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DAY 1 Ushuaia, Argentina
Depart: 6:00PM
The snow-capped Martial Mountains behind a sprawling city of colorful buildings create the backdrop of Ushuaia, Argentina. A mix of historic buildings and rugged nature adventures make this city the perfect fit for the curious explorer who wants to go beyond the surface.
DAY 2-3 Drake Passage Navigation
Navigating the intrepid Drake Passage is made for the boldest of explorers. Petrels and albatrosses that glide across the skies guide the way. To witness its awesome power makes the journey to Antarctica all the more triumphant.
As you emerge from the Drake Passage, the mammoth, icy peaks of the South Shetland Islands loom ahead, greeting you on your victorious landing. You have completed the rite of passage to explore the seventh continent.
Day 4-5 Exploring Antarctica - Captain’s Choice
From the remarkable blue coloring of glaciers to leopard seals napping on ice floes, the Antarctic Peninsula contains a multitude of wonders to behold. Cormorants soaring high above and orcas breaching the waters below surround you with a magnificent array of wildlife that calls to your inner explorer. You cannot help but get caught up in The White Continent’s rugged environment.
As your captain brings you to a safe harbor, you can launch a kayak to skim atop calm and clear waters among small pieces of floating ice. Gently cruise along the world’s largest icebergs and an extraordinary array of wildlife surrounded by spellbinding scenery. Its tranquility will surely captivate your imagination for years to come.
The permanent ice cap at Cuverville houses Port Lockroy, a flagship historic site for the main base building of Bransfield House. It’s also home to the famed Penguin Post Office, the southernmost post office in the world where you can make an unforgettable memory among the Gentoo penguins. A playful energy permeates the area as you join your new friends in their waddling.
At Neko Harbor, watch for humpback whales as their flukes come above the water and splash back down. Paradise Bay offers a glimpse into scientific research at Argentina’s Almirante Brown Antarctic Base or Chile’s González Videla Antarctic Base. Wherever you roam along the Antarctic Peninsula, the curious mind is satiated.
NOTE: CAPTAIN’S CHOICE CALLS - Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s master will sail around changing weather conditions as needed and take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing. Captain’s Choice ports include: Deception Island, Paulet Island, Brown Bluff, Neko Harbor, Paradise Bay, Cuverville Island and Goudier Island.
Day 6 South Shetland Islands
Lying within the Fildes Peninsula, where Chile laid claim to Antarctic territory, the base is an important research station. Made up of over 40 buildings that include a school, bank, hospital and post office, it resembles more a small village than a base. King George Island has come to be known as the unofficial capital of Antarctica with its various research stations located on the island. As a haven for an incredible amount of wildlife, including chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, and elephant, leopard and Weddell seals, it’s a prime locale for scientific research.
Day 7 At Sea
DAY 8 South Orkney Islands
In 1821, British and American sealers George Powell and Nathaniel Palmer discovered the South Orkney Islands, lying south of the Antarctic Peninsula. While snow falls on the islands for most of the year and the landscape consists mostly of rock and ice, these islands are still rife with wildlife. Seabirds are found in abundance here, especially the beautiful snow petrel, a species that can be elusive, so keep a close eye on the skies for this enchanting bird. If you land on Coronation Island, you may catch sight of the snow petrel, as this is its main breeding ground. From December to January, Weddell seals can be found swimming throughout the icy surrounding waters. Other possible landings may include Laurie Island, Signy Island and Shingle Cove.
Day 9 At Sea
Day 10-11 South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands
From the extraordinary wildlife found in Gold Harbor, such as elephant seals and hundreds of Gentoo penguins, to the lush scenescapes of Stromness Bay, Salisbury Plain and Cooper Bay, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands offer diverse environments that invite you to discover the world anew. Fields of tussock grass and rugged cliffs offer the perfect hiking grounds to get your blood pumping and be rewarded with impossible views. They’re also ideal locations to bird watch and find the many species of Antarctica, such as the graceful albatross as it glides through the sky.
Day 12-13 At Sea
Day 14 Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
Although small, Port Stanley contains a big personality. Its signature landmark, the famous whale bone arch, speaks volumes about this eccentric and rarely visited destination. The colorful, small town lies on the Falkland Islands, a hot spot and haven for watching Magellanic penguins. The Malvinas call to every adventurer with an abundance of pubs, eateries and historic attractions to explore. Visit the Historic Dockyard Museum, a one-stop site to learn about life in the camp, Antarctic connections and the 1982 war with Argentina.
Day 15 New Island, Falkland Islands
Among the seaside cliffs of Settlement Rookery, black-browed albatrosses, king cormorants and rockhopper penguins make their homes. From peregrine falcons to skuas to thin-billed prions, the island is the breeding ground for more than 40 species of birds. Around the island, sea lions and fur seals can be found aplenty. Swimming in the inshore waters you can find Peale’s dolphins as they breed. Sweeping scenes of tussock, cinnamon and blue couch grass create expansive landscapes that inspire a sense of wonder.
Day 16 At Sea
Day 17 Ushuaia
Although its nickname the “End of the World” – derived from its location along the southernmost tip of South America among the Tierra del Fuego archipelago – Ushuaia is far from the end of any adventure. Where the Andes meet the Beagle Channel and the snow-capped Martial Mountains sit behind a sprawling city of colorful buildings, lies a lively town ready and waiting to take you on the thrill ride of a lifetime. Scenes like Parque Yatana give you the chance to immerse yourself in the rich, indigenous culture.
