Antarctic Peninsula Expedition Micro Cruise by Air & Sea

Upon arriving in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego—widely known as the southernmost city in the world—enjoy a seamless airport transfer directly to the magnificent Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa. A complimentary overnight stay at this premier luxury destination is thoughtfully included as part of the expedition. Take time to relax and fully enjoy the exceptional hotel facilities, which feature a state-of-the-art fitness center, a sprawling indoor swimming pool, beautiful indoor and outdoor relaxation pools, outdoor hot tubs, and a refreshing pool bar. Alternatively, choose to deeply immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Patagonia by exploring the scenic walking trails scattered throughout the surrounding Cerro Alarkén Nature Reserve.

Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Ushuaia at a comfortable pace. For inspiration on local sights and activities, consult the provided Ushuaia Handbook. Board the ship between 16:00 and 17:00, taking advantage of a seamless, complimentary transfer directly from the hotel to the pier. Following the mandatory safety briefings, gather with fellow travelers to enjoy a welcome cocktail and a delicious dinner. Celebrate the official start of your expedition to Antarctica as the Explorer Yacht Aureum gracefully departs through the scenic Beagle Channel, setting a course for the legendary Drake Passage ahead.

The Drake is where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans meet with nothing to slow them. Aureum's fin stabilizers hold the crossing steady; the program on board holds your attention: polar science lectures, photography workshops, personal accounts from the expedition team.

Weather permitting, time on deck to watch wandering albatrosses trace the swell. The birds are large enough to be genuinely surprising at close range, and the guides know their species on sight.

The Antarctic Peninsula appears on the horizon toward the end of day three.

Four full days on the Peninsula. Where you go is shaped by conditions and opportunity:

You often sail into the heart of the Antarctic Peninsula through the scenic Gerlache Strait, flanked by jagged peaks. With the aim to explore Wilhelmina Bay, Cuverville Island, Paradise Bay, Lemaire Channel, Deception Island, and the sites between them.

Leopard seals on ice floes. Gentoo and Chinstrap penguin colonies. Humpback whales surfacing in the channels. Glaciers calving into water that carries no traffic. And the moment that defines your voyage: landing on the continent and setting foot on Antarctica.

Possible locations: Cierva Cove, Trinity Island, Mikkelsen Harbor, Hydrurga Rocks, Hughes Bay, Wilhelmina Bay, Cuverville Island, Errera Channel, Neko Harbor, Paradise Bay, Almirante Brown Station, Dallman Bay, Melchior Islands, Neumayer Channel, Port Lockroy, Lemaire Channel, Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbor, Whalers Bay, Baily Head, Deception Island.

If the flight window shifts, the expedition continues in Antarctica. There is no shortage of Peninsula to explore, and every additional day is unplanned time in one of the most extraordinary places on earth.

The final night is at Weskar Lodge in Puerto Natales: farewell dinner, the expedition settling, Torres del Paine in the distance.

Aircraft: BAE 146-200 / RJ-85 / RJ-100. Luggage allowance: 25kg checked, 5kg carry-on within standard size limitations.

After your expedition, take the opportunity to explore Puerto Natales, the gateway to Chilean Patagonia—a frontier town with genuine character, exceptional local seafood, an unhurried pace, and an atmosphere entirely its own.

From here, discover nearby Torres del Paine National Park, part of the UNESCO Torres del Paine Biosphere Reserve, renowned for its granite towers, glaciers, turquoise lakes and remarkable wildlife.

Want to stay a little longer? Every Antarctica By Air expedition includes Peace of Mind approach, with up to three additional nights in Puerto Natales at no extra accommodation cost.