Antarctic Explorer: Argentina & the Antarctic

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Accommodation: Hotel Albatros, Ushuaia; Los Cauquenes, Ushuaia

Spend the night prior to our Antarctic cruise in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world and the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province. With a population of more than 63,000 people, the city has grown, yet it has retained an easy-going and accessible feel. With the sea to the south and mountains to the north, Ushuaia is everything Patagonia is about and a spectacular departure point for our cruise.

Day 2: Embark the Sea Spirit & Cruise the Beagle Channel

Accommodation:  Sea Spirit, Antarctica

After embarking the Sea Spirit in the late afternoon, we sail down the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago at the tip of South America. It is named after the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his historic voyage round Cape Horn and up the coast of South America to the Galapagos Islands, where his explorations led to his theory of evolution. We travel in the wake of explorers and mariners as we view birds, penguins, sea lions and snowy mountains. The next land we encounter will be the Antarctic Peninsula, the world’s southernmost continent.

Day 3 & 4 : Cape Horn & Drake Passage

Accommodation:  Sea Spirit, Antarctica

Sailing around Cape Horn was (and is) one of the most challenging nautical routes on the planet. On our journey, we will have the opportunity to cruise past this iconic headland on an epic rite of passage few have the privilege to experience. And as we enter the 500-mile-wide Drake Passage separating the bottom of South America from the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, we can’t help but feel a spirit of adventure that is heightened by the vast ocean and the wild grandeur that lies ahead.

Entering the notorious Antarctic Convergence lends to the region’s spine-tingling thrills. This is the region of the Southern Ocean where the cold waters of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current meet and mingle with the warmer waters to the north. This intermixing creates local variations in weather (such as fogs) and high waves. Prepare for potentially rough water, but hope for a smooth sailing and keep an eye out for an abundance of animal life.

You’ll spend these first days getting to know your shipmates, while the ship’s crew provides safety briefings and insights into what lies ahead.

Day 5 – 9: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

Accommodation:  Sea Spirit, Antarctica

When the Antarctic Convergence is left in our wake, we truly begin our Antarctic adventure. As we sail from island to shore to bay during our five days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, the Expedition Team educates and entertains. We get up close and personal with wildlife on Zodiac excursions from the ship to daily landing sites. We visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and Minke whales and search for a number of the southern seal species, including the cunning Leopard seal.

The majesty of the Peninsula’s mountains is enchanting as we scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering 360-degree views. We’ll visit Chinstrap penguin colony high on a ridge. And we’ll have the choice of going on a mountain hike or spending time with curious penguins as we relax on a pebbled beach. Those who are truly adventurous can even take the Polar Plunge don’t forget to pack your swimsuit!

Amidst the peaceful silence of Antarctica, noisy interruptions become indelible memories such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, the boom and crack of calving glaciers in Neko Harbor, and the echo of voices bouncing off a giant glacier.

Day 10 & 11: Drake Passage

Accommodation:  Sea Spirit, Antarctica

The journey back across the Drake Passage provides us with some final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. We spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoying presentations by our Expedition Team and relaxing in comfort aboard a ship perfectly designed for these waters.

Day 12: Disembark in Ushuaia & Depart for Home

Upon arrival in Ushuaia in the morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination.