Itinerary
Start Planning Your Trip to Antarctica
Day 1 – Ushuaia: Upon arrival in Ushuaia, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll settle in for your first night at the southern tip of the world.
Day 2 – Embarkation aboard Douglas Mawson: This morning, you’ll be transferred to the port to begin your unforgettable Antarctic Peninsula expedition. As the ship departs from Ushuaia, take in the spectacular views of Tierra del Fuego from the deck.
This evening, gather for a welcome dinner, your first opportunity to meet fellow travelers along with the expert expedition team and crew who will guide you through Antarctica.
Day 3 – Crossing the Drake Passage: Today is spent crossing the legendary Drake Passage. Settle into life at sea while the expedition team prepares you for your first Antarctic landing. Briefings will cover wildlife guidelines, biosecurity procedures, and safety, while the onboard lecture program begins, offering insight into Antarctica’s history, wildlife, and fragile environment.
The wildlife experiences kick off as you enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following in the ship’s wake. They rise and fall skillfully, using air currents created by the vessel to gain momentum.
Day 4 – Drake Passage & South Shetland Islands: As you approach the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, anticipation builds with the possibility of spotting your very first iceberg. Crossing below the Antarctic Convergence, the ocean transforms and ice sculptures begin to dominate the horizon. Weather and conditions permitting, the captain may attempt the first landing on the Antarctic continent later this afternoon.
Days 5–9 – Antarctic Peninsula: Arriving along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula is a moment few ever forget. Take a deep breath of some of the cleanest, crispest air on Earth as towering icebergs drift by. With 18–24 hours of daylight, each day offers incredible flexibility and adventure.
Your experienced expedition team will carefully plan daily activities based on weather, ice conditions, and wildlife sightings to ensure the best possible experience. Typically, you’ll enjoy two excursions per day – either shore landings or Zodiac cruises.
Zodiacs enable close-up exploration of ice cliffs, channels filled with grounded icebergs, and wildlife-rich waters where whales, seals, and penguins are frequently spotted. On land, you may visit bustling penguin colonies, historic sites, and some of the most iconic locations on the peninsula.
Onshore walks lead across pebbled beaches and snowy ridgelines to panoramic viewpoints framed by dramatic mountains and ice-filled seas. When conditions allow, optional activities may be offered, including the opportunity to take the Antarctic “polar plunge.”
Between excursions, the ship may navigate narrow, scenic passages or pause in sheltered bays to observe whales feeding or traveling through icy waters. From the observation lounge or bridge, enjoy uninterrupted views of Antarctica’s awe-inspiring landscapes. Listen for the thunderous crack of calving glaciers and take a quiet moment to fully absorb the magic of the White Continent.
Days 10 & 11 – Drake Passage: Returning across the Drake Passage gives you time to relax, reflect, and relive the extraordinary moments of your expedition. Join recap sessions with the expedition team or simply enjoy reviewing the countless photos captured during your time in Antarctica.
Day 12 – Ushuaia: Your Antarctic adventure comes to an end as you disembark in Ushuaia. While the journey may conclude, the memories will accompany you wherever your next adventure may lie.
Interested in this once-in-a-lifetime journey? Give us a call or drop us an email
We’d love to help you plan your Antarctic adventure!
