Voyage Summary
Antarctica is a destination that goes beyond imagination. As you enter the pristine scenes of glaciers and icebergs, you soon find there’s more to discover than pictures and videos can convey. The quiet sounds of petrels calling overhead and the gentle breach of a humpback whale’s fluke from the water let you know you are far away from the usual bustle. Gather with your fellow explorers along the shores of the Antarctic Peninsula to marvel over the whimsical chinstrap penguins that call the land home. As you make the invigorating trek up a snowy path to admire a nearby penguin rookery, a feeling of triumph and wonder overcomes you. Alongside your expedition team and new friends, a Zodiac safari navigating ice floes may turn into a wild adventure as you find whales to follow at a safe and respectful distance. These unforgettable connections with fellow explorers and the wondrous wildlife of Antarctica make for life-changing experiences to carry with you forever.
Voyage Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly from London Heathrow to Buenos Aires (overnight flight)
Day 2 - Upon arrival, take a private transfer to the hotel for a one-night stay
Day 3 - Take your ATLAS charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and embark on World Traveller
Although its nickname the "End of the World" - derived from its location along 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 and the snow-capped Martial Mountains sit behind a sprawling city of colourful buildings, lies a lively town ready and waiting to take you on the thrill ride of a lifetime. Scenes like Parque Yatana give you the chance to immerse yourself in the rich, indigenous culture.
Day 4 - 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.
Day 5 - Drake Passage Navigation
Day 6 - Exploring the South Shetland Islands
Part of the greater Antarctica region, the South Shetland Islands contain plenty of wildlife, scenic landscapes, hiking opportunities and magnificent viewpoints that inspire a sense of discovering another world. A possible landing on Elephant Island, named for the shape of its cliffside and the elephant seals that call it home, puts you on the same path as the famous Shackleton Expedition. Deception Island, another possible landing and named for its very nature, is in fact a volcanic caldera where you can find heated springs amid the striking black sands. Other stops could include Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbour, Point Wild and Barrientos Island, where you can find plenty of Gentoo penguin rookeries.
Day 7 - Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
Nicknamed The White Continent for its vast expanse of icebergs, snow and glaciers, Antarctica is often the final frontier for experienced explorers to conquer. As you navigate Antarctic waters, you may set foot on sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, Hidden Bay and many more. Each landing throughout the continent offers its own unique landscape, from expansive tundra to rugged mountain peaks, all beckoning you to follow the paths that few explorers have trekked before.