Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent

Itinerary

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• Day 1 - Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina

  Arrival in Ushuaia and transfer to the hotel
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  With a population of more than 63,000 people, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. The city has grown over the past few years, yet it has retained an easy going and accessible feel. With the sea to the south and mountains to the north, Ushuaia is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruise. If you arrive early, you can spend some time in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, enjoy some Argentinean wines and barbeques in the city, or visit the many boutique shops and cafés before you leave for your expedition to Antarctica.

• Day 2 - Embarkation Day

  Transfer to the pier for embarkation, set sail! (b,d)
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  Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This historic channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of excitement as you depart—the next time you see land you’ll be in the world’s most southern continent! (b,d)

• Days 3 and 4 - Crossing the Drake Passage

  During the following two days, we will cross the famous Drake Passage. (b,l,d)
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  Prepare yourself for potentially rough water, but hope for a smooth sailing as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing. You’ll spend these first days getting to know your shipmates while your Expedition Team provides safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead. (b,l,d)

• Days 5, 6, 7 and 8 - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

  Exploring the South Shetland Islands and reaching the 7th Continent at the Antarctic Peninsula. (b,l,d)
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  Once the Antarctic Convergence is left in our wake, you will truly begin your Antarctic adventure. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience.

  Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal.

  The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360° views of your surroundings. One of these in particular, in Danco Island, affords us the opportunity to visit a penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here, you’ll have the choice between hiking to the island’s summit or spending time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach, enjoying the antics of curious penguins. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, participating in the Polar Plunge swim is about as crazy as it gets!

  Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbour.

  Each day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to entertain and educate you about this wonderful part of the world. (b,l,d)

• Days 9 and 10 - Crossing the Drake Passage

  Spend the following two days, en route to Ushuaia via the Drake Passage. (b,l,d)
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  The journey back across the Drake Passage provides final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences. (b,l,d)

• Day 11 - Disembarkation in Ushuaia

  Today we arrive in Ushuaia and continue to our next destinations in Argentina or return home. (b)
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  You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure on land or catch your flights home. (b)

  Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.