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Comfort

Polar

Wildlife

Exploring Antarctica's Spring (Ocean Albatros)

11 days

Start

Ushuaia, Argentina

Finish

Ushuaia, Argentina

Trip Code

GXMS

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 187

Physical Rating

Meals

10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, zodiac

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (9 nights)

From £8,111(11 days)

Trip Informations

With fewer ships in the water and the buzz of wildlife activity, spring is an excellent time to tick off a classic bucket list item – an adventure to Antarctica. On this 11-day trip, you’ll cross the Drake Passage, visit the South Shetland Islands and explore the Antarctic Peninsula. See penguins courting their mates and building their nests, whip out your binoculars for plenty of seabird-watching and whale-watching and take part in Citizen Science projects. As you explore, you’ll learn more about the incredible 7th continent from a knowledgeable Expedition Team who will lead onboard activities and Zodiac cruises. Do it all with a group of like-minded adventurers by your side aboard your ship, the Ocean Albatros.

Why you’ll love this trip

See Antarctica emerge from winter and burst into spring. Watch penguins find their mates, build nests and care for their eggs.

Witness the unspoiled wilderness of Antarctica on Zodiac expeditions. Visit the South Shetland Islands – formed by volcanic activity – and venture onto the Antarctic Peninsula.

Have your camera ready for plenty of photo ops – Antarctica’s colourful sunsets are more common this time of year!

Feel the vastness of Antarctica during a time of year when fewer ships are in the water and the number of icebergs is at its highest – this is Antarctica at its most glorious.

Learn about Antarctica’s history and ecosystems during educational activities onboard with the expert Expedition Team who will guide you on your adventure.

Is this trip right for you?

The Ocean Albatros is an ice-strengthened ship – large, sturdy and suited to the unpredictable Antarctic waters. Some people may experience seasickness in occasional rough seas. We have a doctor on board should you need assistance. Over-the-counter seasickness medication is usually an easy fix.

Temperatures in the Antarctic can get very cold, but it can also get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out. We recommend dressing in layers when you journey outside. We’ll loan you a waterproof jacket and waterproof boots that are sturdy and warm. Please see the Essential Trip Information for a packing list.

Depending on the weather, you’ll be travelling in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the areas and search for wildlife. It can get cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. A fair level of mobility is needed for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Elevators may be closed in rough seas, requiring the use of stairs for meals, presentations and activities.

The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and, although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in an area as remote as the Antarctic. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands – the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to other locations, which are just as interesting and beautiful!

We may be confined to the ship during rough weather, but there are plenty of onboard resources and activities. The ship’s library and educational lectures are ideal ways to stay entertained, while the gym will keep you fresh for when the weather clears.

