This is our fantastic 9-day sunset voyage to the Great White Continent. Experience the peak of Antarctic whale activity, stunning mountain scenery and gigantic icebergs in action-packed days on Earth's last frontier.

Once we hit mid to late March, we end our Antarctic season with a truly unique experience. These shorter days with magical sunsets and golden light allow us to explore the isolated Antarctic Peninsula more or less by ourselves, as fewer and fewer vessels venture south. However, we do expect plentiful company in the form of humpback whales as their numbers peak in this part of the season. Wildlife is the highlight of autumn in Antarctica, as pictures of whales, seals, birds and penguins fill our SD cards and our hearts. 

Departing Argentina's southernmost city of Ushuaia, we cross the mighty Drake Passage en-route southwards. The unique X-Bow design of our expedition vessels offers exceptional stability at sea, giving you a smoother ride across some of Earth's most challenging waters, while the vessels' speed allows us to maximise our time in Antarctica to offer a superlative exploration experience. 

While wind, sea and ice conditions will dictate the exact locations we will visit, we will make Zodiac landings to allow guests to set foot on land and experience penguin rookeries, research stations and historical sites, and aim to Zodiac cruise in scenic areas filled with giant icebergs, whales and seals. Shore landings and Zodiac safaris will occupy our days, while our knowledgeable onboard Expedition Team will offer a selection of specially crafted lectures to inform your matchless expedition experience.

Glittering ice cliffs and precipitous peaks rise straight out of the frigid waters of the Antarctic Peninsula - icebergs, glaciers, mountains and rugged snowfields characterise this wildly beautiful alien landscape. Autumn in Antarctica brings a change in the seasonal rhythms of the continet - fluffy penguin chicks begin to moult into their sleek adult plumage. Large male fur seals are commonplace, feasting on krill in the rich Antarctic waters. Large pods of gentle humpback whales can be seen frolicking in the icy waters, gorging themselves on krill as they teach their (still rather gigantic) young how to survive in this extreme environment. Watch for tiny storm petrels picking tidbits from the water where the whales swim - while the whales themselves keep careful watch for deadly orcas. 

With PC6/1A ice ratings, Ocean Victory and Ocean Albatros can access areas off-limits for most ships. With an average occupancy of 175 guests aboard Ocean Victory and Ocean Albatros, our cruises offer a unique experience for the brave few.

Facts about Giants of the Southern Ocean: Whale voyage with South Shetlands and the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Antarctica