Antarctica

Antarctica – the last great wilderness

At the very edge of the world lies a place unlike any other – a realm of ice, light and endless horizons. Antarctica stirs the imagination with towering glaciers, sculpted icebergs and an untamed wildlife spectacle found nowhere else. Here, penguin colonies bustle along rocky shores, seals bask on drifting ice, and whales surface in waters so clear they mirror the sky.

Remote, pristine and fiercely beautiful, this is a land that has no permanent residents and welcomes only a fortunate few each year.

Two distinct journeys await – both aboard an intimate, small expedition ship, allowing faster embarkation and disembarkation during excursions, and creating an exclusive atmosphere among like-minded travellers.

The Explorer Journey offers immersive experiences with comfort in mind, crossing the legendary Drake Passage for a true seafaring adventure.

The Signature Journey elevates every detail – featuring even more exclusive, hand-picked accommodations – and flies you directly to the White Continent for the fastest, most comfortable arrival.

Explorer
Journey

comfortable MS Sea Spirit

multiple departure dates

12 days

for 2 or more guests
trip intensity: easy

from € 10,166 pp

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Signature
Journey

premium MS Magellan Explorer

multiple departure dates

8 days

for 2 or more guests
trip intensity: easy

from USD 18,995 pp

Discover more Book now

Explorer
Journey

To the end of the Earth – and beyond

Where adventure meets the ends of the Earth – this 12-day expedition brings you deep into the frozen wonders of the Southern Ocean.

From Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, you cross the legendary Drake Passage to reach the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula – a realm of soaring peaks, glittering ice and remarkable wildlife. Led by an expert expedition team, you explore by sturdy Zodiac, land on remote shores and witness nature in its purest form.

With well-paced days, insightful lectures and the comfort of your expedition ship, this Explorer Journey offers an unforgettable immersion into the White Continent – wild, majestic and humbling in equal measure.

Highlights at a Glance:

Ushuaia – explore the world’s southernmost city, gateway to the White Continent
Scenic navigation through the Beagle Channel towards open sea
Crossing the legendary Drake Passage – spotting albatrosses, petrels and possibly whales
Zodiac landings on the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Encounter vast penguin colonies, seals resting on ice floes and whales feeding in icy waters
Navigate spectacular landscapes of towering glaciers, icebergs and snow-covered peaks
Visit historic sites and, weather permitting, research stations in the Antarctic
Possible passage through the breathtaking Lemaire Channel, the “Kodak Gap”
Daily expert lectures on wildlife, history and polar exploration
Intimate expedition atmosphere aboard the comfortable MS Sea Spirit

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
Welcome to Ushuaia – the southernmost city in the world and the gateway to our Antarctic expedition! Upon arrival at the airport, our team will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this vibrant port city at your own pace.

For an introduction to local history and wildlife, you may wish to visit the fascinating Museo del Fin del Mundo. If time allows, venture into nature with a hike in nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park or enjoy wildlife watching in the Beagle Channel. In the evening, Ushuaia offers a tempting range of restaurants, serving Patagonian lamb and fresh seafood specialities.

Accommodation:
Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa
(or similar)
Breakfast

Day 2: Embarkation in Ushuaia

After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is free to explore Ushuaia. Stroll along the waterfront for views of the snow-capped Martial Range and enjoy some last-minute shopping – though you will soon receive your own expedition parka to keep and waterproof boots to borrow on board.

After lunch at one of the many cafés or parrillas, we transfer you to the pier to board the M/V Sea Spirit. Settle into your suite and familiarise yourself with the ship before joining briefings and introductions with your expedition guides. After dinner, take in the scenery and evening light as we sail down the Beagle Channel – the first leg of your extraordinary journey.

Day 3: Crossing the Drake Passage – Southbound

As we leave Tierra del Fuego behind, our course takes us south into the Drake Passage. Keep watch for humpback and fin whales, and look up for sightings of the majestic wandering albatross along with other graceful subantarctic seabirds.

From the panoramic decks and private balconies, these encounters are unforgettable. The Sea Spirit’s stabilisers add extra comfort if the seas are lively. Throughout the day, your expedition team offers briefings and introduces you to Antarctic wildlife, history and environmental guidelines for your landings ahead.

Day 4: Crossing the Drake Passage – Anticipation Builds

Our southbound journey continues, bringing us ever closer to the White Continent. Spend time on deck spotting more marine life or join further lectures from our expert guides, covering everything from penguin behaviour to the age of exploration.

Between presentations, enjoy the ship’s amenities and the camaraderie of fellow travellers. Weather permitting, we hope to glimpse the South Shetland Islands by evening – our first sight of Antarctic land.

Day 5: First Landfall – South Shetland Islands

Today we might reach the northernmost islands of Antarctica – the South Shetlands. Following in the wake of historic explorers, we go ashore at sites rich in wildlife and history. Expect bustling penguin colonies, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and perhaps your first close encounters with seals and seabirds.

If conditions allow, we visit Deception Island, a flooded volcanic caldera with the remains of an old whaling station.

Day 6: Exploring the South Shetlands

Our captain and expedition leader choose the best landing sites for today based on weather and ice.

We may visit wildlife-rich beaches, research stations, or take Zodiac cruises among icebergs. Each landing offers new perspectives and photographic opportunities – from volcanic black sands to snow-clad peaks plunging into the sea.

Day 7: Antarctic Peninsula – Gerlache Strait

We sail south to the breathtaking Gerlache Strait, where towering, glacier-covered mountains rise directly from the water. In sheltered bays, we search for whales feeding on krill, seals resting on ice floes, and penguins porpoising through the water.

