Welcome to the port city of Ushuaia for the start of your Antarctic adventure. Upon arrival, please make your way to the hotel and settle in before meeting your fellow travellers. Ask reception for the details of where to meet for your evening briefing. If you’re arriving a day or two earlier there’s plenty of activities to choose from. Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure or take a walk around town, visiting the waterfront overlooking the Beagle Channel, the Museo Maritimo (Maritime Museum) housed in an old prison or enjoy a delectable combination of Argentinean wine and steak at a local restaurant.

Cruise through the Beagle Channel this afternoon as we make our way towards the crossing of the Drake Passage. Named after the famed ship in which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents many great photo opportunities. Your next land sighting will be the Antarctic Peninsula.

Over the next two days you’ll get to know your team of polar experts as they share in-depth knowledge into the Antarctic region – its wildlife, history and geology so you can gain a greater understanding and prepare for exploration off the ship. Depending on weather conditions, head out on deck for the chance to spot ocean dwellers such as whales, dolphins or perhaps an albatross, prion and petrel. The polar crew is familiar with the marine life that inhabit these parts and are there to help scout for sightings. The ship is scheduled to arrive late evening into the Antarctic Peninsula.

After sighting the great expanse of terrain from a distance, onshore exploration beckons by disembarking onto a Zodiac and setting foot on the great continent. There are several potential landing sites we may visit, including Neko Harbour, Petermann Island and Port Lockroy. There are a number of potential landing sites and the crew will make a decision on which will be visited based on conditions. A list of these sites can be found at https://www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/antarctica/landing-sites. Each excursion harbours opportunities for an up-close encounter with incredible wildlife. Watch penguins waddle on the beach and listen to the crackling and crumbling sounds of icebergs and glaciers. Optional activities include snowshoeing, kayaking, and the one-off opportunity to camp in Antarctica (booked prior to departure). Look to your team of polar experts to help inspire and educate you about this fascinating part of the world. If the weather conditions make an external excursion unsafe, the crew will arrange for alternative activities on the ship – such as wildlife presentations, documentary screenings or you can make the most of the wellness spa, heated pool and sauna, library and gym on board. An average day on board will include a wakeup call from your expedition leader around 7 am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow passengers for breakfast in the restaurant. You will usually have two excursions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with lunch on the ship in-between excursions.

Venturing to the ends of the earth is a moment to revel in as not all expeditions come this far south. With conditions permitting, celebrations will be in order after reaching 66°33’ S. Toast to the sheer rawness of the surrounds and take it all in as a dream comes to fruition, perhaps for yourself and for your fellow shipmates. While not a typical landing, the crossing of the Antarctic Circle leaves a lasting memory.

Heading northbound, you’ll be on your way to becoming familiar with Antarctic waters. Test your newfound knowledge of penguin species and finetune your wildlife spotting skills as you differentiate between fur, leopard and Weddel seals. Zodiac excursions will continue, while the expedition team help to make the most of the peninsula’s wildlife opportunities and those wanting to flex their photography skills as we make our way back to Ushuaia.

On the last leg of the journey as you recross the Drake, reflect on the spectacular scenery and prolific wildlife you've encountered during the voyage as well as the bonds you’ve formed with your fellow shipmates.

After breakfast on board, disembark in Ushuaia, where you have the option to be transferred to the airport for your flight home. Your Antarctic adventure comes to an end here.