The Polar Star starts out from the Tierra del Fuego town of Ushuaia. We sail down the Beagle Channel, past Cape Horn, and cross the Drake Passage in two days to reach the Antarctic Peninsula and nearby islands. Over the next few days, we cruise in protected waters, marveling at impressive mountains that climb to 9,000 feet /3,000 meters, wildly crevassed and corniced glaciers, and huge icebergs that float by in majestic splendor. We visit islands that dazzle with exotic wildlife and walk on the Antarctic continent itself, before returning to South America.

NOTE:
10 Day voyages spend 1 less day in Antarctica.

Embark the M/V Polar Star in this delightful small city and set sail down the Beagle Channel.

As we head south, crossing the Antarctic Convergence we prepare for the adventures ahead with a lecture program and time for wildlife viewing from the decks and ship’s bridge.

These days are spent making land excursions, Zodiac cruises and attending lectures as we have the opportunity to absorb the striking beauty of the landscapes and share this untouched wilderness with penguins, seals, whales and seabirds. We hope to see Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap penguins, and there is the possibility to see Fur, Leopard, Weddell and Crabeater seals as well as Minke, Humpback, Orca and other whales. Landings may include wildlife, historic or research sites such as Petermann Island, Port Lockroy, Cierva Cove, Mikkelson, Paradise Bay and Neko Harbour.

This area is well known for spectacular penguin rookeries which are inhabited by Chinstrap, Gentoo and Adelie penguins. It is also of geological note being volcanic and 80% covered in permanent ice. We plan to make landings at Whaler’s Bay to feel the effects of the dormant volcano on Deception Island as well as Half Moon Island and plan to also visit Arctowski base and Penguin Island.

As we head back towards Argentina, we keep a constant lookout for whales, dolphins and an array of seabirds while taking time for final lectures, debriefing and a farewell reception.

We return to Ushuaia and disembark after breakfast to begin our journeys home.