Antarctic Explorer & the Americas | Viking Octantis Expedition Ship

Antarctic Explorer & the Americas

From Frozen Frontiers to Ancient Wonders

Join Viking on an unforgettable journey from Antarctica to Central America, where breathtaking landscapes and rich history await. Experience the untouched beauty of the White Continent, take part in meaningful scientific research, and explore nature up close with state-of-the-art expedition equipment. Discover the secrets of ancient civilizations, admire the stunning beauty of the Yucatán Peninsula, and navigate through Chile’s majestic fjords on this remarkable adventure.

Day by day

Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Arrive and settle into your hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s lively capital. A blend of Latin and European cultures, the city boasts tree-lined avenues and colonial architecture influenced by Spanish, French, and Italian heritage. Its diverse barrios offer a unique charm, from San Telmo’s cobblestone streets to the enchanting melodies of tango that fill the air.

Day 2: Ushuaia, Argentina

After breakfast, transfer to your charter flight to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. Nestled between the Beagle Channel and the Andes, this city serves as a gateway to Antarctica. The region, known as Tierra del Fuego or “Land of Fire,” was named by early explorers who saw the indigenous Yámana people's continuous fires. This untouched landscape comprises Tierra del Fuego’s main island and numerous Chilean and Argentine isles.

Day 3: Crossing the Drake Passage

Day 4-10: Discover Antarctica

Day 11: Return Across the Drake Passage

Day 12: Scenic Sailing at Cape Horn

Day 13: Ushuaia, Argentina

Day 14: Return to Cape Horn

Day 15: Garibaldi Fjord, Chile

Day 16: Chilean Glaciers Exploration

Day 17: Punta Arenas, Chile

Day 18-23: Scenic Sailing through the Chilean Fjords

Day 24: Pacific Ocean Voyage

Day 25: Santiago (Valparaíso), Chile

Day 26-27: Sailing the Pacific Ocean

Day 28: Iquique, Chile

Day 29-30: Pacific Ocean Navigation

Day 31: Lima (Callao), Peru

Day 32-33: Pacific Ocean Crossing

Day 34: Manta, Ecuador

Day 35: Sailing the Pacific

Day 36: Panama City (Fuerte Amador), Panama

Day 37: Panama Canal Transit

Day 38-39: Caribbean Sea Sailing

Day 40: Cozumel, Mexico

Day 41: Sailing the Gulf of Mexico

Day 42: Fort Lauderdale, USA

| Falkland | Rockhopper, Black-browed Albatross colony

+12

Highlights

Explore Antarctica’s pristine glaciers and diverse wildlife.

Sail through the Chilean fjords and visit remote Patagonian landscapes.

Cross the historic Panama Canal on a full-transit passage.

Discover ancient cultures in Cozumel, Lima, and Panama City.

Experience world-class amenities aboard a state-of-the-art expedition ship.

Activities

Sea Kayaking

Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.

Ice Camping

Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.

Snowshoeing

Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.

Photography

Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.

Explorer Boats

Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.

Yoga

It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.