A brave little gentoo penguin chick at Port Lockroy
Operated by Intrepid Travel

Antarctica Springs to Life (Ocean Victory)

From
CAD 12,640
Duration
10 days
Countries
Antarctica, Argentina
Activity
easy
Group size
Max 180

The adventure

Join this 10-day expedition that takes you across the infamous Drake Passage and through the South Shetland Islands on the Antarctic Peninsula. Watch as penguins meet their mates, build nests and tend to their eggs, set against a backdrop of glaciers at their most imposing after the winter. Watch seabirds soaring and whales breaching, learn about these unique ecosystems from an expert Expedition Team, and contribute to Citizen Science projects focused on understanding local wildlife and ecology. Venture out on Zodiac cruises and take excursions to active scientific research bases. Then, toast to your adventure over dinner with the captain on board and mingle with like-minded adventurers.

At a glance

Duration
10 days
Route
Ushuaia → Ushuaia
Countries
Antarctica, Argentina
Activity level
easy
Style
Beach & Islands, National Parks & Wilderness, Polar & Expedition, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Max 180
Ages
8+
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Day by day

A breathtaking view of the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina surrounded by rocky landscape and misty atmosphere.
Your journey through

Argentina

Day 1Ushuaia, ArgentinaWelcome to Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica! When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your comfortable hotel for the night. Spend some time unwinding at the hotel, then have a welcome meeting this evening to meet your fellow adventurers. If you arrive early, why not get out and about in Ushuaia – maybe snack on some local Argentinian specialties or track down the perfect keepsake.
Iconic Ushuaia sign in Argentina with stunning mountain and sea view.Ushuaia
Welcome to Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica! When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your comfortable hotel for the night. Spend some time unwinding at the hotel, then have a welcome meeting this evening to meet your fellow adventurers. If you arrive early, why not get out and about in Ushuaia – maybe snack on some local Argentinian specialties or track down the perfect keepsake.
Map showing Ushuaia
Stunning snowy mountain reflected in icy waters under a clear blue sky.
Your journey through

