Antarctica's Whale Season

Receive a warm welcome upon arrival at Ushuaia Airport before transferring to the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, perched high above the city with sweeping views of the Beagle Channel. Relax in comfort or head out to explore Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, filled with charming shops, museums, and stunning waterfront scenery. If accommodations change, stay at one of Ushuaia’s premier luxury hotels. In the evening, join an optional briefing to meet fellow travelers and prepare for the upcoming Antarctic voyage.

Spend the morning relaxing at the hotel, exploring Ushuaia’s lively shops, or visiting one of its fascinating museums before joining the mid-afternoon transfer to the pier. Step aboard the Ocean Albatros, where the Expedition Team and crew extend a warm welcome and assist with settling in. Attend the safety and orientation briefing, then savor the Captain’s welcome dinner as the ship sails through the Beagle Channel, marking the start of the journey to Antarctica.

Join the Polar Experts as they share their vast knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in the pioneering Citizen Science program or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching glimpses of rarely seen wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy to identify the many seabirds that escort the ship as you cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctica’s waters and noticeably cooler temperatures.

The South Shetlands are 12 islands separated from the Antarctic Peninsula by the Bransfield Strait. Significant volcanic activity has sculpted a geology – and a diverse natural beauty – unlike anywhere else on Earth. Here, you can expect a spectacular display of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife, including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, and it’s not uncommon to share the water’s edge with Elephant and Fur seals. And this time of year is feeding time for Humpback whales, so don’t be surprised if you’re joined by a number of them on your day’s adventure.
 

On to the Antarctic Peninsula, where we’ll explore any number of stunning bays and famed landing sites, maneuvering through majestic channels as you continue to navigate these wildlife-rich waters, passing any number of glorious icebergs, on your way to historic landing sites and perhaps even an active scientific base. Of course, a spectacular highlight of this voyage is the likelihood of encountering the giant Humpback whale – or many of them! – feeding on the abundance of krill in the water this time of year. Orcas and Minkes are also common sightings, as are a variety of penguins and seals.

Leave this magical place and make your way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. Have one last hurrah as you celebrate the conclusion of the expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.

Morning disembarkation lets you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.