The Ultimate Antarctic Experience with a Crossing of the Antarctic Circle

Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia
Arrival and embarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina—the southernmost city in the world. Explore the picturesque city or the surrounding countryside. Alternatively, you can take a day trip off the beaten path to the rugged, unspoiled Tierra del Fuego archipelago. It’s a paradise for hikers, with rugged, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flowering meadows, and marshy wetlands. In the afternoon, you’ll board the MS Ocean Albatros.

Your journey begins with a cruise through the calm waters of the Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago.

For trips starting in the 2026/2027 season: Your trip will start one day earlier and include an overnight stay in Ushuaia. The itinerary will therefore be shifted by one day.

Days 4–9: Antarctic Peninsula—The Adventure Begins
As the white glow of Antarctica appears on the horizon, the number of wildlife sightings multiplies, featuring many species of lively penguins, curious seals, nesting seabirds, and many other marine mammals.

The Antarctic Peninsula is home to a diverse array of wildlife: leopard seals, fur seals, and Weddell seals on Cuverville Island; humpback whales in Gerlache Strait and Paradise Bay; and orcas in the spectacular Lemaire Channel. You may also explore the southern part of the Antarctic Circle at approximately 66° 33′ south of the equator. Possible landings in this wild and rarely visited area include Pleneau and Petermann Islands, Crystal Sound, and Detaille Island.

Perhaps you’ll make your way to the Antarctic Sound, which was named in 1902 by the Swedish ship Antarctic. The captain and the expedition team will then keep a close watch for the massive tabular icebergs originating from the floating Larsen Ice Shelf further south. Both mainland and island landings are planned along the coasts of the Antarctic Sound and the Weddell Sea, always on the lookout for some of the unusually large penguin colonies that have been observed recently.

Due to the extensive sea ice and massive icebergs in the Weddell Sea, navigating through this remote wilderness is at the very limit of what is possible. Your captain and expedition leader are aware that, due to shifting ice conditions, no part of this area can be guaranteed to be accessible at all times, so they will work together to find the best possible routes. This is part of the wonder of this part of the world, and you will be visiting a territory that very few people have ever seen. 

The Weddell Sea owes its name to the early British explorer James Weddell, who, while hunting seals in 1823, made his way through a break in the ice to what was then the southernmost point known at the time. When you sail into the Weddell Sea today, you’ll see the enormous floating icebergs and witness the sheer volume of sea ice in these waters. In addition to penguins, you can also spot Weddell and elephant seals, as well as seabirds. Humpback whales feed in these nutrient-rich waters (caused by cold water rising from the depths of the ocean), so there’s a chance to see whales as well as Antarctica’s largest predator, the solitary leopard seal.

The itinerary and activities for the next few days depend on the weather, sea conditions, and ice. You may conclude your journey by sailing to Elephant Island, home to the elephant seals—perhaps even following part of the route Shackleton took during his daring escape in the lifeboat (this route is only possible if conditions permit!). Although a landing is unlikely, you’ll see the spot where the group waited on Elephant Island for the lifeboat that reached them at Point Wild. A famous chapter in expedition history that serves as a fitting conclusion to your Antarctic explorations.

There is no set itinerary for this voyage, which allows the expedition team to create the best possible experience for everyone on board. Although the suggestions above are only possible routes and landings, you can be sure that this will be the ultimate Antarctic experience.

Day 12: Return to Ushuaia and Disembarkation
This morning, as your expedition comes to an end, you’ll arrive back in Ushuaia, where you can continue your adventure or begin your journey home.

OPEN-AIR CAMPING IN ANTARCTICA
Would you like to experience the ultimate Antarctic expedition adventure, just as the original explorers did? Then join us for a night under the open sky on the real Antarctic Peninsula!

Snuggled up in a warm, cozy, and weatherproof sleeping bag, listen to the distant blows of whales, the squeaking of penguins, and the movement of icebergs—open-air camping in Antarctica is an unforgettable experience.

After dinner on board the ship, our expedition team will take you ashore, where you will help prepare your overnight camp. Once you have chosen a location within the designated area, you will level your own spot in the snow, secure your groundsheet, sleeping mat, and warm sleeping bag—and get ready for a night like no other.

Camping in Antarctica is limited to 30 participants. All participants must attend the briefing prior to the camp activity. All special camping and bivouac equipment is provided for this excursion, ensuring you stay warm, dry, and protected in all weather conditions while enjoying the beauty of the Antarctic wilderness. For the ultimate camping experience, a windproof and waterproof yet breathable bivouac sack is used, giving you the opportunity to observe the amazing Antarctic night sky.

Our experienced expedition leaders are in constant radio contact with the ship and ensure that you have a safe and unforgettable night.

KAYAKING IN ANTARCTICA
Glide through the waters and admire the regal grace of the icebergs, observe the various birds and seals, and perhaps even the whales in their natural habitat under the supervision of experienced kayak guides who will ensure your safety on every excursion.

Train your body, mind, and heart during this unforgettable excursion, safely guided by kayaking experts.

Although kayaking is possible in most locations during every Antarctic expedition, weather, sea, and ice conditions will determine when and where you can ensure your safety and enhance your experience.

To register for this activity, you must have kayaking experience and participate in a mandatory safety briefing conducted by the kayaking instructor.

Immersive Kayaking Program (starting in 2026/2027)

This new program is aimed at guests who want to go kayaking on as many excursions and landings as possible during their trip. Participation in the Immersive Kayaking Experience is limited to 10 people. Early reservation is therefore strongly recommended.

SNOWSHOEING
Snowshoeing is an activity that allows you to hike across soft powder snow on gentle slopes and reach unique vantage points without sinking into deep snow. Snowshoeing is just as easy as hiking, and you don’t need any prior experience.

Snowshoeing will not take place on all landings, but only when the weather, terrain, and snow conditions are suitable. Before departure, the snowshoe guide will give you an introduction to snowshoeing and distribute the equipment. This adventure takes place separately from the Zodiac rides and landings, but at the same time.

The activity depends on suitable snow conditions and terrain, which will be determined by our expedition team.

Snowshoe hiking is led and supervised by experienced mountain guides from Albatros Expedition, who determine the route based on local guidelines and conditions at the time of the respective tour.

Snowshoeing is offered on all ships and on all voyages during the preseason (Antarctica; November to December), conditions permitting.

PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAM There is always a dedicated expedition photographer on board who documents the journey and shares his passion for photography through presentations, during shore excursions, and on Zodiac trips.

The polar regions are full of fascinating landscapes and amazing wildlife, and the expedition photographer is on hand to help you improve your photography skills and capture the magical moments of your journey.