Grand Antarctica

Navigating the intrepid Drake Passage is made for the boldest of explorers. Petrels and albatrosses that glide across the skies guide the way. To witness its awesome power makes the journey to Antarctica all the more triumphant.

The Drake Passage leads you from the southernmost region of the Americas to the Antarctic Peninsula, the northern point of The White Continent. This waterway where cold southern ocean meets warm northern sea water creates powerful currents that test your mettle.

But the rewards for the journeyer that braves these waters do not compare. The meeting of warm and cold waters creates an environment that attracts extraordinary wildlife. Drake Passage offers the chance to witness the likes of humpback whales and hourglass dolphins that accompany the voyage. The soundtrack of the 48-hour journey through the Drake Passage includes the crash of the ocean against the ship and the cry of petrels, skuas, and gulls.

While the waterway is famous for its challenging navigation, you may still get another side of the Drake Passage. On some occasions, the channel is calm and tranquil, making for a pleasant voyage into Antarctica. That’s one of the more splendid characteristics of the Drake Passage - you never know what you will get.

As you emerge from the Drake Passage, the mammoth, icy peaks of the South Shetland Islands loom ahead, greeting you on your victorious landing. You have completed the rite of passage to explore the seventh continent.

Spend a leisurely day pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

Spend a leisurely day pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

The Falkland Islands are renowned as a wildlife haven that’s perfect for nature lovers. On Saunders Island, watch the water for Gentoo penguins as they surf the waves onto the shore. Along the rocky coasts, sheep and nesting albatross share stretches of tussock grass. You may even come across a small rookery of King penguins as they stand in their regal majesty along the beach. The largest colony of black-browed albatross, the majority of the world’s population of the species, calls this island home. Marvel over the rockhoppers as they do what they do best, jumping from one stone to the next to get to their destination. Watch the Magellanic penguins waddle over rocky shores to go for a dip in the ocean.

CAPTAIN’S CHOICE - Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with our expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.

Nestled in the windswept serenity of the Falklands, Carcass Island is a nature lover’s paradise waiting to be explored. It’s a landscape teeming with vibrant wildlife and untamed beauty unfolding before your eyes. Picture yourself wandering across undulating fields of tall tussock grass, where playful Gentoo and Magellanic penguins waddle by, seemingly inviting you into their world. The air is alive with the symphonic calls of diverse bird species, including the enchanting Cobb’s wren and the majestic, striated caracara. Here, the occasional elephant seal basks lazily in the sun, oblivious to the awe it inspires in its visitors. As you wander this captivating isle, guided by expert naturalists, you’ll become immersed in stories of ecological conservation and the rich human history that weaves through the Falklands.

CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with our expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.

Spend a leisurely day pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.