The Ultimate Antarctica Experience

Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. Upon arrival, check into a pre-voyage hotel located on the hills above the city. Before the expedition begins, there is time to explore Ushuaia, walk through nearby forests, or visit local shops and markets.

Optional excursions may include a day trip into the surrounding landscapes of Tierra del Fuego. This region features snow-covered mountains, glaciers, wetlands, and meadows. Local wildlife includes guanacos, condors, and other native species.

In the afternoon, board the vessel at the port and complete a mandatory safety drill. The cruise then departs through the Beagle Channel, a narrow strait separating southern Tierra del Fuego between Chile and Argentina. This channel has historically served as the starting point for many polar expeditions. Marine wildlife such as albatross, whales, and dolphins may be seen before entering the open waters of the Drake Passage.

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 assist 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.

With no set itinerary in Antarctica, this voyage offers adventurous travellers the chance to experience Antarctica as it was meant to be - flowing with the wind, sea and ice, and taking the best opportunities Mother Nature provides. This voyage departs in the first half of the brief Antarctic summer, when sea ice is at its maximum - this offers you ample opportunities to explore in the icy wilderness of the last continent. The exact route is subject to careful planning by the Expedition Leader and Captain - however you aim to visit a range of sites which showcase the best of this staggeringly beautiful region. 

Marvel at the massive icebergs and vast glaciers on a Zodiac cruise in Paradise Bay. Be moved by penguins tenderly caring for their precious eggs, and fiercely defending their nests on Cuverville Island. Watch cataracts of ice tumble into clear blue ocean on a hike over the active glaciers of Neko Harbour. Experience the Antarctica of old at historic huts such as Damoy Point, lovingly restored and open to all. Feel the spray of water from the blow of a humpback whale on a Zodiac safari in Wilhelmina Bay. Wonder at awe-inspiring scenery on a ship cruise through the Lemaire Channel. Watch city-sized tabular icebergs drift silently past the ship in the Antarctic Sound. Wherever you go on the Antarctic Peninsula, endemic wildlife, tantalising history and breathtaking natural beauty abound.

This time of year, expect to see penguins carefully tending their fluffy chicks, while their partners frantically hunt for food at sea. As the snow melts, opportunities for hiking onshore increase. Antarctic fur seals start to arrive in their summer feeding grounds, and humpback whale numbers increase as more of these gentle giants arrive at the end of their long migration. With luck, you may even see the young of these gentle giants. 

There is no set itinerary on this trip, which allows the staff onboard to maximize the experience for all onboard. Whilst the suggestions above are just possible routes and landings, you can be sure that this is the ultimate Antarctic experience.

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 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 which accompany 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.