Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7th Continent
Highlights
- Encounter thriving penguin colonies, seals on drifting ice, and surfacing whales during Zodiac cruises through Antarctic waters.
- Explore soaring mountains, glacier-carved bays, and iceberg-filled channels that reveal Antarctica’s immense scale and raw beauty.
- Follow the wake of legendary explorers while hiking remote shores and landing where few ever set foot on the 7th Continent.
This expedition ventures deep into the Antarctic realm, a place defined by monumental ice, vast seascapes, and some of the most intact wildlife ecosystems on Earth. From the wildlife-rich South Shetland Islands to the dramatic fjords and mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula, the journey explores regions that have long symbolized the outer limits of human exploration and natural endurance.
Traveling in a period when Antarctica is at its most accessible reveals extraordinary rewards, from active penguin colonies and seal-strewn ice floes to frequent whale sightings in nutrient-rich polar waters. Long daylight hours and shifting light transform glaciers, peaks, and icebergs into a constantly changing canvas, heightening both wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities.
Days are shaped by expedition-style discovery. On board, expert guides deepen understanding through engaging talks on polar wildlife, glaciology, and exploration history, while vigilant observation from deck often yields unforgettable sightings. Ashore, Zodiac cruises thread through ice-choked channels, and guided landings invite hikes across pristine snow, visits to research stations, and close encounters with Antarctica’s iconic wildlife.
Beyond the physical journey, this voyage delivers a profound emotional experience. The stillness, scale, and rarity of the Antarctic environment foster a sense of awe and accomplishment that lingers long after returning home. Ideal for adventurous travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking true immersion, this Antarctic explorer voyage offers a powerful connection to one of the planet’s last great wildernesses.
Ships
World Voyager
Ocean Explorer
Ultramarine
Standard Activities
About the Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7th Continent
This expedition ventures deep into the Antarctic realm, a place defined by monumental ice, vast seascapes, and some of the most intact wildlife ecosystems on Earth. From the wildlife-rich South Shetland Islands to the dramatic fjords and mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula, the journey explores regions that have long symbolized the outer limits of human exploration and natural endurance.
Traveling in a period when Antarctica is at its most accessible reveals extraordinary rewards, from active penguin colonies and seal-strewn ice floes to frequent whale sightings in nutrient-rich polar waters. Long daylight hours and shifting light transform glaciers, peaks, and icebergs into a constantly changing canvas, heightening both wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities.
Days are shaped by expedition-style discovery. On board, expert guides deepen understanding through engaging talks on polar wildlife, glaciology, and exploration history, while vigilant observation from deck often yields unforgettable sightings. Ashore, Zodiac cruises thread through ice-choked channels, and guided landings invite hikes across pristine snow, visits to research stations, and close encounters with Antarctica’s iconic wildlife.
Beyond the physical journey, this voyage delivers a profound emotional experience. The stillness, scale, and rarity of the Antarctic environment foster a sense of awe and accomplishment that lingers long after returning home. Ideal for adventurous travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking true immersion, this Antarctic explorer voyage offers a powerful connection to one of the planet’s last great wildernesses.
Itineraries
From Ushuaia aboard the ship Ocean Explorer.
Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina
You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.
Embarkation day
Crossing the Drake Passage
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Crossing the Drake Passage
Disembark in Ushuaia
From Buenos Aires aboard the ship World Voyager.
Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).
Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
Crossing the Drake Passage
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Crossing the Drake Passage
Disembark in Ushuaia
Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia & from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires aboard the ship Ultramarine.
Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its vibrant Argentinian culture, European architecture and cosmopolitan vibe, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).
Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
Crossing the Drake Passage
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Crossing the Drake Passage
Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the polar regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable. The Sea Kayak Program enables a small group of like-minded individuals to forge bonds as they explore fjords, glacial faces or mazes of sea ice.
The Sea Kayak Program is a voyage-length program available in Antarctica, in which kayakers (those who have minimal experience as well as seasoned paddlers) will enjoy the polar regions from a unique perspective.
Conditions and logistics permitting, your kayak guide(s) will endeavor to have you paddling as often as possible throughout the voyage. Typically, sea kayakers are shuttled by Zodiac from the ship to an ideal starting point, where the kayak excursion begins. Guests return to the ship by Zodiac at the end of their paddling experience. Some kayak excursions are designed so guests can go ashore and explore.
In addition to the kayak guides, a safety driver in a Zodiac will always stay nearby to offer assistance if required. Excursions typically last one and a half to three hours.
Note: Due to its popularity and limited space, if you want to ensure a space in the Sea Kayak program, please register when you book your expedition. While the program routinely fills up well before the voyage, if there are vacant spaces when you board the vessel you may sign up. The guides will attempt to lead guests on as many sea kayak excursions as possible, but the number of excursions will depend on weather and sea conditions as well as logistical factors. Be prepared to paddle in a double or single kayak depending on availability.
Is Kayaking Experience Necessary?
The Sea Kayak program was developed to accommodate kayakers with a range of experience. Please don’t hesitate to consult with our polar travel advisors if you have any questions.
Provided gear
- Sea kayaks (single or double)
- Paddle
- Spray-skirt
- Drysuit
- Insulated rubber gloves and pogies*
- PFD (personal flotation device)
- Neoprene booties
- 10L dry bag
- Water bottle (provided in rooms upon embarkation)
Other recommended gear/clothing
- Thermal base layer top and bottom (synthetic or wool, no cotton)
- Thin fleece 200 weight top or wool sweater
- Fleece pants
- Liner socks
- Thick wool socks
- Neckwarmer
- Thin fleece or wool liner glove to wear under rubber gloves (if you wish)
- Warm hat
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen
- Camera (either waterproof, in exterior waterproof housing, or stored in a drybag)
- Waterproof backpack or a drybag
Stand-up Paddle boarding, popularly known as SUPing, originated in Hawaii.
