Antarctica 2025

Itinerary

Day 1: 23 Feb 2025 (Sunday) – Sydney to Buenos Aires

Today we meet up at Sydney Airport for our flight Sydney to Santiago with a connection onto Buenos Aires.On arrival we will transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.

Buenos Aires, Argentina’s elegant, historic and cosmopolitan capital, is known as the “Paris of the South” due to its European atmosphere with glamorous avenues lined with fashionable shops and Parisian-style restaurants and cafes. Located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, Buenos Aires has many fascinating neighbourhoods to explore including the colourful and lively La Boca, home to art galleries and tango shows; San Telmo with its restored mansions and antique stores and Recoleta, the city’s most exclusive area.
Hotel Intersur Recoleta includes Breakfast

Day 2: 24 Feb 2025 (Monday) - Half Day Buenos Aires City Tour

Morning City Tour of Buenos Aires before transferring to The Airport for our afternoon flight to Ushuaia. On arrival we will be transferred to our hotel.

Wyndham Ushuaia Glaciar Hotel including breakfast

Day 3: 25 Feb 2025 (Tuesday) - Beagle Channel Boat Trip (Bird & Sea Lion Islands)

Today we transfer to the dock then sail along the Ushuaia Bay and the Beagle Channel, we get great views back of the city and the mountains, sea and forests that surround it. We sail towards the Les Eclaireurs lighthouse where there is a small cormorant colony, and on the way back we approach the Sea Lions Island where you can enjoy these attractive sea mammals, and the Despard Island which is the natural habitat of the Imperial Cormorants. During the trip we will be able to see many species of seabirds like southern giant petrels, black-browned albatross, skuas, southern American terns, gulls and kelp gulls. After sailing among the Bridges Archipelago and through the Paso Chico, the boat returns to Ushuaia.

Ushuaia is the most southerly city in the world and the capital of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire). It has a dramatic setting, surrounded by mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south, making it a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic adventure.
Afternoon is free to explore this amazing city.

Overnight in a Standard Room at Pre Voyage Ushuaia Accommodation including breakfast.

Day 4: 26 Feb 2025 (Wednesday) - Tierra Del Fuego NP Tour+Train & Entrance Fee -SIB

Today you will explore the only National Park on the island, Tierra del Fuego, home to a variety of wildlife including beavers, foxes and rabbits as well as some beautiful native flora.

A collection of short walks will take you to Ensenada Bay, Roca Lake and Lapataia Bay, before returning to Ushuaia by the End of the World Train. In the afternoon we will transfer to the pier of Ushuaia for embarkation in the late afternoon. You will be welcomed on board the Ocean Endeavour by the Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers.
This evening we set sail through the Beagle Channel that was named after the British ship the HMS Beagle. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, and is rich in wildlife. Keep a look out for Magellanic penguins, rock cormorants, petrels and black-browed albatross from the deck as well as sea lion colonies.
Enjoy your first taste of life at sea and a welcome dinner. The air is likely to be filled with anticipation, as your next view of land will be of Antarctica - the White Continent.

Overnight in a Cat 4 - Twin Porthole with all meals and activities included.

Day 5: 27 Feb 2025 (Thursday) - Journey to the Circle - 3-4

As we leave the Beagle Channel, prepare yourself for potentially rough seas as we enter the legendary Drake Passage. This infamous and unpredictable channel of water separates the southernmost tip of South America from the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. It was named after the English explorer, Sir Frances Drake.
As we head southwards, there is time to get to know your shipmates and get an insight into the excitement ahead with presentations from the Expedition Team on everything Antarctic - from the history and geology to the incredible wildlife.
We will notice a drop in temperature as we cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. At the Antarctic Convergence, the colder polar waters flowing north meet the warmer equatorial waters flowing south. These mixing pushes nutrient rich waters to the surface, attracting a variety of seabirds, whales and other species. Look out through the panoramic observation windows or brave the elements outside on deck as you keep your eyes peeled for albatrosses flying overhead, icebergs and maybe even breaching whales.
Leaving the Antarctic Convergence in our wake, we continue south towards Antarctica, maybe making landfall by early evening on Day 4, if conditions are favourable. The first sighting of land always brings great excitement and is often embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition.

