Board the M/V Polar Star in Ushuaia (fin del mundo) to embark on the classic voyage to the Antarctic.

Leaving the Beagle Channel, begin the Drake Crossing and keep a watch for the first signs of ice and Antarctic wildlife as the ship passes over the Antarctic Convergence. Lectures and other onboard activities are scheduled.

The ship begins exploration of this vast white continent in the coastal and island waters with landings and Zodiac cruising at historic and wildlife sites such as the Gerlache Strait, Port Lockroy, Neumeyer Channel, Neko Harbour and Paradise Bay. Watch for Chinstrap, Adélie and Gentoo penguins, various seal species including Leopard seals, a multitude of seabirds overhead and hopefully whales in the waters we navigate.

Visit historic Deception Island, with geothermic heated waters from its unique volcanic origin. These islands are home to teeming wildlife, a striking landscape and an abandoned whaling station. A second landing is planned this day at Half Moon Island.

The approach to the Weddell Sea area is a spectacular area often nicknamed “iceberg alley”. The wildlife viewing and stunning scenery continues as we explore this area with hopes to land at Paulet Island, Brown Bluff, Devil’s Island and possibly Snow Hill Island.

As the ship heads for Ushuaia, while at sea the program concludes with lectures and presentations and time to reflect on the recent days of adventure.

We disembark after breakfast in the charming town of Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego of Argentina.