This exciting cruise of Antarctica will likely be the most remarkable white Christmas you ever experience.

Christmas In Antarctica

Expedition Ship: Akademik Ioffe
Length:  10 Nights

Join us for the ultimate ‘White Christmas’ on a memorable voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula. Towering glaciers, amazing wildlife encounters, snow-covered landscapes, massive icebergs and the option to choose your favorite activities each day make this voyage the perfect way to spend the holiday season. In the waters of the Antarctic Peninsula, we spend our days off the ship exploring by Zodiac boat, making several shore landings each day in the company of our expert guides. We discover Antarctica and its remarkable wildlife through photography, zodiac excursions, hiking onshore, and, for the more adventurous, camping and sea kayaking. Visits to historic huts and the opportunity to visit a working research station add another dimension to the voyage. This popular 10-night expedition, at the height of the Antarctic summer, features many of the well-known landing sites such as Neko, Paradise and Orne Harbours, Cuverville Island and the Erera Channel – and, ice conditions permitting, we hope to transit the spectacular Lemaire Channel. A final highlight will be a visit to the beautiful South Shetland Islands where we hope to visit Deception Island and nearby locations such as Half Moon Island or Hannah Point.

Navigating south, we will traverse the South Atlantic ocean accompanied by magnificent pelagic seabirds, including the giant wandering albatross, and the other inhabitants of this fascinating ecosystem. Our expedition will push as far south as the mid season sea ice will allow. We hope to reach the Lemaire Channel which, if clear of ice, will be the gateway to some amazing locations such as Petermann Island and the iceberg ‘graveyard’ at Pleneau Island. We also plan to make continental landings at Paradise Harbour or nearby Neko Harbour, both of which offer outstanding opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploration. Each day we will explore on shore by foot, observing wildlife colonies, visiting historic huts and science bases, photographing icebergs and soaking up the incredible landscapes.

Itinerary in Brief

Day 1             Ushuaia, Argentina

Days 2-3        Drake Passage

Days 4-7        Antarctic Peninsula

Day 8             South Shetland Islands and Deception Island

Days 9-10      Drake Passage and Cape Horn

Day 11           Ushuaia, Argentina

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, towards Antarctica.

Days 2–3        Drake Passage

Giant petrels, albatross and smaller Cape petrels are also constant companions as we transit towards Antarctica. 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.