Antarctic Peninsula

10 - 12 days cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands

After exploring Ushuaia on Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, set sail along the Beagle Channel and across Drake Passage towards the South Shetland Islands which were only discovered in 1819. From King George Island and Penguin Island sail to the beautiful Paradise Bay where you can go onshore to the Antarctica Mainland. Travelling South you continue through the Lemaire Channel surrounded by mountains and glaciers and a good vantage point for viewing whales.

If conditions are good you can visit the penguin colonies at Pleneau before turning North, through the Neumayer Channel and on to the volcanic Deception Island in the South Shetland Islands. Weather permitting the ship will sail through the narrow entrance of Neptune's Bellows. Watch out for the Elephant Seals at Hannah Point, sea birds and several species of penguins. Eventually you return across Drake's Passage back to Ushuaia.

Please note that a measure of flexibility is needed in the Antarctic region, the destinations listed above are a guideline only as each boat may have a slightly different itinerary and adverse weather conditions can mean unavoidable last minute changes.

Last Updated: Tuesday May 13 2008