This 13-night expedition begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, the legendary “End of the World”, where you board the ice-strengthened m/v Ortelius and set course for one of the most remote regions on the planet. Sailing through the scenic Beagle Channel, the sense of adventure builds quickly as you leave civilization behind and head toward the vast, frozen wilderness of Antarctica’s Deep South.
Crossing the Drake Passage over the following days introduces you to the dynamic Southern Ocean, home to an abundance of seabirds including albatrosses and petrels that follow the ship southward. As you approach the Antarctic Convergence, colder nutrient-rich waters signal your arrival into a realm shaped by ice, wind, and wildlife, a threshold few travellers ever cross.
From Days 4 to 10, the voyage transforms into an immersive basecamp experience focused on exploration by land and sea. Operating deep along the Antarctic Peninsula and into Marguerite Bay when conditions allow, this itinerary offers extended shore time and a wide range of activities. Long guided hikes — typically lasting three to four hours — take you across snowfields, rocky ridges, and elevated viewpoints, offering a rare opportunity to experience Antarctica on foot. Zodiac cruises and alternative landings are also available, ensuring flexibility in response to weather and ice conditions.
Highlights may include landings on remote islands such as Renaud Island, home to Adélie penguins, as well as visits to historically significant sites like Horseshoe Island and Stonington Island, where remnants of early research stations sit against dramatic mountain backdrops. Wildlife encounters with seals and seabirds are frequent, while the scale and silence of the landscape create moments of profound reflection.
The return journey across the Drake Passage on Days 11 to 13 offers time to absorb the magnitude of the experience. As familiar seabirds glide alongside the ship once more and Ushuaia draws nearer, you’ll carry home lasting memories of remote horizons, challenging hikes, and the extraordinary privilege of exploring Antarctica’s deep southern frontier.
Planning your Antarctica adventure? Don’t miss the chance to explore more of South America while you’re here. Extend your journey with one of our unforgettable pre- or post-cruise itineraries through Patagonia, Iguazu Falls, or the legendary Machu Picchu. Click through to North South Journeys for expertly curated extensions that perfectly complement your polar expedition — turning a once-in-a-lifetime trip into a truly epic journey.
