ANTARCTICA’S WHALE SEASON
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ANTARCTICA’S WHALE SEASON
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 - 2 | Ushuaia, Argentina | Arrive into Ushuaia, explore the southernmost city in the world, spend the night in a hotel before embarking on Day 2 |
| Days 3 - 4 | At Sea | Cross the Drake Passage, catch glimpses of rarely seen wildlife |
| Days 5 - 6 | South Shetland Islands | Spectacular display of mountains, glaciers and wildlife |
| Days 7 - 8 | Antarctic Peninsula | Picturesque bays, iceberg-rich channels, numerous species of enchanting penguins, seals and whales |
| Days 9 - 10 | At Sea | Re-cross the Drake Passage, celebrate the conclusion of your expedition |
| Day 11 | Ushuaia, Argentina | Disembark from the ship and continue on your onwards journey |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Ocean Albatros
The Ocean Albatros had her maiden voyage in 2022 with a revolutionary X-bow design for more stability and comfort along with being environmentally considerate in all aspects. A total of 93 cabins can accommodate up to 189 guests, all featuring ocean views, 90% with their own balconies. Two restaurants serve up high-quality cuisine along with a Nordic inspired bar to spend your nights enjoying the incredible Antarctic scenery passing you by. Fill in your time at sea with visits to the wellness area (with a gym and a spa), listen to lectures in the modern lecture lounge and soak up the sun (with your coat on) on the open deck dining facility. The Ocean Albatros is part of a new generation of low-energy vessels with 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines, all controlled electronically to optimise speed and fuel consumption.
Days 1 – 2 Ushuaia, Argentina
After a friendly welcome at the airport, transfer to a partnered premium hotel resort nestled in the breathtaking Patagonian nature, where you can take some time to unwind or go explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. The optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.
On Day 2, spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia, before your mid-afternoon escort to the ship. The Expedition Team and ship staff will welcome you on board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and the Captain’s welcome dinner.
Days 3 – 4 Drake Passage
Join the Polar Experts as they share their vast knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in the 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 your ship as you cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctica’s waters and noticeably cooler temperatures.
Days 5 – 6 South Shetland Islands
The South Shetlands are 12 islands separated from the Antarctic Peninsula by the Bransfield Strait. Significant volcanic activity has sculpted a geology – and a diverse natural beauty – unlike anywhere else on Earth. Here, you can expect a spectacular display of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife, including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, and it’s not uncommon to share the water’s edge with Elephant and Fur seals. And 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 Antarctic Peninsula
On to the Antarctic Peninsula, where you’ll explore any number of stunning bays and famed landing sites, manoeuvring through majestic channels as you continue to navigate these wildlife-rich waters, passing any number of glorious icebergs, on your way to historic landing sites and perhaps even an active scientific base. Of course, a spectacular highlight of this voyage is the likelihood of encountering the giant Humpback whale – or many of them! – feeding on the abundance of krill in the water this time of year. Orcas and Minkes are also common sightings, as are a variety of penguins and seals.
Days 9 – 10 At Sea
Leave this magical place and make your way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. Have one last hurrah and celebrate the conclusion of your expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.
Day 11 Ushuaia, Argentina
With huge smiles on weary, content faces, disembark in the morning. Catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.
We will tailor the perfect holiday to suit your needs.
Extend your trip to Patagonia
To make the most of your time in South America we can tailor a holiday to Patagonia to suit your voyage dates. If you have a bit more time we can create a tailor-made itinerary to some of the highlights of South America. Take a look at the Patagonia sample itineraries below and contact us to begin creating your perfect holiday.
