Antarctica in Depth

Arrive at your hotel for your one-night stay.  Latin passion and European romance define the beautiful city of Buenos Aires, a dynamic city known for its wide-ranging architectural styles, contemporary and historical arts, and culinary experiences.

Your journey begins as you fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, known as the southernmost city in the world. The crew will warmly greet you as you seamlessly board Scenic Eclipse. Settle into your luxurious suite and acquaint yourself with the world-class facilities of your Discovery Yacht. Toast the start of your voyage as you sail away from South America and cruise through the Beagle Channel. Admire the dramatic views of the Andean mountains of Tierra del Fuego from the comfort of your private verandah. 

As we begin sailing across the famed Drake Passage, enjoy a sleep-in as you get comfortable with the rhythm of the ocean. The experienced crew are available to assist you with whatever you need. Join an introductory presentation by the Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre – as you get ready for your first landing, they will share with you their excitement about whats to come, along with practical information about your polar expedition. Relax and enjoy the bars, lounges, dining, and wellness facilities as you cruise towards Antarctica.

Today we will enter Antarctic waters, and the excitement starts to build as you search for your first iceberg. Put on your complimentary polar parka and head out on the Observation Deck to watch for seabirds, such as the wandering albatross with the largest wingspan of any flying bird. Alternatively, watch for the blow of a whale in the distance. Your palate will be delighted as you explore the extensive range of dining options on board, from casual to fine dining including private in-suite meals served by your butler.

Welcome to a stunningly beautiful and unpredictable environment that always finds a way to surprise you. See icebergs of different shapes and sizes sculpted by nature, majestic, glaciated mountains towering out of the ocean thousands of meters tall and enjoy the search for spotting penguins, seals, and whales. At the heart of your Antarctica voyage is your specialist polar Discovery Team. With up to 20 experts, all leading specialists in their fields with diverse qualifications, they will answer your questions and be with you throughout your journey. Included in your Expedition Voyage are  Zodiac excursions, landings, hikes, kayaking and stand-up paddleboard experiences. Discovery: Partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions. Cruise on the Zodiacs around ice formations, step onto shore to view vast penguin rookeries and seals. Kayak or stand-up paddle board around icebergs and hear the ice cracking and whales feeding all around. An expert guide is with you for any questions you may have, although it is the perfect time to embrace the silence and be in the moment.

Board your Zodiac and feel the fresh, crisp air on your face as you cruise towards the 7th continent. Hear the snow crunch under your boot as you prepare for what the landing has in store. Each new encounter will fill you with awe. Witness wildlife in their natural habitat, with no fear of humans, or see historic sites scattered on the shoreline. Antarctica is truly a land of wonder. Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, a host of choices throughout your Expedition Voyage are open and dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Your experienced Captain and specialist Discovery Team, who have made countless journeys to Antarctica, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, making the most of 18–20 hours of daylight. Discovery: Continue exploring Antarctica with your experienced Discovery Team. Partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions by zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

Remarkable wildlife encounters await during your time exploring Antarctica. Eight species of penguins can be found in Antarctic and the sub-Antarctic region, with around twelve million penguins living on the Peninsula. Going on shore to witness a penguin colony is an unforgettable experience. Close your eyes to get the full experience as you approach. Smell will be the first sense to be awakened, with the not-so-sweet odour announcing that you are nearby. Hear their mighty calls getting louder as you get closer to shore. Watch on as they go about their day, clumsily waddling along and interacting with each other. Penguins that you may see on the Peninsula include Adélie, Chinstrap, Gentoo, and the very rare Emperor penguins. Whales are another powerful creature that you may encounter during your voyage, and youll find their gentle movement calming and impactful. Feel the anticipation of the first sighting of the blow of water shooting into the air, to finding where the second will come from, and seeing their giant body surface for another breath. It could be the back of a minke, the hump on a humpback or the dorsal fin of an Orca. You may be on Scenic Eclipse, watching from the comfort of the Observation Lounge, in a Zodiac with an experienced Discovery Team member, or lucky enough to experience this from their level in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Antarctica is also a birdwatchers paradise, drawing more than 40 different species. Keep your eyes peeled for wandering albatrosses, shearwaters, giant petrels, storm petrels, blue-eyed shags, diving petrels, cormorants, sheathbills, skuas, gulls and terns. Discovery: Continue exploring Antarctica with your experienced Discovery Team. Partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions by zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

