Highlights of Antarctica

Meals: Full Board
Named after Sir Francis Drake, the Drake Passage marks both a historic maritime route and a vital biological boundary known as the Antarctic Convergence. Here, cold polar waters dive beneath warmer northern currents, enriching the sea with nutrients that support an abundance of wildlife.

During your crossing, expert guides and lecturers will help you spot and identify a range of seabirds — including various albatrosses — that often follow the ship. Thanks to USHUAIA’s open bridge policy, you can also visit the bridge to learn about navigation, watch for whales, and take in the vast ocean views.

As we approach the South Shetland Islands, you’ll catch your first glimpses of icebergs and snow-covered peaks. If weather permits, landings will begin on Day 4, where you’ll encounter penguins and seals up close.

Meals: Full Board
These days are dedicated to exploring Antarctica’s untouched beauty. The South Shetland Islands host thriving wildlife, with massive penguin colonies, beaches full of fur seals, and southern elephant seals. A sail into the caldera of Deception Island promises unforgettable scenery.

On King George Island, you’ll find colonies of Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins, Blue-eyed Cormorants, Antarctic Terns, Kelp Gulls, and bases from numerous countries. Livingston Island also features penguins and elephant seals.

The Antarctic Peninsula reveals a dramatic landscape of mountains, ice, and water — rich in both history and biodiversity. Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals, as well as minke, orca, and humpback whales, are often spotted here.

We hope to traverse some of Antarctica’s most iconic waterways — such as the Gerlache Strait, Neumayer Channel, and Lemaire Channel — depending on ice conditions. Our goal is to make at least two landings per day, with potential stops including:

• Paradise Bay – true to its name, a stunning landing site on the Antarctic mainland

• Paulet Island – home to 100,000+ Adélie Penguins and historic ruins of a 1903 survival hut

• Melchior Islands, Cuverville Island, Portal Point, Neko Harbour, Pléneau Island, and possibly Petermann Island, which hosts the southernmost colony of Gentoo Penguins

Meals: Full Board
We begin our journey back north across the Drake Passage. Spend these final sea days spotting seabirds and whales, attending wrap-up lectures, or simply relaxing and reminiscing about your adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We arrive at Ushuaia in the early morning. After breakfast on board, disembark the USHUAIA and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires — marking the end of an unforgettable expedition.