Antarctica

Day 2Embarkation in UshuaiaThis morning, you might like to visit a local museum like the Maritime Museum, do some souvenir shopping in town or simply relax at the hotel before you board your ship – the Ocean Victory. When you’re on board, you’ll meet the Expedition Team who will be by your side for your whole voyage, then you’ll have a safety and orientation briefing. Tonight, join your fellow travellers and the captain for a welcome dinner on board. And so your adventure begins!
Charming harbor view of Stanley with colorful Victorian houses in the Falkland Islands.Embarkation in Ushuaia
This morning, you might like to visit a local museum like the Maritime Museum, do some souvenir shopping in town or simply relax at the hotel before you board your ship – the Ocean Victory. When you’re on board, you’ll meet the Expedition Team who will be by your side for your whole voyage, then you’ll have a safety and orientation briefing. Tonight, join your fellow travellers and the captain for a welcome dinner on board. And so your adventure begins!
Map showing Embarkation in Ushuaia
Day 3Drake PassageThese two days will see you crossing the famed Drake Passage. This sea crossing connects the southernmost point of South America with the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. As you sail, you’ll learn about the history, ecology and wildlife surrounding you from your knowledgeable Expedition Team. Take part in onboard activities including the Citizen Science program, where you’ll contribute to research into Antarctica’s ecosystems and wildlife, including how the region is being impacted by climate change. Feel the temperature drop as you cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctica’s waters. Keep your binoculars at the ready – albatross, petrels and prions are common sights here.
A calm ocean scene featuring ships on the horizon under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.Drake Passage
These two days will see you crossing the famed Drake Passage. This sea crossing connects the southernmost point of South America with the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. As you sail, you’ll learn about the history, ecology and wildlife surrounding you from your knowledgeable Expedition Team. Take part in onboard activities including the Citizen Science program, where you’ll contribute to research into Antarctica’s ecosystems and wildlife, including how the region is being impacted by climate change. Feel the temperature drop as you cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctica’s waters. Keep your binoculars at the ready – albatross, petrels and prions are common sights here.
Map showing Drake Passage
Day 4Drake Passage
Dramatic sea view during stormy weather from a ship's deck, showcasing turbulent waters.Drake Passage
Drake Passage
Map showing Drake Passage
Day 5South Shetland IslandsToday is all about immersing yourself in the striking landscapes of the South Shetland Islands. The distinctive geology of these islands has been shaped by volcanic activity over time. You’ll spend today on a Zodiac cruise, exploring the landscapes of mountains and glaciers teeming with wildlife that make up this archipelago. After the long winter, the wildlife here is now back in full force. Encounter chinstrap and gentoo penguins, whales and elephant and fur seals. You might even stop at Deception Island for a walk along the black sand. This island, formed by the crater of an active volcano, is peppered with the ruins of a Norwegian whaling station and scientific bases from the 1960s.
A breathtaking aerial view of coastal mountains and sea in Ushuaia, Argentina.South Shetland Islands
Today is all about immersing yourself in the striking landscapes of the South Shetland Islands. The distinctive geology of these islands has been shaped by volcanic activity over time. You’ll spend today on a Zodiac cruise, exploring the landscapes of mountains and glaciers teeming with wildlife that make up this archipelago. After the long winter, the wildlife here is now back in full force. Encounter chinstrap and gentoo penguins, whales and elephant and fur seals. You might even stop at Deception Island for a walk along the black sand. This island, formed by the crater of an active volcano, is peppered with the ruins of a Norwegian whaling station and scientific bases from the 1960s.
Map showing South Shetland Islands
Day 6AntarcticaWitness Antarctica as it reawakens after the winter. Over these two days, you’ll watch multiple species of penguins come ashore, gather, build nests and tend to their eggs. See seals, seabirds, whales and more as the White Continent starts to buzz with activity once again. You might also head out on excursions to visit scientific research bases and historic landing sites. In the evenings, witness the unforgettable spectacle of an Antarctic sunset.
Stunning view of sharp iceberg peaks against a bright blue sky in Argentina.Antarctica
Witness Antarctica as it reawakens after the winter. Over these two days, you’ll watch multiple species of penguins come ashore, gather, build nests and tend to their eggs. See seals, seabirds, whales and more as the White Continent starts to buzz with activity once again. You might also head out on excursions to visit scientific research bases and historic landing sites. In the evenings, witness the unforgettable spectacle of an Antarctic sunset.
Day 7Antarctica
Stunning view of the Perito Moreno Glacier showcasing icy blue hues and rugged textures.Antarctica
Antarctica
Day 8Drake PassageBegin your journey back north, crossing the Drake Passage once again. Celebrate your polar adventure with your fellow travellers and Expedition Team during a slideshow of memories from the trip, a photography contest with the other travellers and one last meal together. Toast to your incredible journey on the 7th continent!
A calm ocean scene featuring ships on the horizon under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.Drake Passage
Begin your journey back north, crossing the Drake Passage once again. Celebrate your polar adventure with your fellow travellers and Expedition Team during a slideshow of memories from the trip, a photography contest with the other travellers and one last meal together. Toast to your incredible journey on the 7th continent!
Map showing Drake Passage
Day 9Drake Passage
Dramatic sea view during stormy weather from a ship's deck, showcasing turbulent waters.Drake Passage
Drake Passage
Map showing Drake Passage
Day 10Disembarkation in UshuaiaThis morning, it’s time to disembark the ship as your Antarctic expedition comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in Ushuaia, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Iconic Ushuaia sign in Argentina with stunning mountain and sea view.Disembarkation in Ushuaia
This morning, it’s time to disembark the ship as your Antarctic expedition comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in Ushuaia, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Map showing Disembarkation in Ushuaia

Discover Antarctica

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Scenic Antarctic view with icy mountains, calm waters, and a solitary boat.
Stunning view of a snow-covered mountain and iceberg in Antarctica's icy waters.
A breathtaking view of a frozen sea with icebergs and snow-covered surfaces, showcasing winter's chill.
A serene view of a glacier in Antarctica, showcasing the vast ice formations and tranquil waters.
Breathtaking view of rugged snowy mountains under a clear blue sky in Antarctica.

Upcoming departures

DatesPrice / personAvailability
13 Nov 202622 Nov 2026CAD 20,285On requestBook my trip
13 Nov 202622 Nov 2026CAD 23,625On requestBook my trip
13 Nov 202622 Nov 2026CAD 12,640On requestBook my trip
13 Nov 202622 Nov 2026CAD 16,810On requestBook my trip
13 Nov 202622 Nov 2026CAD 17,645On requestBook my trip
13 Nov 202622 Nov 2026CAD 16,395On requestBook my trip
13 Nov 202622 Nov 2026CAD 14,725On requestBook my trip
13 Nov 202622 Nov 2026CAD 15,560On requestBook my trip
13 Nov 202622 Nov 2026CAD 19,035On requestBook my trip
Operated by Intrepid Travel

A TripFinder-trusted operator. We compare the trip and handle your booking with a real advisor — you travel under the operator's terms.

Book my trip →

More Multi-region adventures

Spain, Morocco and Portugal
Trafalgar

Spain, Morocco and Portugal

Spain, Portugal, Morocco · 16 days · Easy

fromCAD 5,547
Next: 20 Jun
Best of Spain
Trafalgar

Best of Spain

Spain, United States · 15 days · Easy

fromCAD 4,527
Next: 26 Jun
Spain, Morocco & Portugal Whirl
Trafalgar

Spain, Morocco & Portugal Whirl

Spain, Portugal, Morocco · 12 days · Easy5.0(1)

fromCAD 4,766
Next: 07 Sept