Deep South Basecamp Experience

Begin your trip in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, on the tip of Tierra del Fuego. In the afternoon, board your ship and sail through the scenic Beagle Channel, surrounded by rugged mountains as your Antarctic adventure begins.

Spend two days crossing the legendary Drake Passage, following the path of early polar explorers. Feel the cool ocean breeze, watch the waves, and keep an eye out for seabirds like wandering albatrosses soaring overhead—and maybe even a whale. As you pass the Antarctic Convergence, the gateway to Antarctica, marine and bird life becomes even more abundant, hinting that the White Continent is ahead.

Arriving at the Antarctic Peninsula near the Antarctic Circle. If sea ice conditions permit, you may continue through Pendleton Strait and attempt a landing at the rarely visited southern tip of Renaud Island. Here, you have the opportunity to encounter the first Adélie penguins of the voyage and enjoy spectacular views of icebergs in this surreal, snow-swept environment.

Later in the afternoon, you continue your journey towards Adelaide Island and Marguerite Bay, crossing the Polar Circle. Spend the night in the area of Crystal Sound, where the scenery is so captivating it may keep you awake into the early hours. This region also offers the chance to spot orcas, humpback whales, and minke whales.

Over the coming days, you have the opportunity to experience a variety of planned activities in this incredible setting, deep in Antarctica.

Places you might visit include:

Horseshoe Island - Horseshoe Island is named for its distinctive shape. An abandoned research station here offers insight into the early days of scientific exploration, with original artifacts illustrating the stark contrast between life then and now. The hut is set amidst some of the most breathtaking scenery in Antarctica, offering views over the mountains and snow of Pourquoi Pas Island, as well as Horseshoe Island’s own rugged peaks. This is a photographic landing in every sense. Two old wooden boats still rest at the site, as if awaiting one final launch.

Pourquoi Pas Island - Discovered and charted by the renowned explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Pourquoi Pas Island offers a scenic landing on a rocky beach set against the backdrop of the impressive Moider Glacier. A gentle walk from the landing site reveals stunning vistas, while Antarctic fur seals lounging just beyond the beach add a delightful wildlife encounter to your journey.

Stonington Island - A site of major research activity from the 1930s to the 1970s, Stonington Island hosted both American and British bases. It features a variety of historic buildings and artifacts that tell the story of early Antarctic exploration. Once connected to the mainland by snow and ice, this evocative site now stands as a poignant reminder of Antarctica’s isolation and the fragile interplay between human history and raw wilderness. The blend of wildlife, natural grandeur, and preserved structures makes this an unforgettable stop, sure to leave a lasting impression.

Red Rock Ridge - Located on the Antarctic mainland, Red Rock Ridge is distinguished by its vivid red-hued cliffs, which stand out sharply against the icy surroundings and are visible from afar. If conditions allow, the ship attempts a landing here. You might encounter Adélie penguins, and also hope to spot seals and Antarctic shags that nest nearby.

If conditions allow, the ship then sails through The Gullet, one of the most impressive narrow channels in Antarctic, with towering mountains either side, birds following the ship and playful penguins and seals frolicking in the water as you sail through this very special part of the journey. If ice conditions allow you can also carry out a landing or cruise in the afternoon.

You may make a landing at an abandoned British research station here, taking in the island’s lofty position and imposing glaciers scenery.

Your return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to you now, and you to them.

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. It’s now time to disembark in Ushuaia, but with memories that accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.