Day 1-2: Ushuaia, Argentina – Departure for Antarctica

Day 1 – Arrival in Ushuaia

• Explore Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.
• Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, known for its breathtaking landscapes, and enjoy the Beagle Channel.
• Meet your expedition crew and attend briefing on the cruise protocol.

Day 2 – Embarkation

• Board the ship and begin the journey toward Antarctica via the Drake Passage.
• Attend lectures by expedition guides on Antarctic wildlife, climate, and history.
• The ship begins sailing south through the Beagle Channel and into the Drake Passage.

Day 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage

• The Drake Passage is the body of water between South America and Antarctica, known for its turbulent waters. While crossing, you’ll learn about the continent’s geography and wildlife.
• Participate in lectures and workshops provided by the ship’s naturalists about Antarctica’s ecosystems and history.
• There may be opportunities for spotting albatrosses and other seabirds.

Day 5-9: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

Day 5 – Arrival in Antarctica

• Your first sightings of Antarctica come as the ship enters the South Shetland Islands.
• Land on one of the islands like King George Island or Deception Island, which has an active volcano and an abandoned whaling station.

Day 6-9 – Antarctic Peninsula Exploration

• Over the next few days, you’ll explore the Antarctic Peninsula, making multiple landings each day via Zodiac boats.
• Visit fascinating locations such as Paradise Bay, Port Lockroy (an old British research station), Antarctic Sound, and Half Moon Island.
• Witness the stunning icebergs, glaciers, and towering mountains.
• Spot wildlife: colonies of penguins (Emperor, Gentoo, Chinstrap), seals (Weddell, Leopard), and perhaps whales such as the humpback or minke whales.
• If conditions allow, you may explore landings at Antarctic Research Stations like Arturo Prat (Chile).

Day 10-11: Crossing the Antarctic Circle

Day 10 – Reaching the Antarctic Circle

• For the more adventurous travelers, the ship will attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle, a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
• Enjoy the stunning scenery of pack ice, vast glaciers, and unique wildlife.
• Engage in activities like kayaking (if available), ice trekking, or polar plunges into frigid Antarctic waters.

Day 11 – Exploration Continues

• Continue your exploration, including stopping at stunning sites such as Lemaire Channel and Melchior Islands.
• A final ice landing at remote spots near the continent’s edge, continuing to observe wildlife and icebergs.

Day 12-13: Return via the Drake Passage

Day 12 – Depart from Antarctica

• Begin your return voyage through the Drake Passage.
• The crew might offer lectures about Antarctic history, science, and future climate impact during the return journey.

Day 13 – Enjoy Sea Life

• Enjoy this final day on board with more informational lectures and opportunities to share your experience with fellow passengers.
• You may spot more seabirds like penguins on ice floes as you sail through the Southern Ocean.

Day 14: Return to Ushuaia

• Arrive back in Ushuaia, Argentina.
• Disembarkation with a farewell from the crew and disembark to your next destination.