Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica! On arrival at Ushuaia Airport, there’ll be a transfer included to your joining hotel. This evening, you’ll have the chance to meet your fellow travellers and Expedition Team during an important welcome meeting at your hotel. Your leaders will share more about the journey ahead and provide details for tomorrow’s embarkation. If you arrive in Ushuaia early, you might like to explore downtown, where you can shop for unique souvenirs or indulge in authentic Argentinian cuisine at one of the town’s excellent local restaurants. An arrival transfer from the airport on Day 1 is included in your voyage fare.

Enjoy a relaxing morning – Ushuaia is a charming, compact town with breathtaking views of the snow-capped Andes, so be sure to have your camera ready! Then, transfer to the port of Ushuaia, where you'll board the Ocean Victory, your home for the next 10 nights. Once aboard, settle into your cabin, and head to the outer decks as the Ocean Victory embarks on its journey through the historic Beagle Channel, bound for Antarctica. Later, join the excitement indoors as you learn about the incredible adventures ahead.

Embark on a two-day journey across the legendary waters of the Drake Passage, named after British seafarer Sir Francis Drake, as you head toward the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. If conditions permit, take advantage of the outer deck spaces to look out for dolphins, whales, and various seabirds, including the Wandering albatross, with its impressive three-meter wingspan. The onboard lecture program will also begin, allowing you to join at your leisure as a team of polar experts provides insights into Antarctic history, geology, biology and much more. With favourable weather, you’ll reach the Islands of the Antarctic Peninsula by early evening on day four, with the first sighting of land always sparking excitement and anticipation for the next phase of your southern adventure. The Photography Program has limited spaces available and must be prebooked via your booking agent prior to travel.

The Antarctic Peninsula offers incredible wildlife sightings against breathtaking backdrops of towering mountains, icy landscapes, and pristine waters. As you explore, watch for migrating whales – the peak of the migration season, from February to March, provides the best chance to witness these majestic ocean giants. You’ll also have the exciting opportunity to participate in our Citizen Science project, helping to track individual whales and their movements across the oceans. Weather permitting, you can look forward to at least two excursions each day, offering plenty of chances to immerse yourself in the stunning Antarctic landscape. For those who crave even more adventure, treat yourself to an optional kayaking excursion. You’ll also be able to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Victory. There’s nothing like a quick dip in the Antarctic’s icy depths to get you going! Potential excursions and landing sites are determined by weather and ice conditions and cannot be guaranteed in advance. For a list of possible landing sites in Antarctica, go to tuuur.com/antarctica-landing-sites. Beginners interested in kayaking should take an introductory course prior to the voyage, including how to complete a wet exit. Regardless of your experience, we recommend you take part in some kayaking practice prior to the voyage to ensure that you are comfortable on the water in icy conditions. The Kayaking optional activity is very dependent on weather and sea ice conditions. Your experienced Expedition Team will provide regular updates on which days they are available throughout your voyage. Limited spaces are available and must be prebooked via your booking agent prior to travel.

As the Ocean Victory begins its journey back to Ushuaia, take this time to reflect on the incredible adventure you've experienced. You’re expected to reach the calm waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening of Day 11. Your final meal will be a memorable highlight of the expedition. Celebrate the unforgettable moments of your Antarctic adventure with your fellow travellers and Expedition Team, cherishing the connections and experiences you’ve shared! The Photography Program has limited spaces available and must be prebooked via your booking agent prior to travel.

After breakfast, it’s time to disembark the Ocean Victory as your unforgettable Antarctic expedition comes to an end, leaving you with memories of a truly remarkable adventure. A morning transfer to Ushuaia Airport or downtown is included. If you would like to stay on in Ushuaia beyond today or would like to explore South America, please speak to your booking agent to discuss options. If you are flying out today, please don’t book your flight to depart Ushuaia before midday in case of any delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.