Whale Science Voyage

Not only will you see a plethora of whales, seals and penguins on this cruise, you'll have the chance to contribute valuable data to active marine mammal research projects. Cruise in comfort on an elegant and small luxury expedition ship.

Complimentary Pre-Arrival Day (optional):

There’s no need to worry about flight delays or missed connections when you begin your adventure a day early. Take advantage of our free pre-arrival night at the beautiful Arakur Hotel & Resort in Ushuaia. You can choose to wander the trails, or enjoy the spa, or simply to unwind and soak in the surroundings.

Day 1 - Exploring Ushuaia:

The day is yours, to explore some of Ushuaia’s sights, including museums and an Argentinean leather market, or perhaps to continue relaxing at the Arakur. There will be an optional evening briefing, which is a great opportunity for you to meet some of your fellow travellers and ask questions.

Day 2 - Set Sail:

Today begins with a complimentary buffet breakfast, and then you’re free to either explore Ushuaia or unwind at the resort until your mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. At the vessel, you’ll be greeted by our Expedition Team and the ship’s officers. We will start with a safety and orientation briefing, which is followed by the Captain’s welcome dinner. After dinner, we set sail through the Beagle Channel, where you can relax and enjoy the scenery, perhaps spotting porpoising Magellanic penguins, rock cormorant, and black-browed albatross along the way.

Days 3 and 4 - Sailing the Drake Passage:

Our polar experts will prepare you with presentations on all things Antarctic, from wildlife to history, as we make our way closer to the White Continent. Eventually, we’ll notice a distinct drop in temperature as we cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean.

Sea conditions will determine the length of our journey but we expect to approach the South Shetland Islands on the evening of Day 4.  As we approach the nutrient rich upwelling areas of the Continental Shelf, we keep especially keen watch for pelagic whales.

Days 5 to 7 - The South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula:

As we approach the South Shetland Islands, we could visit Half Moon Island and marvel at its stunning backdrop of mountainous and glaciated Livingston Island. At Deception Island, perhaps we will sail into an active volcano with the opportunity to take a dip in the relatively balmy waters that surround it. We will make the most of the excellent opportunities that the rich waters of Bransfield Strait (once the site of a whaling station) offer to see whales.

Our Expedition Leader, Captain and Marine Mammal experts will work hard to create a flexible itinerary for you based on previous sightings, weather and ice conditions, to maximize any whale watching opportunities. We will explore the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula and also some of the lesser travelled areas of the Peninsula. Aiming for the most scenic channels and bays, we will make stops at whale feeding areas, bird colonies, penguin rookeries and seal wallows and also at sites of scientific and historic interest.

Days 8 to 11 - Exploring Antarctica::

Heading south across the Bransfield Strait, we enter the Trinity Coast and Gerlache Strait. Here we may explore a variety of beautiful places. It might be the picturesque Neko Harbor, or the humpback whale favoured Wilhelmina Bay, perhaps we can visit sheltered Paradise Harbor or the striking Lemaire Channel, the majestic Neumayer Channel or the wildlife-filled Penola Channel. We may also make stops at an active scientific base such as Poland’s Arctowksi or Ukraine’s Vernadskiy, as well as visits to a historic base such as Port Lockroy or Wordie House.

We can expect, at this time of year, to enjoy amazing marine mammal viewing opportunities. Crabeater, elephant and Weddell seals can often be found hauled out to rest along with the assertive Antarctic fur seal and predatory leopard seals. Also during this season, minke and humpback whales are frequent visitors and sightings of orca are common.

Days 12 and 13 - The Drake Passage:

We leave this magical place and make our way north, heading back across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage. Wildlife spotting and presentations onboard continue as we sail. We return to Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel and we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow.

Day 14 - Disembarking in Ushuaia:

A morning disembarkation allows you to either catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more exploring and adventure.

Please note: this itinerary is for guidance only. Each voyage varies depending on weather and ice conditions, and maximising opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and also part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise.​

Includes

• A choice of a beverage with dinner
• Complimentary parka jacket
• Daily international news service
• Post voyage digital log
• Pre-voyage 5* hotel night in Ushuaia
• Free public internet & 100 mins of wifi
• All airport/hotel/ship transfers
• Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
• Accommodation and meals during the voyage on full board
• All shore excursions and Zodiac activities
• Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
• Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
• Loan of rubber boots for the voyage's duration
• Comprehensive pre-departure information
• Port taxes and any entry fees to historic landing sites

Excludes:

• Any flights to and from points of embarkation/disembarkation
• Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
• Transfers not specified in the itinerary
• Optional non-complimentary adventure activities (e.g. kayaking)
• Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
• Airport arrival or departure taxes
• Personal Travel insurance
• Items of a personal nature, e.g. laundry, beverages and communication
• Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
• Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)