Antarctica’s Whale Season

An 11-day wildlife journey during peak whale spotting season. Encounter large numbers of Humpback, Orca, and Minke whales feeding, alongside iconic penguins and majestic icebergs.


Antarctic Peninsula
©PLT

Duration: 11 days / 9 nights on board
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyage

The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. The Captain and/or Expedition Leader will make necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.
This voyage is timed for peak whale spotting season. The trip includes a 1-Night Pre-Voyage Hotel stay at the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa (or similar).


Included
Optional


Every voyage into Antarctica is a wildlife lover’s dream journey, but this 11-day trip features one notable (and very large) addition to the spectacle: peak whale spotting season. You will encounter large numbers of giant Humpbacks feeding on the abundance of krill, along with Orcas and Minkes. The expedition allows you to observe a variety of iconic penguins, different seal species, and Antarctica’s always-majestic icebergs.

The journey begins with an overnight stay at a luxury hotel in Ushuaia. During the Drake Passage crossing, you can participate in the pioneering Citizen Science program and identify the many seabirds that escort the ship. In the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula (Days 5–8), you will maneuver through majestic channels and navigate wildlife-rich waters. A spectacular highlight is the likelihood of encountering the giant Humpback whale—or many of them!—feeding, as you explore historic landing sites and perhaps even an active scientific base.

Highlights:
Experience peak whale spotting season, with large numbers of Humpbacks, Orcas, and Minkes feeding.
Encounter a variety of iconic penguins and different seal species along the coastlines.
Explore the South Shetland Islands, a unique geology sculpted by significant volcanic activity.
Maneuver through majestic channels, passing glorious icebergs, on the way to historic landing sites.
Benefit from optional adventure activities including Kayaking and Immersive Photography.

Itinerary

©PLT
©PLT

Day 1: Arrive and explore in Ushuaia
Relaxation and optional evening briefing
After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa (or similar), take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.

Day 2: All Aboard!
Embarkation, safety briefing and Captain’s welcome dinner
Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia, before our mid-afternoon escort to the ship. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will welcome you on board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and our Captain’s welcome dinner. We’re on our way to Antarctica!

Days 3–4: Drake Passage
Polar experts, citizen science, and wildlife spotting
Join our Polar Experts as they share their vast knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in our pioneering Citizen Science program or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching glimpses of rarely seen wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy to identify the many seabirds that escort our ship.

Days 5–6: South Shetland Islands
Volcanic geology and fully immersive exploration
The volcanic activity of the South Shetland Islands has sculpted a diverse natural beauty. Here, you can expect a spectacular display of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife, including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins. This time of year is feeding time for Humpback whales, so don’t be surprised if you’re joined by a number of them on your day’s adventure.

Days 7–8: Antarctica (and Whales) Await
Peak whale viewing and historic sites
On to the Antarctic Peninsula, where we’ll explore any number of stunning bays and famed landing sites. A spectacular highlight is the likelihood of encountering the giant Humpback whale—or many of them! Orcas and Minkes are also common sightings. We’ll maneuver through majestic channels, passing glorious icebergs, on our way to historic landing sites and perhaps even an active scientific base.

Days 9–10: Drake Passage
The journey north and conclusion celebration
We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. We have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.

Day 11: Ushuaia Disembarkation
Departure
With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive and explore in Ushuaia
Relaxation and optional evening briefing
After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa (or similar), take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.

Day 2: All Aboard!
Embarkation, safety briefing and Captain’s welcome dinner
Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia, before our mid-afternoon escort to the ship. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will welcome you on board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and our Captain’s welcome dinner. We’re on our way to Antarctica!

Days 3–4: Drake Passage
Polar experts, citizen science, and wildlife spotting
Join our Polar Experts as they share their vast knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in our pioneering Citizen Science program or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching glimpses of rarely seen wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy to identify the many seabirds that escort our ship.

