Best of Antarctica: In Depth

Upon arrival at Ushuaia Airport, proceed to the Arrivals Hall where the representative will be waiting for you, holding a sign displaying the name of your ship. If you're unable to locate the representative, please refer to the contact details provided in your final documentation.

Your first evening of the voyage will be spent in Ushuaia, a charming town known as the southernmost city in the world and the capital of Tierra del Fuego.

The following day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You can explore the town, perhaps making some final purchases at the numerous shops and artisan markets, or simply relax at a café. Avenida San Martin serves as the main street, and there are several excellent museums to visit. Alternatively, you may opt to wander through the streets, taking in the town's striking backdrop, with views of the mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south.

This morning is yours to explore Ushuaia, allowing you the opportunity to wander through the charming streets of this port town or venture into Tierra del Fuego National Park.

In the late afternoon, transfer to the Ushuaia pier for embarkation. Upon arrival on the Ocean Endeavour, you will be greeted by the Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers.

Tonight, we begin the journey by sailing through the Beagle Channel, named after the British ship HMS Beagle. This renowned channel cuts through the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the southernmost region of South America, teeming with wildlife. Keep a lookout from the deck for Magellanic penguins, rock cormorants, petrels, and black-browed albatrosses, as well as sea lion colonies.

Enjoy your inaugural experience of life at sea with a welcome dinner, filled with anticipation as the next destination is Antarctica—the White Continent.

On the third day of your Antarctic voyage, awaken to the breathtaking views and sounds of the renowned Drake Passage, accompanied by albatrosses and other seabirds guiding us southward. As we sail, onboard experts in biology, oceanography, history, and photography will commence their presentations in the Nautilus Lounge, preparing you for the days ahead. Whether you're on the decks of the Ocean Endeavour or enjoying the comfort of the observation area on the ship's bridge, remain vigilant for the first glimpse of an iceberg as Antarctica emerges on the horizon.

Day five embodies the true essence of exploration as the Ocean Endeavour ventures around the eastern edge of Antarctic Sound, steering south towards the rugged coastlines of the Peninsula's eastern side. This region, characterized by icy waters, was once traversed by Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew as they journeyed northward after their ship was crushed and sank. Along the expansive coastline, you'll encounter dramatic basaltic beaches, towering islands emerging directly from the sea, and remote archipelagos that have seen little human presence since Shackleton's era.

The possibilities for exploration are boundless from this point onwards. Whether it's the secluded Danger Islands to the north, the historically significant and penguin-populated Paulet Island, the vast expanse of the Prince Gustav Channel to the south, or the sheltered coves adorned with glaciers in Duse Bay, there are numerous options to discover. Over the course of three days in this area, we'll navigate through ice conditions to explore as many remote locations as possible through landings and Zodiac cruises. Keep a lookout for minke whales as the captain and expedition leader guide us through the picturesque channels around the Eagle Island group. For the adventurous, there's the opportunity for a polar plunge or even a chance to step onto your own piece of sea ice. Regardless of the weather, this promises to be an extraordinary Antarctic adventure, offering a rare glimpse into true exploration on Earth.

After immersing ourselves in three days of exploration along the eastern shores of the Peninsula, the Ocean Endeavour will chart a course to navigate through Antarctic Sound, heading towards the more frequently visited western coastlines. As we make the way into the sound, a cluster of tabular icebergs typically marks the transition from east to west, with potential landing spots such as Esperanza Station and the volcanic cliffs of Brown Bluff along the route. From this point onwards, we return to the familiar sights and sounds of gentoo penguin colonies, with Argentine and Chilean bases dotting the rugged points of land, while we once again deploy the Zodiacs to explore renowned sites like Orne Harbour, Paradise Bay, or Port Lockroy.

While the eastern side offered a profound sense of isolation and untouched wilderness, the contrast becomes evident on the western side, where encounters with gentoo or chinstrap penguins parading through the early-season snow and marine mammals hauling themselves onto ice floes are common sights. After four days of excursions in this region, we will turn northward once more to cross the Bransfield Strait. As we navigate through the South Shetland Islands, we will gather on the aft deck of the Ocean Endeavour for a final toast to Antarctica, to the spirit of discovery, and to the new horizons awaiting us.

During days 12 and 13, we'll witness the gradual disappearance of the Antarctic continent's outline on the horizon as we sail northward, accompanied once again by albatrosses and seabirds of the open ocean. Whether taking in the fresh sea air on deck or engaging with the expert guides' presentations, this period offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the journey thus far and all the discoveries made on the Antarctic Peninsula in the preceding days. For those eager to deepen their understanding of Antarctica, the guides will be available on deck with binoculars to help spot the incredible marine life abundant in this region. In the evenings, we'll gather to celebrate together and share stories about this unforgettable voyage.

As your Antarctic journey comes to an end, you'll bid farewell to your fellow guests and the Expedition Team as you disembark the Ocean Endeavour after breakfast. You can then join a transfer to Ushuaia airport for your onward journey, which is included for selected flight departures today. Alternatively, you may choose to extend your stay and explore more of this remarkable part of the world.

Ushuaia, known as the 'End of the World' town, offers plenty to see and do, such as visiting the Maritime Museum, strolling along Avenida San Martin, or embarking on an adventurous hike to the Martial Glacier. If you wish to prolong your time in Ushuaia, simply speak to your booking agent.

Please note: Following breakfast, a transfer service is available for your convenience, providing direct transport to Ushuaia airport upon disembarkation from the Ocean Endeavour. However, if you prefer to explore downtown Ushuaia until closer to your flight departure time or if you plan to extend your stay, we offer a smooth transfer to the city center. From there, you can independently proceed to your chosen hotel accommodation or Ushuaia Airport later in the day for added flexibility and convenience.

You are advised not to schedule a flight out of Ushuaia before midday on disembarkation day, as delays due to unfavorable weather conditions may occur.

Please be aware that the cruise itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions, ice conditions, and other factors.