Trip Highlights
Navigate quiet bays, ice-strewn coves and pack ice in Zodiacs to encounter icebergs up close and spot marine life in their natural setting
Witness bustling gentoo penguin colonies up close, from nest building to chicks emerging, and search for seals, whales and seabirds
Observe busy penguin colonies tending to their nests and perhaps catch a glimpse of penguin chicks as they hatch
Participate in expedition activities including the Polar Plunge, sea kayaking, snorkeling, and camping on the ice
Cross the legendary Drake Passage and arrive by sea like the early explorers, with ocean and seabird watching along the way
About This Trip
Journey into one of the world’s last true wildernesses, crossing the legendary Drake Passage to reach the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, including the remote shores of King George Island. Here, towering icebergs, glacial cliffs, and drifting sea ice create a landscape of raw, unforgettable beauty.
On this Antarctic expedition cruise, each day is an immersive adventure shaped by ice, weather, and wildlife. Explore by Zodiac through iceberg-strewn channels, step ashore to experience vast polar landscapes and bustling penguin rookeries, and take pack ice walks when conditions allow. Guided wildlife viewing brings you face-to-face with Antarctica’s iconic species, from penguins and seals to seabirds and whales, including humpback, minke, and orca, all observed respectfully in their natural environment.
Onboard, expert naturalists lead lectures on wildlife, history, and conservation, while photographers will find endless opportunities to capture the polar world in dramatic light. Optional add-on activities include snorkeling, sea kayaking, camping, and paddling for travelers seeking a deeper level of adventure and immersion in Antarctica’s pristine environment.
Antarctica is the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring continent, an immense wilderness of towering icebergs, vast glaciers, and endless white expanses stretching to the horizon. This is a place where the elements shape the landscape, where silence is profound, and where the sheer scale of the environment leaves a lasting impression.
Conservation Impact
Established in 1969, Oceanic Society is America’s oldest ocean‑conservation nonprofit, pioneering eco‑travel that directly supports marine research and protection. Through Oceanic Society's Expedition Impact Program, every traveler directly contributes to ocean conservation grants, coral restoration, and the removal of 200 lbs of marine trash. In partnership with Aurora Expeditions, a Certified B Corporation committed to responsible travel, this expedition to the East Antarctic Hope Spot lets you explore remote ocean wilderness while contributing to real conservation outcomes. Aurora’s purpose‑driven approach uses its ships as mobile research platforms, partners with scientists on citizen science and data collection, and integrates regenerative ocean programs that fund habitat restoration and the removal of ocean‑bound waste for every guest who travels.
Together, Oceanic Society and Aurora offer travelers the chance to witness extraordinary marine life and participate in efforts that protect fragile ecosystems and advance global conservation.
Dates & Prices
What's Included
All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary; one night’s hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast; Lake Escondido tour in Ushuaia; onboard accommodation with daily service; all meals, snacks, drinks, and house beer/wine with dinner; Captain’s Farewell reception with four-course dinner and house beverages; all shore excursions and Zodiac cruises; lectures and guiding by the Expedition Team; access to onboard doctor/medical clinic; one 3-in-1 waterproof polar jacket and complimentary Muck Boots; pre-departure information; port fees, permits, and surcharges; Wi-Fi (connection may be limited).
What's Not Included
International or domestic flights (unless included), transfers, airport taxes, visas, passports, vaccination fees, travel insurance, optional excursions or activity surcharges (sea kayaking, ice camping, snorkeling), hotel accommodation and meals (unless included), and personal expenses such as extra drinks, onboard gratuities*, laundry, clothing, medical costs, or communications.
*A $15 USD per person/day crew gratuity is automatically added to your onboard account; it can be adjusted or removed at your discretion. Suite Benefits include this gratuity.
