You’ll embark in Ushuaia in the late afternoon to a warm welcome, before you set sail along the Beagle Channel. Additional Information: We recommend you arrive into Ushuaia at least one day prior to your expedition start date. A luggage transfer from your Ushuaia hotel to the ship is included today. Ushuaia port is a short walking distance from town; you are required to make your own way to port for boarding this afternoon. Your voyage includes a one night accommodation in Ushuaia prior to embarkation.

Drake Passage offers excellent bird watching from the outer decks or the warm bridge. Our expedition team presents safety and environmental briefings, and enlightening talks on Antarctica. Keen eyes watch for icebergs, penguins, seals and cormorants as we approach your first landing in the South Shetland Islands.

Awaken to the thrill of Antarctica, where you will visit busy penguin rookeries, historic sites and make a continental landing. The Antarctic Peninsula’s west coast is ours to explore. We rely on our experienced expedition team, many who’ve been here over dozens of summers, to create the best daily itinerary that prevailing weather and ice conditions allow. A sense of excitement abounds as you use every moment of daylight to enjoy the best that Antarctica has to offer. This could mean two to three excursions in a day, whether it be to penguin colonies, historic huts, a working scientific station or a Zodiac cruise through a sculpture garden of grounded icebergs. Note - Weather and ice conditions permitting, an attempt will be made to explore the ice-choked Weddell Sea region before moving onto the western side of the Peninsula.

Elephant Island, where Shackleton’s 22 men wintered over beneath their upturned boats. If weather and seas permit, Zodiacs will carry you close to Point Wild to pay tribute to these hardy souls.

Follow in Shackleton’s wake across the Scotia Sea, watching for great whales and big icebergs riding up from the Weddell Sea. It’s a great time to relax and reflect on what you’ve accomplished so far, and our naturalist and historian start their talks on South Georgia’s wildlife and history.

With ample time to explore South Georgia’s spectacular north coast, visit the world’s largest king penguin rookeries, the nesting grounds of majestic wandering albatross and if weather allows, follow Shackleton’s route from Fortuna Bay to Stromness. Kayakers revel in paddling waters alive with king penguins and playful seals. Against a backdrop of 3000-metre peaks, photograph basking elephant seals, feisty fur seals and penguins cluttering kelp-strewn beaches.

Keeping watch for the kelp-skirted Shag Rocks, you will cross the Scotia Sea, entertained by our expert naturalist and historian.

Dawn greets you in the Falkland Islands capital, Stanley; where you can either enjoy more time exploring the Falkland Islands, or continue on to Punta Arenas or Santiago, Chile on your included flight. Additional Information: Please note that flights departing Stanley to Santiago only depart once a week, on a Saturday. Please advise if you wish to end your stay in the Falkland Islands. 

Spend an extra day exploring either the Weddell Sea or the South Orkney Islands. You will round the Falkland Islands, making a landing or two before continuing onward to Ushuaia, where your journey ends.