Day 1

We’re welcomed aboard Polar Pioneer at 4 p.m., shown our cabins, then gather on the flying bridge for a wonderful evening sail down the Beagle Channel, alert for penguins, petrels and dolphins.

Day 2

An exciting day at sea, with entertaining talks on Antarctica’s natural history, environmental and safety briefings and captivating seabirds to enjoy. Cape petrels mesmerise us, black- browed albatross enchant, but majestic wanderers take our breath away as we cross Drake Passage.

Day 3

Our climbers and kayakers prepare their equipment, bets are on for the first iceberg sighting and curious fur seals and porpoising penguins herald our approach to the South Shetland Islands. If conditions and timing allow, we attempt our first landing in the late afternoon. We hope to see sparring elephant seals and feisty fur seals, nesting southern giant petrels and several types of penguin.

Days 4-8

Overnight we enter Gerlache Strait and awaken to the glory of Antarctica – soaring, glaciated peaks, ethereal light, sheltered waterways, icebergs like fairy castles. Antarctica is at its most pristine in the early season. Gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins busily choose nesting sites and whales feed on krill-rich waters. Skuas and snowy sheathbills patrol the rookeries, blue-eyed cormorants nest on ledges and crabeater and Weddell seals snooze on ice floes.

Our expert guides lead climbers up peaks, paddlers amongst the ice, and, if the weather permits, campers to a special site. Zodiac cruises among stunning icebergs, whale watching and a continental landing are on our wish list; flexibility is the key. We may visit scientific stations and historic sites, but our focus is on close encounters with nature. Making full use of daylight hours, we take every opportunity to explore.

Days 9-10

We sail north to the realm of the albatross as we return across Drake Passage. It’s a time of photo sharing, entertaining talks and quiet reflection. If weather permits, we round Cape Horn before a special farewell dinner.

Day 11

Dawn greets us in the Beagle Channel. After breakfast we disembark to catch a flight or explore Ushuaia, the town at the end of the world.