Astounding Antarctic Holiday

Arrive at any time in Buenos Aires, and check into your hotel at the Hilton Buenos Aires by 3 or 4 p.m. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to do as you please before resting up for your journey the next day.

Wake up early this morning to catch your charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, which departs between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m.; transportation from your hotel to the airport is provided.

Although its nickname is the “End of the World” – derived from its location along the southernmost tip of South America among the Tierra del Fuego archipelago – Ushuaia is far from the end of any adventure. Where the Andes meet the Beagle Channel and the snow-capped Martial Mountains sit behind a sprawling city of colorful buildings, lies a lively town ready and waiting to take you on the thrill ride of a lifetime. Scenes like Parque Yatana give you the chance to immerse yourself in the rich, indigenous culture.

Navigating the intrepid Drake Passage is made for the boldest of explorers. Petrels and albatrosses that glide across the skies guide the way. To witness its awesome power makes the journey to Antarctica all the more triumphant.

The Drake Passage leads you from the southernmost region of the Americas to the Antarctic Peninsula, the northern point of The White Continent. This waterway where the cold southern ocean meets warm northern sea water creates powerful currents that test your mettle.

But the rewards for the journeyer that braves these waters do not compare. The meeting of warm and cold waters creates an environment that attracts extraordinary wildlife. The Drake Passage offers the chance to witness the likes of humpback whales and hourglass dolphins that accompany the voyage. The soundtrack of the 48-hour journey through the Drake Passage includes the crash of the ocean against the ship and the cry of petrels, skuas, and gulls.

While the waterway is famous for its challenging navigation, you may still get another side of the Drake Passage. On some occasions, the channel is calm and tranquil, making for a pleasant voyage into Antarctica. That’s one of the more splendid characteristics of the Drake Passage – you never know what you get.

As you emerge from the Drake Passage, the mammoth, icy peaks of the South Shetland Islands loom ahead, greeting you on your victorious landing. You have completed the rite of passage to explore the seventh continent.

Nicknamed The White Continent for its vast expanse of icebergs, snow, and glaciers, Antarctica is often the final frontier for experienced explorers to conquer. As you navigate Antarctic waters, you may set foot on sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, Hidden Bay, and many more. Each landing throughout the continent offers its own unique landscape, from expansive tundra to rugged mountain peaks, all beckoning you to follow the paths that few explorers have trekked before.

CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s captain sails around changing weather conditions as needed and take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing.

For hundreds of years, the Diego Ramírez Islands were believed to be the southernmost global land at the time. While further exploration has since disproven that, it is still the southernmost extreme of Chile. The Diego Ramírez-Drake Passage Marine Park is now the southernmost park in South America. Avid birders find the Magallanes region a haven for petrels, grey-headed and black-browed albatrosses, and other seabirds. Embark on a Zodiac cruise toward the islands, watching the vista of tussock grass come closer into view and keep an eye out for dolphins and fur seals. Stepping on land, you may also find the Magellanic, rockhopper, and macaroni penguins that call the islands home.

– Captain’s Choice landings add to the sense of exploration and an element of surprise. Your ship’s Captain takes you to the best areas for wildlife viewing and expertly navigates to remote and hidden landings for a more intimate destination immersion. All Antarctica expedition itineraries are subject to change based on weather conditions to ensure a safe expedition.

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore. 

Bid farewell to the expedition team and fellow travelers as you disembark in Ushuaia today. Then head to the airport for your flight home, a transportation from the ship to the airport is provided. Your charter flight departs at approximately 1 p.m. and should arrive at approximately 4:30 p.m. (though this may vary). It is recommended to book flights from Buenos Aires no earlier than 8 p.m.