Classic Antarctica Cruise
Overview
Embark on an extraordinary 10-day voyage to one of the most remote and awe-inspiring places on Earth — the Antarctic Peninsula. Surrounded by the Bellingshausen and Weddell Seas, this region offers the most accessible gateway to the White Continent. Aboard the M/V Ushuaia, you’ll navigate through icy waters, witness spectacular glaciers, and encounter abundant wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales.
This journey is a true expedition — a perfect balance between adventure, scientific exploration, and the serenity of untouched nature.
Trip Highlights
The signature moments that make this journey unforgettable.
Cross the legendary Drake Passage
Explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Spot penguins, whales, and seals in their natural habitat
Sail through ice-filled fjords and breathtaking channels
Attend onboard lectures by expert naturalists
Enjoy daily landings via Zodiac boats for close wildlife encounters
Itinerary
Embark the M/V Ushuaia in the afternoon and meet your expedition team. After settling into your cabin, sail through the Beagle Channel and the scenic Mackinlay Pass. Admire views of the rugged Patagonian coast as your Antarctic adventure begins.
Continue the Classic Antarctica Cruise crossing the legendary Drake Passage, named after Sir Francis Drake. This area marks the Antarctic Convergence, where polar and northern waters meet, creating rich nutrients that sustain the region’s incredible biodiversity. As we sail, Antarpply Expeditions’ experts will help identify seabirds such as albatrosses following our wake.
The USHUAIA’s open bridge policy invites you to join the officers, learn about navigation, and watch for whales. Enjoy lectures on wildlife and exploration during the journey. Soon, the first icebergs and snow-capped peaks reveal the South Shetland Islands, discovered in 1819 by Captain William Smith. With good conditions, you’ll go ashore with our guides for your first unforgettable encounter with penguins and seals.
The South Shetland Islands are a wildlife paradise. Penguin rookeries, Antarctic fur seals, and Southern elephant seals make each visit unforgettable. Sailing through the narrow passage into Deception Island’s flooded caldera is breathtaking. King George Island, the largest in the archipelago, hosts colonies of Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins, Kelp Gulls, Blue-eyed Cormorants, Antarctic Terns, and Southern Giant Petrels, along with scientific bases from several countries. At Livingston Island, you’ll encounter more Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins, as well as elephant seals, making every stop an extraordinary opportunity to experience Antarctica’s unique wildlife up close.
We leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck as we search for seabirds and whales and enjoy some final lectures. Take the chance to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past days on the way back to Ushuaia.
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We arrive at the port of Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark the USHUAIA after breakfast.
Talk with a local travel specialist
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Contact a destination specialist, who will take the time to fully understand your preferences and ideas and turn them into the perfect itinerary for you according to your budget. The itinerary can be modified as many times as you want until you are completely happy with the result.
Plan Your Trip10-day expedition cruise aboard the M/V Ushuaia (selected cabin category)
All meals on board
Daily briefings and lectures by expert Antarctic guides
Zodiac excursions and shore landings as scheduled
Access to observation decks, conference room, and onboard library
Port taxes
International and domestic flights
Visa and passport expenses
Travel and luggage insurance
Government embarkation/disembarkation taxes
Personal expenses (bar, internet, phone calls, tips)
Services before or after the cruise
To start this journey, travelers will need to fly into Ushuaia Airport (USH), located just outside Ushuaia City. This airport receives domestic flights from Buenos Aires (Aeroparque Jorge Newbery – AEP) and international connections via Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE).
Arrival Flight: Traveler flies from origin city to Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE) or Aeroparque (AEP), then connects with a domestic flight to Ushuaia (USH).
Departure Flight: At the end of the itinerary, travelers will take a domestic flight from Ushuaia (USH) back to Buenos Aires (EZE/AEP) for onward international connections.
How to Customize This Itinerary
Make your Antarctica adventure even more special by combining it with destinations in Southern Patagonia before or after your cruise.
Add a few nights in El Calafate to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Explore El Chaltén and enjoy world-class trekking to Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
Stay in Torres del Paine National Park (Chile) to experience its breathtaking granite peaks and Patagonian wildlife.
Spend time at a traditional Patagonian estancia, learning about gaucho culture and savoring an authentic lamb barbecue.
All Southwind itineraries are 100% customizable — we adapt travel dates, activities, and accommodations to your preferences.
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