Antarctica
What We Love
Welcome to the bottom of the world, where there are no roads, no restaurants, a scattering of research centers, and mile after mile of pristine wilderness filled with whales, seals, penguins, and other rare species found no place else.
- Sailing the Drake Passage aboard your well-appointed ship while albatross fly alongside the ship but never land.
- The colors of the ice are incredible. It is not so much white as a kaleidoscope of blues, pinks, greens, and turquoise—a stunning visual delight, but a photographic challenge. Some trips have the added amenity of an onboard photography expert to help elevate your skills.
- If time allows, we recommend including the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, where you will see stately king penguin colonies, elephant seals, albatross, and macaroni, Gentoo, and chinstrap penguin colonies.
- For those with less time, a trip directly from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula will be unforgettable.
Things To See & Do
- Launch your expedition from the Argentine town dubbed the “End of the World.” The colorful houses of Ushuaia are perched on a steep slope overlooking the Beagle Channel.
- Cruise aboard an all-balcony expedition ship with state-of-the-art stabilizers.
- Sing Christmas carols at the Chapel of Ernest Shackleton.
- Marvel at the colors of the ice, which morph from pink to blue to magenta.
- Gain a deep understanding of the region with enriching lectures by award-winning experts, including scientists, historians, and those awarded the coveted Polar Medal.
- Learn about the fascinating life of one of Antarctica’s greatest explorers, Ernest Shackleton, when you visit his gravesite in Grytviken.
- Visit an active research station and observe preservation efforts to protect Antarctica’s one-of-a-kind habitat.
- Set off for exciting shore excursions in swift Zodiacs (sturdy inflatable boats), where closer views of the land and wildlife reveal the remarkable biodiversity of the Southern Ocean.
When To Go
All visits are scheduled during the austral summer, between December and February, when you can enjoy the icebound Antarctic at its most comfortable season, when it is warm enough to sightsee on the deck or potentially dine under the stars. Spending Christmas and New Year’s in Antarctica makes for an unforgettable holiday.
