Sail in comfort aboard the luxurious and Hebridean Sky. The 14-night expedition starts in Ushuaia at the tip of South America. Next, chart a course through the Drake Passage and along the Antarctic Peninsula and finally crossing the Antarctic Circle.

Our aim is to cross the Circle before getting stopped by the sea ice. Should we arrive at 66°33’S, we will become members of very small band of explorers and adventurous travelers who have made it this far south. Become one of those expedition travellers on this transformative and awe-inspiring journey. This expedition is offered in conjunction with Polar Lattitudes.

Details in brief

Departure December, January, February

Highlights

Day 1 Monday, February 12 Ushuaia

Day 1 is an arrival day in Ushuaia. You may choose our complimentary flexible arrival program and arrive up to 24 hours in advance. Our program includes one night stay at the beautiful Arakur Hotel & Resort, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. The day offers an opportunity to explore the trails, pamper yourself at the spa, relax and soak in the surroundings, or a visit in the town of Ushuaia where you can browse the Argentinean leather markets. Take advantage of our optional evening briefing where you can ask questions and to meet some of your fellow travelers. Enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast in the morning.

Day 2 Tuesday, February 13 Embarkation

In the morning you have time to explore Ushuaia or unwind at the resort until our mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. On board, you’ll be greeted by the Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers. A concise safety and orientation briefing will be followed by the Captain’s welcome dinner. After dinner, relax and take in the scenery as you sail through the Beagle Channel, past Magellanic Penguin, Rock Cormorant, and Sea Lion colonies.

Day 3 Wednesday, February 14 and Day 4 Thursday, February 15 Drake Passage

As you make your way ever closer to the white continent, numerous Polar Experts will prepare you with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. Eventually, you’ll cross the Antarctic Convergence and a distinct drop in temperature as you enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean.

Those interested in Citizen Science can take part in Sea Bird sighting surveys, or help collect salinity samples and weather data along the way. You’re likely to witness some spectacular sights, from icebergs to an array of seabirds and whale species. If we’re lucky, we may see some of them fully breach from the sea.

Day 5 Friday, February 16 and Day 6 Saturday, February 17 Shetland Islands

Explore in the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula. Using inflatable Zodiac boats offers a chance to get up close and marvel nature’s glory. Our expedition leader and captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity. The goal is to explore the most scenic bays and channels of the Antarctic Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies, and whale feeding areas; as well as sites of historic and scientific interest.

Your first sight of land will likely be that of the South Shetland Islands. These highly volcanic islands offer amazing abundance and beauty. We may visit Half Moon Island nestled inside Livingston’s eastern shore, or conditions permitting visit historic Deception Island. Being further north, sub-Antarctic species are more commonly found here, including Chinstrap penguins and Southern Elephant seals.