Landing sites here offer spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife.

Day 8: Paradise Harbour & Beyond

Today might include a visit to aptly named Paradise Harbour, a place of soaring ice cliffs, bright blue icebergs, and calm waters.

Depending on conditions, we may step ashore at a research station and send a postcard from the end of the world.

Zodiac cruises bring us closer to ice formations and marine life.

Day 9: Lemaire Channel & Farewell to the Ice

If weather and ice permit, we navigate the narrow Lemaire Channel – known as the “Kodak Gap” for its staggering beauty. Steep cliffs and drifting ice make for a photographer’s dream.

We enjoy one last landing or Zodiac outing before turning north, carrying the sights, sounds, and spirit of Antarctica with us.

Day 10: Northbound Across the Drake Passage

We set course back to South America, leaving the Antarctic landscapes behind but keeping an eye out for wildlife. Albatrosses and petrels glide effortlessly alongside the ship, and with luck we may spot whales breaking the surface.

Enjoy the relaxed pace on board, attend final presentations from the expedition team, and share stories with fellow travellers.

Day 11: Farewell at Sea

Our last day at sea offers time for reflection and celebration. We raise a glass at the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and enjoy the voyage’s photo slideshow – a chance to relive the highlights together.

In the evening, we sail into the sheltered Beagle Channel, preparing for our arrival in Ushuaia the next morning.

Day 12: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina

We arrive back in Ushuaia early in the morning. After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to the expedition team and fellow travellers. A shared transfer will take you either to the airport or to the city centre, depending on your onward plans.

As you look back on the unforgettable moments of your voyage, you might already find yourself dreaming of your next journey into the ice.

What is included?

Group transfer from Ushuaia Airport to the hotel on the day before embarkation
1 night incl. breakfast prior to embarkation at Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa (subject to change)
Group transfer to the ship on embarkation day
Accommodation in booked cabin category
All meals on board during the voyage (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
All-inclusive beverage package with soft drinks, house wine, house beer and house spirits
24-hour water, tea and coffee station on board
All scheduled landings, Zodiac cruises and excursions as per itinerary
Experienced expedition leader and lecturers (English speaking)
Specially designed expedition parka for polar regions (yours to keep)
Reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste (yours to keep)
Loan of original “Arctic Muck Boots” or equivalent for shore excursions
Welcome and farewell cocktail
Pre-departure information materials
Digital logbook of the voyage
Wi-Fi on board
IAATO fees and government taxes

What is not included?

Flights to and from the embarkation / disembarkation port
Visa or passport fees (if applicable)
International travel health insurance incl. medical evacuation (mandatory)
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance (recommended)
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages not listed in the included package (e.g. soft drinks)
Personal expenses such as laundry, satellite phone calls or purchases from the ship’s shop
Gratuities (voluntary)

Important information

We cannot guarantee specific wildlife sightings during this journey. These are genuine encounters with wild animals whose behavior is unpredictable. While sightings are likely, they can never be assured – and in rare cases, none may occur. In such cases, a refund of the trip price is excluded. Rest assured, our experienced team and trusted local partners will make every effort to provide the best possible viewing opportunities.

Should any accommodation be fully booked at your travel time, we will reserve an equivalent alternative. This is not considered a deficiency and does not entitle you to a price reduction.

The sequence of activities and excursions may vary to take advantage of the best conditions on the day.

If parts of the route become impassable due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, political events, or similar, the itinerary will be adjusted accordingly. Our aim will always be to remain as close as possible to the planned program. This is not considered a defect and does not entitle you to a reduction in the tour price.

Antarctica Explorer Journey – from € 10,166
Prices are per person based on double occupancy of the cabin, or triple occupancy for the Classic Triple Suite category.
Single supplement and group rates available on request

Departure dates:
17 Feb – 28 Feb 2026
28 Feb – 09 Mar 2026
28 Nov – 09 Dec 2026
08 Dec – 19 Dec 2026
18 Feb – 01 Mar 2027

Choose your suite:
Classic Triple Suite: from € 10,166
Superior Suite: from € 13,995
Owner’s Suite: from € 21,195

Note – Classic Triple Suite: Mixed-gender occupancy is only possible when booking all three beds (triple occupancy). If booked for fewer than three persons, travelers will be accommodated with others of the same gender.

Optional activity: Kayaking among icebergs, towering glaciers, crackling pack ice and the fascinating wildlife – in guided small groups

Trip Intensity: Easy – expedition cruising with daily shore landings and Zodiac excursions; generally relaxed pace. Please note: Crossing the Drake Passage can involve strong winds and significant swells.

Signature
Journey

To the heart of Antarctica – in style

Where luxury meets the last great wilderness – this 8-day air-cruise takes you straight into the icy wonders of the White Continent.

From Punta Arenas, you fly directly to King George Island, avoiding the Drake Passage and beginning your adventure in the South Shetland Islands and along the Antarctic Peninsula – a realm of towering glaciers, sculpted icebergs, and extraordinary wildlife. Guided by an expert polar team, you explore by Zodiac, set foot on pristine shores, and experience Antarctica’s untamed beauty up close.

With carefully paced days, enriching lectures, and the comfort of one of the most luxurious and modern expedition ships, this Signature Journey offers an exclusive, unforgettable immersion into the world’s most remote frontier – breathtaking, majestic, and unlike anywhere else on Earth.