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DAY 1 Ushuaia, Argentina
Depart: 6:00PM
The snow-capped Martial Mountains behind a sprawling city of colorful buildings create the backdrop of Ushuaia, Argentina. A mix of historic buildings and rugged nature adventures make this city the perfect fit for the curious explorer who wants to go beyond the surface.
Don’t let the nickname the “End of the World” fool you. Although it lies on the southernmost tip of South America among the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia is far from the end of any adventure. Where the Andes meet the Beagle Channel lies a lively town ready and waiting to take you on the thrill ride of a lifetime.
The wild forest of Parque Yatana entices you to hike and explore its many trails as you find your way through Argentina’s lush nature and rich, indigenous culture. The forest’s name translates to “weave” in the native language of Yaghan. Here, you will find arts and crafts from the indigenous communities on display, giving you a sense of wonder.
For a greater challenge, take the trail that leads from downtown to Martial Glacier. The scene before your eyes gives way from green grass to rocky, black peaks spattered with white snow. The heart-pounding trek takes you through an unbelievable path that leads to a view of the Andes Mountains, Ushuaia, and the ocean.
Get a feel for local life in Ushuaia by taking a stroll along Avenida San Martin. Ushuaia’s main street provides the look and feel of a quaint town with shops, restaurants, and a church, indicating the bustle of everyday life that takes place there.
DAY 2-3 Drake Passage Navigation
Navigating the intrepid Drake Passage is made for the boldest of explorers. Petrels and albatrosses that glide across the skies guide the way. To witness its awesome power makes the journey to Antarctica all the more triumphant.
The Drake Passage leads you from the southernmost region of the Americas to the Antarctic Peninsula, the northern point of The White Continent. This waterway where cold southern ocean meets warm northern sea water creates powerful currents that test your mettle.
But the rewards for the journeyer that braves these waters do not compare. The meeting of warm and cold waters creates an environment that attracts extraordinary wildlife. Drake Passage offers the chance to witness the likes of humpback whales and hourglass dolphins that accompany the voyage. The soundtrack of the 48-hour journey through the Drake Passage includes the crash of the ocean against the ship and the cry of petrels, skuas, and gulls.
While the waterway is famous for its challenging navigation, you may still get another side of the Drake Passage. On some occasions, the channel is calm and tranquil, making for a pleasant voyage into Antarctica. That’s one of the more splendid characteristics of the Drake Passage – you never know what you will get.
As you emerge from the Drake Passage, the mammoth, icy peaks of the South Shetland Islands loom ahead, greeting you on your victorious landing. You have completed the rite of passage to explore the seventh continent.
Day 4-6 Exploring Antarctica - Captain’s Choice
From the remarkable blue coloring of glaciers to leopard seals napping on ice floes, the Antarctic Peninsula contains a multitude of wonders to behold. Cormorants soaring high above and orcas breaching the waters below surround you with a magnificent array of wildlife that calls to your inner explorer. You cannot help but get caught up in The White Continent’s rugged environment.
As your captain brings you to a safe harbor, you can launch a kayak to skim atop calm and clear waters among small pieces of floating ice. Gently cruise along the world’s largest icebergs and an extraordinary array of wildlife surrounded by spellbinding scenery. Its tranquility will surely captivate your imagination for years to come.
The permanent ice cap at Cuverville houses Port Lockroy, a flagship historic site for the main base building of Bransfield House. It’s also home to the famed Penguin Post Office, the southernmost post office in the world where you can make an unforgettable memory among the Gentoo penguins. A playful energy permeates the area as you join your new friends in their waddling.
At Neko Harbor, watch for humpback whales as their flukes come above the water and splash back down. Paradise Bay offers a glimpse into scientific research at Argentina’s Almirante Brown Antarctic Base or Chile’s González Videla Antarctic Base. Wherever you roam along the Antarctic Peninsula, the curious mind is satiated.
NOTE: CAPTAIN’S CHOICE CALLS - Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s master will sail around changing weather conditions as needed and take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing. Captain’s Choice ports include: Deception Island, Paulet Island, Brown Bluff, Neko Harbor, Paradise Bay, Cuverville Island and Goudier Island.
Day 7 Exploring South Shetland Islands - Captain's Choice
Part of the greater Antarctica region, the South Shetland Islands contain plenty of wildlife, scenic landscapes, hiking opportunities and magnificent viewpoints that inspire a sense of discovering another world. A possible landing on Elephant Island, named for the shape of its cliffside and the elephant seals that call it home, puts you on the same path as the famous Shackleton Expedition. Deception Island, another possible landing and named for its very nature, is in fact a volcanic caldera where you can find heated springs amid the striking black sands. Other stops could include Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbor, Point Wild and Barrientos Island, where you can find plenty of Gentoo penguin rookeries.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s captain will sail around changing weather conditions as needed and take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing.
DAY 8 King George Island, South Shetland Islands
King George Island, South Shetland IslandsYour charter flight lands in or departs from Eduardo Frei Montalva Station on King George Island, the Chilean air base for Antarctica expeditions with flight options over the Drake Passage. Lying within the Fildes Peninsula, where Chile laid claim to Antarctic territory, the base is an important research station. Made up of over 40 buildings that include a school, bank, hospital and post office, it resembles more a small village than a base. King George Island has come to be known as the unofficial capital of Antarctica with its various research stations located on the island. As a haven for an incredible amount of wildlife, including chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, and elephant, leopard and Weddell seals, it’s a prime locale for scientific research.
