11 Night Antarctica Expedition

Ushuaia, Argentina

The snow-capped Martial Mountains behind a sprawling city of colorful buildings create the backdrop of Ushuaia, Argentina. A mix of historic buildings and rugged nature adventures make this city the perfect fit for the curious explorer who wants to go beyond the surface.
Don’t let the nickname the “End of the World” fool you. Although it lies on the southernmost tip of South America among the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia is far from the end of any adventure. Where the Andes meet the Beagle Channel lies a lively town ready and waiting to take you on the thrill ride of a lifetime.
The wild forest of Parque Yatana entices you to hike and explore its many trails as you find your way through Argentina’s lush nature and rich, indigenous culture. The forest’s name translates to “weave” in the native language of Yaghan. Here, you will find arts and crafts from the indigenous communities on display, giving you a sense of wonder.
For a greater challenge, take the trail that leads from downtown to Martial Glacier. The scene before your eyes gives way from green grass to rocky, black peaks spattered with white snow. The heart-pounding trek takes you through an unbelievable path that leads to a view of the Andes Mountains, Ushuaia, and the ocean.

Drake Passage Navigation

Navigating the intrepid Drake Passage is made for the boldest of explorers. Petrels and albatrosses that glide across the skies guide the way. To witness its awesome power makes the journey to Antarctica all the more triumphant.

The Drake Passage leads you from the southernmost region of the Americas to the Antarctic Peninsula, the northern point of The White Continent. This waterway where cold southern ocean meets warm northern sea water creates powerful currents that test your mettle.

But the rewards for the journeyer that braves these waters do not compare. The meeting of warm and cold waters creates an environment that attracts extraordinary wildlife. Drake Passage offers the chance to witness the likes of humpback whales and hourglass dolphins that accompany the voyage. The soundtrack of the 48-hour journey through the Drake Passage includes the crash of the ocean against the ship and the cry of petrels, skuas, and gulls.

While the waterway is famous for its challenging navigation, you may still get another side of the Drake Passage. On some occasions, the channel is calm and tranquil, making for a pleasant voyage into Antarctica. That’s one of the more splendid characteristics of the Drake Passage – you never know what you will get.

As you emerge from the Drake Passage, the mammoth, icy peaks of the South Shetland Islands loom ahead, greeting you on your victorious landing. You have completed the rite of passage to explore the seventh continent.

Crossing Antarctic Circle

As you make the voyage across the Antarctic Circle at the 66th parallel, you become a “Red Nose,” one of the select few who navigate deep into the frontier of The White Continent to make the crossing. It is a feeling of triumph that cannot be beat.

Explore the Antarctic Peninsula

You Captain will choose the days destination and activities based on weather and other factors.  Enjoy daily included excursions aboard the World Navigator’s fleet of Zodiac Rafts as you zip between icebergs and land on ice flows and rocky shores to walk amongst penguins, seals and myriad other wildlife.  Keep an eye out for the ubiquitous Humpback Whales frolicking in the waters, and the elusive Killer Whales.  Onboard you’ll enjoy daily activities and educational presentations from Atlas’s featured speakers, where you’ll learn about Antarctica’s incredible stories – Shackleton’s legendary expedition, the amazing wildlife, and all the history & mystery that permeates her glassy waters and rugged shores.

South Shetland Islands, Antarctica

The South Shetland Islands are completely silent and serene. Natural wonders like the black and white effect of Deception Island and the tops of massive glaciers sitting atop the water’s surface inspire awe and admiration even from the most veteran explorers. The stillness of the Shetland Islands evokes a sense of wilderness left to be discovered.

Along the rugged cliffs of Brown Bluff, the exposed portion of a glacial volcano, you can hike to a backdrop of expanses of ice and ocean. Dotted with Adélie penguins and leopard seals, the rocky shoreline provides a challenging path to trek the environment and explore among the wildlife. The whimsical birds waddle about, inviting you to give in to your inner child and play along.

Deception Island, the caldera of an active volcano, creates a black-and-white photo effect with black sands mixed with white snow at Neptune’s Bellows. A dip in the steaming hot springs of a black sand beach feel like an unreal experience amid the snow-capped mountains in the background. Walking among the remnants of a whaling station at Whaler’s Bay, a haunting air takes over the atmosphere.

The dark, rocky peaks of Elephant Island beckon you, daring you to come and explore its weathered coastline. The raucous sound of elephant seals as they fight for dominance reverberates and rings in your ears, invoking the call of the wild. The rusting and worn statue of the Endurance Memorial lives up to its name as it stands strong through the Antarctic weather.

Drake Passage Navigation

Navigating the intrepid Drake Passage is made for the boldest of explorers. Petrels and albatrosses that glide across the skies guide the way. To witness its awesome power makes the journey to Antarctica all the more triumphant.

The Drake Passage leads you from the southernmost region of the Americas to the Antarctic Peninsula, the northern point of The White Continent. This waterway where cold southern ocean meets warm northern sea water creates powerful currents that test your mettle.

But the rewards for the journeyer that braves these waters do not compare. The meeting of warm and cold waters creates an environment that attracts extraordinary wildlife. Drake Passage offers the chance to witness the likes of humpback whales and hourglass dolphins that accompany the voyage. The soundtrack of the 48-hour journey through the Drake Passage includes the crash of the ocean against the ship and the cry of petrels, skuas, and gulls.

While the waterway is famous for its challenging navigation, you may still get another side of the Drake Passage. On some occasions, the channel is calm and tranquil, making for a pleasant voyage into Antarctica. That’s one of the more splendid characteristics of the Drake Passage – you never know what you will get.

As you emerge from the Drake Passage, the mammoth, icy peaks of the South Shetland Islands loom ahead, greeting you on your victorious landing. You have completed the rite of passage to explore the seventh continent.

Ushuaia, Argentina Arrive: 7:00AM

It’s disembarkation day, always bittersweet, but we know you’ll return home filled with awe and wonder at what you have witnessed onboard the Atlas World Navigator!  You’ll be transferred to the airport to board your onward flight home