Photography Series: Antarctic Explorer

With a population of more than 63,000 people, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. The city has grown over the past few years, yet has retained an easy-going and accessible feel. With the sea to the south and mountains to the north, Ushuaia is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruise. If you arrive early, you can spend time in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, enjoy Argentinean wines and barbecues in the city, or visit the many boutiques and cafés before you leave for your expedition to Antarctica.

Embarkation occurs in the late afternoon, after which your vessel sails down the historic Beagle Channel. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you see land you are in the world’s most southern continent!

Spend your first days at sea getting to know your shipmates, listening to safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead, and watching for wildlife. Prepare yourself for potentially rough waters, but hope for a smooth sailing as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing.

Expedition staff gives photography buffs the scoop on shooting in the Polar Regions, which has its own set of unique challenges. Learn how capture the gleaming white and deep blues of the snow, ice and icebergs in the White Continent, which can be tricky to do, with light reflecting off the surrounding sea and snow. Keen to capture the enormity of those bergs and the vastness of the landscape? Want to know how to snap the perfect penguin or seal portrait, or a breaching whale? On-board pros are on hand during sea days to give you tips on capturing the magnitude and magnificence of this magical region.

When the Antarctic Convergence is left in your wake, you truly begin your Antarctic adventure. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition. You can begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike.

Each day, take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. Shooting photographs from a Zodiac rewards with unique perspectives not afforded by land, and you have several opportunities to capture the impressive landscape from angles that show off its striking beauty.

With wildlife always at the forefront of your mind, you may be able to photograph penguin rookeries and search for a number of southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal. As you scout for whales, you may be fortunate to snap a shot of a surfacing humpback or minke.

The majesty of the Peninsula’s mountains amaze you as you trek up snowy pathways to vantage points that offer 360° views of your surroundings. One of these incredible sightseeing opportunities, in Orne Harbor, invites you to visit a chinstrap penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here you have a choice between going for a mountain hike or spending time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach to enjoy the antics of the curious penguins. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, participating in the Polar Plunge swim is about as crazy as it gets!  

Each day is different and offers more to explore and photograph, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to entertain and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.

The journey back across the Drake Passage provides you with some final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck, camera close at hand as you watch for seabirds and whales, and pause to take it all in. Enjoy presentations, including tips for perfecting your photos in postproduction, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.

Arrive in Ushuaia after breakfast allowing for you to continue your adventure on land or catch your flights home.