Spend a night in Ushuaia to get your bearings, perhaps taking some time to explore the town’s former prison, now home to four distinct museums that will offer you the perfect snapshot of life at the foot of the world. You can also embark on a day trip into Tierra del Fuego National Park, or visit Emerald Lagoon, but consider arriving a day early if you plan to do these, as they are all day trips. Cast off the evening of your second day, keeping your eyes peeled for a wide variety of southern sea birds. Penguins, cormorants, petrels, and albatross live along the rocky shores, along with sea lions. It’s the last land you’ll glimpse before reaching Antarctica!
It takes two full days to cross the Drake Passage, so take the opportunity to meet your shipmates, and enjoy presentations from the expedition team on topics including the history of Antarctic exploration, and of course the wildlife you’ve come to see. Keep your eyes peeled for birds and marine life. They’re your sign land is not far off. At last, arrive at the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Geographically, this is one of the most impressive regions of the frozen continent, with mountain scenery and a diverse range of wildlife.
Small Zodiacs take you in for a close look at the sculpted icebergs, and intimate bays and channels that harbour large colonies of penguins, seals, and other creatures. Keep an eye on the waters around you as well, since the Antarctic coast also supports a wide variety of marine mammals. You’ll have opportunities for kayaking, snowshoeing, and photography with expert guides as you go ashore meeting animals who are just as curious about you as you are about them.
Spend the return journey enjoying the facilities aboard the Ocean Nova, including an onboard spa, saunas, saltwater pool, and yoga classes before returning to Ushuaia.