waters. There are chances of seeing humpback and minke whales.
Day 6 - 8: Through the gorge
After a comfortable night of sailing, you will wake up among the many islands south of the Lemaire Channel. They are now close to the Antarctic Circle. At this point, a trip through the "gorge" - a narrow but picturesque channel between Adelaide Island and the Antarctic Continent - is possible if the ice is not too thick. They will be able to explore the area, either from the bow of the ship or aboard a Zodiac, getting the closest possible contact with the polar terrain as they venture south. Along the way, you can enjoy the following visits:
* Pourquoi Pas Island - It is known for its narrow fjords and high mountains full of glaciers.
* Island Horseshoe - Location of the former British Base Y, a remnant from the 1950s that is now unmanned although still equipped with almost all of the technology it had while in service.
* Stonington Island - Headquarters of The former US Base East and British E Base, which was occupied until 1975, this island marks the southernmost landing site of the voyage - 68° south.
* Hanusse Bay - Enjoy the scattered icebergs of this scenic bay, which offers a good opportunity for whale watching.
Day 9 - 11: The Whales of Crystal Arm
Again near the Antarctic Circle, we will travel north through the countless ice floes of the Crystal Arm. Sightings of humpback whales are probable, and their approach to the Fish Islands offers the possibility of a Zodiac ride or even a landing. Petermann and Pléneau Islands offer a wide variety of bird life, along with the possibility of taking Zodiac cruises among icebergs that are popular with leopard and crabeater seals. Minke and humpback whales and gentoo penguins can also be found here.
Conditions in the Drake Passage determine the exact departure time.
Days 12 - 13: Crossing the Drake Passage
We will leave the Antarctic Peninsula and head north, crossing the Passage Drake. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck in search of seabirds and whales. Take time to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past few days on the way back to Ushuaia.
Day 14: Arrival at the port of Ushuaia ;
We arrived in Ushuaia early in the morning, where we disembarked after breakfast.