Quest for the Weddell Sea 08NOV25

Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a
museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia, before our
mid-afternoon escort to the ship. Our Expedition Team
and ship staff will welcome you on board and get you
settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing
and our Captain’s welcome dinner. We’re on our way to
Antarctica!

Join our Polar Experts as they share their vast
knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife
to its bold history. Participate in our 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 our ship as we cross the Antarctic
Convergence into Antarctica’s waters and noticeably
cooler temperatures.

We travel into the captivating region at the northeastern
tip of the continent, the Antarctic Sound, the gateway to
the Weddell Sea. This area boasts some of Antarctica’s
most striking scenery, from the vast Adelie Penguin
colonies at Hope Bay and Devil’s Island, to the dramatic
volcanic cliffs at Brown Bluff. Continuing southward
toward the Weddell Sea, we’ll likely encounter immense
tabular icebergs, as well as a diverse array of wildlife,
including penguins, seals, seabirds, and humpback
whales.

In the days ahead, we venture further west along the
Antarctic Peninsula into the Gerlache Strait region,
consisting of the ‘spine’ of the Antarctic Peninsula and
a large number of mountainous glaciated islands, while
offering a plethora of iconic Antarctic experiences.
From Zodiac cruises in Paradise Bay, to witnessing
penguins nesting on Cuverville Island, each potential
stop promises awe-inspiring encounters. Explore historic
huts at Damoy Point, witness humpback whales in
Wilhelmina Bay, and marvel at the jaw-dropping scenery
of the Lemaire Channel.

Despite the inhospitable elements, the South Shetland
Islands boast a remarkable richness of wildlife, with
numerous colonies of Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins
dotting the island shores, accompanied by an array of
formidable seabirds like the predatory Giant Petrels. The
ice-capped peaks of Livingstone, Greenwich, and King
George Islands offer a stunning backdrop to explore.
Experience the eerie landscape of Deception Island,
an active volcanic crater with black steaming sands and
rusting ruins, or witness the bustling penguin colonies
on Aitcho and Half Moon Islands.

We leave this magical place and make our way north,
once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. We
have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of
our expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal
together.

With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark
in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires
or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.