Just being in Antarctica is a personal triumph. All of our programs cross the Antarctic Convergence into the Southern Ocean via the fabled Drake Passage. This program also strives to go south of the Antarctic Polar Circle at 66˚ 33΄ that for many is the ultimate accomplishment. As the ship’s Captain navigates deep south along the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, there will also be the opportunity for additional rarely visited landings.
Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina
We board the ship in the Tierra del Fuego city of Ushuaia, Argentina. Some call it 'the end of the earth'! From this charming city, we head down the Beagle Channel.
Days 2-3 Drake Passage and Antarctic Convergence
Our journey begins with a two-day open sea voyage across the famed Drake Passage, escorted by petrels and albatrosses. Once past the Antarctic Convergence and into colder waters we begin to see the splendid icebergs sailing by. By late afternoon, with amenable weather, we hope to have our first landing in the South Shetland Islands.
Days 4-8 Antarctic Peninsula and Polar Circle
With a background of high ice-capped mountains, crevassed glaciers and endless white expanses we will cruise the ice-filled fjords of the Antarctic Peninsula and its surrounding islands. We plan for two Zodiac landings each day accompanied by our specialist lecture staff who can help us understand and appreciate our experiences to the fullest. All of this area has rugged and dramatic scenery. There are many sites with an abundance of wildlife, especially the penguin rookeries, primarily Adelie, Gentoo and Chinstrap. As we travel by Zodiacs to shore, and cruise among the icebergs, we hope to see seals in the water and basking on the ice, the most common being leopard, crabeater, weddell and elephant seals. The waters around the Peninsula are rich in food for all of the seals, penguins and other seabirds that breed here. These waters, rich in krill, also feed the whales, and we have a good chance of close encounters with minkes and humpbacks, among others. As always in Antarctica, the choice of places to visit is weather dependent, but some of the favourites include Deception Island, King George Island, the Gerlache Strait, the Neumayer Channel, Paradise Bay, Petermann Island, The Lemaire Channel, the Antarctic Sound, and research or historic stations such as Port Lockroy and Vernadsky. This voyage includes the special goal of attempting to reach the Polar Circle at 66.6˚ S. Our success will be determined by cooperative weather and ice conditions.
Day 9 South Shetland Islands
These islands are volcanic in origin with striking features. On Deception Island, a landing is often shrouded in mist from the hot black sand beach.
Days 10-11 Drake Passage and Beagle Channel
We now head back across the Drake Passage and, weather permitting, will pass Cape Horn before turning back up the Beagle Channel.
Day 12 Ushuaia, Argentina
We return to Ushuaia to say our farewells and close out our trip.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is $600, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/mail/fourways.php
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 70 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 60 days or more | deposit |
| 45-59 days | $1100 |
| 0-44 days | 100% trip cost |
