Weddel Sea 7NOV25

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!

On our first day in the Malvinas we will venture to some of the outer islands in the West Malvinas – ‘Camp’, as the locals call the area outside Puerto Argentino. The outer islands of the Malvinas are much wilder and more remote than the mainland, and host the majority of the islands’ wildlife. Islands such as West Point, Carcass and Saunders are well known for their spectacular wildlife. Southern Rockhopper Penguins, Black-Browed Albatross and King Cormorants commonly nest together in vast cliffside colonies; penguins nurture their eggs and chicks in clefts between large cylindrical nests where cormorants and albatross nest. Be sure to look out above to see the bast albatross coming in to land (often less than gracefully). The islands are home to a vast number of other bird species such as the endearingly cheeky Striated Caracara (watch all unattended possessions!), and in the water a number of species new to us such as commerson’s dolphins and South American sealions can be seen playing.

During the following morning we will cast anchor in the sheltered natural harbor of Puerto Argentina. Utilizing our Zodiacs, we will land in the centre of this small city. Puerto Argentino is the only settlement on the islands of any size, with a population of around two thousand people.

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.

Now comes the time to cross the famed Drake Passage – the body of water separating Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula. The Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds – the Furious Fifties and the Screaming Sixties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest comfortably aboard our expedition vessels, which are purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and manned by a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement – and you will complete the crossing twice!

Our days in the Drake Passage will be put to good use preparing for our arrival in Antarctica – your Expedition Leader will brief you comprehensively on how to stay safe and minimise your impact on this precious wilderness, as well as briefing you thoroughly on our plans for our time spent exploring, including hints and tips for wildlife watching. Our dedicated Expedition Team will again assist you to biosecure your clothing and equipment, as well as sharing tailored lectures on Antarctic exploration history, wildlife, geology, glaciology and more!

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.