Compare Antarctic Peninsula by Adventure Smith vs Best of Antarctica: A White Christmas (Ocean Endeavour) by Intrepid Travel

Day 1: Embark in Ushuaia

Meals: Dinner

In the afternoon, embark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. Sail through the scenic Beagle Channel for the rest of the evening.

Days 2 – 3: Drake Passage

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

During these two days sail across the Drake Passage. After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, arrive in the circum-Antarctic up welling zone. In this area meet wandering albatrosses, grey headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, light-mantled sooty albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson's storm petrels, blue petrels and Antarctic petrels. Near the South Shetland Islands, spot your first icebergs.

Days 4 – 8: Antarctic Peninsula

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

A typical itinerary in the Antarctic Peninsula could be as follows. This is a sample only, the final itinerary will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board.

Cruise directly to “High Antarctica”, passing the Melchior Islands and the Schollaert Channel between Brabant and Anvers Island. On Cuverville Island, a small precipitous island, nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Ronge Island, find a large colony of gentoo penguins and breeding pairs of brown skuas. If you are able to land on Orne Island, you can observe chinstrap penguins and possibly Weddell and crabeater seals. In Neko Harbour, have the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Continent in a magnificent landscape of huge glaciers and enjoy the landscape by zodiac cruising.

When sailing to Paradise Bay, with its myriad icebergs and deep cut fjords, you will cruise by zodiac between the icebergs in the inner parts of the bay. In this area you will have good chances to see humpback whales and minke whales. Continue sailing north through Neumayer Channel and attempt to visit the former British research station and post office, now living museum, Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Close to Port Lockroy, you may also land on Jougla Point with gentoo penguins and blue-eyed shags.

Sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Pléneau Island and Petermann Island where we can find Adelie penguins and Blue-eyed shags. In this area, there are good chances to encounter humpback whales, minke whales and fin whales. Further south you may visit the Ukrainian Vernadsky Station, where you will receive a warm welcome from the station crew. Sailing north through Gerlache Strait, arrive at the Melchior Islands with a very beautiful landscape with icebergs and encounter leopard seals, crabeater seals and whales.

Days 9 – 10: Drake Passage

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

In the Drake Passage again have the chance of seeing many seabirds.

Day 11: Disembark in Ushuaia

Meals: Breakfast

Arrive in the morning and disembark in Ushuaia.

Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina

Your Christmas adventure begins in Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world. You’ll be transferred from the airport to your hotel and meet your fellow travellers at a welcome meeting tonight. If you arrive early, check out Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) National Park on a day trip (if you have time). Otherwise Ushuaia itself has a lot to offer! Visit the Museo Maritimo for a history lesson or take a stroll down Avenida San Martin to pick up some last-minute essentials for your journey. You may prefer to wander the streets taking in the town's dramatic setting, with views of the mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south.

Day 2 Embarkation in Ushuaia

The morning is free for you to explore Ushuaia further. Late this afternoon you’ll be transferred to the city’s port to board the Ocean Endeavour. The expedition team and ship's captain will be waiting to welcome you on board, and after settling into your cabin, your journey south begins by cruising through the famed Beagle Channel. Enjoy the incredible views as the last glimpse of land fades away and the Ocean Endeavour heads south towards Antarctica.

Day 3-4 At Sea, Drake Passage

The waters of the Drake Passage are legendary. Named after British seafarer Sir Francis Drake, they're often rough and turbulent, but sometimes as calm as a lake. Your journey to the Antarctic Peninsula will take two days. If conditions allow, you’ll be able to enjoy the outer decks to catch your first glimpse of whales and orcas, as well as a wide range of seabirds that live in the region, including the largest of albatrosses, the iconic wandering albatross. If the weather is misbehaving, your comprehensive lecture program will get underway, with your team of polar experts sharing fascinating insights into Antarctica’s history, geology, biology and everything else in between. Spend this downtime enjoying the fabulous onboard facilities including gym, polar library and yoga classes. You’re scheduled to reach the Antarctic Peninsula by early evening on day four, which will be a moment of great excitement!

Day 5-8 Antarctic Peninsula & Christmas day

Welcome to the Antarctic Peninsula, where a vast amount of wildlife can be found with a backdrop of ice, water and mountains. The sheer scale of everything must be seen to be believed. Scheduled twice daily, Zodiac excursions are tailored to suit the Ocean Endeavour's location and allow for closer encounters with marine life, including whales and seals, while onshore exploration might take you to penguin rookeries. Choose from a range of paid adventure options to enhance your adventure, including snowshoeing excursions or overnight ice camping, hit the water for a day paddle or kayaking excursion, or learn how to capture that perfect shot by joining our dedicated photography program. Your lecture program will continue throughout your time on the Antarctic Peninsula, and your expedition team will always be available to answer any questions you may have about the region. If you've been dreaming of a white Christmas, this is as white as it gets! Enjoy the festive spirit on board the Ocean Endeavour, where your presents come in the form of yet more landings and wildlife sightings throughout the day. These wildlife encounters are likely to include Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins. An average day on board begins with a wake-up call from your expedition leader around 7am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow expeditioners for breakfast in the Polaris restaurant. You will usually have two excursions per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with a delicious lunch served on the Ocean Endeavour in between excursions.

Day 9-10 At Sea, Drake Passage

Leaving Antarctica behind, cruise north to our home port of Ushuaia. Now is the time to reflect on the amazing journey and a truly unique Christmas. You’re scheduled to reach the waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening to ensure a restful night’s sleep before disembarkation day. Your final meal together is often a highlight, so live it up and enjoy it as you celebrate the journey with your fellow travellers.

Day 11 Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina

This morning you will disembark the Ocean Endeavour in Ushuaia after breakfast as your Antarctic journey comes to an end. Transfer to Ushuaia airport is included for flights departing today, but if you're sticking around a little longer there is so much to see in this incredible region.