Chinstrap penguins on the shore of Deception island
Operated by Intrepid Travel

Exploring Antarctica's Spring (Ocean Albatros)

From
CAD 13,755
Duration
11 days
Countries
Antarctica, Argentina
Activity
easy
Group size
Max 187

The adventure

With fewer ships in the water and the buzz of wildlife activity, spring is an excellent time to tick off a classic bucket list item – an adventure to Antarctica. On this 11-day trip, you’ll cross the Drake Passage, visit the South Shetland Islands and explore the Antarctic Peninsula. See penguins courting their mates and building their nests, whip out your binoculars for plenty of seabird-watching and whale-watching and take part in Citizen Science projects. As you explore, you’ll learn more about the incredible 7th continent from a knowledgeable Expedition Team who will lead onboard activities and Zodiac cruises. Do it all with a group of like-minded adventurers by your side aboard your ship, the Ocean Albatros.

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 187
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 tonight. This evening, you’ll have a welcome meeting where you’ll meet the other travellers who will be joining you on your journey. If you arrive early, maybe explore Ushuaia by browsing the main street for souvenirs and trying a local snack or two – empanadas, anyone?
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 tonight. This evening, you’ll have a welcome meeting where you’ll meet the other travellers who will be joining you on your journey. If you arrive early, maybe explore Ushuaia by browsing the main street for souvenirs and trying a local snack or two – empanadas, anyone?
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 head out and explore Ushuaia with a visit to the Maritime Museum or some shopping, otherwise you can simply relax at the hotel until this afternoon, when you’ll board your ship – the Ocean Albatros. When you’ve boarded, you’ll meet the Expedition Team who will be joining you for your travels. Settle into your cabin, then join your group for a safety and orientation meeting. Tonight, sit down with the captain and your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner on board. Toast as your Antarctic adventure begins!
Charming harbor view of Stanley with colorful Victorian houses in the Falkland Islands.Embarkation in Ushuaia
This morning, you might like to head out and explore Ushuaia with a visit to the Maritime Museum or some shopping, otherwise you can simply relax at the hotel until this afternoon, when you’ll board your ship – the Ocean Albatros. When you’ve boarded, you’ll meet the Expedition Team who will be joining you for your travels. Settle into your cabin, then join your group for a safety and orientation meeting. Tonight, sit down with the captain and your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner on board. Toast as your Antarctic adventure begins!
Map showing Embarkation in Ushuaia
Day 3Drake PassageSpend your first two days at sea crossing the fabled Drake Passage. This body of water that separates the southernmost point of South America from the Antarctic Peninsula is named after English explorer Sir Francis Drake. As you sail, take part in onboard activities like the Citizen Science program – help collect data and play a part in the recording of and understanding of Antarctic ecosystems. Learn about the region’s history, geology and ecology during educational talks led by the Expedition Team. Be sure to keep your binoculars handy – keep an eye out for seabirds including albatross, petrels and prions. Feel the temperature drop as you cross the Antarctic Convergence and officially enter Antarctica’s waters.
A calm ocean scene featuring ships on the horizon under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.Drake Passage
Spend your first two days at sea crossing the fabled Drake Passage. This body of water that separates the southernmost point of South America from the Antarctic Peninsula is named after English explorer Sir Francis Drake. As you sail, take part in onboard activities like the Citizen Science program – help collect data and play a part in the recording of and understanding of Antarctic ecosystems. Learn about the region’s history, geology and ecology during educational talks led by the Expedition Team. Be sure to keep your binoculars handy – keep an eye out for seabirds including albatross, petrels and prions. Feel the temperature drop as you cross the Antarctic Convergence and officially enter Antarctica’s waters.
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, hop onto a Zodiac cruise for a day of expeditions. The South Shetland Islands form the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, and each island has something different to offer. You might walk along the black sands of Deception Island – formed by the caldera of an active volcano, here you’ll find the ruins of abandoned research bases from the 1960s. You might also do some exploration via kayak! Surrounded by scenery of grand mountains and glaciers, watch as the wildlife returns to the islands and their typical daily lives after the dark winter. See chinstrap and gentoo penguins and elephant and fur seals along the water’s edge. Be sure to keep your camera at the ready for any whale sightings.
A breathtaking aerial view of coastal mountains and sea in Ushuaia, Argentina.South Shetland Islands
Today, hop onto a Zodiac cruise for a day of expeditions. The South Shetland Islands form the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, and each island has something different to offer. You might walk along the black sands of Deception Island – formed by the caldera of an active volcano, here you’ll find the ruins of abandoned research bases from the 1960s. You might also do some exploration via kayak! Surrounded by scenery of grand mountains and glaciers, watch as the wildlife returns to the islands and their typical daily lives after the dark winter. See chinstrap and gentoo penguins and elephant and fur seals along the water’s edge. Be sure to keep your camera at the ready for any whale sightings.
Map showing South Shetland Islands
Day 6AntarcticaContinue your exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula over these three days where you’ll see the White Continent in all its springtime glory. Create unforgettable memories as you watch penguins coming ashore, meeting their mates, building nests and tending to their eggs. Witness the sheer scale of the Antarctic ice so soon after winter, soaking in the sight of towering icebergs. You might visit active scientific bases and historic landing sites during your Zodiac expeditions over these few days. In the evenings, marvel at the spectacular colours of Antarctica’s sunsets.
Stunning view of sharp iceberg peaks against a bright blue sky in Argentina.Antarctica
Continue your exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula over these three days where you’ll see the White Continent in all its springtime glory. Create unforgettable memories as you watch penguins coming ashore, meeting their mates, building nests and tending to their eggs. Witness the sheer scale of the Antarctic ice so soon after winter, soaking in the sight of towering icebergs. You might visit active scientific bases and historic landing sites during your Zodiac expeditions over these few days. In the evenings, marvel at the spectacular colours of Antarctica’s sunsets.
Day 7Antarctica
Stunning view of the Perito Moreno Glacier showcasing icy blue hues and rugged textures.Antarctica
Antarctica
Day 8Antarctica
Majestic blue ice formations in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina.Antarctica
Antarctica
Day 9Drake PassageSay goodbye to the Antarctic Peninsula and start to make your way back north, crossing the Drake Passage once more. Gather with your fellow travel companions and the Expedition Team to celebrate the incredible adventure you’ve experienced with a slideshow of moments captured from the trip, a photography contest and one last celebratory meal together. Here’s to the adventure of a lifetime!
A calm ocean scene featuring ships on the horizon under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.Drake Passage
Say goodbye to the Antarctic Peninsula and start to make your way back north, crossing the Drake Passage once more. Gather with your fellow travel companions and the Expedition Team to celebrate the incredible adventure you’ve experienced with a slideshow of moments captured from the trip, a photography contest and one last celebratory meal together. Here’s to the adventure of a lifetime!
Map showing Drake Passage
Day 10Drake Passage
Dramatic sea view during stormy weather from a ship's deck, showcasing turbulent waters.Drake Passage
Drake Passage
Map showing Drake Passage
Stunning view of snow-capped mountains and serene lake under a cloudy sky, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
Your journey through

