Ushuaia is where the Andes meet the Southern Ocean. It is a busy port and adventure hub with steep streets and architectural diversity below the snow-capped Martial Range.

The Drake Passage is the stretch of ocean between the south tip of South America, also known as Cape Horn or Tierra del Fuego, part of Chile, and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica, off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. On the way across the passage and towards “the ice” (as it’s often referred to by your expedition leaders) you can learn a great deal about Antarctica’s natural wonders and fascinating history. The Drake Passage is famous for some of the roughest and most unforgiving waters of the world. This is where two oceans meet; sailors say that it’s either the Drake Lake or the Drake Shake. 

The Antarctic continent is an endless white wilderness full of overwhelming vistas of nature and wildlife. On this special trip, plan to cross the Antarctic Circle at latitude 66° 33’ 39’’. Go ashore several places and enjoy activities like hiking, kayak trips, and snowshoeing. You might even have the chance to spend a night ashore in a tent. Witness what the winter-locked landscape of Antarctica looks like in summer and set foot where few have gone before you.

Visiting the South Shetland Islands is definitely worth looking forward to. Deception Island, Half Moon Island, and Yankee Harbour all have a diverse landscape, amazing animal life, and spectacular photo opportunities. The narrow Errera Channel offers a spectacular passage to and from Cuverville Island. Neko Harbour is feeding ground for shy minke whales. Paradise Harbour offers another rare opportunity for a mainland landing and some of the finest vistas of the Antarctic Peninsula. The Lemaire Channel is known as one of the most beautiful passages in Antarctica and Petermann Island is a great place for iceberg and whale spotting. On the British base Port Lockroy get a peek into life on an Antarctic base in the 1950s. Wilhelmina Bay is feeding ground for whales and seals, and was a preferred hunting ground for whalers back in the day. Evidence of this is a partially submerged wreck of a Norwegian whaling ship. You might take a closer look at the wreck from a Polarcirkel boat.

The 48 km (30 mi) Antarctic Sound is home to an estimated half million Adélie penguins as well as gentoo penguins, leopard seals, and killer whales. On Brown Bluff you might land and take a walk along the beach admiring the lava “bombs” from the old volcano and all the penguins. There is also the chance to walk to the viewpoint above the landing site. On Detaille Island, find the former geology and meteorology "Base W" of the British Antarctic Survey. On Horseshoe Island, see an important example of a relatively unaltered and completely equipped British scientific research station of the 1950s.

After nine unforgettable days in Antarctica, MS Fram takes you safely back across the famous Drake Passage. The sailing from the Antarctic Peninsula to Ushuaia at the southern tip of Argentina is roughly 40 hours in good weather. During the voyage north, continue your lecture series and recap your experiences of Antarctica.

Your voyage ends in Ushuaia. Join an optional excursion to Lake Escondido prior to your flight back home or extend your stay and fly to Buenos Aires for an optional post program.