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Classic Antarctica Expedition: Antarctic Peninsula Cruise from Ushuaia

Classic Antarctica Expedition: Antarctic Peninsula Cruise from Ushuaia

Antartica
10 Days
From USD 6,390

Overview

The Classic Antarctica Cruise aboard the M/V Ushuaia covers the standard Antarctic Peninsula circuit in 10 days departing from Ushuaia: two Drake Passage crossings (2 days each), three to four days of Zodiac landings among penguin rookeries on the South Shetland Islands and along the Antarctic Peninsula, and daily naturalist lectures onboard. The expedition is operated by Antarpply Expeditions — the itinerary within Antarctica is flexible by design, adapting each landing to weather, ice, and wildlife conditions rather than following a fixed schedule. Southwind coordinates the land sequence surrounding the cruise: private transfers from Ushuaia Airport to the port, pre-cruise hotel accommodation, and any Patagonia extension before or after — El Calafate, Torres del Paine, or El Chaltén — managed as a single itinerary rather than a separate booking.

  • Ushuaia Gateway Logistics: Private transfer from the airport to the M/V Ushuaia terminal, pre-cruise hotel night in Ushuaia coordinated with embarkation timing, and real-time monitoring of any weather-related departure changes.

  • Patagonia Pre or Post Extension: Most travelers arriving from the US, UK, Australia, or Asia justify a private Patagonia extension of 4 to 7 days — El Calafate and Torres del Paine connect naturally through Ushuaia as the circuit's anchor point.

  • Drake Passage Transparency: Two days crossing south, two to three days on the Peninsula with multiple daily Zodiac landings, two days crossing north — the 10-day total reflects actual expedition structure, not inflated nights.

  • Advance Booking: Peak departures (December through February) fill 12 to 18 months ahead — cabin selection on the M/V Ushuaia is limited, and aligning cruise dates with Patagonia lodge availability requires coordinating both legs well in advance.

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

Day 1

Embark the M/V Ushuaia in the afternoon and meet your expedition team in Ushuaia. 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.

Day 2

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 with expert naturalists. 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.

Day 4

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.

Day 8

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.

Day 10

We arrive at the port of Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark the USHUAIA after breakfast.

Southwind Experience

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  • 10-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.

What our travelers say

S

Simon Phillips

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Southwind from the planning stages to delivery of the trip in Patagonia were faultless and I really love the little reminders sent for each separate stage and really appreciated the added bits around passport checking and border crossing paperwork. The whole team was super friendly, and for our trip with Fernando he was great company and knew where to stop for refreshments and a view! We would strongly recommend southwind, they go the extra mile on service and have a permanent smile. Thank you guys you were faultless.

S

Sameer Phanse

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I had a great experience with Southwind. They organized a tour for us to visit Monte Leon from El Calafate. Fernando & Laura organized the logistics and were very helpful. Martin accompanied us on the tour and doubled up as driver and tour guide, which was beyond our expectations. We saw a lot of wildlife en route, as well as in the park with Martin’s help. I highly recommend Southwind for your Patagonia experience.

F

Franco Peverelli

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The agency proved to be extremely professional. During the long transfer, in an impeccably clean and perfectly maintained vehicle, Mr. Fernando was very attentive to ensure that everything went smoothly. I highly recommend this agency for organizing your trips to South America. Only 5 stars because I can't give more!

J

Joanna Green

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Maria and her team looked after us so well. I would recommend them in a flash. It was 20 years since I had been to El Calafate so I didn't know what to expect. It had changed so much! Maria was helpful, honest, well priced and a pleasure to work with. You could not ask for more. We had the best time thanks to Maria and her organisation. Fernando was our driver to a tour and a delight. Punctual, knowledgeable and all round wonderful. Gracias!!

R

Rosa Puech

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A fabulous company to travel with: the sequencing of the trip, the guides proposed, the suggestions for the area. We highly recommend this travel agency for Patagonia. Fernando is top+top.

M

Martin Bride

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★

Gerardo drove us on a bespoke 8- day trip from Salta up into the wilderness where the 🦩 come to get pink. We had a great time in this spectacular region.

E

Esteban Riminucci

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Exelente asesoramiento de Maria Laura , muy buen servicio y cordialidad de los coordinadores , muy recomendables !!

P

Paulo Fanti

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Muy buena la atención tanto por WhatsApp como en las excursiones. Puntuales en las búsquedas en el hotel... De las excursiones que llevo hechas (todas excelentes) la atención, la coordinación y el conocimiento de los guías es muy bueno. Un excelente servicio, lo recomiendo!

A

Ana Zugarramurdi

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Amazing company and experience. We did the Todo Glaciares boat tour in the Premium Lounge and it was beyond expectations! Great staff, great cruise and food! Highly recommended!

Google

Average rating

4.9 ★

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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