Classic Antarctica Expedition

Your Expedition Cruise to Antarctica starts from Ushuaia, the southern-most town of Argentina. We advise you to arrive 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 of the Antarctic Peninsula, the aim is to offer 1-2 outings daily. Between zodiac cruises and shore landings, guests can enjoy informative lectures on Antarctic nature, history, and wildlife, all while enjoying the warm comfort of the ship. Every voyage is unique, and specific landing sites cannot be guaranteed due to weather and ice conditions.

You might visit islands as well as landing sites on the Antarctic continent itself. Each landing is unique and we never know what we will encounter until we step ashore. Ice free patches of land are often a place to find penguin rookeries, and it’s not uncommon to encounter elephant seals on the beaches. Leopard seals, the apex predator in the region, may be spotted near penguin colonies, hunting for their next meal. If the conditions are right, you may also land on the Antarctic continent itself, a rare and unforgettable experience.

Zodiac cruises take you deeper into fjords and protected bays for wildlife watching, an exciting experience like a safari on water. Keep an eye out for humpback whales, orcas, and minke whales, as well as crabeater seals, leopard seals, and other wildlife. The cliffs provide nesting spots for seabirds like blue-eyed shags, terns, and gulls.

The ship may also navigate into stunning ice-filled channels, surrounded by towering peaks and spectacular glaciers. Spending time on deck is highly recommended for the best opportunities to spot whales and photograph the epic landscapes. Though landings and excursions are weather-dependent, each day in Antarctica promises new adventures and the chance to witness the continent’s pristine beauty 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.

Disembarkation usually takes place after breakfast. We recommend scheduling your flights home no earlier than the afternoon or evening.