Day 1: Depart from Ushuaia

Firstly, when you embark the USHUAIA in the afternoon and meet your expedition and lecture staff. Thereafter, once passengers have settled into their cabins we sail along the famous Beagle Channel and the scenic Mackinlay Pass. All of a sudden, your Antarctic experience will begin.

Day 2 & 3: At Sea. Crossing the Drake Passage

In particular, this stretch of sea is named after the renowned explorer, Sir Francis Drake, who sailed these waters in 1578. In addition, the Drake Passage also marks the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar water sinks beneath the warmer northern waters. As a result, this creates a great upwelling of nutrients, which sustains the biodiversity of this region. Another key point is that the Drake Passage also marks the northern limit of many Antarctic seabirds. Furthermore, as we sail across the passage, lecturers will be out with you on deck to help with the identification of an amazing variety of seabirds, including many albatrosses, which follow in our wake.

It should be noted that the USHUAIA‘s open bridge policy allows you to join our officers on the bridge and learn about navigation, watch for whales, and enjoy the view. In addition, a full program of lectures will be offered as well.

Following the first sightings of icebergs and snow-capped mountains we will soon reach reached the South Shetland Islands, a group of twenty islands and islets first sighted in February 1819 by Capt. William Smith of the brig Williams. Given that there are favorable conditions in the Drake Passage our lecturers and naturalists will accompany you ashore as you experience your first encounter with the penguins and seals on Day 3.

Days 4 to 9: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands, and endeavor to cross the Polar Circle

Above all, exquisite beauty and pristine landscapes are waiting for you on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula. As an illustration, a myriad of icebergs with different shades and shapes are floating free in the waterways around the continent. Another benefit to visiting Antarctica is the Antarctic Peninsula’s remarkable history, which will also provide you with a type of excitement often only associated with the early explorers. Moreover, you will have plenty of time to explore its amazing scenery and a wide variety of wildlife. It should noted that apart from Adélie, Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins and other seabirds, you are likely to encounter Weddell, crabeater, fur and leopard seals as well as Minke whales and orcas at close range. Moreover, at this time of year it is also very likely to encounter big cetaceans, such as humpback, Finn and Sei whales in the area.

Beautiful Water Ways

Notwithstanding bad weather, we hope to navigate some of the most beautiful waterways the area has to offer, such as: the Gerlache Strait, Errera Channel, Neumayer Channel and the extremely narrow Lemaire Channel. All things considered, possible landing sites may include: Paradise Bay, which is perhaps the most aptly named place in the world with its impressive glacial fronts and mountains, Cuverville Island. It should be noted that this is home of the biggest Gentoo Penguin colony in the Peninsula surrounded by glaciers and castellated icebergs, the British Museum Post office Port Lockroy.

Further exploration will lead us far South of the Lemaire Channel in quest of the Polar Circle, we might also visit the Ukrainian Station Vernadsky; the former British base Faradey, where the ozone hole was first detected; the rugged Yalour Islands and south of the Polar Circle Detaille Island.

At this time we will continue on our way North we plan to explore the South Shetland Islands. Above all this volcanic island group is a haven for wildlife. For example, vast penguin rookeries and seals hauling out on the shorelines make every day spent here unforgettable. Another element to this part of the expedition is sailing through the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island is truly amazing, so is visiting the crescent shaped island Half Moon, home to Chinstrap Penguins in breathtaking surroundings.

Days 10 & 11: At Sea. Crossing the Drake Passage, northbound

Following our adventures around the Antarctic Peninsula, we head north across the Drake Passage. By all means, passengers can join our lecturers and naturalists on deck as we search for seabirds and whales and enjoy some final lectures. After that, take the chance to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past days on the way back to Ushuaia.

Day 12: Arrival in Ushuaia

Of course, all great adventures have to end and we will arrive at the port of Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark the USHUAIA after breakfast.

Please note: All things considered, the above itinerary is a guide only. It should be noted that the exact route and program will vary to take best advantage of local weather and ice conditions and opportunities to view wildlife. For example, changes will be made by the Captain and/or Expedition Leader to facilitate the best results from the prevailing conditions and they will try their best to reach the Polar Circle. However if ice conditions do not allow access the route might be changed. Therefore a daily program sheet will be issued on board. Above all flexibility is the key to success.

In the final analysis, flexibility is the key to success.

Clothes to Bring

Above all, Antarctica is generally a cold place. For example, it can be windy, raining and snowing. Therefore you will need to pack clothes that can protect you from the elements as well as keep you warm. However, we will supply you with advice about what clothes to pack during the reservation confirmation process.

Please click on any image below to enlarge.

One of the great advantages to visiting Antarctica on the Ushuaia ship is that it is a mid-sized, comfortable expedition vessel with only 46 cabins. Therefore, this restricts the maximum passenger capacity to be only 90 passengers. With this in mind, this keeps things “personal” and cozy on board. Another key point is that The Ushuaia, is an ice-strengthened polar vessel, was originally built for the United States agency National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Consequently, the ship well appointed, providing spacious deck areas as well as an “open bridge” policy.

Storage on Board

In addition, there is also a good amount of storage space in the cabins.

Moreover, the public sectors include a large dining room, which is used for a “one sitting” meal service. Furthermore, there is an open-plan observation lounge, which also serves as a lecture room, with modern multimedia equipment. Plus there is a well-stocked bar with selected wines and spirits, as well as a library. In addition, there is a sick bay room and a changing room.  In addition to all the previously-mentioned attributes, the ship has a full complement of inflatable landing craft to provide shore landings, and wildlife viewing opportunities, on the otherwise inaccessible coastline.