Antarctic Discovery
aboard M/V Hondius

Depart from your home city today - destination Buenos Aires, Argentina!

Upon arrival at the Buenos Aires International Airport, after collecting your luggage, you will be met by our representative in the arrivals hall and taken to your hotel with free time to rest. Please note: early check-in is included in the program. This afternoon, experience a private city tour to learn about the history and flavor of the various neighborhoods that make up the brilliant patchwork and personality of Buenos Aires. This evening is at leisure to experience the dining options that can be recommended by the hotel's concierge.

This morning, stroll through the spectacular Buenos Aires Botanical Garden. The Carlos Thays Botanical Garden has among its missions and functions environmental education and the conservation of biodiversity. It was declared a national monument in 1996 for its cultural and natural character, and it represents a natural reservoir of enormous importance due to its fully urban location. Its work teams carry out tasks of teacher training, applied research in flora, environmental management and, specifically, biodiversity conservation. Next, visit the Buenos Aires Japanese Gardens, located only a six-minute drive from Carlos Thays. These gardens were inaugurated on May 17, 1967, designed and built by the Japanese-Argentine community and donated through the Embassy of Japan to the Municipality of Buenos Aires to commemorate the visit of the then prince and princess, now Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, of Japan. Just around the corner from the beautiful gardens, explore the Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires. MALBA (Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires) is one of Buenos Aires' premier museums, with exhibitions and collections on some of the most important modern and contemporary artists of the region. Have lunch at a delightful café in the area, al fresco if desired. Then, experience an evening of delicious food and a thrilling Argentinean tango show to stimulate all the senses. Transport will be provided throughout the day.

Travel to the airport to catch the approximately three-and-a-half-hour flight to Ushuaia, a resort town on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago and one of the southernmost cities on the planet. Nicknamed "The End of the World," Ushuaia is the starting point for expeditions to Antarctica. Settle in at the conveniently located hotel to enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

This morning, explore the beautiful Lake District east of Ushuaia in the Tierra del Fuego Province, with lunch in a scenic setting. Take in Lago Escondido and the magnificent Lago Fagnano. After exploring, transfer to the ship, M/V Hondius, for boarding. Embarkation begins at 4 p.m., with a welcome briefing and dinner on board. This evening, sail along the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel.

Over the next two days on the Drake Passage, enjoy some of the same experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first charted these regions: cool salt breezes, rolling seas, maybe even a fin whale spouting up sea spray. After passing the Antarctic Convergence - Antarctica's natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic seas - reach the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone.

As you journey south, not only does the marine life change, but the avian life changes too. Wandering, Gray-headed, Black-browed, Light-mantled, and Sooty Albatrosses, Southern Fulmars, Cape, Blue, and Antarctic Petrels, and Wilson's Storm-Petrels are a few of the birds you might see.

Marvel at the gray stone peaks sketched with snow, towers of broken blue-white ice, and dramatically different wildlife below and above. Pass the snow-capped Melchior Islands and Schollaert Channel while sailing between Brabant and Anvers Islands.

Over the next several days, the order of the itinerary and shore excursions will depend on local conditions at the time. Sites you may visit include Neko Harbor and Paradise Bay. An epic landscape of mammoth glaciers and endless wind-carved snow, Neko Harbor offers opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and landing that afford the closest views of the surrounding alpine peaks. At Paradise Bay, you may be able to take a Zodiac cruise in these sprawling, ice-flecked waters, where there's a chance of encountering humpback and minke whales.

Continue the exploration through the Antarctic Peninsula. Potential sites to visit include Pléneau and Petermann Islands and Port Lockroy. If the ice allows it, sail through the Lemaire Channel in search of Adélie Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags. There is also a possibility of encountering humpback and minke whales here, as well as leopard seals. After sailing through the Neumayer Channel, there may be a chance to visit the former British research station at Port Lockroy on Goudier Island, now a museum and post office. You may also be able to partake in activities around Jougla Point, meeting Gentoo Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags. There are great opportunities also for kayaking and camping here, and when conditions are right, even snowshoeing around the shore. (Activities at additional costs and subject to availability - must be booked in advance.)

The last full day (or two days for itineraries Dec.9-24'22 & Jan.18-Feb.2'23) in Antarctica may include visits to Danco Island and Wilhelmina Bay. Activities here may focus on the Gentoo Penguins nesting on the island, in addition to the Weddell and crabeater seals that can be found nearby. Wilhelmina Bay is a great place to spot humpback whales. You may also embark on a Zodiac cruise ending at the ghostly wreck of the Guvernøren, a whaling vessel that caught fire here in 1915. Around the Melchior Islands, amid a frozen landscape populated with icebergs, you may encounter even more whales, leopard seals, and crabeater seals. Conditions on the Drake Passage determine the exact time of departure.

The return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you're again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south.

Today is your last day at sea as you conclude the crossing of the Drake Passage.

Arrive back to Ushuaia, disembark and travel to the airport for the flight to the international airport in Buenos Aires for individual departures. Please note: flights from Ushuaia should be booked to depart in the early afternoon, and flights from Buenos Aires in the late evening.

Welcome home!