South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina—the southernmost city in the world. Upon arrival, southern breezes and the sounds of gulls mark the entrance to a city often called the End of the World. Head up into the hills to check into a pre-voyage hotel, offering a comfortable place to unwind after travel or a convenient base for exploring the area.

Before the Antarctic journey begins, take time to explore this Patagonian city, browse local crafts, or walk in the nearby forests. For a more remote experience, consider a day trip into the wild landscapes of Tierra del Fuego. This island features snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows, and wetlands home to wildlife such as guanacos and condors.

In the afternoon of the first day, the vessel boards in port following a mandatory safety drill. The expedition then begins, navigating through the calm waters of the Beagle Channel—named after Charles Darwin’s ship. This narrow strait separates southern Tierra del Fuego between Chile and Argentina and has served as the starting point for many past expeditions. Albatross, whales, and dolphins may be seen while crossing into 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 brief 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 your second day in the Drake Passage, marking the start of your exploration on the Last Continent.

Over the next days, you enjoy a safe and exciting Antarctic experience that 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, the 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. 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. 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 your 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 the 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 your 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 your onboard photographer - the ideal opportunity to re-live your Antarctic adventure. Skål!

On the morning of the final day of your 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.