Spring is a magic time in Antarctica. All around us life is emerging. This 10-day voyage features the abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery of the Antarctic Peninsula, including the classic sites of historic and scientific interest. As an added bonus, enjoy the personal and extraordinary experience of kayaking in Antarctica free!

Day 1: Ushuaia embarkation
Days 2-3: At sea
Days 4-7: Antarctic Peninsula
Days 8-9: At sea
Day 10: Ushuaia disembarkation

Prior to embarkation, enjoy the Argentinean leather markets and succulent lamb dishes that make Patagonia famous as you explore the southernmost town in the world. Upon arrival at the ship, you will be greeted by our Expedition Team and ship's officers. A safety and orientation briefing will be followed by the Captain's welcome dinner. Take in the mountainous scenery on our early evening sail down the Beagle Channel past Magellanic Penguin, Rock Cormorant, and Sea Lion colonies.

We begin our educational series with optional lectures on the wildlife, history, and geology of Antarctica. Important presentations with regard to Zodiac and landing safety as well as environmental regulations will be mandatory. Among the wildlife spotting opportunities as we sail south are Albatrosses and Petrels who frequently follow the ship. Whales and dolphins may also be seen in the area. The length of our journey depends on sea conditions but we should approach the South Shetland Islands of the Antarctic Peninsula in the evening of Day 3.

Our Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity. The course will stress the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas as well as sites of historic and scientific interest. The trip may include picturesque Neko Harbor, sheltered Paradise Harbor, the Humpback Whale favored Wilhelmina Bay, the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel. We may stop in an active scientific base such as Poland’s Arctowksi or Ukraine’s Vernadskiy as well as an historic base such as U.K.’s Port Lockroy or Wordie House. Adelie, Chinstrap, and Gentoo Penguins abound with rare opportunities to see other species such as King, Macaroni, and the elusive Emperor. Weddell, Crabeater, and Elephant Seals are often found hauled out to rest along with the predatory Leopard Seal and the aggressive Antarctic Fur Seal. Minke and Humpback Whales are frequent visitors in the late season and Orca sightings are also common.

We will continue our lecture series and wildlife spotting as we sail back to Ushuaia. Depending on sea conditions, we may have an opportunity to sail past the legendary Cape Horn. We will arrive to the pier in Ushuaia in the early hours of Day 10.

Disembarkation.