Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness

Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica. When you arrive at Ushuaia Airport, take the included transfer from the airport to your hotel. Tonight, you’ll meet your fellow travellers and local team at a welcome meeting at about 6 pm. You’ll learn more about the exciting journey ahead and receive important details for tomorrow’s embarkation. If you arrive early, maybe head downtown for souvenir shopping or taste some classic Argentinian flavours at one of Ushuaia's local restaurants. You could also check out the Museo Maritimo to learn about the region’s history or stroll down Avenida San Martin for any last-minute essentials before departing for Antarctica.

Enjoy your leisurely morning before your coach transfers to the port of Ushuaia, where you’ll board the Ocean Nova – your home for the next nine nights. After meeting your Expedition Team on board and settling into your cabin, head to the outer decks as the Ocean Nova sails through the historic Beagle Channel towards Antarctica. Then, join the excitement inside to learn more about the upcoming days.

Named for its wild nature, the Drake Passage is unpredictable and constantly changing. Over the next two days at sea, you can laze on one of the Ocean Nova's outer decks, soaking up fresh sea air and feeling the breeze of the untamed waters. Your Expedition Team will provide insights into your exciting adventure that lies ahead with talks and presentations. Watch the birds circling above as you get to know your fellow travellers and Expedition Team. Head to the ship's bridge, where the open bridge policy invites you into the command centre, where you can see the captain and his team in action and get the best vantage point for spotting wildlife.

Your Antarctic adventure begins once you have left the Drake Passage and can see the South Shetland Islands. During your time aboard, your Expedition Team and captain will scout for whales and seabirds and alert you to any new sightings. Enjoy in-depth explanations and lectures from your Expedition Team on the region's glaciology, history and wildlife as you explore. Daily Zodiac cruises and shore excursions take you to local bays, channels and landing sites, with wildlife opportunities always in mind. Walk on beaches dotted with penguins, visit penguin rookeries and search for southern seal species, including the fearless leopard seal. You might hike to a penguin rookery one day and take a Zodiac cruise among towering icebergs the next. Maybe even treat yourself to an overnight ice camping experience, a snowshoeing excursion or a day paddle excursion. You’ll also have the chance to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Nova!

As the Ocean Nova begins its journey back to your home port of Ushuaia, it is time to reflect on your journey. You’re scheduled to reach the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening of Day 10, signalling the end of your Antarctic adventure. During these final days at sea, attend additional onboard lectures and enjoy a slideshow of images captured by your Expedition Photographer throughout your journey – yours to keep as a memorable souvenir of your epic Antarctic adventure! Your final meal that evening will be a highlight, so live it up and enjoy yourself as you celebrate an incredible adventure with your fellow travellers and the Expedition Team.

After breakfast, it’s time to disembark as your unforgettable expedition comes to an end. You’ll have a morning transfer to Ushuaia Airport or to downtown, if you have extra time. If you would like to stay longer and explore South America, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.