Itinerary

Embark on a voyage to see Antarctica in all its spring splendour

DAY 1
Day 1 • Ushuaia, Argentina
Welcome to Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your comfortable hotel for tonight. This evening, you’ll have a welcome meeting where you’ll meet the other travellers who will be joining you on your journey. If you arrive early, maybe explore Ushuaia by browsing the main street for souvenirs and trying a local snack or two – empanadas, anyone?
Accommodation
Comfortable Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Embarkation in Ushuaia
This morning, you might like to head out and explore Ushuaia with a visit to the Maritime Museum or some shopping, otherwise you can simply relax at the hotel until this afternoon, when you’ll board your ship – the Ocean Albatros. When you’ve boarded, you’ll meet the Expedition Team who will be joining you for your travels. Settle into your cabin, then join your group for a safety and orientation meeting. Tonight, sit down with the captain and your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner on board. Toast as your Antarctic adventure begins!
Accommodation
Expedition Ship (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
DAY 3
Day 3-4 • Drake Passage
Spend your first two days at sea crossing the fabled Drake Passage. This body of water that separates the southernmost point of South America from the Antarctic Peninsula is named after English explorer Sir Francis Drake. As you sail, take part in onboard activities like the Citizen Science program – help collect data and play a part in the recording of and understanding of Antarctic ecosystems. Learn about the region’s history, geology and ecology during educational talks led by the Expedition Team. Be sure to keep your binoculars handy – keep an eye out for seabirds including albatross, petrels and prions. Feel the temperature drop as you cross the Antarctic Convergence and officially enter Antarctica’s waters.
Accommodation
Expedition Ship (2 nights)
Meals
Breakfast (2)
Lunch (2)
Dinner (2)
DAY 4
Day 5 • South Shetland Islands
Today, hop onto a Zodiac cruise for a day of expeditions. The South Shetland Islands form the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, and each island has something different to offer. You might walk along the black sands of Deception Island – formed by the caldera of an active volcano, here you’ll find the ruins of abandoned research bases from the 1960s. You might also do some exploration via kayak! Surrounded by scenery of grand mountains and glaciers, watch as the wildlife returns to the islands and their typical daily lives after the dark winter. See chinstrap and gentoo penguins and elephant and fur seals along the water’s edge. Be sure to keep your camera at the ready for any whale sightings.
Accommodation
Expedition Ship (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
DAY 5
Day 6-8 • Antarctica
Continue your exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula over these three days where you’ll see the White Continent in all its springtime glory. Create unforgettable memories as you watch penguins coming ashore, meeting their mates, building nests and tending to their eggs. Witness the sheer scale of the Antarctic ice so soon after winter, soaking in the sight of towering icebergs. You might visit active scientific bases and historic landing sites during your Zodiac expeditions over these few days. In the evenings, marvel at the spectacular colours of Antarctica’s sunsets.
Accommodation
Expedition Ship (3 nights)
Meals
Breakfast (3)
Lunch (3)
Dinner (3)
DAY 6
Day 9-10 • Drake Passage
Say goodbye to the Antarctic Peninsula and start to make your way back north, crossing the Drake Passage once more. Gather with your fellow travel companions and the Expedition Team to celebrate the incredible adventure you’ve experienced with a slideshow of moments captured from the trip, a photography contest and one last celebratory meal together. Here’s to the adventure of a lifetime!
Accommodation
Expedition Ship (2 nights)
Meals
Breakfast (2)
Lunch (2)
Dinner (2)
DAY 7
Day 11 • Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
Your polar adventure comes to an end after you disembark the ship this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay in Ushuaia, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. If you’re flying out today, please book your flight to depart Ushuaia after midday, in case of any delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.
Meals
Breakfast
Special information
If you’re flying out today, please book your flight to depart Ushuaia after midday, in case of any delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.

Inclusions

Meals

10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, zodiac

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (9 nights)

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Wednesday Nov 04, 2026

Saturday Nov 14, 2026

Trip size max: 187 - 95 spaces left

£9,543£8,111

Friday Nov 13, 2026

Monday Nov 23, 2026

Trip size max: 187 - 100 spaces left

£9,790£8,322

Important notes

Your voyage is on board the Ocean Albatros ship.

SPECIAL BOOKING CONDITIONS

This voyage is operated by our Polar partner Polar Latitudes. You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the voyage cost per person per Cruise for your booking to be confirmed. If your booking is made within 120 days of the departure date, then the full amount is payable at the time of booking. Please refer to the "booking conditions" on our website under Polar Latitudes.

ADVENTURE OPTIONS

A range of Paid Adventure Options is available on selected voyages, subject to availability. Your sales agent can assist with availability and pricing.

• Discover Kayaking - One-off excursion available on all voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent and then pay for the activity once onboard the ship.

• Snowshoeing - One-off excursion available on selected voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent and then pay for the activity once onboard the ship.

• Immersive Kayaking - Designed for experienced paddlers, Immersive Kayaking is a full-voyage program that maximizes your time on the water. Pre-book and prepay via your booking agent. A non-refundable deposit of 20% is required at time of booking and final payment due 120 days prior to your voyage departure.

• Photography program - Designed for travellers who want to capture the essence of their journey through the lens. Guided by an experienced photography expert, you’ll receive tips and hands-on guidance to refine your skills. Pre-book and prepay via your booking agent. A non-refundable deposit of 20% is required at time of booking and final payment due 120 days prior to your voyage departure.

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