Highlights of the Southern Spring

Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. Upon arrival, check into a hotel located in the hills above the city. This provides a chance to rest after the flight or spend time exploring the area.

Before departing for Antarctica, there is time to explore Ushuaia, visit local shops, or walk in nearby forests. It’s also possible to take a day trip into Tierra del Fuego, a region known for its rugged terrain, mountain trails, glaciers, wetlands, and wildlife such as guanacos and condors.

In the afternoon, board the ship at the port. After completing a mandatory safety drill, begin the journey by sailing through the Beagle Channel, a narrow strait that separates southern Tierra del Fuego between Chile and Argentina. This route has been used by many past Antarctic expeditions. As the ship heads toward the Drake Passage, there may be chances to see albatross, whales, and dolphins.

Sailing onward, you cross the famed Drake Passage - the body of water separating Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula. The Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, nicknamed the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest comfortably aboard the expedition vessels, which are purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines, and manned by a highly qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you complete the crossing twice!

The days in the Drake Passage are put to good use preparing for the arrival in Antarctica - your Expedition Leader briefs you comprehensively on how to stay safe and minimise your impact on this precious wilderness, as well as briefing you thoroughly on the plans for the time spent exploring, including hints and tips for wildlife watching. The dedicated Expedition Team assists you to biosecure your clothing and equipment (a vital process to protect Antarctica's delicate ecology), as well as sharing tailored lectures on Antarctic exploration history, wildlife, geology, glaciology, and more! 

Cross into the Antarctic Convergence on the third day of the voyage - watch the mercury plummet as you sail southwards into Antarctic waters, an abrupt cooling that marks the intersection of Antarctic waters with the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. As the sea cools, wildlife multiplies; these are some of the most biologically productive water on Earth, so expect to see petrels, albatrosses and potentially penguins, seals and whales in abundance. Weather permitting, you may be able to make landfall in the South Shetland Islands (a small but spectacular archipelago to the north of the Antarctic Peninsula) on the afternoon of the second day in the Drake Passage, marking the start of the exploration on the Last Continent. 

Over the next days, enjoy a safe and exciting Antarctic experience explorers of yesteryear could only dream of.

The Antarctic adventure begins in the South Shetland Islands. This chain of rugged rocks marks the northernmost point of Antarctica, and the most exposed to the fury of the Southern Ocean. Because of this, it is also one of the richest in terms of wildlife, with large Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies, and an abundance of large seabirds such as predatory Giant Petrels. The ice-clad mountains of Livingstone, Greenwich and King George Islands give you a glimpse of what is to come as you venture further south. Landing sites which may be visited in the South Shetland Islands include the black steaming sands and rusting ruins of Deception Island (an active volcanic crater), the bustling penguin colonies of Aitcho and Half Moon Islands, or the old sealers' anchorage of Yankee Harbour.  

The following days are spent exploring further south on the Antarctic Peninsula in the Gerlache Strait region. This region is typically icy, so the exact route are subject to careful planning by the Expedition Leader and Captain - however aim to visit a range of sites which showcase the best of this staggeringly beautiful region. Consisting of the 'spine' of the Antarctic Peninsula and a large number of glaciated and mountainous islands, the Gerlache Strait is what comes to mind when most people think of Antarctica.

Visiting Antarctica in the early Spring offers exceptional experiences. Watch penguins come ashore and begin to build their nests and compete for mates. Marvel at the winter sea ice which mantles these frigid seas, stretching as far as the eye can see, and expereince the power of an ice-class vessel push through this marine mosaic. Watch miraculous sunsets (which can't be seen in the height of summer) in an alien landscape. With heaps of fresh snow, you expect excellent opportunities for snowshoeing and camping in Antarctica, with springtime offering the best possible conditions. Wherever you go on the Antarctic Peninsula, endemic wildlife, tantalising history and breathtaking natural beauty abound.

While wind, ice and sea conditions dictate the precise destinations and timings, the plans are explained to guests during regularly scheduled evening briefings with your Expedition Leader; these nightly sessions are also an excellent opportunity to hear from your knowledgeable Expedition Team, who explain and expand on the experiences to ensure guests get the most from their voyage. 

On Antarctica, all human activity is subject to the whims of Mother Nature. While you make every possible effort to maximise opportunities for exploration off the vessel, the safety of the guests and crew is the top priority. Therefore, ask all the guests to join the expedition spirit and be flexible - harsh weather offers the opportunity to expand your knowledge of Antarctica with lectures from the expert Expedition Team, or to enjoy the superlative comfort of your vessels, be it wine-tasting, relaxing in the hot tubs, or recharging with a relaxing massage in the Spa.

You eventually depart Antarctica, and spend two days at sea on the way northwards back across the infamous Drake Passage towards the more welcoming shores of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. During the time at sea, a variety of activities are to be arranged on board to provide the guests with the chance to reflect on their voyage. Relax with an expertly crafted cocktail in the Nordic Bar in the company of new friends, soak up the knowledge and passion of the Expedition Team during lectures in the Shackleton Lounge, or simply enjoy the flight of the albatross that accompanies you northwards. 

During your last evening onboard, join the Captain and Officers for the Farewell Cocktail Party, followed by a presentation of photos and video by the onboard photographer - the ideal opportunity to re-live your Antarctic adventure. Skål!

On the morning of the final day of the voyage, you arrive back at the pier of Ushuaia, Argentina. Trees, grass and a busy city may seem strange to you after the white wilderness of Antarctica! After a hearty breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the Crew and Albatros Expedition Team, and descend the gangway back to dry land with memories of the voyage of a lifetime.