Classic Antarctica Cruise Vacation

Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your selected hotel.

Embark the Ushuaia in the afternoon and meet your expedition and lecture staff. After you have settled into your cabins we sail along the famous Beagle Channel and the scenic Mackinlay Pass. (D)

As you sail across the passage, Antarpply Expeditions’ lecturers will be out with you on deck to help identify an amazing variety of seabirds, including many albatrosses, which follow in our wake. The Ushuaia’s open bridge policy allows you to join our officers on the bridge and learn about navigation, watch for whales, and enjoy the view. A full program of lectures will be offered as well. (B,L,D)

The first sighting of icebergs and snow-capped mountains indicate that we have reached the South Shetland Islands, a group of twenty islands and islets first sighted in February 1819 by Capt. William Smith of the brig Williams. With favorable conditions in the Drake Passage, our lecturers and naturalists will accompany you ashore as you experience your first encounter with the penguins and seals on day four. (B,L,D)

The South Shetland Islands are a haven for wildlife. Vast penguin rookeries, beaches ruled by Antarctic fur seals and Southern Elephant Seals make every day spent in this amazing island group unforgettable. (B,L,D)

King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands, features colonies of nesting Adélie and Chinstrap Penguins, Kelp Gulls, Blue eyed Cormorants, Antarctic Terns, and Southern Giant Petrels. It is also home to the scientific bases of many different countries. Macaroni, Chinstrap, and Gentoo Penguins, as well as Elephant Seals await you at Livingston Island. (B,L,D)

You will have plenty of time to explore the Antarctic Peninsula and its amazing scenery; a pristine wilderness of snow, ice, mountains, and waterways, with an incredibly wide variety of wildlife. Apart from penguins and seabirds, you are likely to see Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals, as well as Minke, killer (orca), and humpback whales at close range. (B,L,D)

You will navigate some of the most beautiful waterways and spectacular glaciers (depending on the ice conditions). The plan is to make at least two landings per day and possible landing sites include Paradise Bay. After negotiating the iceberg-strewn waters of the Antarctic Sound, we hope to visit the bustling Adélie Penguins (over 100,000 pairs breed here) and Blue-eyed Cormorant colonies on Paulet Island. The Nordenskjöld Expedition built a stone survival hut here in 1903. Today its ruins have been overtaken by nesting penguins. (B,L,D)

Further exploration may take you to Melchior Island, Cuverville Island, Portal Point, Neko Harbour, Pléneau Island, and if ice conditions permit, to Petermann Island for a visit to the southernmost colony of Gentoo Penguins. (B,L,D)

You will leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck as we search for seabirds and whales and enjoy some final lectures. Take the chance to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past days on the way back to Ushuaia. (B,L,D)

You will leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck as we search for seabirds and whales and enjoy some final lectures. (B,L,D)

You will arrive at the port of Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark after breakfast. (B) Please note: The above itinerary is a guide only. The exact route and program will vary to take best advantage of local weather and ice conditions and opportunities to view wildlife.