Cruise through the infamous Drake Passage, bound for the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Enter a world of ice and perfectly adapted wildlife, surrounded by spellbindingly beautiful landscapes created by the harsh Antarctic climate. This is a once in a lifetime voyage to the world’s final frontier.
Itinerary highlights
- Witness a wide variety of southern sea birds. Penguins, cormorants, petrels, and albatross that live along the rocky shores, along with sea lions.
- Small Zodiacs take you in for a close look at the sculpted icebergs, and intimate bays and channels that harbor large colonies of penguins, seals, and other creatures
- Have the opportunity to go kayaking, snowshoeing, and enjoy photography with expert guides as you go ashore meeting animals who are just as curious about you as you are about them.
- Enjoy the onboard spa, saunas, saltwater pool, and yoga classes while passing through Drake’s Passage
- Embark on a day trip into Tierra del Fuego National Park or visit the Emerald Lagoon
What's included
- VIP Meet and Greet
- Private arrival and departure transfers between hotel and pier
- Hotel accommodation in the selected category
- Shipboard accommodations
- All transfers mentioned in the program with English-speaking driver in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Group Guided Tours and Experiences
- All shore excursions and zodiac cruising program
- Guiding and lectures by expedition team
- English-speaking expedition team
- Free use of rubber boots on land
- Use of gym, sauna, pool and on-board Jacuzzi
- On-board yoga
- Wind and water-resistant jacket
- All Port taxes
- All Meals and Snacks while on board ship
Use this itinerary to inspire your bespoke journey
*VIP Meet and Greet at Ushuaia Airport
The VIP service representative will meet and greet you at the arrival gate, holding a sign with your name or a more discreet format. They’ll help with your carry-on luggage and lead you to the exclusive fast track Immigration counters, where they will assist with Immigration document details to ensure that your official entry into Ghana occurs without any delays. After collecting your luggage from the baggage claim area, the VIP service representative will guide you through Customs and deliver your luggage to your private airport transportation.
The first night of your voyage is spent in the quaint town of Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world and the capital of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire).
The remainder of the day is at leisure and you are free to explore, maybe making a few last-minute purchases from the many shops or artisan markets, or relaxing in a cafe. Avenida San Martin is the main street and there are some excellent museums to visit or you may prefer to wander the streets taking in the town's dramatic setting, with views of the mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south.
Private Transfer to Hotel
This morning is again free for you to explore Ushuaia further, or maybe discover Tierra del Fuego National Park, the most southerly national park of South America. The park offers a range of hiking trails that lead you through the stunningly beautiful and dramatic scenery of snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, rugged coastline, glaciers, waterfalls and lakes. Look out for guanaco, Andean foxes, muskrats and the North American beaver. Birds found here include the Andean condor, Magellanic oystercatcher, kelp goose, austral parakeet and torrent duck. Late this afternoon we transfer to the port of Ushuaia in time for embarkation on board the Ocean Endeavour. The Expedition Team and the Ship's Officers will be waiting to welcome you aboard. As we set sail, familiarize yourself with the layout of the Ocean Endeavour and its great amenities and enjoy a welcome dinner. This evening we sail along the wildlife-rich Beagle Channel, towards the White Continent of Antarctica. As you leave the lights of Ushuaia behind, look out for Magellanic penguins, rock cormorants, petrels and black-browed albatross from the deck as well as noisy sea lion colonies.
The infamous Drake Passage, named after the famous English explorer, Sir Frances Drake, separates the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from the southernmost tip of South America. It is often rough and turbulent, but sometimes as calm as a lake. It is unpredictable, so be prepared! Enjoy the fabulous onboard facilities, maybe join a yoga class, attend a presentation or two given by the Expedition Team to prepare you for what lies ahead - from the geology of Antarctica to the history, wildlife and even the ice! As you sail towards Antarctica, there is a fall in temperature as we cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. The Antarctic Convergence is marked by an increased number of seabirds, whales and other species that are attracted by the nutrient-rich waters pushed to the surface by the colder waters of the polar region flowing north and meeting the warmer equatorial waters flowing south. Head out on deck to look out for the mighty albatrosses that fly overhead, scan the waters for breaching whales and icebergs, or gaze out from the panoramic windows of the observation deck. Keep on the lookout for the first sighting of land - that heralds your arrival to the White Continent!
The next four days are spent exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, a region that has captivated explorers for centuries and now enthralls travelers. We explore by Zodiac, cruising amongst the magnificently sculpted icebergs and making shore landings where we mingle with penguins, climb to vantage points to absorb the spectacular panoramic views, maybe visiting a scientific or historic base. There may even be opportunities to kayak and snowshoe and of course learn more about photography with one of the experts. Antarctica will enchant you with its incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snow-capped peaks, vast icebergs and ice-strewn channels. Not to mention the wildlife - from extensive colonies of chinstrap, Gentoo and Adelie penguins, to crabeater, Weddell, fur and elephant seals and a plethora of fascinating birds. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the mighty crack of a glacier calving. Maybe you will be one of the brave few to take a polar plunge in the icy waters! Every day brings a new experience and new landing site. As you cruise from one landing site to the next, enjoy the continued lecture program and take in the scenery from the outer decks of the Ocean Endeavour. Make the most of the health and fitness facilities from the relaxing spa and saunas to the pool and gym.
Hoping to make one final excursion or shore landing today before you leave the Antarctic Peninsula behind, and head back across the Drake Passage. This is another great opportunity to look out for wildlife from the deck of the ship, as you identify seabirds and maybe whales with the help of your Expedition Team. Gain more insight into the region by attending final lectures and presentations by the polar experts and take time to relax and reminisce about your Antarctic experiences. By the evening, hope to be back in the tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel, ensuring a restful night’s sleep on board.
You are scheduled to arrive into Ushuaia early this morning, disembarking after a final breakfast aboard the Ocean Endeavour. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, or maybe spend a few days in Ushuaia, giving you time to explore further, maybe hiking in Tierra del Fuego National park.
Private Transfer to Airport
How Our Travel Concierge Service Works
Step 1
Have an idea or need help planning? Submit an inquiry to tell Flight Club VIP about your desired travel.
Step 2
Your personal Flight Club VIP concierge will schedule a facilitate a brief Trip Discovery Consultation.
Step 3
Once a deposit is received, the Flight Club VIP Team will begin customizing your travel itinerary. This itinerary can be refined and adjusted based on your preferences.
Step 4
Go online to our booking site and make your payment based on your custom payment plan.
Step 5
Sit back, Relax, and Enjoy your unforgettable experience.