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Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent + Cape Horn & Diego Ramirez

A special sojourn to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, historical Cape Horn, and albatross nesting grounds of the Diego Ramírez Islands.

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Length

13 Days

Embark

Buenos Aires

Disembark

Buenos Aires

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Highlights

Explore the awe-inspiring sights and species of the Antarctic Peninsula, including a unique perspective from above by helicopter.
Enjoy fascinating on board presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology from esteemed polar experts.
Visit Cape Horn National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, and the Diego Ramírez Islands, nesting grounds for many albatross.

This take on our classic Antarctic Explorer voyage gives you the best of the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, and on this special departure, the chance to land at the historical landmark of Cape Horn, and potentially visit albatross nesting grounds at Diego Ramírez Islands as well. Conquer the famed Drake Passage; explore majestic natural environments by Zodiac and on foot; get up close and personal with penguins, whales and other wildlife; and enjoy talks on history, biology and glaciology by our onboard polar experts.

Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries—now it’s your turn. Be among the first guests on our pioneering new vessel, Ultramarine. This purpose-built vessel is designed to extend the boundaries of polar exploration and offer an unmatched Antarctic experience, including a flight-seeing tour of the Antarctic Peninsula you’ll never forget and a range of adventure options more extensive than any other ship in its class. Prepare yourself for the unforgettable adventure of a lifetime.

Ships

Standard Activities

Lectures

Hiking

Helicopter Flight

Polar Plunge

Zodiac Cruises

Itinerary Day to Day

Day 1

Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina

You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included).

Buenos Aires

Embarkation Point

Day 2

Fly to Ushuaia and Embark

Day 3

Cape Horn and Diego Ramirez

Depending on conditions, we aim to start our journey to the “edge of the earth” with a visit to historic Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). At the southernmost point of the Tierra del Fuego (“Land of Fire”) archipelago, this steep, rocky headland on Hornos Island marks the northern boundary of the famous Drake Passage, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet. From the 1700s to the early 1900s, prior to the opening of the Panama Canal, this cape was part of a major global trade route. If sea and weather conditions allow, you may go ashore for a hike out to the lighthouse, the tiny Stella Maris (“Star of the Sea”) Chapel, and the albatross-shaped monument honoring the many mariners who lost their lives attempting to “round the Horn.” Atop the 1,394-foot (425 meter)- high windswept promontory pause for a moment to take in the panoramic view and to enjoy the peaceful solitude that can only be found at one of the most southern stretches of land in the world.

Your ship will then continue cruising farther south, to the Diego Ramírez Islands, the most southern point of South America and one of the least explored places on the planet. This small archipelago was actually thought to be the southernmost land mass in the world when it was discovered in 1619 by the Spanish Garcia de Nodal expedition. Named after the expedition’s cosmographer, the archipelago held this distinction for 156 years, until Captain James Cook’s discovery of the South Sandwich Islands in 1775.

Weather permitting, we’ll Zodiac cruise around these tussock grass-covered islands to admire the abundant birdlife. A designated Important Bird Area, and part of the recently-designated Diego Ramirez Islands and Drake Passage Marine Park, the archipelago is home to millions of breeding seabirds, and an exceptional place for birdwatching. Binoculars in hand, birders will marvel at the sight of nesting black-browed albatross and grey-headed albatross. These islands are the southernmost mollymawk albatross breeding ground in the world. Sightings of dolphins, South American fur seals, and rockhopper, macaroni and Magellanic penguins are also possible here.

If conditions look more promising toward the end of your expedition, this itinerary day may take place after your Antarctic Peninsula exploration.

Cape Horn

Diego Ramirez Islands

Days 4-5

Crossing the Drake Passage

Days 6-10

South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

Once the Drake Passage is left in our wake and the South Shetland Islands come into view, your Antarctic adventure truly begins. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. On every visit to Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means your expedition will be unlike any other—a unique, personal experience.

Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal.

The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you hike snowy pathways to vantage points offering panoramic views of your surroundings. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence, and the next you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear.

Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles. Each day will be different, carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.

South Shetland Islands

Antarctic Peninsula

Days 11-12

Crossing the Drake Passage

Day 13

Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires

Route Map

There are 7 main destinations visited

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Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent + Cape Horn & Diego Ramirez

Highlights

Ships

Standard Activities

About the Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent + Cape Horn & Diego Ramirez

Itinerary Day to Day

Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Fly to Ushuaia and Embark

Cape Horn and Diego Ramirez

Crossing the Drake Passage

South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

Crossing the Drake Passage

Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires

Route Map

Departure Dates