Argentina

Day 11Disembarkation in Ushuaia, ArgentinaYour polar adventure comes to an end after you disembark the ship this morning. 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.Ushuaia
Your polar adventure comes to an end after you disembark the ship this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay in Ushuaia, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Map showing 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
4 Nov 202614 Nov 2026CAD 13,755On requestBook my trip
4 Nov 202614 Nov 2026CAD 31,270On requestBook my trip
4 Nov 202614 Nov 2026CAD 20,705On requestBook my trip
4 Nov 202614 Nov 2026CAD 25,710On requestBook my trip
4 Nov 202614 Nov 2026CAD 22,095On requestBook my trip
4 Nov 202614 Nov 2026CAD 21,120On requestBook my trip
4 Nov 202614 Nov 2026CAD 18,340On requestBook my trip
4 Nov 202614 Nov 2026CAD 19,315On requestBook my trip
4 Nov 202614 Nov 2026CAD 17,785On requestBook my trip
4 Nov 202614 Nov 2026CAD 16,115On requestBook my trip
4 Nov 202614 Nov 2026CAD 17,090On requestBook my trip
13 Nov 202623 Nov 2026CAD 14,170On requestBook my trip
13 Nov 202623 Nov 2026CAD 32,240On requestBook my trip
13 Nov 202623 Nov 2026CAD 21,260On requestBook my trip
13 Nov 202623 Nov 2026CAD 26,540On requestBook my trip
13 Nov 202623 Nov 2026CAD 22,790On requestBook my trip
13 Nov 202623 Nov 2026CAD 21,815On requestBook my trip
13 Nov 202623 Nov 2026CAD 18,895On requestBook my trip
13 Nov 202623 Nov 2026CAD 19,870On requestBook my trip
13 Nov 202623 Nov 2026CAD 18,340On requestBook my trip
13 Nov 202623 Nov 2026CAD 16,535On requestBook my trip
13 Nov 202623 Nov 2026CAD 17,505On 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.

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