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Whale Season in Antarctica

Journey into Antarctica’s whale-rich waters to witness epic wildlife encounters during the peak feeding season.
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Per Person
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Length
11 Days
Embark
Ushuaia
Disembark
Ushuaia
Starting at:
Per Person
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Highlights

  • Explore the volcanic South Shetlands and Antarctica’s glacier-carved bays alive with whales, penguins, and seals.
  • Experience peak whale season as Humpbacks, Minkes, and Orcas feed and breach in krill-rich Antarctic waters.
  • Retrace explorers’ routes across the Drake Passage and feel the thrill of setting foot on the White Continent.

Embark on this unforgettable 11-day voyage to Antarctica during its extraordinary whale season—when the Southern Ocean bursts with life and the icy wilderness hums with energy. Your adventure begins in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, before sailing through the fabled Drake Passage en route to the Antarctic Peninsula. Along the way, seabirds soar above and the first icebergs drift into view, signaling your arrival in one of the planet’s most remote and awe-inspiring realms.

Arriving at the South Shetland Islands, you’ll find a world of contrasts—towering glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and bustling penguin rookeries alive with Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins. This is also the peak feeding period for Humpback whales, and sightings of these gentle giants are frequent and unforgettable as they surface and breach in krill-rich waters.

As your expedition continues along the Antarctic Peninsula, every day brings new marvels: Zodiac cruises through iceberg-studded bays, visits to scientific research stations, and encounters with playful seals and curious whales. Your onboard team of polar experts will enrich your journey with fascinating lectures and opportunities to participate in Citizen Science initiatives that contribute to real-world research.

Crossing the Drake Passage back toward South America, you’ll reflect on the profound beauty and fragility of this polar world—its silence, its scale, and the sense of achievement that comes with having explored one of the most remote corners of the Earth. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and adventurers alike, this voyage promises encounters and memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Ships

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Standard Activities

Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Penguin Watching
Penguin Watching
camera 2
Photography Workshops
presentation
Lectures
microscope
Citizen Science
Zodiac Cruises
Zodiac Cruises

Itinerary

Fly
Cruise
Day 1

Arrive and explore in Ushuaia

After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to your 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.)

Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.

Ushuaia
Embarkation Point
Day 2

All aboard!

Days 3-4

Drake Passage

Days 5-6

South Shetland Islands

Days 7-8

Antarctica (and Whales) Await

Days 9-10

Drake Passage

Day 11

Ushuaia Disembarkation

Departure Dates

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What's Included

  • One Hotel Night in Ushuaia
  • 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
  • Certified Emergency MD and Clinic
  • Complimentary Coffee/Tea station
  • Beer and wine included with dinner
  • Professional Photography Coach
  • Dedicated Passenger Service Manager
  • Expedition jacket on loan; custom down jacket to keep

What's Excluded

  • Mandatory travel insurance ; medical insurance; evacuation coverage
  • Any airfare or travel expenses associated with arrival in Ushuaia other than those listed above
  • Transfer from airport to group hotel, unless arriving on Day 1 of the itinerary
  • Pre- or post-voyage expenses in Ushuaia
  • Travel insurance; medical insurance; evacuation coverage
  • Laundry and personal expenses incurred on board
  • Onboard communication charges such as outgoing phone calls, WiFi from personal devices in excess of the 500 MB provided
  • Staff gratuities