Antarctica is one of the most inaccessible places in the world. Located in the extreme south, it is covered with snow all through the year. The geography of this place comprises massive icebergs, glaciers, mountain ranges, snow-covered islands and vast expanses of the sea. There is hardly any vegetation in the region, making it one of the most inhospitable places. On the Antarctic Peninsula cruise, visit some of the islands of this barren, yet enchanting continent.

In the white wilderness that this continent is, there is one place, which is gaining popularity as a tourist destination – the Antarctic Peninsula. Due to the considerable inaccessibility of certain places around the South Pole, most of the cruises to the Antarctic continent take people to the peninsular region. While cruising here, come across gigantic marine animals like leopard seals and humpback whales, and see the mesmerising landscape of the polar region. From penguins and albatrosses to whales, the diversity of wildlife you will see on this cruise will take you by surprise.

ITINERARY

Day 1:  Arrival in Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia, the capital of the Tierra del Fuego Province of Argentina. Regarded as the southernmost city in the world, it is located on the southern coast of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. It is a picturesque location, offering breath-taking views of the Martial Mountain Range in the north and Beagle Channel in the south. Being a gateway for cruises to the Antarctic, this is a famous destination for people travelling towards the South Pole. 

From here, start sailing on the waters of the Beagle Channel. Located on the southernmost tip of South America, this strait lies partly in Argentina and partly in Chile. Lying between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, this is one of the three navigable passages around South America. Approximately 240 km long and about 5 km wide at its narrowest point, the Beagle Channel encompasses numerous small islands.

While sailing through the waterway during the rest of the evening, you may come across the sight of sea lions. Enjoy the panoramic views and take photographs of the sea and snow peaked mountains during the journey.

Day 2 and 3: Drake Passage and Antarctic Convergence
Drake Passage is an approximately 960-km wide, deep marine passage, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Separating the cool, humid, sub-polar Tierra del Fuego, and the polar Antarctica, it is a zone of significant climatic transition. Before the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914, Drake Passage was an important maritime trade route during 19^th and 20^th century.

During these two days, you will cross the Antarctic Convergence, an approximately 48-km wide zone, extending across the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Encircling Antarctica, this is the part of the Southern Ocean where the cold water meets warmer waters. Due to this, the water in this area is rich in nutrients and a hotspot of marine life. Here, you can easily spot birds like grey-headed albatrosses, light-mantled sooty albatrosses, Cape Pigeons, wandering albatrosses, southern fulmars, blue petrels, Wilsons storm petrels, black-browed albatrosses and Antarctic petrels. As you reach near the South Shetland Islands, you will feel exhilarated by the sight of giant icebergs.

Day 4 – 7: Islands of Antarctica
Today, you will discover various islands on the go. You will be thrilled to see Gray stone peaks drenched with snow, pylons of blue-white ice, along with amazing wildlife below and above. As you pass this group of islands, you will first pass the snow-capped Melchior Islands and Schollaert Channel, sailing between Brabant and Anvers Islands. On Danco Island, you might spectacle rare Gentoo penguins that come here every year, making this event as one of the largest gatherings of penguins in Antarctica. You might also spot the Weddell and crabeater seals. You will be amazed to glance the amazing mammoth glacier drenched in delicately carved snow on Neko Habour that also focusses on grand views of the encompassed alpine peaks.

Zodiac cruise will navigate the sprawling waters decked in ice on Paradise Bay, where you might also see humpback and minke whales. While navigating through Pléneau & Petermann Islands, you will sail through the Lemaire Channel, where you will encounter Adélie penguins and blue-eyed shags. Train your sights as you might also see humpback and minke whales here. After navigating the numerous channels, you will take a tour of the former British research station, which is now a popular museum and post office – of Port Lockroy on Goudier Island.

If time allow take part in activities around Jougla Point, where you will meet gentoo penguins and blue-eyed shags. You will be thrilled as you will be able to do kayaking and camping here if the conditions are right. While cruising Wilhelmina Bay spot the feeding of humpback whales. You can explore the wreck of Guvernoren, an old whaling vessel from 1915. On reaching the Melchior Islands, which is decked with myriad of icebergs, you may encounter even more whales, leopard seals, and crabeater seals. 

Days 08 and 09: Antarctica to Ushuaia
Continue moving in the north direction towards Ushuaia through the Drake Passage.

Day 10: Departure from Ushuaia
After an exuberant Antarctic expedition, drop anchors in Ushuaia and depart for our next destination.