Overnight in a Cat 4 - Twin Porthole with all meals and activities included.

Day 7: 01 Mar 2025 (Saturday) - Journey to the Circle - 5-8

For the next four days we explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula that is famed for its majestic mountains, glaciers, imposing icebergs, ice-strewn waters and abundance of wildlife. The scenery, wildlife and serene silence of Antarctica will enchant and enthral and you will soon realise why this region has captivated the attention of explorers and travellers for centuries.
Your days on the Antarctic Peninsula will form the core of your adventure. Every day will be different as we cruise by Zodiac amongst the beautifully sculpted icebergs and take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. Unpredictable weather and ice conditions mean that the itinerary will be flexible, but will make the most of wildlife sightings, as we aim to explore penguin rookeries, seal and bird colonies, whale feeding areas as well as visiting sites of historic and scientific interest and climbing to vantage points for panoramic views. There is always something new or unexpected to see, with opportunities for kayaking, snowshoeing and photography with an expert, which means that your expedition will be a unique and personal experience and unlike any other. Enjoy the antics of thousands of curious penguins as you sit on a pebbled beach, scout for whales and seals as you cruise by Zodiac, visit a research base, listen out for the mighty crack of a calving glacier and maybe brave a polar plunge in the icy waters!
As we cruise through the Peninsula, the lecture programme continues and sightseeing is at its most spectacular off the ship’s outer decks. Enjoy the Ocean Endeavour’s newly designed health and fitness features, with facilities that include a spa, His and Hers saunas, saltwater pool and gym plus yoga sessions.

Overnight in a Cat 4 - Twin Porthole with all meals and activities included.

Day 11: 05 Mar 2025 (Wednesday) - Journey to the Circle - 9-10

If weather conditions are favourable, we will continue to push south, past vast icebergs, in the hope of reaching latitude 66°33' S to cross the fabled Antarctic Circle. This is a point that only a few intrepid travellers have reached, an impressive achievement and one worthy of a celebration! We will toast ourselves and toast the first explorers who ventured this far south. The area is home to Weddell seals and beautifully sculptured ice formations and we may see humpback whales and minke whales that feed on the krill-rich waters.

Overnight in a Cat 4 - Twin Porthole with all meals and activities included.

Day 13: 07 Mar 2025 (Friday) - Journey to the Circle - 11

Heading north once more, we will continue to explore the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, keeping a close watch for wildlife and scanning the waters for whale activity. Make the most of the on board facilities, and enjoy your final Zodiac excursions and shore landings.

Overnight in a Cat 4 - Twin Porthole with all meals and activities included.

Day 14: 08 Mar 2025 (Saturday) - Journey to the Circle - 12-13

Leaving the Antarctic Peninsula behind, we head back across the Drake Passage. This is another great opportunity to look out for wildlife from the deck of the ship, as you identify seabirds and maybe whales with the help of your Expedition Team. Gain more insight into the region by attending final lectures and presentations by the polar experts and take time to relax and reminisce about your Antarctic experiences.
By the evening we hope to be back in the tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel, ensuring a restful nights sleep on board.

Overnight in a Cat 4 - Twin Porthole with all meals and activities included.

Day 16: 10 Mar 2025 (Monday) - Journey to the Circle - 14

We are scheduled to arrive into Ushuaia early this morning, disembarking after a final breakfast aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Transfer to the airport for our onward flight to Buenos Aires the to Iguassu Falls.

