Echoes of the Deep: A 13-Day Whale & Science Expedition in Antarctica

Board the expedition vessel in the afternoon, where you'll meet your crew and fellow travellers. After settling into your cabin, the ship sets off along the picturesque Beagle Channel. Relish your first evening at sea as the southernmost tip of South America disappears from view.

Start your Antarctic adventure with a crossing of the Drake Passage, a vast stretch of open ocean that marks the Antarctic Convergence, where nutrient-rich waters sustain a vibrant ecosystem.While at sea, attend expert-led talks on Antarctica's history, wildlife, and geology. Head to the open decks or the bridge to spot albatrosses, petrels, and even whales. Adventure activities, including navigation workshops and safety briefings for kayaking and snowshoeing, will also be held.By the end of Day 3, the first sighting of icebergs and snow-capped peaks will signal your arrival at the South Shetland Islands.

Core science days in areas around and along the Gerlache Strait. Potential activities include (dependent on conditions & permitting):Zodiac-Based Whale ObservationConduct whale observation and behavioral logging from Zodiac vessels in active feeding and transit areas.Deployment and recovery of research equipmentDeploy and recover underwater acoustic instruments used to record and analyze marine mammal presence and communication.Fluke Photo-ID sessionsParticipate in fluke photo-identification sessions to help track individual whales across sightings.Data Review & ProcessingEngage in evening sessions reviewing collected data, processing video, and discussing preliminary findings onboard.These days are based around collecting data through our field operations and ecosystem-focused exploration. Shore landings may complement at-sea research, connecting whale behavior to broader Antarctic food web dynamics.

Extended flexibility to revisit productive areas and continue ecosystem-focused exploration.These additional days allow flexibility to revisit productive whale areas or shift focus based on conditions and research progress.Other included and optional activities during your time in Antarctica include kayaking, hiking, and taking a dip into the icy cold Antarctic Sea.Adaptive Research PlanningAdjust routes and operations dynamically to maximize opportunities for meaningful observations and data collection.Revisiting Whale HotspotsReturn to previously active marine areas to continue tracking whale presence and behavior patterns.KayakingExplore calm waters at close range, offering a unique perspective of the Antarctic environment.Hiking & Shore ExplorationStep ashore for guided hikes across glacial landscapes and panoramic viewpoints.Polar PlungeTake an optional dip into the icy Antarctic waters for a memorable expedition experience.

As the expedition heads back north, there's an opportunity for a final landing or zodiac cruise. Weather and ice conditions permitting, explore destinations like Brown Bluff, where towering cliffs and an Adélie penguin colony await, or Paulet Island, home to historic sites and abundant wildlife.

Relive the journey north — final lectures, seabird spotting, and a celebratory dinner.

Arrive back in Ushuaia in the early morning. After breakfast, disembark with cherished memories of an epic Antarctic expedition and new stories to tell.

The above itinerary is a general guideline. Our precise route and activities will be adjusted to optimize wildlife viewing and adapt to prevailing weather and ice conditions. The Captain and/or Expedition Leader will make necessary changes to ensure the best possible experience. A daily program will be provided onboard. Flexibility is essential for a successful expedition. Whilst our focus is on early exploration landing sites cannot be guaranteed.