The 10- to 13-day Antarctic Latitudes voyage sails round-trip from Ushuaia. From the Beagle Channel to the Drake Passage, embark as early explorers did, looking for icebergs, seabirds and whales along the way to the South Shetland Islands. Explore the Antarctic Peninsula for multiple days, stopping at penguin rookeries, seal wallows and whale feeding areas, as well as sites of historic and scientific interest. Antarctica is far too special to simply pass through and check off a list. Voyaging to Antarctica with a captain and expedition team that has decades of Antarctic exploration under their belts makes this not just a cruise, but a voyage. 

Engage in Antarctica with the Citizen Science program, a way to harness the power of thousands of travelers around the world to observe, record and report on natural phenomena. Participate in a variety of activities that support important research projects in five major disciplines: Oceanography, Glaciology, Ornithology, Marine Biology and Meteorology. The data collected contributes to a better understanding of climate change and how it’s affecting the Antarctic continent. Participate or simply observe, but no matter what, feel the buzz of fun, interactive and informative activities that make this voyage unforgettable.

Adventure- and Expedition ships Discoverer: Polar LatitudesOcean AlbatrosOcean Victory and Ocean Nova serve as floating basecamps in Antarctica. These 80- to 194-guest small ships feature modern technology, state-of-the-art efficiency and nimble design for active off-ship excursions. Enjoy access to an unparalleled capacity and variety of adventure gear aboard these ice-breaker polar ships.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and trips to Antarctica.

Main Antarctica Itinerary

Ushuaia, ArgentinaUshuaia, Argentina

Main Antarctic Latitudes departures cruise along the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula for various lengths, with select departures adding time in the Weddell Sea. While the 12-day Antarctic Peninsula: The Classic Voyage itinerary is listed here, other itineraries (10-13 days) include: Adventures in Antarctica, Antarctica Springs to Life, Antarctica’s Whale Season, Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer’s Expedition, Antarctic Peninsula: An Immersive Odyssey, Best of Antarctica’s Whale Season, Celebrating Antarctica, Celebrating New Year’s in Antarctica, Christmas Season in Antarctica and Exploring Antarctica’s Spring. Your Adventure Specialist can provide the exact itinerary based on your departure date.

Route map of Antarctic Latitudes small ship cruise, operating round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with visits to the South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula.

No need to stress about missed connections or flight delays by arriving with plenty of time to unwind and enjoy the beautiful Arakur Resort & Spa or spend time discovering the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia.

ACCOMMODATIONS Arakur Resort & Spa
MEALS N/a

Spend the morning exploring Ushuaia or unwinding at the resort until the mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. Be greeted on board by the expedition team and ship staff, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and captain’s welcome dinner.

ACCOMMODATIONS Discoverer: Polar Latitudes, Ocean Albatros, Ocean Nova, Ocean Victory
MEALS Breakfast

Join polar experts as they teach about everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history; participate in a renowned Citizen Science program; or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching exciting glimpses of wildlife. Grab the binoculars to identify the many seabirds that follow the ship as the ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctic waters and noticeably cooler temperatures.

ACCOMMODATIONS Discoverer: Polar Latitudes, Ocean Albatros, Ocean Nova, Ocean Victory
MEALS Breakfast

The volcanic South Shetland Islands offer amazing abundance and beauty, so hop into the inflatable Zodiac boats and spend as much time as possible exploring. Be prepared to marvel up close at nature’s glory!

ACCOMMODATIONS Discoverer: Polar Latitudes, Ocean Albatros, Ocean Nova, Ocean Victory
MEALS Breakfast

Here, explore any number of picturesque bays and famed harbors, maneuvering through majestic channels while traveling the wildlife-rich waters. There are great opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites while spotting numerous species of penguins, seals and whales along the rugged coastlines and in the sea.

ACCOMMODATIONS Discoverer: Polar Latitudes, Ocean Albatros, Ocean Nova, Ocean Victory
MEALS Breakfast

Say farewell to this magical place as the ship makes her way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. Enjoy one last hurrah while celebrating the conclusion of the expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.

ACCOMMODATIONS Discoverer: Polar Latitudes, Ocean Albatros, Ocean Nova, Ocean Victory
MEALS Breakfast

Disembark in the morning to catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.

