The Epic Antarctica and South Georgia Adventure | 18 Days | Ocean Albatros Cruise

Ushuaia has been called "the gateway to Antarctica". Ushuaia is a popular harbor for both luxury cruise ships and large, rugged icebreakers. Its location on the Beagle Channel, at the southernmost tip of Argentina makes it a great place to visit. Ushuaia, a vital port that supplies many Antarctic research bases is also an incredibly beautiful city. It feels like you're at the end of the earth.

Ushuaia, with its rugged mountains and steam train named the "Train and the End of the World", as well as the fascinating cultural and museum centers, is an amazing destination. Boat trips on the Beagle Channel are a great way to see penguins and sea seals up close.

Drake Passage refers to the notorious stretch of ocean that runs between South America's tip and the South Shetland Islands, and ends at the Antarctic Peninsula.

The Drake Passage usually takes two or three days, so this is the perfect time to get to know your Antarctic Naturalist Guides. You'll learn about Antarctica through a series fascinating lectures and talks.

You can always count on your guides to identify seabird species, whales or other cetaceans en route towards the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

South Shetland Islands, often overlooked by those who want to visit the Antarctic Peninsula are an amazing destination.

Many people find themselves captivated by these beautiful islands, which are often the first or last stop on an Antarctic Cruise. It's a great way to get acquainted with Antarctica by landing on this beach surrounded by Gentoo Penguins.

South Shetlands is home to many Antarctic animals, such as elephant seals and humpbacks whales.

South Shetland Islands is a great first stop for an Antarctic cruise. It has active volcanoes as well as remnants of whaling history and beautiful mountain scenery.

Many of the best landing sites are located in the North-West part of the Antarctic Peninsula, which is visited most often by cruises. Gerlache Strait has a stunning landscape with mountains covered with snow, like icing, and glaciers that tumble down into the ocean.

The Peninsula is the northernmost part of Antarctica, and enjoys milder conditions. Winter temperatures average a balmy (-20°C) -4°F! The summer temperatures are just above freezing. In the early seasons, large areas of this peninsula are free of ice. These areas serve as important breeding grounds and feeding grounds of many Antarctic wildlife species.

You can visit some of these bases if the weather permits. The dry, cold climate has preserved these remarkable artifacts.

The Antarctic Sound, a spectacular destination that is home to beautiful icebergs and the Weddell sea is at the entrance to this area.

As you pass Joinville Island, this 30-mile-long stretch of water cuts through the Antarctic Peninsula.

The Sound, which has only been visited by cruises on expeditions since 2005 is sometimes referred to as "iceberg Alley", and cruises can be stopped if the ice shelves surrounding the Sound calve in great numbers.

The Antarctic Sound, with its imposing, towering icebergs, and breathtaking glaciated mountains is one of the most stunning sights on the peninsula.

A 2-day sail is required to get to South Georgia from or to the Falklands. Your expert guides will entertain you on your journey to South Georgia with lectures and talks about the incredible concentrations of Antarctic animals that are found there.

You'll learn more about the history and geology of the island as well as its significance in exploring (and exploiting) the Southern Ocean.

Your guides can help identify bird species, cetaceans, and any other marine life that you may see en route.

It might appear barren, as it is a remote mountainous island with no trees. The snow covers the land for most of the year. South Georgia, despite its barren appearance, is alive with activity!

South Georgia Pipit, the Antarctic's sole songbird, as well as the South Georgia pintail duck, are only found in this area.

Cruise the South Georgia coast and you'll be amazed by its high, rugged mountains.

Relics from this early-20th-century sealer industry can be found in various locations around the island. They are reminders of human history and the exploitation of Antarctica's natural resources.

Falkland Passage refers to a stretch of Southern Ocean that runs between South America's mainland and the Falkland Island. It is usually 2 days of sailing.

Your naturalist guide will give a series informative lectures and talks about wildlife, geology and other fascinating topics that make the Falklands so special.

You can also rely on your guides to identify the different species of birds you encounter as you travel to the next location. They will use their expertise to detect whales, dolphins, and other cetaceans.