Ice is one of the first things that comes to mind when you think of Antarctica, but you will soon find out that it is much more than an endless white landscape. Portal Point is a potential landing site. Previously a British refuge hut, you will get the opportunity to walk up to see panoramic views from the snow-covered mountains surrounding you, looking over the ice filled ocean back to the ship that made all this possible. Lemaire Channel is an iconic location in Antarctica, so photogenic it was nicknamed ‘Kodak Alley’. If your voyage is able to weave through the channel, make sure you set your alarm and embrace the cool air on the Observation Terrace. Pass through the 11-kilometre-long channel, just 700 metres wide at its narrowest point, and be amazed at the dramatic rocky mountains rising beside the ship and icebergs passing by close enough to see them glowing blue under the surface. Nestled in the South Shetland Islands archipelago, Deception Island is full of history, and is also one of the only places in the world that ships can sail directly into the centre of a submerged caldera of an active volcano. Scenic Eclipse can squeeze through a rocky gap into the peaceful waters of the horseshoe-shaped harbour. The island is also home to a few small scientific outposts and hundreds of thousands of chinstrap penguins. Standing at the entrance of Fournier Bay is Mount Francis, the tallest mountain in Antarctica. There may be the chance to visit a working scientific base and discuss life in these harsh conditions with the staff. You can also explore the remnants of a derelict whaling station and a vacant British base or climb to the rim of a volcanic crater. Enjoy the chance to visit areas alive with wildlife such as penguins, seals, and whales. Wherever your voyage takes you, you will have countless “pinch me" occasions when the scenery is so impressive, youll have to be reminded that this dream came true. Discovery: Continue exploring Antarctica with your experienced Discovery Team. Partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions by zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

Be sure to pack your swimmers. For many, the polar plunge is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and a rite of passage for people on an expedition to Antarctica. Once throughout your voyage, Scenic Eclipse will stop, and the team will set up the marina ready for the brave people who want to jump into the freezing Antarctic waters. If you choose not to do the polar plunge, make sure you find a good viewing location with a cup of hot chocolate as you feel the chills of everyone coming out of the waters. Discovery: Enjoy a Scenic Discovery excursion, perhaps going with a group of new friends to cruise on the Zodiacs around ice formations, kayak, or stand-up paddle board in search of the impressive wildlife.

Everywhere you go in Antarctica you are surrounded with endless opportunities to capture images on camera. Whether getting up close to seals by zodiac, walking through penguin colonies or onboard Scenic Eclipse cruising past spectacular glaciers, be sure to have your camera ready to capture these amazing moments. For an additional cost, today could be the day you take your seat in our custom-built submersible^ and delve below the ocean waters in a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. You could also choose to soar above in one of two on board helicopters^ for a unique view of this spectacular region. Discovery: When enjoying daily Scenic Discovery excursions, ask for our photography experts in the Discovery Team tips and guidance on how to spot the wildlife around you. They will help you immortalise these incredible moments while cruising on the Zodiacs, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding around impressive ice formations.

After a day of amazing discoveries, join your fellow guests for a drink in one of the bars to reminisce on today’s adventures and the incredible moments of the day.  Discovery: Continue exploring Antarctica with your experienced Discovery Team. Partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions by zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

Make the most of the on board services and activities such as a guided stretching or aerial yoga class in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates studio, a run in the fitness centre or a catch up with friends at one of the all-inclusive bars and restaurants. Take a culinary journey with a masterclass with the Executive Chef or Sommelier at Chefs Garden @ Epicure. Discovery: Continue exploring Antarctica with your experienced Discovery Team. Partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions by zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

Returning on board in the afternoon is the perfect opportunity for some relaxation and rejuvenation. For the ultimate well-being at sea, visit the expansive Senses Spa on Deck 6. Indulge in luxurious ESPA treatments, unwind in the Vitality plunge pool, and purify your body in the exclusive KLAFS Salt Therapy Lounge.   Discovery: Continue exploring Antarctica with your experienced Discovery Team. Partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions by zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

Farewell your adventure in the icy lands and set sail heading north to the continent of South America. Share memories of your experiences with new-found friends.

Cruising the Drake Passage back to the tip of South America, there is plenty of time to indulge in the ultra-luxury of your Discovery Yacht and reflect on the magic of the Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home.

Your voyage ends this morning as you farewell the crew. Disembark after breakfast to fly to Buenos Aires, taking away memories of a truly unforgettable experience.  Please book your flight to depart out of Buenos Aires after 08:00 PM. Please note, the itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons and weather conditions. As such, Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above.