On arrival in Iguassu we will be met and taken to our hotel

The spectacular Iguazu Falls that straddle the Argentine-Brazil border, are made up of 275 individual waterfalls lining a 2.7km wide horseshoe-shaped gorge. The Falls are located where the Iguazu River cascades over the edge of the Paraná Plateau. The Falls can be viewed from both the Argentinian and the Brazilian sides, the Brazilian side offering a broader, panoramic view, with the Argentinian side offering a series of catwalks that allow you to experience the Falls from close range.

Overnight at Mercure Iguazu Hotel Iru including breakfast.

Day 17: 11 Mar 2025 (Tuesday) - Full Day Argentinian Falls

Early morning pick up from our hotel for our full day of exploring the Argentine side of the falls. This tour always starts early in order to beat the crowds and get the first train to the Devil’s Throat. There are walkways over the islands which take you to a balcony over the falls and the most spectacular view of the entire Devil’s Gorge. You will then have plenty of time to walk the 800 metres of paths on the upper circuit. These new suspended walkways are detached from the jungle surface so as to protect the fauna by preventing disruption of the natural trails. From this circuit you have a higher sight of the falls, providing you with a magnificent panoramic view. It takes around one hour to cover the upper circuit. The lower circuit contains 600 metres of walkways, also detached from the jungle floor, and has great views from below and around the falls. Once you have finished all the circuits, return to the visitor centre where your vehicles will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel. Please note there is some degree of difficulty as the path includes many stairs, particularly on the lower circuit. On completion of the tour, we will be taken to our hotel.

Overnight at Mercure Iguazu Hotel Iru including breakfast

Day 18: 12 Mar 2025 (Wednesday) - Half Day Brazilian Falls Tour

Today enjoy a half day tour of the Brazilian side of the falls. We will be required to bring your passport as you will be crossing from Argentina into Brazil. You will be collected from your hotel and taken to the Visitors Centre. From here board one of the Park Authority’s tourist buses and enter the National Park. Equipped with panoramic windows, the buses are designed to maximize your views of the falls, while the walkways and steps provide you with great panoramic views of the Argentinian side of the falls. Views of the Floriana Falls, the Devil’s Gorge Canyon and the Iguazu River are spectacular and are guaranteed to impress.

In the afternoon we will be transferred back to our hotel the to the airport for our flight to Buenos Aires

On arrival we will be met and transferred to our hotel

Overnight Intersur Recoleta including breakfast

Day 19: 13 Mar 2025 (Thursday) – Free Day

Today is yours free to relax and explore this wonderful city. We can arrange various activities and recommend the amazing Tango Show

Overnight in a Executive Room at Intersur Recoleta including breakfast

Day 20: 14 Mar 2025 (Friday) - Travel Day

Departure Transfer: - You will be collected from our hotel transferred to the airport for our flight. We Join our flight for our trip home to Sydney

Please Note: This itinerary and/or hotels quoted within this itinerary may change due to local operating conditions or availability at the time of booking. Please see our terms and conditions for more details. Please note that all flights are non refundable and non changeable unless advised otherwise. Chimu Adventures Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility for flight delays and subsequent delays on tours.

Please be aware that many of our products are operated in US Dollars and therefore subject to currency fluctuations. Chimu Adventures Pty Ltd will do its upmost to avoid passing on any additional charges however if there is a significant change in exchange rates then we will be required to add a currency surcharge without warning. If you would like to remove this currency risk you do have the option of paying in full at the time of booking. Additionally if you have booked one of our cruise products - be aware that many operators also reserve the right to apply fuel surcharges dependant on the price of crude oil.

Final payment on bookings are generally due 95 days prior to departure

Please note comprehensive pre tour departure information will be provided shortly after confirming your booking. This pack is an invaluable source with information on visas, tipping, what to pack and much more.

This tour has been arranged by:

James Cracknell
Windsong Travel
Shop 1 – 58 Hyde St.
Bellingen, NSW
Phone 0266550855
Email: Bellingen@windsongtravel.com.au