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Giants of the Southern Ocean: Whale Voyage with South Shetlands & the Antarctic Peninsula

An awe-inspiring autumnal voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula in search of the giants of the Southern Ocean during peak whale season.

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Length

9 Days

Embark

Ushuaia

Disembark

Ushuaia

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Highlights

Witness the peak of whale activity in the rich Antarctic waters, with humpback whales frolicking and teaching their young survival skills.
Explore the awe-inspiring Antarctic Peninsula, with its glittering ice cliffs, precipitous peaks, and rugged snowfields.
Experience the unique ambiance of autumn in Antarctica as penguin chicks moult and the skies are painted with golden sunsets.

Embark on this fantastic 9-day sunset voyage to the great White Continent and experience the peak of Antarctic whale activity, stunning mountain scenery, and gigantic icebergs of Earth’s last frontier. In mid- to late-March as the days grow shorter and fewer vessels venture south, a truly unique experience awaits as the continent is draped in a magical golden light and we can explore the region more or less by ourselves. However, you can still expect plentiful company in the form of wildlife, as intimate encounters with whales, seals, birds, and penguins fill our SD cards and hearts.

Departing Argentina’s southernmost city of Ushuaia, we cross the mighty Drake Passage en-route southwards to the glittering ice cliffs, precipitous peaks, and now nutrient-rich waters of the Antarctic Peninsula. Autumn in Antarctica brings a delightful change in the seasonal rhythms of the continent and is truly something to behold—fluffy penguin chicks begin to moult into their sleek adult plumage, hefty male fur seals feast on the ubiquitous krill harvest, and large pods of gentle humpback whales frolic with their (still giant) young whilst keeping a watchful eye out for deadly orcas.

Ships

No departures available at this time

Standard Activities

Photography Workshops

Whale Watching

Zodiac Cruises

Itinerary Day to Day

Day 1

Arrival Ushuaia, Embarkation

Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina – the world’s southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. It’s a hiker’s paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. In the afternoon, we board our ship.

Our journey begins as we navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago

Ushuaia

Embarkation Point

Days 2-3

At Sea - Cross Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands

Day 4

South Shetland Islands

Over the day, we will begin the exciting Antarctic experience our ancestors only dreamed of. We will explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marveled by the captivating landscapes we will encounter along the way.
Weather permitting, our projected landfalls include: Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson’s storm petrels.

The itinerary and activities depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.

South Shetland Islands

Deception Island

Half Moon Island

Days 5-6

Antarctic Peninsula

As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on our horizon, wildlife abounds along our projected route along the Antarctic Peninsula, with especially Antarctic fur seals, gentoo penguins and humpback whales being active in these wonderful waters.

We aim to take our time at these outings, allowing us to deploy kayaks and arrange wonderful hikes in the pristine nature. The late season solitude creates unique memories as the sun sets and as we leave these isolated areas that most probably won’t welcome any visitors until next spring.

The projected landings include: Wilhelmina bay with plenty of humpback whales; Neko harbour with its gentoo penguins and seals; Brown station and Paradise harbour with wonderful views and on our way back north, a wonderful walk at Hannah Point awaits us.

The itinerary and activities over the next days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.

Please note that all the outings and landings rely on weather, sea and ice conditions being favorable both for the ship to access the areas, as for the zodiacs and kayaks to maneuver under adequate conditions, ensuring the safety of all our passengers and staff.

For this reason, during moments of harsh weather and throughout the entire trip, our ships offer excellent public areas such as wellness/sauna, restaurant, bar and a library for our passengers to spend their spare time. Our ships are staffed by experts in the field who will also share great lectures along the way, ranging from exploration history to biology, geology, ice and wildlife.

Visitors to these far southern reaches in mid to late March/beginning of April will experience large amounts of whales, wonderful sunsets, crisp fresh air, dustings of snow and other telltale signs of the seasonal change. Some penguin colonies will be near deserted whilst others will be very busy. Many say that this is the time to visit the real Antarctic, and have it all for yourselves. It is safe to say that there will be fewer other ships around as we wrap up the season.

Antarctic Peninsula

Wilhelmina Bay

Neko Harbour

Brown Station

Paradise Bay

Hannah Point

Days 7-8

Depart Antarctica - At Sea

Day 9

Back in Ushuaia and Disembarkation

Route Map

There are 12 main destinations visited

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Cabin Details

Extra Activities

Explore these 3 add on activities

From $ 190 Per Person

Snowshoeing

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From $ 310 Per Person

kayaking

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From $ 395 Per Person

Open Air Camping in the Antarctic

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Extra Activities

What's Included

9-day cruise with accommodation in a shared double stateroom featuring ensuite facilities
Shuttle transfers to the ship from city centre/from the ship (morning) to city centre or airport (Ushuaia)
All Zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary
Expedition parka
Rubber boot on loan
Guiding and lectures by our expedition leader and team
English-speaking expedition team
Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks
Free tea and coffee 24 hours daily
Taxes
Guiding and lectures by our experienced expedition leader and team
Special photo workshop
Welcome and farewell cocktails
Digital visual journal link after voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list and more!

What's Excluded

Mandatory travel insurance
Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
Meals not on board the ship
Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day)
Personal expenses
Anything not mentioned under “Inclusions”

We’ll carefully listen to your aspirations and curate an impartial shortlist of personalized polar cruise recommendations—and pre- and post-cruise extensions—to match your desired experience.

Next we’ll place a free, no obligation, 24-hour cabin hold on your preferred cruise option whilst we discuss the final details. Book and relax safe in the knowledge you’ll be paying the lowest price guaranteed.

Then we’ll provide you with our expert packing advice, insider travel tips, and more to ensure you are fully prepared for—and maximize your enjoyment of—your once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica expedition.

Giants of the Southern Ocean: Whale Voyage with South Shetlands & the Antarctic Peninsula

Highlights

Ships

Standard Activities