Itinerary

DAY 1 | USHUAIA, ARGENTINA
The snow-capped Martial Mountains behind a sprawling city of colourful buildings create the backdrop of Ushuaia, Argentina. A mix of historic buildings and rugged nature adventures make this city the perfect fit for the curious explorer who wants to go beyond the surface.
Don’t let the nickname the “End of the World” fool you. Although it lies on the southernmost tip of South America among the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia is far from the end of any adventure. Where the Andes meet the Beagle Channel lies a lively town ready and waiting to take you on the thrill ride of a lifetime.
The wild forest of Parque Yatana entices you to hike and explore its many trails as you find your way through Argentina’s lush nature and rich, indigenous culture. The forest’s name translates to “weave” in the native language of Yaghan. Here, you will find arts and crafts from the indigenous communities on display, giving you a sense of wonder.
For a greater challenge, take the trail that leads from downtown to Martial Glacier. The scene before your eyes gives way from green grass to rocky, black peaks spattered with white snow. The heart-pounding trek takes you through an unbelievable path that leads to a view of the Andes Mountains, Ushuaia, and the ocean.

DAYS 2-3 | DRAKE PASSAGE NAVIGATION
Navigating the intrepid Drake Passage is made for the boldest of explorers. Petrels and albatrosses that glide across the skies guide the way. To witness its awesome power makes the journey to Antarctica all the more triumphant.

The Drake Passage leads you from the southernmost region of the Americas to the Antarctic Peninsula, the northern point of The White Continent. This waterway where the cold southern ocean meets warm northern sea water creates powerful currents that test your mettle.

But the rewards for the journeyer that braves these waters do not compare. The meeting of warm and cold waters creates an environment that attracts extraordinary wildlife. Drake Passage offers the chance to witness the likes of humpback whales and hourglass dolphins that accompany the voyage. The soundtrack of the 48-hour journey through the Drake Passage includes the crash of the ocean against the ship and the cry of petrels, skuas, and gulls.

While the waterway is famous for its challenging navigation, you may still get another side of the Drake Passage. On some occasions, the channel is calm and tranquil, making for a pleasant voyage into Antarctica. That’s one of the more splendid characteristics of the Drake Passage – you never know what you will get.

As you emerge from the Drake Passage, the mammoth, icy peaks of the South Shetland Islands loom ahead, greeting you on your victorious landing. You have completed the rite of passage to explore the seventh continent.

DAY 4 | EXPLORING THE SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS ANTARCTICA
Part of the greater Antarctica region, the South Shetland Islands contain plenty of wildlife, scenic landscapes, hiking opportunities and magnificent viewpoints that inspire a sense of discovering another world. A possible landing on Elephant Island, named for the shape of its cliffside and the elephant seals that call it home, puts you on the same path as the famous Shackleton Expedition. Deception Island, another possible landing and named for its very nature, is in fact a volcanic caldera where you can find heated springs amid the striking black sands. Other stops could include Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbour, Point Wild and Barrientos Island, where you can find plenty of Gentoo penguin rookeries.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s captain will sail around changing weather conditions as needed and take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing.

DAYS 5-6 | EXPLORING ANTARCTICA- CAPTAIN’S CHOICE
Nicknamed The White Continent for its vast expanse of icebergs, snow and glaciers, Antarctica is often the final frontier for experienced explorers to conquer. As you navigate Antarctic waters, you may set foot on sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, Hidden Bay and many more. Each landing throughout the continent offers its own unique landscape, from expansive tundra to rugged mountain peaks, all beckoning you to follow the paths that few explorers have trekked before.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s captain will sail around changing weather conditions as needed and take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing.

DAY 7 | CROSSING ANTARCTIC CIRCLE: OVERNIGHT
As you make the voyage across the Antarctic Circle at the 66th parallel, you become a “Red Nose,” one of the select few who navigate deep into the frontier of The White Continent to make the crossing. It is a feeling of triumph that cannot be beat.

DAYS 8-10 | EXPLORING ANTARCTICA- CAPTAIN’S CHOICE
Nicknamed The White Continent for its vast expanse of icebergs, snow and glaciers, Antarctica is often the final frontier for experienced explorers to conquer. As you navigate Antarctic waters, you may set foot on sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, Hidden Bay and many more. Each landing throughout the continent offers its own unique landscape, from expansive tundra to rugged mountain peaks, all beckoning you to follow the paths that few explorers have trekked before.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s captain will sail around changing weather conditions as needed and take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing.

DAY 11 | DRAKE PASSAGE NAVIGATION
Navigating the intrepid Drake Passage is made for the boldest of explorers. Petrels and albatrosses that glide across the skies guide the way. To witness its awesome power makes the journey to Antarctica all the more triumphant.

The Drake Passage leads you from the southernmost region of the Americas to the Antarctic Peninsula, the northern point of The White Continent. This waterway where the cold southern ocean meets warm northern sea water creates powerful currents that test your mettle.

But the rewards for the journeyer that braves these waters do not compare. The meeting of warm and cold waters creates an environment that attracts extraordinary wildlife. Drake Passage offers the chance to witness the likes of humpback whales and hourglass dolphins that accompany the voyage. The soundtrack of the 48-hour journey through the Drake Passage includes the crash of the ocean against the ship and the cry of petrels, skuas, and gulls.

While the waterway is famous for its challenging navigation, you may still get another side of the Drake Passage. On some occasions, the channel is calm and tranquil, making for a pleasant voyage into Antarctica. That’s one of the more splendid characteristics of the Drake Passage – you never know what you will get.

As you emerge from the Drake Passage, the mammoth, icy peaks of the South Shetland Islands loom ahead, greeting you on your victorious landing. You have completed the rite of passage to explore the seventh continent.

DAY 12 | CAPE HORN, CHILE
Located on the tiny Hornos Island, Cape Horn is the southernmost headland of Tierra del Fuego and where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet. To this day, sailing around it is still considered one of the great yachting challenges. If the opportunity for a RIB cruise presents itself, you may find yourself climbing the cliffside across a rocky beach. Weather permitting, you may go ashore and stop at the Chilean naval station, where you can dive into the cape’s maritime history. Find your way to the lighthouse, Stella Maris Chapel and Cape Horn Memorial, where you can sign the guest book and have your passport stamped.

DAY 13 | USHUAIA, ARGENTINA
The snow-capped Martial Mountains behind a sprawling city of colourful buildings create the backdrop of Ushuaia, Argentina. A mix of historic buildings and rugged nature adventures make this city the perfect fit for the curious explorer who wants to go beyond the surface.
Don’t let the nickname the “End of the World” fool you. Although it lies on the southernmost tip of South America among the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia is far from the end of any adventure. Where the Andes meet the Beagle Channel lies a lively town ready and waiting to take you on the thrill ride of a lifetime.
The wild forest of Parque Yatana entices you to hike and explore its many trails as you find your way through Argentina’s lush nature and rich, indigenous culture. The forest’s name translates to “weave” in the native language of Yaghan. Here, you will find arts and crafts from the indigenous communities on display, giving you a sense of wonder.
For a greater challenge, take the trail that leads from downtown to Martial Glacier. The scene before your eyes gives way from green grass to rocky, black peaks spattered with white snow. The heart-pounding trek takes you through an unbelievable path that leads to a view of the Andes Mountains, Ushuaia, and the ocean.

@ Shutterstock

@ Shutterstock

© The Polar Travel Company