Christmas Season in Antarctica (Ocean Victory)
Operated by Intrepid Travel

Christmas Season in Antarctica (Ocean Victory)

From
CAD 16,535
Duration
11 days
Countries
Antarctica, Argentina
Activity
easy
Group size
Max 180

The adventure

Spend the festive season venturing through glacial landscapes on this 11-day trip to the Antarctic Peninsula. Starting in the southernmost city in the world, you’ll board the Ocean Victory and traverse the famed Drake Passage, then hop into Zodiac boats and cruise around the South Shetland Islands. Celebrate Christmas Day surrounded by penguins, seals, whales and rare seabirds with a group of like-minded adventurers and a knowledgeable Expedition Team by your side. Contribute to vital research of the region’s ecosystems and learn how they’re being impacted by climate change by helping to collect data through the Citizen Science program. Make this holiday season one that's filled with expeditions, epic photo ops and rare wildlife encounters.

At a glance

Duration
11 days
Route
Ushuaia → Ushuaia
Countries
Antarctica, Argentina
Activity level
easy
Style
Beach & Islands, 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. This evening, you’ll have a welcome meeting to meet the other travellers who will be joining you on your adventure. If you arrive in Ushuaia with some time to spare, why not explore the city’s main street, where you can browse souvenir shops for keepsakes or find a spot to sample some of the local cuisine.
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. This evening, you’ll have a welcome meeting to meet the other travellers who will be joining you on your adventure. If you arrive in Ushuaia with some time to spare, why not explore the city’s main street, where you can browse souvenir shops for keepsakes or find a spot to sample some of the local cuisine.
Map showing Ushuaia
Day 2Embarkation in Ushuaia, ArgentinaSpend this morning either relaxing at the hotel or exploring more of Ushuaia. You might like to visit the Maritime Museum or browse the artisanal markets. This afternoon, it’s time to board your ship – the Ocean Victory. When you’ve boarded, you’ll meet the Expedition Team who will be joining you for your trip. Settle into your cabin, then have a safety and orientation meeting before joining your group and the captain for a welcome dinner on board. Raise a glass as you set off for a Christmas adventure that’ll be one for the books!
Scenic view of docked boats at Ushuaia harbor with mountain backdrop and cloudy sky.Ushuaia
Spend this morning either relaxing at the hotel or exploring more of Ushuaia. You might like to visit the Maritime Museum or browse the artisanal markets. This afternoon, it’s time to board your ship – the Ocean Victory. When you’ve boarded, you’ll meet the Expedition Team who will be joining you for your trip. Settle into your cabin, then have a safety and orientation meeting before joining your group and the captain for a welcome dinner on board. Raise a glass as you set off for a Christmas adventure that’ll be one for the books!
Map showing Ushuaia
Day 3At Sea Drake PassageOver these two days at sea, you’ll cross the infamous Drake Passage – the body of water separating the southernmost point of South America from the Antarctic Peninsula. Kick off your program of onboard activities with educational talks about the region’s history, geology and ecology, led by the Expedition Team. You can also take part in the Citizen Science program, where you can contribute to the recording and understanding of polar ecosystems and how they’re being impacted by climate change. Keep your eyes on the horizon for your first iceberg sighting and have your binoculars at the ready for plenty of seabird-watching – albatross, petrels and prions are all common sights as you cross this passage.
Over these two days at sea, you’ll cross the infamous Drake Passage – the body of water separating the southernmost point of South America from the Antarctic Peninsula. Kick off your program of onboard activities with educational talks about the region’s history, geology and ecology, led by the Expedition Team. You can also take part in the Citizen Science program, where you can contribute to the recording and understanding of polar ecosystems and how they’re being impacted by climate change. Keep your eyes on the horizon for your first iceberg sighting and have your binoculars at the ready for plenty of seabird-watching – albatross, petrels and prions are all common sights as you cross this passage.
Stunning snowy mountain reflected in icy waters under a clear blue sky.
Your journey through

