One of our most popular voyages, this tour of Antarctica takes in all the highlights of the spectacular Antarctic for a once in a lifetime adventure.

Antarctic Peninsula Adventure

Expedition Ships:  Akademik Ioffe and RCGS Resolute
Length: 10 Nights

This Antarctic cruise explores the Antarctic Peninsula over a period of 10 nights/11 days. A classic itinerary for whale watching, seabird viewing, visiting penguin colonies and experiencing zodiac excursions in Antarctica. Camping in Antarctica is included.

This voyage visits many of the classic landing locations along the Antarctica Peninsula such as Paradise Harbour, Neko Harbour and the Errera Channel. Vice conditions permitting, we always attempt a transit of the Lemaire Channel, the gateway to the southern jewels of Petermann Island and Pleneau Island. In the company of our expert guides, we spend our days exploring in small groups, by zodiac boat and on shore, enjoying walks and hikes to scenic locations and visiting busy wildlife colonies. Sea kayaking and overnight camping are also popular activities on this itinerary

Over 11 days, we visit classic landing locations along the Antarctica Peninsula and Gerlache Strait coastline, including Paradise Harbour, Neko Harbour, Cuverville Island and the Errera Channel, as well as gems such as the Melchior Islands, Fournier Bay, or northerly Cierva Cove and Mikkelson Harbour. Ice conditions permitting, we will also attempt a transit of the Lemaire Channel, the gateway to the southern jewels of Petermann and Pleneau Islands in the Penola Strait region. We spend our days off the ship exploring by Zodiac boat and making shore landings in the company of our expert guides. By breaking into small special interest groups we discover Antarctica and its remarkable landscapes, wildlife, and history through photography, zodiac excursions, hiking, and, for the more adventurous, camping and sea kayaking. Visits to historic huts and working research bases add another dimension to the voyage. To cap off this amazing trip, we spend a day in the South Shetland Islands. Returning to South America we have one final thrill - a rounding of the legendary maritime landmark of Cape Horn.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1              Ushuaia, Argentina

Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s most southerly city, where you board your expedition ship. In the early evening we set sail along the Beagle Channel and push out into the Drake Passage, direction Antarctica. 

Days 2–3        Drake Passage

Giant petrels, albatross and smaller Cape petrels are our companions as we transit the Drake Passage. Join the ship’s Captain on the bridge and learn about the operations of our modern research vessel. Throughout the day our onboard experts educate us with a series of presentations about the environment, wildlife and history.

Days 4–7        Antarctic Peninsula

Take a deep breath – you have arrived. Welcome to Antarctica! This morning the magnificent snowy peaks are laid out before us. It’s a a truly awesome sight. The waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula are home to deep bays, pristine coves and inlets and numerous small islands. The Gerlache coastline features heavily glaciated mountains permanently covered in ice and snow. Rocky outcrops are home to gentoo, adelie and chinstrap penguin rookeries and the waters are rich in marine life. We frequently encounter seals, including the powerful leopard seal. Curious humpback whales and the smaller minke whales are present much of the time as they feed on the vast schools of krill. Sightings of orca are not uncommon. Every day we plan an exciting range of activities including guided hikes on shore and visits to wildlife colonies with our expert naturalist guides. The historic huts and science stations located along the peninsula provide a fascinating glimpse into the past and potential future. Zodiac cruising among the ice searching for seals and whales is amemorable activity. Meanwhile, the sea kayakers may range several miles from the ship. Our resident photography guide will be on hand to help you with your camera setting and image composition. Somewhere along this stretch of coastline we plan a night on shore, camping in Antarctica. We have all the right gear and equipment and an expert team to make it happen - all you need is an adventurous spirit! 

Day 8               South Shetland Islands and Deception Island

After several busy days of exploration along the Antarctic Peninsula, we head for the South Shetland Islands. If the weather conditions allow, we sail the ship into the flooded volcanic caldera at Deception Island, a very dramatic location. History is all around us as we explore the old whaling station, with its rusted relics and dilapidated wooden buildings.

Days 9-10        Drake Passage and Cape Horn

As we make our way back to South America, the educational presentations continue and we enjoy an entertaining and memorable voyage recap by our Expedition Leader. If weather conditions allow, we hope to make a rounding of Cape Horn. It’s a fitting place to reflect on a wonderful expedition. Approaching the entrance to the Beagle Channel in early evening light, we enjoy a special dinner attended by the Captain of the ship.

Day 11             Ushuaia, Argentina

In the early morning, we arrive into Ushuaia. It is time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home.