Antarctic Peninsula In-Depth

Today is all yours: explore some of the sights that Ushuaia has to offer, from museums to Argentinean leather markets, or continue relaxing at the lovely Arakur. Your optional evening briefing is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and to meet some of your fellow travelers.

After a complimentary buffet breakfast, you’re free to explore Ushuaia or unwind at the resort until your mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. On board, be greeted by your Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers.The concise safety and orientation briefing is followed by the Captain’s welcome dinner. After dinner, relax and take in the scenery on your early evening sail through the Beagle Channel, past Magellanic Penguin, Rock Cormorant, and Sea Lion colonies.

Make your way ever closer to the white continent, numerous Polar Experts prepare you with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. Eventually, cross the Antarctic Convergence where you can notice a distinct drop in temperature as you enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean.

Those interested in Citizen Science can take part in Sea Bird sighting surveys, or help collect salinity samples and weather data along the way. Witness some spectacular sights, from icebergs to an array of seabirds and whale species. If we’re lucky, we may see some of them fully breach from the sea.

In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, hope to make as much time as possible to explore by inflatable Zodiac boats and marvel up close at nature’s glory. Your Expedition Leader and Captain create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity. Aim for the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas, as well as sites of historic and scientific interest.

Your first sight of land will be the South Shetland Islands. These highly volcanic islands offer amazing abundance and beauty. Visit Half Moon Island nestled inside Livingston’s eastern shore, or conditions permitting, visit historic Deception Island. Being further north, sub-Antarctic species are more commonly found here, including Chinstrap penguins and Southern Elephant seals.

Head south across the Bransfield Strait, sail towards the Antarctic Sound. Located at the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, the Antarctic Sound is located within the Weddell Sea. A massive clockwise current pushes cold, ice-filled waters north, making this part of the Antarctic Sound dramatically different from the Western Peninsula. Here explore an area rich in Heroic Age history and take in the varied ecology found surprisingly this far north. Adelie penguins thrive in the colder, ice-filled waters.

The ice ultimately directs what adventures have in these lesser-traveled waterways, but the opportunity to experience the stark difference in scenery found here is likely to be a major highlight for all on this special departure, with massive tabular icebergs, lots of sea ice, and geology far different from anywhere we will visit this trip.

Heading Southwest, enter Gerlache Strait and Trinity Coast. Here explore picturesque Neko Harbor, sheltered Paradise Harbor, or Wilhelmina Bay, the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel. Stop at an active scientific base such as Poland’s Arctowksi or Ukraine’s Vernadskiy as well as a historic base such as U.K.’s Port Lockroy or Wordie House. Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins abound, and Weddell and Crabeater seals are often found hauled out to rest along with predatory Leopard seals and the assertive Antarctic Fur Seal. Minke and Humpback whales are frequent visitors in the late season and Orca sightings are also common.

As you leave this magical place and make your way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage, continue our presentation series and wildlife spotting. Sailing back to Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel, celebrate the conclusion of your expedition with a special slideshow.

Morning disembarkation lets you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.