Widely regarded world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia is a strikingly beautiful destination on the southern coastline of Tierra del Fuego Island, backed by mountains and facing onto Beagle channel. The city’s elegant commercial centre offers a variety of cultural and entertainment activities, while its natural location means that adventure enthusiasts are spoilt for choice, with kayaking, skiing, hiking and sailing all on offer. For a more serene excursion, boat cruises are a popular way to view the glacier off Ushuaia’s coast.
Sandwiched between the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica and South America's Cape Horn, the Drake Passage is said to be the roughest sea passage in the world. Stretching for 800 kilometres in width, this renowned passage is the point where the Pacific, Atlantic and Southern seas meet to create an area known for its crashing mix of high winds and tumultuous waters. This two-day crossing brings its own rewards, with visitors enjoying an exhilarating cruise on an Antarctic expedition vessel and spotting an array of wildlife in the icy waters, including dolphins, whales, and seabirds such as petrels, albatrosses and penguins.
The southernmost of the Earth’s mapped five major circles of latitude, the Antarctic Circle is renowned for its exceptionally icy air, stark wilderness landscapes, and exotic wildlife. The entire continent of Antarctica falls within the area of the Antarctic Circle. Visitors can experience the midnight sun and polar nights, explore the remote landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula, view majestic icebergs, and spot an array of wildlife such as orca, minke, and humpback whales; leopard, crabeater, Weddell, leopard, fur, and southern elephant seal; Adelie, Gentoo, and chinstrap penguins; as well as giant petrels and many more.
Warmer and more accessible than the rest of Antarctica, the Antarctic Peninsula is a popular destination for those wanting to experience one of the most captivating landscapes on the planet. Snow-capped mountains descend into icy blue waters dotted with magnificent icebergs and numerous islands. Although it only extends 1300km into the ocean, the peninsula is home to a wide variety of wildlife species that include penguins, whales and seals. Activities include trips to a volcanic island, swimming in the hot springs of Pendulum Cove, and the chance to cross the Antarctic Circle.
The southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Cape Horn, is a breathtaking sight known for its danger. Notorious as a sailor’s graveyard, with icebergs, strong currents, and harsh winds, some 800 shipwrecks lie in the surrounding waters. While yacht race participants and solo sailors may find themselves negotiating the rough waters, organised expeditions (with the blessing of fair weather) round the Cape and stop off on Horn Island, for an experience that has been described as pure paradise. This is also a stopping point for some cruises on their way to Antarctica.
As previously described
