Explore the natural beauty of the remote Antarctic Peninsula on this 10-day group cruise tour. Starting in Ushuaia travel through the Drake Passage and marvel at the abundant wildlife as you near Antarctica. Gaze at ice-clad mountains, explore the volcanic crater of Deception Island, view vibrant penguin colonies, visit historic huts at Damoy Point, and take in towering icebergs and glaciers.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Setting Sail
Welcome to Ushuaia! As the world's most southern city, Ushuaia's nickname of 'the end of the world' is well deserved. On arrival, make your way to the port and board our home for the next two weeks, the Ocean Albatros or Victory expedition ship. After enjoying a refreshing welcome cocktail our expedition begins as we set sail through the famous Beagle Channel (named after Charles Darwin's ship) towards Drake Passage.
If arriving into Ushuaia with plenty of time, you may wish to take a day trip to the picturesque archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers and flower-filled meadows.
Overnight: Ocean Albatros or Ocean Victory Ship | Dinner
Crossing the Drake Passage
For the next two days we sail through the challenging Drake Passage, famous for its rough conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. Our expedition vessels are well-equipped with stabilizers, powerful engines, and a skilled crew for your comfort. Crossing the Drake Passage is a notable achievement.
During our time in the Drake Passage, we'll prepare for Antarctica. Our Expedition Leader will provide safety guidelines and tips for minimizing our impact on this fragile environment. Our Expedition Team will help with biosecurity measures and offer lectures on Antarctic history, wildlife, geology, and more.
On the third day, we'll cross into the Antarctic Convergence, experiencing a sudden drop in temperature as we enter Antarctic waters. This region teems with wildlife, including petrels, albatrosses, penguins, seals, and whales. Weather permitting, we may be able to make landfall on the the South Shetland Islands on our second day in the Drake Passage, beginning our exploration of Antarctica.
Overnight: Ocean Albatros or Ocean Victory Ship | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
The Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
Our journey begins in the South Shetland Islands, the northernmost part of Antarctica, known for its rich wildlife, including Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies and impressive seabirds like Giant Petrels. We'll marvel at the ice-clad mountains of Livingstone and King George Islands before we explore places such as Deception Island with its volcanic crater, Aitcho and Half Moon Islands with their vibrant penguin colonies, and the historical site of Yankee Harbour.
Next, we'll head further south to the Gerlache Strait region on the Antarctic Peninsula. This icy wonderland boasts massive icebergs, glaciers, penguins tending to their nests on Cuverville Island, and hikes over active glaciers in Neko Harbour. We'll also visit historic huts such as Damoy Point and may even witness humpback whales in action in Wilhelmina Bay.
While our specific stops depend on conditions, our Expedition Leader will keep you informed during evening briefings. Our expert Expedition Team will enhance your experience with insightful talks.
Antarctica's weather is highly unpredictable, and safety is our top priority. If conditions restrict off-vessel activities, we will enjoy lectures, wine-tasting, hot tubs, or spa treatments in the comfort of the ship.
Overnight: Ocean Albatros or Ocean Victory Ship | Breakfast x 4, Lunch x 4, Dinner x 4
Return to Ushuaia
Leaving Antarctica, we spend two days sailing north across the infamous Drake Passage heading back towards the Beagle Channel and the shores of Ushuaia. Whilst at sea there are numerous activities on offer. You can relax with a cocktail in the Nordic Bar, listen in on lectures by the passionate and knowledgeable Expedition Team in the Shackleton Lounge, or simply gaze at the Albatrosses travelling north alongside the ship.
On the final evening aboard the ship we join the Captain and Officers for a Farewell Cocktail Party, followed by a presentation of photos and videos by the onboard photographer, allowing us to relive our Antarctic adventure.
Overnight: Ocean Albatros or Ocean Victory Ship | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
End of the Adventure
After we arrive back at Ushuaia in the morning we enjoy a final breakfast and say goodbye to our crew before disembarking.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
The prices shown are per person based on twin occupancy sharing a Category D State Room with porthole on the Ocean Albatros and Ocean Victory ship.
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Ocean Albatros, Antarctica
Having made her debut in November 2022 the Ocean Albatros is one of the most popular expedition cruise vessels in the world. With the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A, the Ocean Albatros is ideal for small-ship expedition cruising in the Antarctic, with a sturdy construction offering high stability in rough weather. For shore landings the ship has 18 motorized rubber ‘Zodiac’ boats, taking you to exciting areas that the larger vessel can't reach. This state-of-the-art vessel is also part of a new generation of low-energy vessels, ensuring it's environmentally friendly with a 50% lower carbon footprint than traditional expedition ships. There are 95 comfortable cabins and suites on board, including 12 single cabins. All of the cabins are spacious with an en suite bathroom, sofa and a TV, with either portholes or windows, offering an unobstructed sea view. The higher category of cabins also have their own balcony. On board you can soak up the scenery and spot wildlife from the viewing deck and observation lounge or head to the Sunpool Deck to enjoy the jacuzzi and pool bar. The spa boasts a unique panorama sauna and there's a gym if you want to work up a sweat. Enjoy tasty international cuisine in the two on board restaurants and relax with a drink in the Nordic bar after an incredible day spotting giant glaciers and icebergs.
Ocean Victory, Antarctica
Launched in December 2020, the Ocean Victory is a luxury infinity vessel that is established as one of the most modern small cruise ships on the market. The Ocean Victory is the perfect vessel for small-ship expedition cruises in the Antarctic, its sturdy construction offers strong stability in the rough seas that are found around Antarctica. In order to get to shore the ship has motorised rubber ‘Zodiac’ boats which are captained by experienced professionals and allow you to explore areas that the larger ship cannot reach. As part of a brand-new generation of low-energy vessels, this ship ensures it is environmentally friendly with a 50% lower carbon footprint than traditional expedition ships. The Ocean Victory features a total of 93 large, modern cabins and staterooms. Each cabin boasts ample space and features a private en suite bathroom, a comfortable sofa, and a television. The rooms have either portholes or windows, ensuring an uninterrupted view of the sea. The premium category cabins even come with their own balconies. On board there are two restaurants and one open-deck dining facility, as well as the Albatros Nordic Bar serving a variety of cocktails, beers and non-alcoholic beverages. The wellness area offers a jacuzzi, a spa, and a fitness centre, so there are plenty of options for relaxation between locations.
At a Glance
