Your itinerary
Day 1
Start Ushuaia, Argentina
Begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.
Day 2
Embarkation Day
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down 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!
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 3
At Sea
There are many activities to keep you engaged while at sea. Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend dynamic presentations by the Expedition Team. You will be prepped on safety procedures for Zodiac cruises and shore landings.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 4
At Sea
There are many activities to keep you engaged while at sea. Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend dynamic presentations by the Expedition Team. You will be prepped on safety procedures for Zodiac cruises and shore landings.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 5
At Sea
There are many activities to keep you engaged while at sea. Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend dynamic presentations by the Expedition Team. You will be prepped on safety procedures for Zodiac cruises and shore landings.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 6
At Sea
There are many activities to keep you engaged while at sea. Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend dynamic presentations by the Expedition Team. You will be prepped on safety procedures for Zodiac cruises and shore landings.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 7
South Georgia
The first indication that you are approaching South Georgia is the sight of birds around a group of rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Have your binoculars and cameras ready to photograph these rocks rising out of the icy ocean waters. Shags and prions often rest here. After enjoying South Georgia from a distance, we’ll head toward its numerable beaches to find a protected bay for your first land excursion. Landing sites on South Georgia are varied, largely determined by the weather conditions of your voyage. Whichever sites we visit, they’ll provide you with wildlife encounters unrivaled anywhere else on earth. This is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for subantarctic wildlife, with beaches blanketed with penguins. It won’t take you long to realize that South Georgia is a paradise for bird lovers, as burrowing seabirds, albatross and petrels can be seen in abundance. You’ll find that South Georgia, once a popular base for whalers and sealers, is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries gone by. The Expedition Team will help bring those days to life while you visit old whaling stations and enjoy presentations on the South Georgia of then and now. One of the most significant sites you will visit on the island is Grytviken. This settlement is one of the first whaling stations established in subantarctic waters. Many travellers find that this place has a special appeal, as it is home to the remains of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the most famous Antarctic explorers.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 8
South Georgia
The first indication that you are approaching South Georgia is the sight of birds around a group of rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Have your binoculars and cameras ready to photograph these rocks rising out of the icy ocean waters. Shags and prions often rest here. After enjoying South Georgia from a distance, we’ll head toward its numerable beaches to find a protected bay for your first land excursion. Landing sites on South Georgia are varied, largely determined by the weather conditions of your voyage. Whichever sites we visit, they’ll provide you with wildlife encounters unrivaled anywhere else on earth. This is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for subantarctic wildlife, with beaches blanketed with penguins. It won’t take you long to realize that South Georgia is a paradise for bird lovers, as burrowing seabirds, albatross and petrels can be seen in abundance. You’ll find that South Georgia, once a popular base for whalers and sealers, is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries gone by. The Expedition Team will help bring those days to life while you visit old whaling stations and enjoy presentations on the South Georgia of then and now. One of the most significant sites you will visit on the island is Grytviken. This settlement is one of the first whaling stations established in subantarctic waters. Many travellers find that this place has a special appeal, as it is home to the remains of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the most famous Antarctic explorers.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 9
South Georgia
Say goodbye to the King penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Days at sea are filled with presentations and lectures led by the Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife that will greet you upon your arrival. In between activities, spend time chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.
If conditions allow, we may attempt landfall on the South Orkney Islands, our first official stop in Antarctica.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 10
At Sea
Say goodbye to the King penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Days at sea are filled with presentations and lectures led by the Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife that will greet you upon your arrival. In between activities, spend time chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar. If conditions allow, we may attempt landfall on the South Orkney Islands, our first official stop in Antarctica.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 11
At Sea
The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, since few places are as untouched, unique and enduring as Antarctica.
Discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete desolation and silence, and at the next moment, you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear.
The Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and Gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, Fur, Crabeater and Leopard seals. Keep a lookout for curious whales, such as minkes, while on a Zodiac cruise. Each day and each landing will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 12
Antarctic Peninsula
The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, since few places are as untouched, unique and enduring as Antarctica. Discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete desolation and silence, and at the next moment, you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear. The Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and Gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, Fur, Crabeater and Leopard seals. Keep a lookout for curious whales, such as minkes, while on a Zodiac cruise. Each day and each landing will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 13
Antarctic Peninsula
The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, since few places are as untouched, unique and enduring as Antarctica.
Discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete desolation and silence, and at the next moment, you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear.
The Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and Gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, Fur, Crabeater and Leopard seals. Keep a lookout for curious whales, such as minkes, while on a Zodiac cruise. Each day and each landing will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 14
Antarctic Peninsula
After more than a dozen days of memorable wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, to spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by the Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 15
Antarctic Peninsula
After more than a dozen days of memorable wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, to spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by the Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 16
Crossing the Drake Passage
After more than a dozen days of memorable wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, to spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by the Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 17
Crossing the Drake Passage
After more than a dozen days of memorable wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, to spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by the Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 18
Disembark in Ushuaia
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure on land or catch your flights home.
Meals: Breakfast
What’s included
What’s not included
Additional information
Food
All meals while on the ship are included.
Typical meals
The ship’s galley offers good-quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing international menus, including vegetarian dishes. If there is one constant on board, it is that you’ll enjoy delicious meals. While meal times may change due to landings and wildlife sightings, you’ll always be served three well-prepared meals per day. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this adventure – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared.
Breakfast: Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal.
Lunch: Three-course set meal or the occasional buffet or barbecue.
Dinner: Three courses with a starter of soup, salad or anti-pasto, a choice of three mains with at least one vegetarian and one seafood option and a dessert of sweet pudding or ice cream or fruit, tea and coffee.
Drinks: Complimentary coffee, tea, cocoa and water stations are available around the clock, while soft drinks and juices are available during meals and when the bar is open—all included in the cost of your package. Enjoy complimentary select beer, wines and select cocktails during bar service hours and dinner as part of the “Raise a Glass and Stay Connected Free” program. Premium wines and champagne are available at extra cost and can be billed to your shipboard account. The well-stocked bars on the ship are open late morning, afternoon and evening, though hours may occasionally change to accommodate the expedition schedule.
Shag Rocks Seabird Viewing
Scan the horizon with your naturalists to spot the jagged Shag Rocks rising from the Scotia Sea, a dramatic waypoint on the approach to South Georgia. From the rail, scope breeding seabirds—South Georgia shags, prions and petrels—riding updrafts above the surf-lashed spires.
These remote outcrops sit in nutrient-rich waters where currents converge, drawing marine life in remarkable numbers. The setting is pure drama: steel-blue seas, wheeling birds, and the chance to pause for photos and reflection before landfalls filled with wildlife.
South Georgia King Penguin Rookeries & Elephant Seal Beaches
Come ashore by Zodiac to stand before the largest King penguin rookeries on Earth, their saffron-cheeked ranks stretching to the horizon. Share the strand with thunderous Elephant seal harems and bustling Fur seals while albatross trace wide arcs overhead.
Sites such as Salisbury Plain, St Andrews Bay or Gold Harbour (weather-permitting) reveal why South Georgia is called the “Galápagos of the Poles.” Your guides help you read the colony’s rhythms, from molting birds to chicks creching, and ensure respectful distances amid this wildlife spectacle.
Grytviken Whaling Station Museum & Shackleton’s Grave
Walk into polar history as you visit Grytviken Whaling Station, where rust-red boilers and whale-oil tanks speak to an industrial past. In the tidy cemetery, pay respects at Sir Ernest Shackleton’s grave before exploring the excellent museum’s artifacts, charts and photographs.
Here, the relics of the sealing and whaling era meet stories from the Heroic Age of Exploration. Your guides bring alive Shackleton’s 1916 crossing and the island’s transformation from exploitation to one of the world’s great wildlife sanctuaries.
South Georgia Zodiac Landings & Coastal Walks
Ride the surf in rubber skiffs to join expeditionary Zodiac landings at sheltered coves and sweeping beaches. Once ashore, walk coastal trails among tussock grass, watching for penguin highways, Fur seals in the sward, and glacial valleys pouring light to the sea.
South Georgia’s serrated skyline and blue ice lend a cinematic backdrop to every step. Naturalists interpret albatross courtship flights and kelp-lined tidemarks, helping you soak in the wild, wave-lashed scenery while treading softly in a uniquely protected ecosystem.
