On this inspiring 13-day cruise, explore the Great White Continent's magnificent landscapes, glacial mountains, and incredible wildlife before reaching 66°33′ S – the Antarctic Circle. Depart from Ushuaia, the southernmost town in the world, to cross the infamous Drake Passage. Explore the South Shetland Islands, finding petrels and penguins. Watch for whales while sailing further south to the Antarctic Peninsula, where majestic icebergs, curious seals, and playful penguins await. Explore the continent and its wild inhabitants before returning across the Drake.
Highlights
Explore the city of Ushuaia, nicknamed as the End of the World
Hike on the snowy mountains of Tierra del Fuego
Enjoy the South Shetlands and be captivated by their marvelous landscapes
Look out for wildlife while sailing through the Antarctic Peninsula
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. It's a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. In the afternoon, board your ship, the Ocean Atlantic.
The journey begins as the ship navigates through the calms of Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.
Sailing onward, cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Drake Passage is known for rolling conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard the expedition vessel, Ocean Atlantic, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines, and a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider the Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice!
In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. Weather permitting, you can catch the first sight of seals and penguins! The area is also well-known for its abundance of birds.
Over the next two days, you can begin the exciting Antarctic experience, exploring the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and marveling at the captivating landscapes along the way.
Weather permitting, the projected landfalls are in:
• King George Island
• Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim
• Half Moon Island, with nesting Wilson's storm petrels and chinstrap penguins.
The itinerary and activities over the next few days vary depending on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings are determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.
As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on the horizon, the presence of wildlife multiples by tens of thousands with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals.
Wildlife abounds along the projected route along the Antarctic Peninsula: leopard, fur and Weddell seals of Cuverville Island; humpback whales of Gerlache Strait; Paradise Bay; the dramatic Lemaire Channel's orcas and much more.
The itinerary and activities over the next few days will depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings are determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.
Please note that all the outings and landings rely on weather, sea and ice conditions being favorable both for the ship to access the areas, and for the zodiacs and kayaks to maneuver under adequate conditions, to ensure the safety of all the passengers and staff.
For this reason, during moments of harsh weather and throughout the entire trip, Ocean Atlantic has excellent public areas such as wellness/sauna, restaurant, bar and a library for the passengers to spend their spare time. The ship is staffed by experts in the field who are also sharing great lectures along the way, ranging from exploration history to biology, geology, ice, and wildlife.
Today, the ship departs Antarctica and spend two days at sea on the way back to the calms of Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. Cross the Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America.
During your time at sea, a variety of activities are arrange on board which provides the perfect opportunity to socialize with fellow travelers equally passionate for discovering the world, enjoy the lectures by the expedition on board, visit the shop or relax at leisure on the ship’s facilities, designed to provide a comfortable, relaxing time.
Day 13: Ushuaia | Disembark
1 Breakfast
This morning, the ships arrive back in Ushuaia for the conclusion of the tour, where you can continue your adventures or begin your return home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Category G - Single
Size 9-10 m². Cabins feature a single bed, private bathroom, and a porthole. Located on Columbus Deck (Deck 4).
Category F
Size 18-21 m². Large Inside Triple Cabin, featuring a double or two single beds, and a fold-out single bed, a relaxing sitting area, and a bathroom with a bathtub, and a porthole. Located on Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
Category E
Size 18-21 m². Large Inside Cabin, featuring a double or two single beds, a relaxing sitting area, and a bathroom with a bathtub. Located on Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
Category D
Size 11-12 m². Featuring two single beds, private bathroom, and a porthole. Located on the Columbus Deck (Deck 4).
Category C
Size 12-13 m². This Standard Cabin has two single beds, private bathroom, and a window. Located on the Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
Category B
Size 20-23 m² Featuring a double bed or two single beds, a sofa bed that enables triple accommodation, a relaxing sitting area, private bathroom and windows. Partly obstructed view. Located on the Magellan and Hudson Deck (Deck 7 & 8).
Category A
Size 19-24 m². Featuring a double bed or two single beds, a relaxing sitting area, a private bathroom, and windows. Located on the Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
Premium Suite
Size 35 m². These 2-room suites are designed with a large double bed or two twin beds, an elegant living room, a large private bathroom, and windows. Located on the Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
Notes
Kayaking activities available on both Arctic and Antarctic voyages.
Although kayaking opportunities are possible in most locations during each excursion in the Antarctic region, weather, sea and ice conditions will dictate the when and where to ensure your safety and improve your experience.
In order to sign up for this activity, you need to have previous kayaking experience and attend a mandatory safety briefing by the Kayak Master. The cost is $250/person per outing and it can only be booked onboard.
Initial deposit is 25% of cruise fare, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. Only Visa and Mastercard are accepted for deposit. The operator does NOT accept AMEX or Discover
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
