OurTrips
Antarctica Once-in-a-Lifetime
Ushuaia, the Drake Passage, and five expedition days on the Peninsula
A high-aspiration expedition sample: one buffer night in Ushuaia, two Drake crossings, and five flexible days of zodiac landings, penguin colonies, kayaking, and ice.
Day 1 · Fri 8 Jan
Arrive in Ushuaia
Buffer night at the end of the world
Afternoon
Arrive in Ushuaia and keep the day deliberately empty.
Evening
Walk the waterfront and settle the gear list.
Day 2 · Sat 9 Jan
Embarkation day
Board the expedition ship
Morning
Optional short walk in Tierra del Fuego National Park if timing allows.
Afternoon
Board the expedition ship, attend safety briefings, and sail into the Beagle Channel.
Day 3 · Sun 10 Jan
Drake Passage southbound
Lectures, seabirds, and sea legs
Daytime
Cross the Drake with lectures on ice, penguins, whales, and IAATO rules.
Evening
Gear fitting for boots, parkas, kayaks, and zodiac landing routines.
Day 4 · Mon 11 Jan
Drake Passage, approaching Antarctica
First ice watch
Morning
More lectures, bridge visits if allowed, and scanning for first icebergs.
Afternoon
If conditions are fast, possible first zodiac cruise near the South Shetlands.
Day 5 · Tue 12 Jan
South Shetland Islands
Penguins, ice, and zodiac cruising
Morning
First landing among penguin colonies if conditions allow.
Afternoon
Zodiac cruise through sculpted ice and possible whale sightings.
Day 6 · Wed 13 Jan
Antarctic Peninsula
Kayak or zodiac day
Morning
Optional sea kayaking among ice if weather and permits align.
Afternoon
Landing at a protected bay for a ridge walk above the ship.
Day 7 · Thu 14 Jan
Lemaire Channel attempt
The Kodak Gap, weather permitting
Early
Attempt the Lemaire Channel during soft light.
Afternoon
Visit a historic hut or research station area if accessible.
Day 8 · Fri 15 Jan
Camping or polar plunge
Turn the aspiration slider up
Daytime
Another landing and zodiac cruise chosen by the expedition team.
Night
Optional snow camping or polar plunge if offered.
Day 9 · Sat 16 Jan
Last Peninsula landings
Whales, seals, and farewell ice
Morning
Final possible landing or zodiac cruise.
Afternoon
Ship turns north; recap lectures and photo editing begin.
Day 10 · Sun 17 Jan
Drake Passage northbound
Open ocean return
Daytime
Lectures, wildlife watch, and quiet recovery from the landing rhythm.
Day 11 · Mon 18 Jan
Beagle Channel
Back toward land
Morning
Final expedition recap and disembarkation prep.
Evening
Sail back through the Beagle Channel.
Day 12 · Tue 19 Jan
Disembark in Ushuaia
Fly north or add Patagonia
Morning
Disembark after breakfast and fly to Buenos Aires, or add a Patagonia extension.