Antarctic Peninsula Zodiac Cruises & Shore Landings
Set out to Zodiac cruise among sculpted icebergs and iridescent brash ice, tracing seal-hauled floes and penguin porpoising trails. When conditions allow, step ashore on the Antarctic Peninsula to explore rocky beaches, snow slopes and lookout ridges alive with curious penguins.
Guides position you for calving glacier fronts and teach low-impact etiquette around Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie colonies. Between landings, watch for Minke and Humpback whales, and listen as the echoing silence of the White Continent expands around you.
Guided Shore Hikes to Penguin Colonies on the Peninsula
Follow your expedition team to walk to bustling Gentoo and Adélie colonies, passing snow-etched ridgelines and meltwater streams. Photo stops reveal soaring corniced peaks and the fine architecture of penguin nests built from carefully stolen pebbles.
Along the way, naturalists decode behaviors—from stone-offering courtship to chick feeding—while pointing out Weddell and Crabeater seals hauled out on ice. The reward is time unhurried, letting you feel the Peninsula’s vast, crystalline stillness and the comic intimacy of life at your feet.
South Orkney Islands Landing (Weather-Permitting)
When seas and ice allow, your team may attempt landfall in the South Orkney Islands, a remote bridge between South Georgia and the Peninsula. Zodiac cruises trace berg-clotted bays while shore visits search for penguins and seals along wind-etched beaches.
This seldom-visited archipelago sits at the edge of the Antarctic Convergence, where cold and warmer waters mingle to feed rich marine life. If conditions cooperate, you gain a rare glimpse of a stark, beautiful corner of the Antarctic realm.
Seabird Identification Workshops & Deck Watches
Sharpen your field skills as you learn to identify seabirds with your naturalist team—albatross on fixed wings, pintado petrels in harlequin pattern, soft-flying prions skimming the swells. Between sessions, join naturalist-led deck watches to practice spotting and photography.
Short workshops decode flight styles, bill shapes and foraging behavior, turning the open ocean into a living classroom. The result is deeper engagement with every wake and windline, and more confident calls when birds swoop and soar around the ship.
Expedition Lectures: Wildlife, Geology & the Heroic Age
Enrich your voyage as you attend dynamic presentations on penguin ecology, ice and weather, and the forces that sculpt polar landscapes. The team also brings alive stories of Shackleton and the Heroic Age, linking the places you visit with legendary feats of endurance.
These expertly illustrated talks provide context for landings and zodiac cruises, from krill-driven food webs to conservation in the Southern Ocean. Expect practical wildlife and photography briefings that transform every sighting into deeper understanding.
Sea Kayaking in Polar Waters
Slip into a small group to paddle among brash ice and bergy bits, moving quietly through mirror-still coves where seals nap and penguins commute. With guides close by, you’ll savor the hushed dip of blades and the scale of cliffs and glaciers rising from the sea.
This optional program is at additional cost and bookable on tour, weather and availability permitting. It’s an intimate, muscle-powered vantage on the poles—close to the waterline, alive to the crackle of ice and sudden whale blows.
Paddling Excursion (Sit-on-Top Kayaks)
Join an accessible outing to glide on stable sit-on-top kayaks under the watch of expert guides. Skim past ice-sculpted shorelines, watching for penguins torpedoing beneath you and the silver backs of surfacing seals.
This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour, with limited spaces and departures tied to conditions. It’s a relaxed, close-to-the-elements taste of polar paddling for guests who want the serenity of the ice without committing to a full kayaking program.
Beagle Channel Sailaway from Ushuaia
Sail the southern gateway of Patagonia as you sail down the historic Beagle Channel, flanked by glacier-clad Fuegian peaks and wind-bent lenga forests. Keep watch for sea lions and cormorants on rocky islets and the clean geometry of distant icefields while your expedition team sets the tone for the voyage ahead.
Named for HMS Beagle, the channel has guided explorers and scientists for nearly two centuries. Its sheltered waters and rugged headlands provide a fitting prelude to the open ocean beyond and a chance to pause for photos and reflection before the true wilderness begins.
