Classic Antarctic Peninsula - Whale Watching

In the afternoon, we embark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world located at the Beagle Channel and sail through this scenic waterway, followed by seabirds.

During these two days we sail across the Drake Passage and encounter a variety of seabirds - these can include wandering, grey-headed, black-browed and the beautiful light-mantled sooty albatross, southern fulmars, Wilson's storm, blue, Cape and Antarctic petrels. We also look out for whales and, as we near the South Shetland Islands, we spot our first icebergs.

We will sail directly to “High Antarctica”, passing the Melchior islands and the Schollaert Channel between Brabant and Anvers Island. The Antarctic Peninsula is famed for its icy beauty and bountiful wildlife. During the days here, we will optimize the experience to get the best of everything.

Sites that may be visited include Cuverville Island, a small precipitous island, nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Rongé Island where we will find a large colony of Gentoo penguins and breeding pairs of Brown skuas.

On nearby Danco Island in the Errera Channel activities may be focused around the Gentoo penguins nesting high on the island as well as Weddell and Crabeater seals that may be on and around the island. In Neko Harbour, we may have the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Continent in a magnificent landscape of huge glaciers calving at sea level. Zodiac cruising offers a spectacular way of enjoying the landscape surrounded by ice incrusted alpine peaks.

In Paradise Bay with its myriad icebergs, we may have the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Continent. Again, we may offer an opportunity for a zodiac cruise in the inner parts of this amazing waterway. In this area, we have good chances to see Humpback whales and Minke whales.

After sailing through the Neumayer Channel we hope to get a chance to visit the old British research station, now living museum and post office at Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Close to Port Lockroy we may also offer activities on Jougla Point with Gentoo Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags. This area offers excellent opportunities for kayaking and camping. If the ice allows for it, we hope to sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Pléneau and Petermann Island where we can find Adélie penguins and Blue-eyed shags. In this area there are good chances to encounter Humpback whales and Minke whales. Leopard seals are also seen here often.

Sailing north through Gerlache Strait we arrive at Wilhelmina Bay where we often are fortunate to see feeding Humpback whales. We may embark on a Zodiac cruise if the conditions allow ending at the wreck of Guvernøren an old whaling vessel that burned here in 1915. Around Melchior Islands amidst a beautiful landscape with icebergs we may encounter more whales and also Leopard seal and Crabeater seals. We depart to the Drake Passage around noon.

On our way north we are again followed by a great selection of seabirds while crossing the Drake Passage.

Arrive and disembark