Expedition Cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands aboard the Ushuaia.
Day 1: Depart from Ushuaia
Shipping afternoon. After you have settled into your cabins we sail along the famous Beagle Channel through passage Mackinlay .
Days 2 and 3: Crossing the Drake Passage
Named after the renowned explorer Sir Francis Drake , who sailed these waters in 1578 , the Drake Passage also marks the Antarctic Convergence , a biological barrier where cold polar water sinks beneath the warmer northern waters.
As we sail across the passage, our staff will be out with you on deck to help in the identification of an amazing variety of seabirds, including many albatrosses, which follow our boat. We can learn some aspects about navigation , watch for whales, and enjoy the view .
The first sightings of icebergs and snow-capped mountains indicate that we have reached the South Shetland Islands , an archipelago of 20 islands and islets first sighted in 1819 by Capt. William Smith of the brig Williams. At our lecturers and naturalists will accompany the first landing and experience the encounter with the penguins and seals.
Days 4 to 8 : Discovering the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
The South Shetland Islands are full of wildlife. Penguin rookeries, beaches Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals make every day spent in this amazing island group unforgettable.
King George Island is the largest island of the South Shetland Islands and features colonies of Adélie Penguins and other colonies. Is home to scientific bases of many different countries.
We hope to navigate some of the most beautiful waterways depending on ice conditions : the Gerlache Strait , the Neumayer Channel, and the Lemaire Channel are narrow passages between towering rock faces and spectacular glaciers. We plan to make at least two landings per day.
The landing sites may also include:
Paradise Bay, literally named the best place in the world , and we attempt a landing on the continent.
Further exploration may take you to Melchior Island , Cuverville Island , Portal Point, Neko Harbour, Pléneau Island and if ice conditions permit, to Petermann Island to visit the southernmost colony of Papua Penguins .
Days 9 and 10: Crossing the Drake Passage
We leave Antarctica and head north , crossing the Drake Passage. Take time to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past days on the way back to Ushuaia.
Day 11 : Arrival at Ushuaia
We arrived in Ushuaia in the early morning , where disembark after breakfast.
The above itinerary is a guide only . Our exact route and program will vary to take best advantage of local weather and ice conditions and opportunities to view wildlife.
