Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7th Continent (2026/27)
Highlights
- Experience the wonder of Antarctica’s pristine landscapes, from iceberg-laden bays to towering glaciers and peaks.
- Encounter abundant wildlife, from playful penguins and basking seals to curious humpbacks and orcas on Zodiac cruises.
- Retrace the path of explorers as you sail the Drake Passage and step foot on Earth’s most remote and storied continent.
This unforgettable expedition begins in vibrant Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, before you sail the scenic Beagle Channel and set course for the legendary White Continent. After navigating the storied Drake Passage, you’ll cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter a realm of untamed beauty, where icy landscapes and extraordinary wildlife encounters await.
Your days in the South Shetland Islands and along the Antarctic Peninsula promise new discoveries at every turn. Hike ashore among bustling penguin colonies, cruise in Zodiacs past towering glaciers and icebergs, and keep watch for seals basking on floes or whales surfacing beside your boat. Whether it’s the thunder of a calving glacier or the comical squabbles of penguins, Antarctica’s moments are as unforgettable as they are unique.
Onboard, lectures by expert naturalists enrich your understanding of this rare destination, while time spent on deck offers chances to spot seabirds and whales in the crisp polar air. Each excursion, carefully crafted by your Expedition Team, ensures that your journey is unlike any other—both deeply personal and profoundly inspiring.
Setting foot on the 7th Continent is a remarkable achievement, one accomplished by only a fortunate few. Ideal for adventurers, photographers, and nature lovers alike, this voyage leaves you with memories of awe-inspiring landscapes, intimate wildlife encounters, and the humbling sense of having explored one of the last truly wild places on Earth.
Standard Activities
About the Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7th Continent (2026/27)
This unforgettable expedition begins in vibrant Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, before you sail the scenic Beagle Channel and set course for the legendary White Continent. After navigating the storied Drake Passage, you’ll cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter a realm of untamed beauty, where icy landscapes and extraordinary wildlife encounters await.
Your days in the South Shetland Islands and along the Antarctic Peninsula promise new discoveries at every turn. Hike ashore among bustling penguin colonies, cruise in Zodiacs past towering glaciers and icebergs, and keep watch for seals basking on floes or whales surfacing beside your boat. Whether it’s the thunder of a calving glacier or the comical squabbles of penguins, Antarctica’s moments are as unforgettable as they are unique.
Onboard, lectures by expert naturalists enrich your understanding of this rare destination, while time spent on deck offers chances to spot seabirds and whales in the crisp polar air. Each excursion, carefully crafted by your Expedition Team, ensures that your journey is unlike any other—both deeply personal and profoundly inspiring.
Setting foot on the 7th Continent is a remarkable achievement, one accomplished by only a fortunate few. Ideal for adventurers, photographers, and nature lovers alike, this voyage leaves you with memories of awe-inspiring landscapes, intimate wildlife encounters, and the humbling sense of having explored one of the last truly wild places on Earth.
Itinerary
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
Save up to 10%-30% in selected departures.
It’s an exciting time of year in polar travel. Our This is Polar Bonus is here, with up to $2,000 USD + 25% in savings on Antarctic 2026/2027
With our Early Booking Bonus, you can save up to $2,000 USD + 10% + an additional 5% (if you pay in full) when you book your cabin before Dec 31, 2025.
Save up to 10%-30% in selected departures.
Terms & Conditions
- — The discounted percentage indicates the offer in effect at the time this deal was last updated, and may not reflect the current discounts available.
- — Each passenger's full name is required at time of booking in order to initiate a hold, or to process a confirmed booking.
- — Offer applies to voyage only, not applicable to transfer packages, adventure options, additional hotel accommodations, pre/post tours, insurance, flights, or group bookings.
- — If combined with a dollar value discount, this offer will be applied afterwards.
- — Only a hold booking or a confirmed booking can guarantee the offer.
- — Name changes are not allowed.
- — No cash value.
- — We keep the right to limit, change or discontinue the promo savings discount offer at any time without notice.
It’s an exciting time of year in polar travel. Our This is Polar Bonus is here, with up to $2,000 USD + 25% in savings on Antarctic 2026/2027
Terms & Conditions
- — Available from December 16th, 2025, to February 28th, 2026.
- — Offer is valid for select departures.
- — Offer is capacity controlled and may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice.
- — Cruises are subject to availability at the time of booking.
- — Other restrictions may apply.
With our Early Booking Bonus, you can save up to $2,000 USD + 10% + an additional 5% (if you pay in full) when you book your cabin before Dec 31, 2025.
Terms & Conditions
- — Offer valid for all new bookings made between October 21st, 2025 – February 28th, 2026, on Antarctic 2027-2028 voyages.
- — The value of the bonus is subject to the number of cruise nights onboard on the voyage.
- — This offer applies to all cabin categories. Based on cabin availability at the time of booking.
- — The Early Booking Bonus is combinable with all in-market promotional offers.
- — Not applicable to transfer packages, adventure options, additional hotel accommodations, pre/post tours, insurance, flights, or group bookings.
- — Antarctica Cruises has the right to limit, change, or discontinue promotion at any time without notice.
- — No cash value.
- — Name changes are not allowed.
Imagine setting foot in an area of the Antarctic that can only be safely accessed by helicopter. With a small group of fellow passengers and expert guides, you’ll board one of Ultramarine’s two twin-engine helicopters to soar off to an exclusive polar site where no ships can navigate.
Expect stunning bird’s-eye views during your flight, and then, upon arrival, simply sit back, relax and take in the splendor of the Antarctic from “the best seat in the house”: glacial amphitheaters, breath-taking summits, and more.
Traveling in groups of 12 with no more than 4 groups (48 guests) at a time on each landing, you’ll have time to relax and quietly reflect on the beauty of your polar surroundings, after which you’ll be picked up by the helicopters in the same location and returned to Ultramarine.
Each heli-landing experience is uniquely curated by our expedition team, taking conditions and location capacity into consideration.
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, the 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)
- Expedition Parka
- Waterbottle (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
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.
What's Included
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Our team is comprised of the most professional and passionate Expedition Leaders in the world, who bring a wide range of experience and expertise to every adventure.
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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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Itineraries are packed with adventure options designed to immerses travelers in the polar wilderness, enabling them to connect with the natural wonders of their surroundings.
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Designed for comfort and adventure, each ship accommodates no more than 200 guests. Facilities include comfortable cabins, exceptional dining options, wellness treatments, and breathtaking panoramic views of the polar landscape.
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Premium dining, with a wide selection of options that accommodate a variety of dietary preferences.
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Complementary Wi-Fi, alcohol on all voyages,
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A parka to take home.
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Select voyages include essential transportation and accommodation arrangements for guests, ensuring seamless travel to and from the expedition starting point.
What's Excluded
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Adventure options and trip extensions are not included.
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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
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7th Continent
In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition
South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica - Basecamp
Antarctic Circle Expedition (18D)
Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake
Spirit of Antarctica
Highlights of Antarctica
Best of Antarctica: Whale Discovery