Explore the dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. As you sail through spectacular waterways like the Gerlache Strait and the Lemaire Channel, breathtaking views unfold from the ship—towering glaciers, rugged peaks, and drifting icebergs.
Whether aboard the USHUAIA or during zodiac excursions, every moment offers the chance to spot wildlife such as penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds. Landings at remarkable sites like Paradise Bay and Livingston Island bring you up close to pristine nature and historic locations. If conditions permit, you may also visit Deception Island’s volcanic caldera or set foot on the Antarctic continent itself.
King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands, features colonies of nesting Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins, Kelp Gulls, Blue-eyed Cormorants, Antarctic Terns and Southern Giant Petrels and is home to scientific bases of many different countries. Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins as well as elephant seals, await you at Livingston Island.
The Antarctic Peninsula’s remarkable history provides you with a type of excitement often only associated with the early explorers. You have plenty of time to explore its amazing scenery, a pristine wilderness of snow, ice, mountains and waterways, and an incredible wide variety of wildlife. Apart from penguins and seabirds, you are very likely to see Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals as well as Minke, killer (orca) and humpback whales at close range.
