Welcome to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point of our Antarctic expedition! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by our staff and transferred to a quality hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the itinerary. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore this vibrant port city and adventure hub.

For an introduction to local history and wildlife, the interesting Museo del Fin del Mundo is worth a visit. If you have time to spare, a variety of nature activities can be arranged to suit all interests and fitness levels, from hiking in nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park to wildlife viewing in the Beagle Channel. For dinner, Ushuaia offers a wide range of restaurants featuring Patagonian lamb and delectable Fuegian seafood.

After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to enjoy Ushuaia. Explore the delightful waterfront and savor views of the snowcapped Martial Range, the southernmost peaks of the Andes. Take advantage of shopping for souvenirs or some last-minute necessities such as cold-weather gear. Just remember, you will soon receive your very own parka to keep and waterproof boots to borrow on board the ship. For lunch, the many cafés, parrillas and gelato shops on Avenida San Martín will be sure to satisfy any appetite.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard the deluxe expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get settled in your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure to come. After getting underway, a full schedule of events kicks off with informative briefings and introductions from your expedition staff. After the first of many delicious dinners on board, step out onto the open decks to admire the scenery and gorgeous evening light as we pass through the Beagle Channel.

After passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, we turn south to begin our crossing of the Drake Passage. We watch for humpback and fin whales along the way. The majestic wandering albatross and other graceful subantarctic seabirds are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks and balconies. We also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas. Briefings, bio-security procedures and presentations by our lecture staff prepare you for our arrival in Antarctica. We hope to arrive in the South Shetland Islands on the evening of our second day at sea.

The exact places you’ll visit in the icy continent are completely dependent on weather and ice conditions, which is what makes Antarctica so unique. The captain will decide which routes to take and will adjust the specific itinerary accordingly. The region of Antarctica represents some of the best wildlife and most impressive scenery on Earth – you will feel like you are in another world!

The ship will navigate through protected bays and narrow channels, all surrounded by immense glaciers and majestic mountain peaks covered in permanent snow. Icebergs drifting along the coastline come in every size and shape possible, and the waters are filled with incredible wildlife including the magnificent humpback whale and various seal species. But the trip wouldn’t be fully complete without taking some time to enjoy watching the penguins – foraging at sea and waddling on the shores, they form enormous nesting colonies that pepper the whole of Antarctica's landscape. Your days in the icy continent will be filled with memorable excursions, great presentations from the expert guides and plenty of opportunities to admire wildlife at its best.

The South Shetlands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and likely to be your first sighting of land. Many other places will be visited, such as Deception Island, Lemaire Channel, Gerlach Strait or even whaling and research stations where many nationalities live together.

Enriched with the breathtaking experiences of the past few days, you will start the journey back north towards civilisation. Enjoy the free time to relax, share your experiences with your fellow travellers and gather one last time to celebrate the end of the voyage with a farewell dinner.

After yet another delicious breakfast on board, we bid you a fond farewell in Ushuaia. We provide a group transfer to the airport or to the city centre if you wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next polar adventure! Note for booking your return flight: Disembarkation typically takes place between 8:00 and 9:00 AM (following breakfast). We recommend scheduling your return flight from Ushuaia for 12:00 noon or later.

Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000 or enquire here