Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Antarctica All-Access Adventure Cruising
Day 1 Arrive in Ushuaia
Arrive at the southernmost city in the world with a day to explore (or a cushion of time in case of flight delays). Check in to the luxurious Arakur Resort & Spa where you can take a dip in one of the heated pools, unwind with a spa treatment, or stretch your legs on paths right from the hotel's doorstep. Get over jet lag with a good night's sleep and look forward to your first adventures tomorrow.
Accommodation: Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa
Day 2 Board Your Ship & Depart for Antarctica
30-minute van transfer
Enjoy one more leisurely morning exploring Ushuaia or relaxing at the hotel before being transferred to your awaiting ship. You will be welcomed onboard by your Expedition Team and ship staff, who will help you get settled into your cabin. Check out the views, have a cocktail in the bar or find your way to the onboard sauna. Gather this afternoon for a safety and orientation briefing followed by the captain's welcome dinner as you begin your journey to Antarctica!
Accommodation: Ocean Albatros
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Begin Crossing Drake’s Passage
Enter the iconic waterway that is the Drake Passage, where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans meet. Cross 600 miles over two days, moving closer towards the white continent. As you cruise, learn from the Expedition Team's experts about the continent's incredible wildlife and adventure-filled history. Participate in citizen science projects, collecting data to help uncover more of Antarctica's mysteries, or station yourself in the observation lounge, scanning the horizon for icebergs and whale species.
Accommodation: Ocean Albatros
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Continue an Epic Crossing
Named after 16th century English explorer Sir Francis Drake, proceed further south across the famed waterway, feeling temperatures plummet after passing the Antarctic Convergence. Watch for seabirds that escort the ship as it nears land and keep your binoculars handy for glimpses of other wildlife along the passage.
(B, L, D)
Day 5 South Shetland Islands
Make landfall at the Antarctic archipelago of the South Shetlands. Formed by volcanic activity, their geology is as interesting as their wildlife. Take in the majestic mountains, gleaming glaciers, and wonderful wildlife such as chinstrap and gentoo penguins. There are also opportunities to spot elephant and fur seals along the shoreline, and whales further offshore. Board Zodiacs to get up close to these bountiful islands, or, if you wish to get a different perspective, glide through Antarctic waters by kayak. However you explore, the South Shetland Islands are an enchanting introduction to Antarctica.
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Head South Towards the Antarctic Peninsula
For the next four days, slow the pace and immerse yourself in the surreal surroundings of Antarctica. Here is your chance to get up close and really experience the white continent, its geology, history, and wildlife. Your exact itinerary is dictated by the weather, with the captain choosing the route that will give you the best opportunities for breathtaking scenery, wildlife encounters, and thrilling activities. Perhaps you will cruise through the Lemaire Channel, also known as Kodak Gap, where steep mountains plunge into an iceberg-filled sea making for an exciting navigation.
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Adventure through Antarctica
Wake in a new destination and get ready for the day's activities. Take to the water in a Zodiac, being whisked between the brilliant blue hues of enchanting icebergs and along the shoreline where wildlife awaits. Paddle a kayak through icy waters soaking up the stunning scenery at your own speed. Head for land where you may hike or strap on snowshoes, depending on the conditions, and explore by foot. Or spend a once-in-a-lifetime night, camping under southern hemisphere stars, listening for whale songs as you drift off to sleep, and waking to morning light on the mountains.
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Watch for Antarctic Wildlife
Each day you are in Antarctica, keep your binoculars handy for spotting breaching humpback whales and birdlife such as snow petrels and albatross offshore. As you cruise by Zodiac, curious leopard seals may surface. On land, have your camera in hand for close up encounters with wildlife such as gentoo and chinstrap penguins, and elephant and fur seals. Capture memories of these wild creatures that you can share with friends and family once you are at home.
(B, L, D)
Day 9 Become a Citizen Scientist
While enjoying the extraordinary scenery, exciting excursions, and wonderful wildlife, you can join ongoing science projects such as counting penguins, collecting phytoplankton samples, or observing cloud cover. The data you collect will be used by institutions such as NASA and Scripps Institution of Oceanography to learn more about the changes in Antarctica's climate and how they impact weather and wildlife.
(B, L, D)
Day 10 Depart Antarctica
As the ship turns northward, you leave feeling inspired, exhausted, and most likely changed forever. Entering the famed Drake Passage once more, settle in to swap stories, share photos, and toast your adventure with fellow travelers. Rest and catch up on journaling or species lists as you head back towards the Antarctic Convergence.
(B, L, D)
Day 11 Cross the Drake Passage
Watch for final sightings of seabirds and marine mammals on your second crossing of this epic passage. Your Expedition Team has prepared a special slideshow and photography awards ceremony to celebrate the conclusion of your incredible expedition. Enjoy a farewell dinner with the team and crew before arriving in Ushuaia.
(B, L, D)
Day 12 Depart Ushuaia
Disembark in the morning with time to catch your departing flight to Buenos Aires.
(B)