ACCOMMODATIONS n/a
MEALS Breakfast

Included

One night’s hotel accommodation in embarkation city; transfer from airport in embarkation city to group hotel if arriving on Day 1 of itinerary and with confirmed air itinerary at least 15 days prior to departure; transfer from group hotel to ship for embarkation; group transfer from ship to airport, hotel in Ushuaia or central location following disembarkation; shipboard accommodations; all scheduled landings & excursions; Citizen Science program participation; all meals on board; coffee, tea and water 24 hours daily; complimentary house wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner (selected labels and brands, no wine at lunch); complimentary in-room minibar, refilled once daily with non-alcoholic beverages; expedition jacket (yours to keep); a pair of boots for use during the voyage; WiFi from the public computers in the library; 500 MB WiFi card (for use on your personal devices); daily international news service; all port fees; all landing fees; digital Voyage Log; photography coach.

Exclusions

Any airfare or travel expenses associated with arrival to departure city; transfer from airport to group hotel, unless arriving on Day 1 of the itinerary; pre- or post-voyage expenses in departure city; travel insurance and insurance of any kind; laundry and personal expenses incurred on board; premium alcohol and any alcohol not mentioned in Inclusions; onboard communication charges such as outgoing phone calls, WiFi from personal devices in excess of the 500 MB provided; optional activities; staff gratuities.

Payment & Cancellation

2026-2027 Season:
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 180 days – $1,250 cancellation fee
179 to 121 days – 100% of deposit
120 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Main Antarctica voyage begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina (USH). Plan flights to arrive to Ushuaia, Argentina any time on Day 1 of the itinerary. The estimated disembarkation time from the vessel is 8:00am on the last day of the itinerary. We recommend booking your return flight as late in the day as possible, avoiding any flights departing before 12:00pm noon, in case of unintended delays due to weather or sea conditions. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Various optional activities may be available on your Antarctic Latitudes voyage.

Per-person prices for the 2026-27 season (all ships): immersive kayaking $1,195; camping $395; snowshoeing $150; photography and citizen science activities included. Contact AdventureSmith for more details and to reserve your spot on these adventure activities. A nonrefundable deposit of 20% of the activity fee is required per person at time of booking.

The immersive photography program ($495 aboard all ships in the 2026-27 season) is available to a small group of experienced photographers (minimum 5, maximum 10) and includes daily outings (including priority disembarkation) with an award-winning photo instructor who can provide input in the field, plus onboard workshops and image reviews.

Discover kayaking one-time paddling excursions are available for those who want something less in-depth than the immersive kayaking program; no experience is necessary. Each departure’s discover kayaking excursion may be pre-booked or booked on the ship. Per-person prices for the 2026-27 season (all ships): $350 Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking.

For either kayaking program, the minimum required age is 14 and all kayakers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult; weight limit is 260 pounds per person.

Room Configuration

Single travelers (18+ only) wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. Aboard Ocean Albatros and Ocean Victory, additional triple occupancy cabins include Junior Suites and Deck 4 Superior Balcony Suites (inquire for pricing). Aboard Discoverer: Polar Latitudes, additional triple occupancy cabins include all suites and a limited number of Ocean and Vista staterooms.

Families & Children

Children must be at least 12 years of age to participate in an Antarctic Peninsula voyage. However, on a case-by-case basis, children ages 7-11 may be accepted with additional screening prior to booking. Children under 18 years old must room with a responsible adult who is designated as the lead passenger on the booking.

Travel Insurance

Medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $150,000 USD per person. This plan must cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses and pre-existing medical conditions. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

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Learn About the Small Ships on Your Itinerary

The 2023-built, Ocean Albatros offers refined spaces, a relaxed atmosphere, state-of-the-art technology, and design optimized for smooth and efficient cruising. Come aboard this polar ship for amenities like Jacuzzis and a sauna, plus tenured guides.

Expedition Ship 174 GUESTS 342.5 FEET

The Ocean Nova, chartered by Polar Latitudes Expeditions, is a simple, small and comfortable ship. She enables all guests to go ashore at the same time & the opportunity to make lifelong friends.

Mid-Sized Cruiser 80 GUESTS 240 FEET

Built in 2021, the Ocean Victory is a technologically advanced polar vessel offering refined spaces and a relaxed atmosphere. Designed for smooth, efficient cruising, the ship treats guests to premium amenities including Jacuzzis and a gym, and lectures led by tenured expedition guides.

Expedition Ship 194 GUESTS 343 FEET

The Discoverer: Polar Latitudes expedition ship offers an intimate yet well-rounded experience, combining welcoming social spaces, expansive viewing decks and modern comforts with an Ice Class 1A rating for capable exploration of remote polar regions.

Expedition Ship 140 GUESTS 355 FEET

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