Wild Antarctica - Weddell Sea

Your journey begins in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. Arrive independently and transfer to the hotel for your included overnight stay. Enjoy time seeing the sights and sounds of this city which is renowned for its enchanting scenery, before enjoying a good night’s sleep in preparation for the adventures ahead.

After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel on day 2, you can join your included half-day tour of Ushuaia and its surrounds. This beautiful city is the capital of the Tierra del Fuego province and its unique landscape of mountains, sea, glaciers and forest is simply a delight to explore. This fantastic tour will take you to some of Ushuaia’s most impressive areas including The Mission, Solier and Brown neighbourhoods where you can see the ancient houses belonging to the first families in Tierra del Fuego and superb views over Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel. There will also be time to visit the End of the World Museum where you can get an insight into the history of Tierra del Fuego, before heading to the port in the mid-afternoon to board your ship. Settle into your comfortable cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship as we set sail through the scenic Beagle Channel and we begin our adventure of a lifetime. A luggage transfer from the hotel is included today.

As your ship sails south through the famous Drake Passage keep an eye out in one of the many observation areas for the whales and seabirds, including albatross, which follow the ship, and the first of many iceberg sightings. Enjoy informative lectures on the wildlife, history and geology of the areas you are about to discover and attend bio security briefings for your time in Antarctica. As we approach the Shetland Islands on day 4, the excitement will build as we prepare the first of many landings in Antarctica. Possible landing sites here may include the Aitcho, Robert or Deception Islands.

The first stop on this exciting itinerary is the stunning Antarctic Peninsula. A land of superlatives, Antarctica’s vast proportions are a sight to behold. Enjoy Zodiac excursions to explore penguin rookeries, visit historic sites and scientific stations, and get up close to the masses of elaborate icebergs. Watch seals basking on the ice floes, join an excursion in search of orca sightings, and enjoy the exhilaration of stepping foot on the white continent. As with all polar expeditions, your exact itinerary in Antarctica will be dictated by weather and wildlife sighting opportunities so be prepared for the unexpected. Making the most every moment, your captain will choose the best course each day for wildlife viewings and adventures, with a new experience guaranteed each day. Areas we expect to visit include the Astrolabe or Enterprise Islands, Port Lockroy, and Paradise Harbour. For the more adventurous there will be ample opportunities for kayaking and snorkelling. Kayaking and snorkelling incur an additional cost and should be booked in advance.

On the morning of day 7 you will awake to your ship sailing through the Antarctic Sound, the entrance to the mesmerising, ice-filled Weddell Sea. As you sail through this spectacular area make sure to keep an eye out on deck or in one of the many observation areas for wildlife. Your onboard photography expert can help you to capture the perfect iceberg photo, and as we sail further through the sound, possible landings may include the penguin hotspots of Gourdin Island and Brown Bluff.

Welcome to the mesmerising area of the Weddell Sea, where huge ice shelves calving monstrous tabular icebergs, waters rich in krill and otherworldly landscapes combine to create one of Antarctica’s most unique regions. As your ship pushes further into the Weddell Sea we will explore by Zodiac possible landing sites such as Paulet Island. The onboard palaeontologist will accompany you on visits to the Seymour and James Ross islands' fossil fields, offering exceptional insights on the geology and history of these intriguing areas.

After your thrilling exploration of Antarctica it’s time to head back towards South America as your ship sails north through the famous Drake Passage. Keep an eye out in one of the many observation areas for the seabirds, including albatross, which follow the ship, and the last iceberg sightings. Enjoy informative lectures on the wildlife, history and geology of the areas you have discovered and enjoy sharing tales and photos with your fellow shipmates. Enjoy a fantastic farewell dinner on your last night onboard.

On the morning of day 12 you will awake to your ship gently cruising along the Beagle Channel into Ushuaia. After breakfast it will be time to say goodbye as you disembark and transfer to the airport or to a downtown location should you wish to extend your time in Ushuaia.