Antarctica Springs to Life (Ocean Victory)

The adventure

Join this 10-day expedition that takes you across the infamous Drake Passage and through the South Shetland Islands on the Antarctic Peninsula. Watch as penguins meet their mates, build nests and tend to their eggs, set against a backdrop of glaciers at their most imposing after the winter. Watch seabirds soaring and whales breaching, learn about these unique ecosystems from an expert Expedition Team, and contribute to Citizen Science projects focused on understanding local wildlife and ecology. Venture out on Zodiac cruises and take excursions to active scientific research bases. Then, toast to your adventure over dinner with the captain on board and mingle with like-minded adventurers.

At a glance

Where you'll go

Day by day

Your journey through

Argentina

Day 1Ushuaia, ArgentinaWelcome to Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica! When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your comfortable hotel for the night. Spend some time unwinding at the hotel, then have a welcome meeting this evening to meet your fellow adventurers. If you arrive early, why not get out and about in Ushuaia – maybe snack on some local Argentinian specialties or track down the perfect keepsake.

Ushuaia

Welcome to Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica! When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your comfortable hotel for the night. Spend some time unwinding at the hotel, then have a welcome meeting this evening to meet your fellow adventurers. If you arrive early, why not get out and about in Ushuaia – maybe snack on some local Argentinian specialties or track down the perfect keepsake.

Your journey through

Antarctica

Showing Days 2-8

9-day itinerary

Day 2Embarkation in UshuaiaThis morning, you might like to visit a local museum like the Maritime Museum, do some souvenir shopping in town or simply relax at the hotel before you board your ship – the Ocean Victory. When you’re on board, you’ll meet the Expedition Team who will be by your side for your whole voyage, then you’ll have a safety and orientation briefing. Tonight, join your fellow travellers and the captain for a welcome dinner on board. And so your adventure begins!

Embarkation in Ushuaia

This morning, you might like to visit a local museum like the Maritime Museum, do some souvenir shopping in town or simply relax at the hotel before you board your ship – the Ocean Victory. When you’re on board, you’ll meet the Expedition Team who will be by your side for your whole voyage, then you’ll have a safety and orientation briefing. Tonight, join your fellow travellers and the captain for a welcome dinner on board. And so your adventure begins!

Day 3Drake PassageThese two days will see you crossing the famed Drake Passage. This sea crossing connects the southernmost point of South America with the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. As you sail, you’ll learn about the history, ecology and wildlife surrounding you from your knowledgeable Expedition Team. Take part in onboard activities including the Citizen Science program, where you’ll contribute to research into Antarctica’s ecosystems and wildlife, including how the region is being impacted by climate change. Feel the temperature drop as you cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctica’s waters. Keep your binoculars at the ready – albatross, petrels and prions are common sights here.

Drake Passage

These two days will see you crossing the famed Drake Passage. This sea crossing connects the southernmost point of South America with the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. As you sail, you’ll learn about the history, ecology and wildlife surrounding you from your knowledgeable Expedition Team. Take part in onboard activities including the Citizen Science program, where you’ll contribute to research into Antarctica’s ecosystems and wildlife, including how the region is being impacted by climate change. Feel the temperature drop as you cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctica’s waters. Keep your binoculars at the ready – albatross, petrels and prions are common sights here.

Day 4Drake Passage

Drake Passage

Drake Passage

Day 5South Shetland IslandsToday is all about immersing yourself in the striking landscapes of the South Shetland Islands. The distinctive geology of these islands has been shaped by volcanic activity over time. You’ll spend today on a Zodiac cruise, exploring the landscapes of mountains and glaciers teeming with wildlife that make up this archipelago. After the long winter, the wildlife here is now back in full force. Encounter chinstrap and gentoo penguins, whales and elephant and fur seals. You might even stop at Deception Island for a walk along the black sand. This island, formed by the crater of an active volcano, is peppered with the ruins of a Norwegian whaling station and scientific bases from the 1960s.

South Shetland Islands

Today is all about immersing yourself in the striking landscapes of the South Shetland Islands. The distinctive geology of these islands has been shaped by volcanic activity over time. You’ll spend today on a Zodiac cruise, exploring the landscapes of mountains and glaciers teeming with wildlife that make up this archipelago. After the long winter, the wildlife here is now back in full force. Encounter chinstrap and gentoo penguins, whales and elephant and fur seals. You might even stop at Deception Island for a walk along the black sand. This island, formed by the crater of an active volcano, is peppered with the ruins of a Norwegian whaling station and scientific bases from the 1960s.

Day 6AntarcticaWitness Antarctica as it reawakens after the winter. Over these two days, you’ll watch multiple species of penguins come ashore, gather, build nests and tend to their eggs. See seals, seabirds, whales and more as the White Continent starts to buzz with activity once again. You might also head out on excursions to visit scientific research bases and historic landing sites. In the evenings, witness the unforgettable spectacle of an Antarctic sunset.

Antarctica

Witness Antarctica as it reawakens after the winter. Over these two days, you’ll watch multiple species of penguins come ashore, gather, build nests and tend to their eggs. See seals, seabirds, whales and more as the White Continent starts to buzz with activity once again. You might also head out on excursions to visit scientific research bases and historic landing sites. In the evenings, witness the unforgettable spectacle of an Antarctic sunset.

Day 7Antarctica

Antarctica

Antarctica

Day 8Drake PassageBegin your journey back north, crossing the Drake Passage once again. Celebrate your polar adventure with your fellow travellers and Expedition Team during a slideshow of memories from the trip, a photography contest with the other travellers and one last meal together. Toast to your incredible journey on the 7th continent!

Drake Passage

Begin your journey back north, crossing the Drake Passage once again. Celebrate your polar adventure with your fellow travellers and Expedition Team during a slideshow of memories from the trip, a photography contest with the other travellers and one last meal together. Toast to your incredible journey on the 7th continent!

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What's included

Discover Antarctica

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

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