Antarctica’s Whale Season

11 Days / 9 Nights On Board

Ushuaia to Ushuaia

A Time When Whales Come Out to Play

Every voyage into Antarctica is a wildlife lover’s dream journey. And this trip will certainly be no different. Expect to encounter a variety of iconic penguins, any number of different seal species, and Antarctica’s always-majestic icebergs. But this voyage will feature one notable (and very large) addition to the spectacle: This time of year, whale spotting is at its entertaining best, with large numbers of giant Humpbacks feeding on the abundance of krill in the water. Orcas and Minkes are also common sightings on this very special voyage into the last truly wild place on Earth.

Expedition Dates

Activities: Kayaking, Photography, Citizen Science

Itinerary

Booking Info

Our Ships

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Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Arrive in & Explore Ushuaia
Day 2: Embarkation
Days 3-4: Drake Passage
Days 5-6: South Shetland Islands
Days 7-8: Antarctica (and whales) await
Day 9-10: Drake Passage
Day 11: Disembarkation

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Day 1: Arrive and explore in Ushuaia

After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. (In the unlikely event that you can't be accommodated at the Arakur, you'll unwind at another of Ushuaia's top luxury hotels.)

Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.

Day 2: All Aboard!

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!

Days 3–4: Drake Passage

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.

Days 5–6: South Shetland Islands

The South Shetlands are 12 islands separated from the Antarctic Peninsula by the Bransfield Strait. Significant volcanic activity has sculpted a geology – and a diverse natural beauty – unlike anywhere else on Earth. Here, you can expect a spectacular display of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife, including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, and it’s not uncommon to share the water’s edge with Elephant and Fur seals. And this time of year is feeding time for Humpback whales, so don’t be surprised if you’re joined by a number of them on your day’s adventure.

Days 7–8: Antarctica (and Whales) Await

On to the Antarctic Peninsula, where we’ll explore any number of stunning bays and famed landing sites, maneuvering through majestic channels as we continue to navigate these wildlife-rich waters, passing any number of glorious icebergs, on our way to historic landing sites and perhaps even an active scientific base. Of course, a spectacular highlight of this voyage is the likelihood of encountering the giant Humpback whale – or many of them! – feeding on the abundance of krill in the water this time of year. Orcas and Minkes are also common sightings, as are a variety of penguins and seals.

Days 9–10: Drake Passage

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.

Day 11: Ushuaia Disembarkation

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.

Whale Watching in Antarctica

Activities

Discover Kayaking

Important Details

Prices based on twin occupancy except for Singles (1), Triples (3), and the Brynhilde Suite (4). A limited number of twin cabins may be sold for single occupancy at 1.7 times the twin rate.

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Traveling With a Group?

Reach out to our Sales team to inquire about groups of 10 or more.

Rates vary by cabin.

All our Purpose-Built Ships Share a Single Purpose

Every ship in our expanding fleet, including Ocean Nova and Ocean Albatros, has something special to offer. Ocean Nova is a classic expedition-style ship, which will greatly enhance your sense of adventure, while Ocean Albatros is a state-of-the-art X-BOW vessel, incorporating decades of advanced engineering and design. While these two ships offer a range of cabins and on-board amenities, they are both purpose-built to take you deeper into the polar regions and to facilitate a remarkably seamless transition from on-board to off-ship exploration. On board, generous outdoor viewing platforms and Nova’s famous 200-degree Panorama Lounge will keep you connected with all that is wild and wondrous. Finally, all our ships and the voyages they serve place the highest premium on sustainable practices and leaving a minimal carbon footprint in their wake.