Spirit of Antarctica

Departure is either from Punta Arenas by air to Puerto Williams or from Ushuaia. (If you board in Ushuaia, you will disembark in Puerto Williams and vice versa)Board with time to settle in before our evening departure. Excitement lifts as we set sail down the Beagle Channel, keeping watch for magellenic penguins, dolphins and albatross.

Our Drake Passage crossing offers cape petrels darting about the ship, black-browed and wandering albatross soaring, and Wilson’s storm petrels flitting above the sea. Learn about Antarctica from our expert naturalist’s informative talks, and about safety and environmental guidelines from our expedition team as we prepare for adventures ahead.

An overnight passage along Gerlache Strait delivers us to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, an ethereal wonderland of vast proportions. Aboard Zodiacs, we explore penguin rookeries, historic sites and scientific stations and cruise near exquisite icebergs. Our kayakers glide into secluded bays, while climbers ascend pristine peaks.  Stepping ashore on the continent itself creates an everlasting memory. Bubble-netting humpbacks demand a wake-up call, even at midnight! A curious leopard seal cruising amongst spectacular icebergs may mean postponing lunch.  We make the most of every day and a fair bit of each night as well. If the weather allows, we’ll have a sleep-out on the ice – a must for any Antarctic explorer!

As the Captain steers the ship north across Drake Passage, our minds and souls revel in rich Antarctic experiences. There’s time to watch for seabirds, enjoy entertaining talks, discuss what we’ve seen and learned, exchange photos and stories. With luck, we may make a ceremonial rounding of Cape Horn before sharing a farewell dinner.

A dawn cruise along the Beagle Channel ends in Ushuaia or Puerto Williams. If the latter, disembark after breakfast for a tour of the town and stunning surrounds, before your flight to Punta Arenas.