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, Ocean Victory.

Your journey begins as we navigate 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 rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard the expedition vessel, 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, catch the first sight of seals and penguins! The area is also well-known for its abundance of birds.

Over the next two days, begin the exciting Antarctic experience the early explorers only dreamed of. During these days explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and marvel at the captivating landscapes you encounter along the way. Weather permitting, the projected landfalls include King George Island; Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels and chinstrap penguins.

The itinerary and activities over the next few days are dependent on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be 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 your 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.

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, as for the zodiacs and kayaks to maneuver under adequate conditions, ensuring the safety of all passengers and staff. For this reason, during moments of harsh weather and throughout the entire trip, Ocean Victory has excellent public areas such as wellness/sauna, a restaurant, bar and a library for passengers to spend any spare time. The ship is staffed by experts in the field who will also share great lectures along the way, ranging from exploration history to biology, geology, ice and wildlife. 

Depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on the way back to the calms of Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. En-route, cross the Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America.

During the time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged onboard which will provide 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.

This morning, arrive back in Ushuaia for the conclusion of your voyage, where you can continue your adventures or begin your return home.