During this voyage, there is a good chance of witnessing the spectacular aurora australis (southern lights). While sightings can never be guaranteed, the combination of long nights, potential clear skies, and limited moonlight during this period creates favorable conditions for this rare and magical phenomenon.
Day 1: Embarkation in Ushuaia
In the afternoon, we embark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world located at the Beagle Channel and sail through this scenic waterway for the rest of the evening.
Day 2 - 3: At sea
During these two days we sail across the Drake Passage. When we cross the Antarctic Convergence, we arrive in the circum-Antarctic up welling zone. In this area we may see Wandering Albatrosses, Grey Headed Albatrosses, Black- browed Albatrosses, Light- mantled Albatrosses, Cape Petrels, Southern Fulmars, Wilson’s Storm Petrels, Blue Petrels and Antarctic Petrels. Near the South Shetland Islands, we spot our first icebergs.
Day 4 –9: Sights of late summer Antarctica
Options for Antarctic Peninsula activities are many, and no less great during the late summer. Humpback whales are prolific in this region, gorging themselves on krill before their migration north. The penguin chicks are also fledging, stirring up activity on the beaches while sleek leopard seals lie in wait, poised to attack the less fortunate ones.
Sites for your Antarctic adventures may include:
Livingston Island – Here you find a wide variety of gentoo and chinstrap penguins on Hannah Point, as well as southern giant petrels and elephant seals hauling out onto the beach.
Deception Island – Actually a subducted crater, this island opens into the sea and creates a natural harbor for the ship. An abandoned whaling station, and multiple bird species – cape petrels, kelp gulls, brown and south polar skuas, and Antarctic terns – can be seen here. Wilson’s storm petrels and black-bellied storm petrels also nest in the ruins of the whaling station in Whalers Bay.
Cuverville Island – A small precipitous island nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Rongé Island, Cuverville houses a large colony of gentoo penguins and breeding pairs of brown skuas.
Neko Harbour – An epic landscape of mammoth glaciers and endless wind-carved snow, Neko Harbour offers opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and landing that afford the closest views of the surrounding alpine peaks. You might also be able to set foot on the continent here.
Paradise Bay – You could take a Zodiac cruise in these sprawling, ice-flecked waters, where you have a good chance of seeing humpback and minke whales.
Pléneau & Petermann Islands – If the ice allows it, you may sail through the Lemaire Channel in search of Adélie penguins and blue-eyed shags. There’s also a good chance you’ll encounter humpback and minke whales as well as leopard seals.
Crystal Sound – Your journey takes you south along the Argentine Islands to this ice-packed body of water, and from here across the Polar Circle in the morning.
Detaille Island – You may make a landing at an abandoned British research station here, taking in the island’s lofty mountains and imposing glaciers.
Fish Islands – Further north you encounter one of the southernmost Adélie penguin and blue-eyed shag colonies in the Antarctic Peninsula.
Melchior Islands – These islands offer a beautiful landscape rich with icebergs. Leopard seals, crabeater seals, and whales are found here, and there are excellent opportunities for kayaking and diving.
Conditions on the Drake Passage determine the exact time of departure.
Day 10 - 11: At sea
On our way north we are again followed by a great selection of seabirds while crossing the Drake Passage.
Day 12: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
We arrive in the morning in Ushuaia and disembark.
Note: March 6 2027 departure is one day longer (12 nights) with one extra expedition day in Antarctica.
Departures & Prices -
Prices quoted below are per person based on 2 people sharing. Single occupancy is 1.7 times the twin share price. Cabin availability changes all the time so please contact us for up-to-date details and information on specific cabin availability.
Expedition Ship: Hondius
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Start Date
|
End Date
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Quadruple
|
Triple
|
Twin Porthole
|
Twin Window
|
Twin Deluxe
|
Superior
|
Junior Suite
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Grand Suite ( private balcony)
|
|
2026-03-20
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2026-03-31
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$8,200
|
$9,300
|
$10,150
|
$10,650
|
$11,500
|
$12,300
|
$12,850
|
$14,900
|
Expedition Ship: Ortelius
|
Start Date
|
End Date
|
Quadruple
|
Triple
|
Twin Porthole
|
Twin Window
|
Twin Deluxe
|
Superior
|
|
2027-03-06
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2027-03-18
|
$11,000
|
$13,550
|
$13,550
|
$14,100
|
$15,550
|
$16,400
|
