Best of Antarctica’s Whale Season
Highlights
- Encounter vast gatherings of Humpbacks, Orcas, and Minkes feasting on krill amid Antarctica’s late-summer bounty.
- Explore the stunning South Shetlands and the Antarctic Peninsula, teeming with penguins, seals, and glacial wonders.
- Join expert-led Zodiac cruises, landings, and Citizen Science projects for an unforgettable hands-on polar adventure.
Embark on the Best of Antarctica’s Whale Season voyage for an unforgettable immersion in the Southern Ocean’s most vibrant months. Departing from Ushuaia, this 12-day expedition reveals the very best of the Antarctic Peninsula at the height of its whale-watching season, when nutrient-rich waters attract great gatherings of Humpbacks, Orcas, and Minkes in a mesmerizing display of feeding and movement.
After crossing the legendary Drake Passage, you’ll arrive in the wildlife havens of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula—home to bustling penguin rookeries, sunbathing seals, and ice-sculpted landscapes that change with every passing hour. Guided by seasoned polar experts, you’ll take part in Zodiac cruises among towering icebergs, land at historic and scientific sites, and even contribute to cutting-edge Citizen Science initiatives that deepen our understanding of this fragile ecosystem.
Late summer brings long golden hours and calmer seas, perfect for photography and quiet reflection. As you stand on deck, surrounded by breaching whales and gleaming ice, a profound sense of wonder takes hold—one that stays with you long after you return home.
Ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and explorers at heart, this voyage offers a rare opportunity to witness Antarctica at its most alive—where the rhythm of the wild reminds you what it means to truly feel small in the best possible way.
Standard Activities
About the Best of Antarctica’s Whale Season
Embark on the Best of Antarctica’s Whale Season voyage for an unforgettable immersion in the Southern Ocean’s most vibrant months. Departing from Ushuaia, this 12-day expedition reveals the very best of the Antarctic Peninsula at the height of its whale-watching season, when nutrient-rich waters attract great gatherings of Humpbacks, Orcas, and Minkes in a mesmerizing display of feeding and movement.
After crossing the legendary Drake Passage, you’ll arrive in the wildlife havens of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula—home to bustling penguin rookeries, sunbathing seals, and ice-sculpted landscapes that change with every passing hour. Guided by seasoned polar experts, you’ll take part in Zodiac cruises among towering icebergs, land at historic and scientific sites, and even contribute to cutting-edge Citizen Science initiatives that deepen our understanding of this fragile ecosystem.
Late summer brings long golden hours and calmer seas, perfect for photography and quiet reflection. As you stand on deck, surrounded by breaching whales and gleaming ice, a profound sense of wonder takes hold—one that stays with you long after you return home.
Ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and explorers at heart, this voyage offers a rare opportunity to witness Antarctica at its most alive—where the rhythm of the wild reminds you what it means to truly feel small in the best possible way.
Itinerary Day to Day
Arrive and explore in Ushuaia
After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious hotel, take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. (In the unlikely event that you can’t be accommodated at the hotel, you’ll unwind at another of Ushuaia’s top luxury hotels.)
All Aboard!
Drake Passage
South Shetland Islands
Antarctica (and Whales) Await
Drake Passage
Ushuaia Disembarkation
Route Map
Whatever your ambition and level of experience, and whatever camera you happen to carry, our award-winning photography coaches will help you bring home images that capture the unparalleled natural beauty and sheer magic of your Antarctica or Arctic adventure. We offer two options for our camera-carrying explorers: for the truly obsessed, there’s our small group, immersive program led by a dedicated photography instructor, and on hand for all passengers, our onboard professional photography coach, offering tips, advice, and technical assistance throughout the expedition.
Immersive Photography Program *
Available beginning in November, 2026
$495 for Peninsula voyages / $995 for Falklands, South Georgia voyages
For experienced photographers, our immersive program will pair you with a small group and an award-winning photography instructor. Daily outings under the watchful eye of your instructor will ensure that you make the most of every photographic outing, while honing your skills, guided by a seasoned professional. On board workshops and reviews will cover every aspect of shot selection, artistic refinement, and processing your images.
*Maximum 18 participants, pre-booking recommended. Available on select voyages.
To experience the polar regions in a truly intimate way, there’s really no better seat than the one in your kayak, just inches above the water, navigating among icebergs and glacial ice dating back 30,000 years. Gliding through an otherworldly landscape with a small team, led by our expert guides and occasionally joined by playful wildlife, this is about as magical as it gets.
Beginning with the 2025-2026 season, we will be offering two distinct kayaking programs. Details below.
Immersive Kayaking
$895 (25-26 season) / $1195 (26-27 season)
Limit 10 participants*
This program is designed for those more experienced guests who want to kayak as much as possible during their voyage. Immersive Kayaking is limited to 10 participants, with a dedicated kayak guide and safety Zodiac. Immersive paddlers will have the opportunity to kayak during most excursions and landings, weather and conditions permitting.
* Advanced booking is highly recommended
Discover Kayaking
$250 (25-26 season) / $350 (26-27 season)
Prices are per outing. Participation Varies by Voyage*
This program is designed for those guests who just want a taste of the Polar kayaking experience. Each participant kayaks once per voyage in a group of 14 with a dedicated guide team and safety Zodiac. Total number of available kayaking spots on each departure will vary by itinerary length and weather, but we aim to get groups on the water at every opportunity.
*Advanced booking is recommended. Additional outings can be purchased on board, space permitting.
What's Included
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Oneo pre-voyage hotel nights in Ushuaia
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Transfer from airport in embarkation city to group hotel if arriving on Day 1 of itinerary, and providing we have your confirmed air itinerary at least 15 days prior to departure
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World Class Cuisine and Live Entertainment
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Complimentary Coffee/Tea station
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Beer and wine included with dinner
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Professional Photography Coach
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Dedicated Passenger Service Manager
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Expedition jacket on loan; custom down jacket to keep
What's Excluded
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Mandatory travel insurance ; medical insurance; evacuation coverage
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Any airfare or travel expenses associated with arrival in Ushuaia other than those listed above
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Transfer from airport to group hotel, unless arriving on Day 1 of the itinerary
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Pre- or post-voyage expenses in Ushuaia
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Travel insurance; medical insurance; evacuation coverage
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Laundry and personal expenses incurred on board
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Onboard communication charges such as outgoing phone calls, WiFi from personal devices in excess of the 500 MB provided
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Staff gratuities
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7th Continent
In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition
South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica - Basecamp
Antarctic Circle Expedition (18D)
Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake
Spirit of Antarctica
Highlights of Antarctica
Polar Circle Air-Cruise
