Antarctic Explorer - Discovering the 7th Continent

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Ushuaia

You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia & Embarkation

After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier.

After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next land you see will be the Antarctic!

Days 3 and 4: Crossing the Drake Passage

The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself. While being well taken care of by our expert onboard staff and leaders, you’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the ocean, take pictures of seabirds swooping around the ship, and get to know your Expedition Team and fellow travelers.

Days 5 to 9: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

Once the Drake Passage is left in our wake and the South Shetland Islands come into view, your Antarctic adventure truly begins. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. On every visit to Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means your expedition will be unlike any other—a unique, personal experience.

Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal.

The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you hike snowy pathways to vantage points offering panoramic views of your surroundings. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence, and the next you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear.

Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes—such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles—become indelible memories.

Each day will be different, carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.

Days 10 and 11: Drake Passage to Ushuaia

The journey back across the Drake Passage provides a final opportunity to enjoy the invigorating Southern Ocean air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, and celebrate the experiences you've shared exploring the remarkable world of Antarctica.

Day 12: Disembarkation in Ushuaia & Return Flight to Buenos Aires

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a taste of Patagonia with a Tierra del Fuego National Park tour before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

• One pre-voyage hotel night in Buenos Aires
• Flights: Buenos Aires - Ushuaia - Buenos Aires
• Group transfers: Buenos Aires hotel to the airport (day 2); Ushuaia from the airport to the port (day 2); to Ushuaia airport (day 12)
• On-board accommodation
• Transfers
• Activities/shore excursions as specified 
• Lectures and presentations by the expedition team and naturalist staff
• Waterproof boots on loan
• An expedition parka for you to keep 
• Comprehensive pre-departure material
• Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person
• All meals during your voyage 
• Beer and wine during dinner 
• Port taxes 

• International and internal airfares (flights Buenos Aires - Ushuaia - Buenos Aires included)
• Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
• Travel insurance 
• Optional activities (subject to availability)*
• Waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising
• Gratuities*
• Transfers not mentioned under inclusions
• Any items not mentioned as included 

**Optional activities (selected departures only, contact us for more details)

• Alpine Heli-Trekking - US$495 per person
• Kayaking - US$995 per person
• Stand-up paddleboarding - US$295 per person 
• Camping - US$295 per person 
• Paddling excursion - US$295 per person

Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.