Antarctic Peninsula in Depth | Greg Mortimer Expedition Ship

Antarctic Peninsula in Depth

Join us on an Antarctic Peninsula Expedition that is carefully designed to include both well-known destinations as well as unexpected gems. Over nine days in the summer peak, you can witness penguins growing rapidly, fur seal pups weaning, and whales consuming krill. You'll find that the longer daylight hours will allow you to enjoy a variety of activities, such as Zodiac tours, hiking, skiing, kayaking and snorkeling.

Day by day

Day 1: Ushuaia

You will be met by an official upon arrival and taken to the designated hotel for your pre-voyage along with other expeditioners. If you are already in Ushuaia please go to your hotel. Check-in for the hotel begins at 3.00pm. Visit the Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort's hospitality desk in the lobby between 8 am and 12 pm, or from 3 pm until 7 pm in order to receive your luggage tags. You will also be able to confirm your participation for the Beagle Channel Cruise and Isla de Los Lobos Cruise scheduled the next day. They will answer any questions, provide information about the day of your departure, as well as offer advice on last-minute shopping and dining.

Arriving after 7:00 pm, expeditioners will receive a welcome package at check-in. Please visit our hospitality desk on the next day between 8.00am and 10.00am. You are free to spend the rest of today at leisure. All meals will be on your own account.

Accommodations assigned: Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort, or Los Acebos Ushuaia Hotel.

Day 2: Embarkation

Enjoy your breakfast in the morning and then complete your checkout. Make sure that your luggage has a cabin tag with your name clearly displayed and your cabin number. You can bring your luggage at the reception of the hotel before or after check-out. The luggage will be stored securely and then transferred to the port to be cleared, before being placed into your cabin upon your arrival. Keep any personal or valuable items on you at all times.

Enjoy a morning of exploration in Ushuaia.

We will gather in the lobby of the hotel at 12:45pm for those who are interested in an afternoon catamaran trip. The transfer from the hotel to the port is scheduled for 1.00pm. On a journey on the Beagle Channel we will head towards Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. We'll stop to watch colonies of imperial cormorants and sea lions basking in the sun on the rock formations. Other birds we will see include gulls (often seen), rock cormorants and skuas. You can enjoy panoramic views of the city, the mountain range and its people while listening to fascinating stories.

If you would prefer to have a relaxed day, then meet in the lobby of your hotel at 3:45pm for your transfer to the port to begin your journey.

You will have the chance to get settled into your cabin prior to participating in mandatory essential briefings. We will gather together on deck as the ship leaves the port to begin the journey, taking in the breathtaking views of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, and the surrounding area.

In the evening you will have the opportunity to meet your fellow adventurers, the expedition team and crew at a welcome dinner that marks the beginning of a thrilling Antarctic voyage.

Day 3 & 4: Drake Passage

Day 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12: Antarctic Peninsula

Day 13 & 14: South Shetland Islands

Day 15: Ushuaia

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Highlights

Encounter early-season whale sightings.

Capture picture-perfect moments in the pristine, unspoiled environment.

Experience the vibrant activity on the Antarctic Peninsula, including penguin nesting and chick hatching.

Embark on an extensive Antarctic Peninsula expedition, offering a mix of popular and potentially newfound sites.

Activities

Sea Kayaking

Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.

Ice Camping

Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.

Snowshoeing

Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.

Photography

Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.

Explorer Boats

Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.

Yoga

It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.