Early Bird Special:
- 40% Off on Dec 6 2024 departure
Please click "Prices and Departures" tab above for departure dates, cabin types and price details.
Day 1 – Arriving Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. It's a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. In the afternoon, we board our ship, Ocean Atlantic.
Our journey begins as we navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.
Day 2-3 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, Ocean Atlantic, 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. Weather permitting, we will catch our first sight of seals and penguins! The area is also well-know for its abundance of birds.
Day 4-7 South Shetland Islands and Antarctica Peninsula
Over the next few days, we will explore to the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain first.
Projected landfalls include: King George Island; Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels and chinstrap penguins.
As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on our horizon, the presence of wildlife multiples by tens of thousands with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals.
Wildlife abounds along our projected route along the Antarctic Peninsula: leopard, fur and Weddell seals of Cuverville Island; humpback whales of Gerlache Strait; Paradise Bay; the dramatic Lemaire Channel's orcas.
The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.
Day 8-9 Depart Antarctica
On Day 8, 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 and it provides the perfect opportunity to socialise with fellow travellers.
Day 10 - Back to Ushuaia
This morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia where our tour ends. Transfer to airport.
If you would like to extend your trip and explore more of Argentina and Brazil, we offer several extensions, including:
• Buenos Aires - Wine Tasting, Tango & The Pampas (4 days)
• Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro & Iguazu (7 days)
Note: Oct 31 2024 departure on Ocean Albatros is one day short. So it will visit South Shetland Islands and Antarctica Peninsula on Day 4-6 instead.
