Christmas in Antarctica by Aurora

Celebrate the magic of Christmas in the world’s greatest undiscovered winter wonderland… Antarctica!  See the continent at it liveliest with vast penguin colonies springing into life with chicks hatching.  Aboard Zodiacs, witness the spectacle of seals basking on ice floes up-close, or set foot on this awe-inspiring continent, visiting unparalleled viewpoints for photos, visit scientific research posts and discover historic sites.   

Highlights

• Celebrate a white Christmas on the least visited continent on earth
• See adorable penguin chicks hatch 
• Admire seals basking on ice floes
• Zodiac cruise around monolithic icebergs
• Discover fascinating scientific research posts and historical sites
• Potential to spot minke and humpback whales

Quick Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Ushuaia
Day 2 Depart Ushuaia
Days 3 to 4 Drake Passage
Days 5 to 10 Antarctic Peninsula
Days 11 to 12 Drake Passage
Days 13 – 14 Ushuaia

Day 1 – Ushuaia, Argentina
Arrive at the world’s most southerly city, Ushuaia, where your expedition representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel to rest following your flight.  Enjoy time at leisure to explore the lovely waterfront walks, numerous cafes, restaurants and shops.

Day 2 – Embarkation Ushuaia
You have the morning at leisure, which will give you further opportunity to see some of the gems of the region, such as Tierra Del Fuego National Park.  The expedition team will greet you aboard the ship late afternoon.  Once you are settled into your cabin and have spent some time exploring the vessel, the ship sets sail down the Beagle Channel.  Enjoy views of the jagged peaks of the Martial Mountains and endless carpets of forest passing by, keeping watch for dolphins, Magellanic penguins and the fabled albatross.

Days 3 to 4 – Drake Passage
As we cross the Drake Passage heading south towards Antarctica, you will relax and enjoy informative onboard talks hosted by your expert expedition team and get to spend time socialising with your fellow travellers.  You may spot a variety of birds including albatross or storm petrels from the comfort of the panoramic view lounge or the outer decks for photo opportunities.   As you near the South Shetlands Islands, keep an eye out for your first glimpse of a majestic iceberg and an array of wildlife including penguins and seals.

Days 5 to 10 – Antarctica Peninsula
Early morning, weather permitting, you will be rewarded with outstanding views of the snow-capped mountains of the Danco Coast as we arrive into the western flank of the Antarctic Peninsula – welcome to the last unexplored place on earth!  Over the course of the next 6 days, your Captain and expedition crew will create a unique itinerary discovering the highlights of this wonderous continent, ensuring endless photographic opportunities to capture the Christmas trip of a lifetime.  Explore penguin rookeries abundant with adorable chicks, watch seals bask on ice floes, Zodiac cruise around monolithic icebergs and admire pristine ice sculptures.  Kayakers will enjoy the serenity of paddling into other-worldly bays with inquisitive seals for company.  Be one of the few to have ever set foot on Antarctica, hiking to viewpoints with sweeping panoramic vistas, discovering working scientific research stations and historic sites.  

Days 11 to 12 – Drake Passage
As you head north across the Drake Passage, we say farewell to Antarctica.  The experience leaves you with an endless array of fascinating stories and photos, which you will share with your fellow travellers and newfound friends as you head north towards South America.   Enjoy the many talks with the expedition team onboard and keep watch for the many seabirds soaring through the region.   Conditions allowing, the ship will make a ceremonial rounding of the tip of South America at Cape Horn, before you enjoy a farewell dinner with your travelling companions and expedition family.

Day 13 – Ushuaia
You awake to the beautiful landscapes of the Beagle Channel, as the voyage makes its final approach into Ushuaia. After breakfast, you disembark the ship ready for your onwards voyage, feeling enriched with memories to last a lifetime.