Compare Last Discovered Continent by Poseidon Expeditions vs Antarctic Whale Journey by Chimu Adventures

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina.

Despite its small size, the city of Ushuaia is the world’s southernmost city, the capital of Tierra del Fuego and the main starting point for voyages to Antarctica.

Admire the surrounded views of Beagle Channel and the Andes Mountains. If you arrived early, you may want to visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, the southernmost on the planet. Stroll along the main street of Avenue San Martin, and pause at one of the many cafes, shops or restaurants.

Day 2: Ushuaia, embarkation.

This afternoon, embark the Sea Spirit and set sail down the picturesque Beagle Channel as the sun sets and dinner is served.

The Сaptain and our Expedition Team will welcome you and raise a toast to success of our expedition.

Day 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage.

The Drake Passage spans 600 miles from the top of South America to the South Shetland Islands. The Sea Spirit’s stabilizer fins will help to make the crossing comfortable.

Lectures and presentations by our friendly team of Antarctic experts prepare us for what lies ahead. At the Antarctic Convergence, watch for sea mammals, albatrosses and petrels in these krill-rich waters. If the Drake has behaved, we will approach the sub-Antarctic South Shetlands during the afternoon of Day 4.

Day 5-6: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.

The Antarctic Peninsula and nearby islands provide exceptional opportunities to discover the unique wildlife and awesome landscapes. Depending on weather and ice conditions, the captain and expedition team will direct the Sea Spirit to a variety of secluded bays and harbors to optimize Zodiac landings and wildlife viewing. While we have a plan, flexibility is the key to successful expedition cruising. With the help of our expedition team, look for the four penguins, six seal and several whale species on your Antarctic checklist. We’ll also find a time for our most adventurous travelers to take a polar plunge, perhaps in Neko Harbor or the relatively warm waters of volcanic Deception Island.

Day 7-10: Antarctic Continent.

As we head south along the Antarctic Peninsula, you’ill understand why the imposing, snow-covered Lemaire Channel is called “Kodak Alley.” We’ll also try to visit a research station during the voyage, although the work schedules of the scientists may not always permit this. At the Ukrainian base of Academician Vernadskiy, you might want to sample the throat-burning gorilka, or Ukrainian pepper vodka, distilled on location. A Zodiac cruise of Paradise Bay, with its many glaciers, offers an experience like no other on the globe. Cruise by massive icebergs, with cracks and crevices reflecting an amazing spectrum of blue colors. Conditions permitting, we’ll set foot on the actual Antarctic Continent at Hope Bay or perhaps another site.

Day 11-12: Drake Passage.

As the Sea Spirit heads back to Ushuaia, there are some final opportunities to ask questions of our Antarctic experts, to share photos and experiences with newfound friends, and to enjoy our festive farewell dinner. Wave goodbye to the birds and whales, until you meet again on your next voyage to the White Continent!

Day 13: Ushuaia, disembarkation.

Disembark following breakfast, and transfer to the airport or the city centre.

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

On arrival at Ushuaia Airport, please make your way through to the Arrivals Hall where our representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. He/she will be holding a sign with your name on it. Should you not be able to contact them, please refer to the front of your itinerary for emergency contact details of our representative office.

The first night of your voyage is spent in the quaint town of Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world and the capital of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire).

The remainder of the day is at leisure and you are free to explore, maybe making a few last-minute purchases from the many shops or artisan markets, or relaxing in a café. Avenida San Martin is the main street and there are some excellent museums to visit or 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

This morning is again free for you to explore Ushuaia further, or maybe discover Tierra del Fuego National Park, the most southerly national park of South America. The park offers a range of hiking trails that lead you through the stunningly beautiful and dramatic scenery of snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, rugged coastline, glaciers, waterfalls and lakes. Look out for guanaco, Andean foxes, muskrats and the North American beaver. Birds found here include the Andean condor, Magellanic oystercatcher, kelp goose, austral parakeet and torrent duck.

Late this afternoon we transfer to the port of Ushuaia in time for embarkation on board the Ocean Endeavour. The Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers will be waiting to welcome us aboard. As we set sail, familiarise yourself with the layout of the Ocean Endeavour and its great amenities and enjoy a welcome dinner.

This evening we sail along the wildlife-rich Beagle Channel, towards the White Continent of Antarctica. As we leave the lights of Ushuaia behind, look out for Magellanic penguins, rock cormorants, petrels and black-browed albatross from the deck as well as noisy sea lion colonies.

Day 3 & 4: At Sea, Drake Passage

The infamous Drake Passage, named after the famous English explorer, Sir Frances Drake, separates the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from the southernmost tip of South America. It is often rough and turbulent, but sometimes as calm as a lake. It is unpredictable, so be prepared!

Enjoy the fabulous onboard facilities, maybe join a yoga class, attend a presentation or two given by the Expedition Team to prepare you for what lies ahead – from the geology of Antarctica to the history, wildlife and even the ice!

As we sail towards Antarctica, there is a fall in temperature as we cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. The Antarctic Convergence is marked by an increased number of seabirds, whales and other species that are attracted by the nutrient-rich waters pushed to the surface by the colder waters of the polar region flowing north and meeting the warmer equatorial waters flowing south.

Head out on deck to look out for the mighty albatrosses that fly overhead, scan the waters for breaching whales and icebergs, or gaze out from the panoramic windows of the observation deck.

We continue our course south and hope to make landfall by the evening of Day 4, depending on the weather conditions. Keep on the lookout for the first sighting of land – that heralds your arrival to the White Continent!

Day 5-8: South Shetland islands & Antarctic Peninsula

The next four days are spent exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, a region that has captivated explorers for centuries and now enthrals travellers. We explore by Zodiac, cruising amongst the magnificently sculpted icebergs and making shore landings where we mingle with penguins, climb to vantage points to absorb the spectacular panoramic views, maybe visiting a scientific or historic base. There may even be opportunities to kayak and snowshoe and of course learn more about photography with one of the experts.

Antarctica will enchant you with its incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snow-capped peaks, vast icebergs and ice-strewn channels. Not to mention the wildlife – from extensive colonies of chinstrap, Gentoo and Adelie penguins, to crabeater, Weddell, fur and elephant seals and a plethora of fascinating birds. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the mighty crack of a glacier calving. Maybe you will be one of the brave few to take a polar plunge in the icy waters! Every day brings a new experience and new landing site.

As we cruise from one landing site to the next, enjoy the continued lecture programme and take in the scenery from the outer decks of the Ocean Endeavour. Make the most of the health and fitness facilities from the relaxing spa and saunas to the pool and gym.

Day 9 & 10: At Sea, Drake Passage

As we leave the Antarctic Peninsula behind, we take with us our memories and photographs. We set a course for the Drake Passage as we enjoy some final lectures and presentations and look out for wildlife from the observation lounge and the outer decks.

Having crossed the Drake Passage once more, we enter the calm and tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel bound for Ushuaia.

Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia

We are scheduled to arrive into Ushuaia early this morning, and we disembark after a final breakfast aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

After saying our farewells to our Expedition Team and the crew of the Ocean Endeavour, we transfer you to the airport for your onward flight, or you may like to spend some extra days in Ushuaia, giving you time to explore this fascinating town and the surrounding areas.