STEWARDSHIP | ANTARCTICA (US)

Arrive in Buenos Aires and spend one to two nights acclimating and exploring this extraordinary city.

Welcome Dinner on the 5th: Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with authentic flavors and the warmth of tango at our Welcome Dinner. We look forward to kicking off this unique experience in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

A sprawling city of colorful buildings framed by the snow-capped Martial Mountains serve as the backdrop for the southernmost city in the world. After an expedited customs process from our private charter landing, enjoy a bus tour of this charming area before boarding the World Navigator around 3pm.

 

Voyage beyond the Beagle Channel and navigate the famed Drake Passage. Petrels and albatrosses that glide across the skies lead the way on this waterway where cold southern ocean meets warm northern sea water. As you emerge from the Drake Passage, the mammoth, icy peaks of the South Shetland Islands loom ahead, greeting you on your victorious landing which is likely to happen before sunset on Day 4.

The South Shetland Islands are silent and serene. Natural wonders like the black and white effect of Deception Island and the peaks of massive glaciers sitting atop the water’s surface inspire awe and admiration. The stillness of the Shetland Islands evokes a sense of wilderness left to be discovered. Along the rugged cliffs of Brown Bluff, the exposed portion of a glacial volcano, you can hike to a vantage point over expanses of ice and ocean. Deception Island, the caldera of an active volcano, creates a black-and- white photo effect with black sands mixed with white snow at Neptune’s Bellows. A dip in the steaming hot springs of a black sand beach feels like an unreal experience amidst the snow-capped mountains backdrop.

Enjoy three more days of exploration on the White Continent, with an estimated two landings per day, based on weather conditions. From the remarkable blue coloring of glaciers to leopard seals napping on ice floes, the Antarctic Peninsula contains a multitude of wonders to behold. Visit the permanent ice cap at Cuverville which houses Port Lockroy, a flagship historic site for the main base building of Bransfield House. At Neko Harbor, watch for humpback whales as their flukes come above the water and splash back down. Paradise Bay offers a glimpse into scientific research at Argentina’s Almirante Brown Antarctic Base or Chile’s González Videla Antarctic Base. Cruise in zodiacs along icebergs with your expedition guides, and enjoy daily optional activities including kayaking, paddleboarding, and of course, a polar plunge. Please note, Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and element of surprise. Your ship’s master will navigate the changing weather conditions as needed to take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing. Captain’s Choice ports include: Deception Island, Paulet Island, Brown Bluff, Neko Harbor, Paradise Bay, Cuverville Island and Goudier Island.

Recross the Drake Passage on the journey back to South America. The meeting of warm and cold waters creates an environment that attracts marvelous wildlife and the chance to witness humpback whales and hourglass dolphins that accompany the voyage back home. The soundtrack of the journey through the Drake Passage includes the cry of petrels, skuas, and gulls. We will enjoy another series of lectures and presentations on all the wildlife we have seen throughout the journey. We’ll discuss the conservation of this remarkable part of the planet as well as the stewardship of its land and seas in the years to come.

Arrive safely back at port in the morning at the “End of the World,” Ushuaia, Argentina to connect with charter flight back to Buenos Aires. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

*This is subject to weather, times can vary +-24hours, please ensure you have travel insurance and take this into account when scheduling onwards travel. We suggest after 8pm for any air travel plans.