SUPing combines the immersive experience of kayaking but in a standing position. Participants, if they prefer, can kneel, sit or even lie down and stare up at the azure Antarctic sky. Because of their wide base and tail fins, SUP boards are quite stable, enabling participants – after a bit of practice – to stop staring at their feet and admire the surrounding scenery. Imagine seeing Gentoo penguins gliding below you, or making eye contact with a Weddell seal lying on a piece of ice as you paddle by.
Guests receive on-ship and on-water instruction from a qualified SUP guide. In addition, a safety driver (in a Zodiac) stays within range to offer assistance.
Duration: 1 to 1½ hours.
Guide to client ratio: 1 SUP guide and 1 Zodiac safety driver for 10 participants
Is SUP Experience Necessary?
Previous experience isn’t necessary but comfortability with water is an asset. SUP’ing adventures are offered in protected bays and channels during calm weather conditions.
Provided Gear
- Board
- Paddle
- Drysuit
- Neoprene Booties
- Waterproof gloves
- PFD – Personal Flotation Device
Other recommended gear/clothing
- Base and mid-layers (drysuits keep you dry, but not warm)
- Thin fleece or wool liner glove to wear under rubber gloves (optional)
- Waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen and lip balm (minimum SPF 30)
- Brimmed hat as well as a warm hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera (either waterproof or in a waterproof case or dry bag)
*This activity is only offered on board World Explorer
Every sweep of the paddle as your craft glides through the pristine polar waters creates an incredible soundtrack: the jostle of glacial ice, the lapping of waves against the rocky shore, the perpetual drip from your paddle, the call of seabirds, and the occasional splash as wildlife break the surface of the water.
Our Paddle Excursion Program provides sit-on-top, two-person, inflatable kayaks that provide guests with an intimate, water-level experience in unforgettable locations in Antarctica. These stable, rugged and comfortable crafts are an ideal way to see the polar regions from a different perspective. On-ship, you’ll be provided with instruction and equipment including dry suits, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and waterproof gloves. Experienced guides will lead you safely throughout the paddling excursion. Your group will always be escorted by a safety driver in another kayak who will stay close by to provide additional support.
Excursions last a minimum of one hour and are offered to participants once per voyage. Each group includes 10 paddlers, 1 guide and 1 one safety Zodiac driver. The wind, weather and water conditions determine the timing and location of Paddling Excursions.
Is Kaying Experience Necessary?
The Paddle Excursion was created for guests with little or no paddling experience, or for those who want a single paddle experience to add variety to their expedition. Participants must be fit enough to enter and exit the kayak from the Zodiac, and to maneuver with your paddle.
Provided Gear
- Inflatable Super Lynx sit-on-top kayak
- Paddle
- Drysuit
- Insulated rubber gloves
- PFD (personal flotation device)
- Neoprene booties
- 10L dry bag
- Water bottle
Other recommended gear/clothing
- Thermal base layer (top and bottom)
- Thin fleece or wool sweater
- Fleece pants
- Liner socks
- Thick wool socks
- Neck warmer
- Warm hat
- Brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen and lip balm
- Camera (either waterproof, in exterior waterproof housing, or stored in a dry bag)**
- Waterproof backpack
Tip: It’s a good idea to protect any camera gear in a dry bag. Small waterproof cameras should be attached to your PFD with a string and carabiner.
Imagine for a moment, staring at the stars in the indigo glow of an Antarctic night as you bed down for the night outside in the elements. The buzz of your daily life becomes a distant memory as you listen to the bray of penguin, the ethereal calls of the Weddell sea – even the exhalation of a humpback whale. And then you fall asleep.
Antarctic Camping is an unforgettable experience. After dinner onboard, you’ll be escorted ashore by Zodiac to camp out on the snow for the night in your ready-to-roll bivy sack (tents can be used upon request). Once you decide on your spot, you set up camp and enjoy the peace as the Antarctic night unfolds.
Camping in Antarctica is limited to 50 participants, all of whom will be briefed beforehand on the principals of basic camping. Prior to you settling down for the night, staff will prepare the site, including setting up a perimeter in safe, flat to gently-sloping and beautiful site. You’re free to choose where (within the perimeters) you want to settle down for the night.
You’ll be equipped with the following:
- Mummy-style sleeping bag
- Bivy sack
- Insulated sleeping pad
- Sleeping bag liner
- 3 or 4 season tent provided upon request (pending availability)
- Parka
- Water bottle (Small collapsible reusable water bottles provided onboard upon embarkation)
- Muck Boots (insulated waterproof boots provided onboard upon embarkation)
Other recommended gear:
- Base and mid-layer clothing
- Warm hat
- Warm gloves
- Hand-warmers
- Camera and accessories
- Backpack
- Eye mask if you wish complete darkness
- Need a pillow? Roll up your parka!
- Essential medication and or supplements
* This activity is offered on selected departures.
What's Included
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Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
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All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
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All shore landings as per the daily program
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Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
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All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
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Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
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Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
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A photographic journal documenting the expedition
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A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
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A parka to keep
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Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
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All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
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All luggage handling aboard the ship
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Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
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Group arrival transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
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One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
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Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day
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Group departure transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from ship to local airport or to luggage storage facility
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Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more dataintensive applications.)
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Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
What's Excluded
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Mandatory travel insurance
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International airfare
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Passport and applicable visa expenses
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Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
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Meals unless otherwise specified
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Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
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Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
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Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
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Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
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Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
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Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
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Additional overnight accommodation
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Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
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