Compare Antarctica Christmas Cruise by Adventure Unbound

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe

Arrive into the world’s most southerly city, Ushuaia, where you will board your expedition ship and get settled into your cabin. In the early evening, we’ll set sail along the Beagle Channel and into the Drake Passage, heading south towards the white continent of Antarctica.

Day 2-3: Drake Passage

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe

The next couple of days will be sent sailing across the vast Drake Passage, keeping an eye out for giant petrels, Cape petrels and albatross which may follow the ship, together with whales and dolphins. A series of informative lectures will be presented by your polar experts on the environment, wildlife and history of Antarctica and you will have the opportunity to join the Captain on the bridge to learn about the operations of this modern research vessel.

Day 4-9: Antarctic Peninsula

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe

The next four days will be spent exploring the majestic landscapes of Antarctica, sailing through its deep bays and pristine coves and discovering its wildlife-rich islands. We’ll sail along the Gerlache coastline with its heavily glaciated mountains and visit Gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguin rookeries along the rocky shores. Other destinations may include the beautiful Lemaire Channel which serves as the gateway to Petermann Island and the iceberg "graveyard" at Pleneau Island, as well as Paradise Harbour and nearby Neko Harbour. Encounters with seals, including leopard seals, are common, while humpback whales and minkes are known to frequent these waters.

Each day will include a range of fascinating hikes and zodiac excursions led by naturalist guides, with the opportunity to visit historic huts and working scientific research stations. Sea kayakers can slowly paddle through the pristine waters, while our resident photography guide will assist you in capturing impressive photos during this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. We also plan to spend a night camping along the shores and falling asleep beneath the never-ending Antarctic night sky.

Day 10: South Shetland Islands and Deception Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Akademik Ioffe

After several days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, we’ll cruise towards the South Shetland Islands. If weather conditions are favorable, we’ll sail into the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island and visit an old whaling station, with its rustic wooden buildings and old relics.

Day 11: King George Island and return to South America

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Punta Arenas Hotel

This morning we depart the ship to take our charter flight back to Punta Arenas on the mainland of Chile, this flight and your overnight hotel in punta arenas are included in the price of your itinerary. On arrival in Punta Arenas we will transfer you to your hotel to relax and perhaps explore the town.

Day 12: International Departure

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home or to continue your travels.