Itinerary
Sample Itinerary
After arriving in Ushuaia, Argentina and checking into your included hotel, you’ll visit the hospitality desk to collect your cabin luggage tags and connect with our ground operations team. They’ll be available to share any important pre-embarkation updates and can offer recommendations on nearby dining, ATM locations, or places to pick up last-minute essentials from a local pharmacy or supermarket.
The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.
Enjoy breakfast and check out of your hotel. In the morning, you have the option to join the Lake Escondido tour. The tour follows a scenic drive through glacial valleys, forests, waterfalls, and rivers in the Andes. We will travel northeast out of Ushuaia, passing peat bog valleys to Garibaldi Pass for panoramic views of Lake Escondido and, weather permitting, Fagnano Lake. We then descend to Fagnano Lake’s shore to visit a local ranch, where you can enjoy a traditional Fuegian lamb barbecue and some free time before returning to Ushuaia for embarkation.
If you prefer, you may spend the day at leisure before transferring to the ship.
Once onboard, you will have time to settle into your cabin before mandatory briefings. As the ship departs, we will gather on deck to begin our journey with stunning views of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. This evening, join your fellow travelers and the expedition team for a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of your Antarctic adventure.
As we begin the Drake Passage crossing, you’ll have time to settle into life at sea and adjust to the ship’s motion. The expedition team will prepare you for your first landing by covering wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures, and our lecture program will begin to introduce Antarctica’s history, wildlife, and environment.
Wildlife viewing starts early, with seabirds such as albatrosses and giant petrels often following the vessel, perfect for watching and photography. During sea days, you can also enjoy onboard facilities such as the gym, wellness centre, or one of the observation lounges.
As we approach the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, anticipation builds as everyone gathers on deck to watch for the first icebergs. Once we cross below the Antarctic Convergence, the ocean changes dramatically, surrounded by floating ice formations—your first iceberg sighting is sure to be unforgettable. Time and weather permitting, we may attempt our first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.
Arriving in Antarctica is a moment you’ll never forget—spotting your first iceberg and breathing in the crisp, pure air is truly unforgettable. Once there, the western Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands offer endless exploration, with long daylight hours and the freedom to fill your days as you wish.
Your expedition team will plan each day based on weather, ice, and wildlife, typically arranging two landings or Zodiac excursions daily. You may cruise among icebergs and along ice cliffs while watching for whales, seals, and penguins, or go ashore to explore penguin rookeries, historic sites, and scenic viewpoints.
On land, you can stroll beaches or climb snow-covered ridges for dramatic views, and optional activities are offered when conditions allow. For the brave, the polar plunge provides a thrilling chance to immerse in Antarctic waters.
We may also cruise narrow straits or linger in bays to watch whales, and you can enjoy the observation lounge or visit the bridge for uninterrupted views. Listen for the rumble of glaciers and take a quiet moment to absorb the beauty of this pristine, icy wilderness.
Optional add-on activities include snorkeling, sea kayaking, camping, and paddling for travelers seeking a deeper level of adventure and immersion in Antarctica’s pristine environment.
Enjoy a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before we begin our return crossing of the Drake Passage to South America.
During the voyage, lectures and film presentations will help round out your Antarctic experience, while there is still time to take in the beauty of the Southern Ocean and its wildlife. This is also a moment to reflect on your journey and share your stories with fellow travelers. We hope you leave inspired to advocate for Antarctica’s conservation and preservation so others can one day experience its wonders.
As we near South America, the Captain may sail close to Cape Horn, weather and schedule permitting.
Ship
The Douglas Mawson
A Next-Generation Expedition Ship for Global Discovery The Douglas Mawson is Aurora Expeditions’ newest purpose-built small expedition vessel, designed for exploration, comfort, and responsible travel to the world’s most extraordinary and remote enviro…
Naturalist(s)
Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides:
Trip Extensions
We offer a variety of trip extensions based on your preferences. Please reach out to our travel experts to discuss what is possible, whether you’d like to extend your Antarctic or South American exploration or continue onward to a new destination.
