Crossing 66º South Latitude - Antarctic Cruise

Ushuaia is the southernmost town in the world and our starting point for an Antarctic adventure. Our staff will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel that we have arranged and included in your itinerary. You are then free to spend the remainder of the day exploring this exciting port and adventure center.

Museo del Fin del Mundo offers a fascinating introduction to the local wildlife and history. You can arrange a range of activities to fit your interests and level of fitness, including hiking through the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park or wildlife watching in Beagle Channel. Ushuaia has a variety of restaurants that serve Patagonian Lamb and delicious Fuegian Seafood.

You can spend the day in Ushuaia after breakfasting at your hotel. Enjoy the beautiful waterfront while admiring the views of the Martial Range's snow-capped peaks, which are the southernmost Andes. You can shop for last-minute items such as winter gear or souvenirs. Remember that you'll soon be receiving your own parka and boots for borrowing on the ship. Avenida San Martin is home to many cafés, gelato stores, and parrillas that will satisfy your appetite for lunch.

You will then be transported to the M/V Sea Spirit, a deluxe expedition ship. Explore the spacious ship and settle into your suite. This will be the home for your extraordinary journey. Your expedition team will provide you with informative presentations and briefings as soon as the ship sets sail. Step out on the decks after the first delicious dinner to enjoy the beautiful evening light and scenery as we sail through the Beagle Channel.

We turn south after passing Tierra del Fuego to start our Drake Passage crossing. On the way, we keep an eye out for fin and humpback whales. These waters are home to the majestic Wandering Albatross, as well as other subantarctic birds. They can be easily spotted from open balconies and decks. The Antarctic Convergence is also crossed, which marks the boundary between the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic Ocean. Stabilizing fins on the ship provide extra comfort during rough seas. Our lecture staff will prepare you with briefings on bio-security and other procedures, as well as presentations. On the second night of our voyage, we hope to reach the South Shetland Islands.

Over the coming days, we will embark on a thorough exploration of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. This region boasts some of the planet's most breathtaking landscapes and offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife observation in Antarctica. Glittering bays and channels adorned with ice, towering snow-covered mountain peaks, and vast glaciers create an awe-inspiring backdrop. The presence of icebergs of various shapes and sizes adds to the area's unparalleled beauty. The rich waters teeming with krill support a diverse array of marine mammals and seabirds. Penguins can be spotted foraging at sea and congregating in large colonies on land, alongside Antarctic research bases representing different nations.

Our expedition will likely commence with the exploration of the South Shetland Islands, the northernmost islands in Antarctica. This stunning island chain boasts numerous historically significant landing sites and abundant wildlife. We'll also venture into the visually striking Gerlache Strait region of the Antarctic Peninsula, renowned for its pristine wilderness characterized by vast white landscapes, towering icebergs, friendly marine mammals, and bustling penguin colonies. Our itinerary includes traversing the renowned Lemaire Channel, affectionately dubbed the "Kodak Gap" due to its picturesque reflections of snow-capped mountains.

During this extraordinary journey, we've allocated additional days to push farther south in our quest to cross the Antarctic Circle. The breathtaking icescapes of Crystal Sound and beyond offer a stark beauty, accompanied by wild weather and shifting ice. Few have ventured this far south, making it a true expedition experience.

The islands and mainland are home to significant colonies of gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins, often coexisting in close proximity. At this time of year, colonies are bustling with activity as parents guard nests against predatory attacks while others venture into the sea to fish, navigating waters patrolled by leopard seals and killer whales. Meanwhile, fluffy chicks begin to explore beyond their nests, and the feeding frenzy of humpback and minke whales reaches its peak. Crabeater and Weddell seals are abundant in these productive waters.

In this rugged yet accessible environment, unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities are complemented by active adventures. Sea kayakers can paddle alongside seals and penguins in some of the world's most scenic waterways. To fully immerse yourself in the Antarctic experience, consider spending a night camping ashore, surrounded by untamed nature.

This expedition epitomizes authentic cruising at its finest. Our route and exploration plans will be dictated by weather and ice conditions, with our experienced captain and expedition leader continuously adapting to ensure maximum enjoyment and safety in this challenging polar environment.

The adventure has not yet ended. We are always accompanied by seabirds, and in the wild waters there's a possibility that we may encounter whales. The Captain's Farewell Cocktail, and the final slideshow are also part of the festivities. As we sail through the Beagle Channel we will enjoy an evening of calm sailing towards Ushuaia.

We bid you farewell to Ushuaia after another tasty breakfast aboard. If you want to stay longer, we can arrange a transfer for the group to either the airport or the center of the city. You may be already looking forward to the next adventure in polar regions as you reflect on your Antarctica experience.