Days 5–6: South Shetland Islands
Volcanic geology and fully immersive exploration
The volcanic activity of the South Shetland Islands has sculpted a diverse natural beauty. Here, you can expect a spectacular display of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife, including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins. This time of year is feeding time for Humpback whales, so don’t be surprised if you’re joined by a number of them on your day’s adventure.

Days 7–8: Antarctica (and Whales) Await
Peak whale viewing and historic sites
On to the Antarctic Peninsula, where we’ll explore any number of stunning bays and famed landing sites. A spectacular highlight is the likelihood of encountering the giant Humpback whale—or many of them! Orcas and Minkes are also common sightings. We’ll maneuver through majestic channels, passing glorious icebergs, on our way to historic landing sites and perhaps even an active scientific base.

Days 9–10: Drake Passage
The journey north and conclusion celebration
We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. We have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.

Day 11: Ushuaia Disembarkation
Departure
With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.


©PLT
©PLT


INCLUSIONS

Prior to Embarkation
One pre-voyage hotel night with breakfast in Ushuaia
Transfer from airport in Ushuaia (USH) to group hotel (providing you arrive on Day 1 of the itinerary, and we have your confirmed air itinerary at least 15 days prior to departure)
Transfer from group hotel to ship for embarkation

On Board
Shipboard accommodations and meals
“Welcome” and “Farewell” receptions with sparkling wine and soft drinks
Beer/wine/soft drinks at lunch and dinner
Coffee/Tea/Cocoa 24 hours a day
500MB WiFi card for use on your personal devices
Expedition jacket for use during the voyage
Fleece-lined down jacket (yours to keep)
A pair of loaner boots for use during the voyage
All scheduled landings and excursions
Snowshoes for use during landings (subject to availability)
Our Citizen Science program: participation in a variety of scientific activities that support important research projects
Photography Coach available throughout the voyage
Participation in the Polar Plunge
Access to our onboard medical clinics
Access to our onboard fitness centers
All port and landing fees
Digital Voyage Log

Included with Ocean Albatros & Ocean Victory Suites
Wine and fruit on arrival
Restocked mini bar (non-alcoholic)
Complimentary laundry service
In-room espresso machine

Post Disembarkation
Group transfer from ship to airport, hotel in Ushuaia, or central location (please note we cannot drop at Airbnbs or private homes, which are often inaccessible for our transfer vehicles)

EXCLUSIONS

Any airfare or travel expenses associated with arrival or departure other than those specified above
Pre- or post-voyage expenses in Ushuaia other than those specified above
Travel insurance; medical insurance; evacuation coverage
Laundry and personal expenses incurred on board, except as listed in inclusions
Any other alcohol and soft drinks, except as listed in inclusions
Onboard communication charges such as outgoing phone calls or WiFi, except as listed in inclusions
Staff/crew gratuities


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ocean Albatros (PLT) | Date: 09 Mar 2027 - 19 Mar 2027 (4642)
Cat. G single
$15,695
Cat. F Triple
$10,495
Cat. E French Balcony
$12,895
$10,960
Cat. D Stateroom
$12,195
$10,365
Cat. C Balcony
$13,495
$11,470
Cat C Sup Balcony
$13,895
$11,810
Cat C Grand Balcony
$14,595
$12,405
Cat. B Balcony Suite
$15,995
$13,595
Cat. A Jr. Suite
$16,695
$14,190
Freydis Suite
$19,495
$16,570
Brynhilde Suite
$23,695
$20,140
Ship: Ocean Albatros (PLT) | Date: 18 Mar 2027 - 28 Mar 2027 (4643)
Cat. G single
$14,895
Cat. F Triple
$9,895
Cat. E French Balcony
$12,295
$10,450
Cat. D Stateroom
$11,595
$9,855
Cat. C Balcony
$12,795
$10,875
Cat C Sup Balcony
$13,195
$11,215
Cat C Grand Balcony
$13,895
$11,810
Cat. B Balcony Suite
$15,195
$12,915
Cat. A Jr. Suite
$15,895
$13,510
Freydis Suite
$18,495
$15,720
Brynhilde Suite
$22,495
$19,120

* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

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