Antarctica

Day 4Drake Passage
A calm ocean scene featuring ships on the horizon under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.Drake Passage
Drake Passage
Map showing Drake Passage
Day 5Christmas in AntarcticaGear up for three days of exploration in the unspoiled wilderness of Antarctica. Visit active scientific bases and historic landing sites on Zodiac cruises. See chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins, fur, leopard and Weddell seals, humpback whales and seabirds. Create holiday memories to be cherished as you spend Christmas Day venturing through mountainous landscapes filled with towering glaciers and icebergs.
Iconic Ushuaia sign in Argentina with stunning mountain and sea view.Christmas in Antarctica
Gear up for three days of exploration in the unspoiled wilderness of Antarctica. Visit active scientific bases and historic landing sites on Zodiac cruises. See chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins, fur, leopard and Weddell seals, humpback whales and seabirds. Create holiday memories to be cherished as you spend Christmas Day venturing through mountainous landscapes filled with towering glaciers and icebergs.
Day 6Antarctica
Stunning view of sharp iceberg peaks against a bright blue sky in Argentina.Antarctica
Antarctica
Day 7Antarctica
Stunning view of the Perito Moreno Glacier showcasing icy blue hues and rugged textures.Antarctica
Antarctica
Day 8South Shetland IslandsToday, witness the diversity of wildlife in the South Shetland Islands. This archipelago forms the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, and each island has something different to offer. Whether you’re walking along the black sands of Deception Island (formed by the caldera of an active volcano!), or the calmer waters of Yankee Harbour (with the huge colony of 4000 breeding pairs of gentoo penguins), today will be filled with adventure. Hop back into the Zodiacs and maybe even do some optional exploring by kayak! Watch seals lying on the shoreline and have your camera at the ready for whale sightings, immersing yourself in the vast wilderness of Antarctica.
A breathtaking aerial view of coastal mountains and sea in Ushuaia, Argentina.South Shetland Islands
Today, witness the diversity of wildlife in the South Shetland Islands. This archipelago forms the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, and each island has something different to offer. Whether you’re walking along the black sands of Deception Island (formed by the caldera of an active volcano!), or the calmer waters of Yankee Harbour (with the huge colony of 4000 breeding pairs of gentoo penguins), today will be filled with adventure. Hop back into the Zodiacs and maybe even do some optional exploring by kayak! Watch seals lying on the shoreline and have your camera at the ready for whale sightings, immersing yourself in the vast wilderness of Antarctica.
Map showing South Shetland Islands
Stunning view of snow-capped mountains and serene lake under a cloudy sky, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
Your journey through

Argentina

Day 9At Sea Drake PassangeUshuaiaBegin your journey back to Ushuaia as you cross the Drake Passage once again. Reflect on a trip well-travelled as you join your fellow travellers for a slideshow of memories from the trip and a photography contest. Share a final celebratory meal together and toast to the memories you’ve made.
Iconic Ushuaia sign in Argentina with stunning mountain and sea view.Ushuaia
Begin your journey back to Ushuaia as you cross the Drake Passage once again. Reflect on a trip well-travelled as you join your fellow travellers for a slideshow of memories from the trip and a photography contest. Share a final celebratory meal together and toast to the memories you’ve made.
Map showing Ushuaia
Scenic Antarctic view with icy mountains, calm waters, and a solitary boat.
Your journey through

Antarctica

Day 10Drake Passage
A calm ocean scene featuring ships on the horizon under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.Drake Passage
Drake Passage
Map showing Drake Passage
Day 11Disembarkation in UshuaiaYour adventure comes to an end this morning as you disembark your ship in Ushuaia. 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
Your adventure comes to an end this morning as you disembark your ship in Ushuaia. 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
18 Dec 202628 Dec 2026CAD 26,405On requestBook my trip
18 Dec 202628 Dec 2026CAD 30,850On requestBook my trip
18 Dec 202628 Dec 2026CAD 16,535On requestBook my trip
18 Dec 202628 Dec 2026CAD 25,290On requestBook my trip
18 Dec 202628 Dec 2026CAD 22,095On requestBook my trip
18 Dec 202628 Dec 2026CAD 23,205On requestBook my trip
18 Dec 202628 Dec 2026CAD 21,400On requestBook my trip
18 Dec 202628 Dec 2026CAD 19,315On requestBook my trip
18 Dec 202628 Dec 2026CAD 20,425On requestBook my trip
18 Dec 202628 Dec 2026CAD 24,735On requestBook my trip
Operated by Intrepid Travel

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