Depart to the Airport this morning for the flight to Ushuaia, the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province, and your gateway to the White Continent.

Known as “El fin del mundo” or “the end of the world,” the city is set against a backdrop of towering mountains and fertile plains, Ushuaia is a haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. Here, the Andes plunge straight into the sea, creating a stunning landscape that invites exploration and wonder.

Late this afternoon, board your ship and set sail, an incredible journey awaits!

Use the days spent in the Drake Passage to familiarize yourself with the ship and deepen your knowledge of Antarctica. The Expedition Leader will first present the IAATO rules of conduct that must be observed during landings in the region and will explain everything you need to know about the zodiac outings. Lectures about the history and wildlife of Antarctica will offer an opportunity to learn more about this magical region, where every cruise is a unique experience. Enjoy exceptional sailing moments on board and join the naturalist-guides on the ship’s exterior decks to look out for albatrosses, cape petrels, and other seabirds flying over the Drake Passage.

Impassable and captivating, the Weddell Sea is a challenge and privilege to sail. This polar paradise promises encounters with incredible wildlife, including the emperor penguin, which nests on ice floes. As the ice shifts and changes, you’ll see beautiful formations and colours. Expect close views of Adelie penguins, Weddell seals, and the rare Ross seal. If the weather allows, crossing the Antarctic Circle gives you a chance to witness the midnight sun, adding a memorable touch to your journey through this remarkable region. As you sail towards the impressive Larsen Ice Shelf, you’ll be captivated by its monumental beauty, yet it’s essential to remember its fragility. These floating platforms play a crucial role in protecting the continental ice cap from erosion, which is vital for the planet’s balance. As you get closer to this striking spectacle, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the need to preserve these ice shelves.

In the north of the Antarctic Peninsula, travellers immerse themselves in a stunning landscape of soft blues and whites, surrounded by remarkable wildlife. Sailing through the Antarctic Sound, named after Swedish explorer Otto Nordenskjöld’s ice-trapped ship from 1902, guests will experience the gateway to the Weddell Sea. This area features colossal tabular icebergs and drifting sea ice, home to Adelie penguins and numerous leopard seals.

If there is one place, one sea, one waterway that commands respect from tourists, researchers, and seasoned sailors alike, it is undoubtedly the Drake Passage. Located at the latitude of the infamous winds of the Furious Fifties, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, this is the shortest route connecting Antarctica to South America. Seasoned navigators will tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent!

As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial waters, the Drake Passage hosts an incredibly diverse marine fauna. Be sure to look to the sky to catch glimpses of elegant albatrosses and Cape petrels, gracefully riding the winds around your ship.

Your adventure nears its in end, disembark in Ushuaia and transfer to the airport for your flight to Santiago.