Antarctica Activity Expedition

Your Expedition Cruise to Antarctica starts from Ushuaia, the southern-most town of Argentina. We advise you to arrive at least one day before departure, just in case your flight might be delayed.

Take some time to explore Ushuaia and it’s surroundings, and maybe head down to the port to spot your expedition ship. Boarding the ship will commence late in the afternoon. And while sailing down the beautiful Beagle Channel, you will have time to get settled in your room, attend the safety briefings and enjoy your first dinner on board. Your expedition to Antarctica has officially begun!

Once the ship exits the Beagle Channel, you find yourself on the open ocean for a 2-day crossing of the Drake Passage. Even though you will be at sea with no land in sight for two days, you don’t have to worry about it being boring. It’s always worth having a look out on deck, whales or dolphins sometimes make an appearance and you will often see albatrosses and storm petrels flying alongside the ship. The guides will commence their lecture program about the Antarctic wildlife, geology, history and geography.

Nearing the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, excitement grows with everyone on the lookout for the first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once you are below the Antarctic Convergence. You are likely to find yourself surrounded by oddly-shaped icebergs and you might see some colossal ‘tabular’ icebergs that have separated from the continent’s ice shelf. Also, the chances of seeing whales increase the closer you get to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Depending on the weather and exact route of your voyage, you might approach Antarctica near the South Shetland Islands, where you might have your first landing. The ship will then likely enter Bransfield Strait either at the eastern end of King George Island or the western extremity of Livingston Island. From here on, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula is yours to explore!

Once the ship reaches the calmer waters along the Antarctic Peninsula, we aim to have 1 or 2 outings per day. In between the shore landings and zodiac cruises, you can enjoy lectures about the Antarctic nature, wildlife and history, and enjoy the warm comfort of the ship. Every voyage is different and we can’t guarantee any specific landing sites.

Places you might visit include Livingstone Island, a unique landing place. The ice free patches of the island are literally teeming with wildlife. You might see chinstrap and gentoo penguins and it’s not uncommon to find groups of elephant seals here too.

Your official first step on the continent of Antarctica could be at Paradise Harbour. The serenity of Paradise Harbour envelops us once the ship slowly comes to a halt. The protected bay is surrounded by magnificent peaks and spectacular glaciers. The rocky cliffs provide perfect nesting sites for blueeyed shags, terns and gulls.

Danco Island is a great place for a hike in snow shoes. You can head all the way to the top of the island for the most spectacular view over the surrounding landscape. Keep an eye out for the Gentoo penguins that are known to breed on this island. They have many penguin highways leading all the way up the hill, a wonderful sight to watch their commute between the sea and the rookery.

If the ice conditions are right, you might sail through the Lemaire Channel. A breathtaking narrow channel with high mountains on both sides. Often the water here is so calm it acts like a mirror, reflecting the surroundings in the dark icy water.

Zodiac cruises take you into the fjords and icy bays in search of wildlife, like a safari on water! Antarctica is a haven for whales and we keep our eyes open for humpbacks, orcas and minke whales. You might also spot crabeater seals, elephant seals, or maybe even leopard seals while exploring the water.

Along the Antarctic Peninsula there are plenty more locations where you might have a chance for kayaking or camping. You might go to Curtiss Bay, Cuverville Island, the Errera Channel or Wilhelmina Bay. Every voyage is different and we hope to have as much time as possible to explore these unforgettable places to marvel at nature’s glory up close.

Every great adventure eventually comes to an end. While crossing the Drake Passage, you’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds guiding you home. An Expedition Cruise to Antarctica will create life lasting memories and new friendships. By the time you have to disembark in Ushuaia you’ll have countless photos and stories to share with friends and relatives.