Antarctica Springs to Life
Highlights
- Experience Antarctica’s awakening as penguins court, nest, and hatch amid fresh sea ice and glowing spring skies.
- Explore the volcanic wonders of the South Shetlands by Zodiac or kayak, where glaciers meet black-sand beaches.
- Cross the fabled Drake Passage, spotting whales and seabirds while joining fascinating Citizen Science projects.
Awaken your sense of wonder on this 10-day springtime voyage to the White Continent—when Antarctica bursts back to life after its long, silent winter. Beginning and ending in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, your journey takes you across the legendary Drake Passage, following in the wake of great explorers while seabirds glide above and whales breach in the icy swells.
Your first landings reveal the rugged volcanic landscapes of the South Shetland Islands, where Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins bustle along black-sand shores and Elephant seals lounge beside shimmering glaciers. As your ship ventures deeper south, the Antarctic Peninsula greets you in its early-season splendor—icebergs freshly carved by spring, penguin colonies reawakening, and sea ice glistening under lengthening days. This is a time of renewal and raw beauty, offering unmatched photographic opportunities and rare wildlife encounters.
Each day brings new possibilities: Zodiac cruising past sculpted ice, kayaking in tranquil bays, or stepping ashore near historic huts and active research stations. Onboard, expert naturalists and scientists enrich your understanding through lectures and hands-on Citizen Science programs, connecting you directly with the pulse of the polar ecosystem.
To witness Antarctica at this special moment—when life returns and the continent stirs anew—is to feel both privileged and profoundly moved. Ideal for curious adventurers, photographers, and wildlife lovers, this voyage offers the rare chance to stand at the frontier of our planet’s greatest wilderness as it springs spectacularly to life.
Standard Activities
About the Antarctica Springs to Life
Awaken your sense of wonder on this 10-day springtime voyage to the White Continent—when Antarctica bursts back to life after its long, silent winter. Beginning and ending in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, your journey takes you across the legendary Drake Passage, following in the wake of great explorers while seabirds glide above and whales breach in the icy swells.
Your first landings reveal the rugged volcanic landscapes of the South Shetland Islands, where Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins bustle along black-sand shores and Elephant seals lounge beside shimmering glaciers. As your ship ventures deeper south, the Antarctic Peninsula greets you in its early-season splendor—icebergs freshly carved by spring, penguin colonies reawakening, and sea ice glistening under lengthening days. This is a time of renewal and raw beauty, offering unmatched photographic opportunities and rare wildlife encounters.
Each day brings new possibilities: Zodiac cruising past sculpted ice, kayaking in tranquil bays, or stepping ashore near historic huts and active research stations. Onboard, expert naturalists and scientists enrich your understanding through lectures and hands-on Citizen Science programs, connecting you directly with the pulse of the polar ecosystem.
To witness Antarctica at this special moment—when life returns and the continent stirs anew—is to feel both privileged and profoundly moved. Ideal for curious adventurers, photographers, and wildlife lovers, this voyage offers the rare chance to stand at the frontier of our planet’s greatest wilderness as it springs spectacularly to life.
Itinerary Day to Day
Arrive in and explore Ushuaia
After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to your luxurious hotel take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia.
All Aboard!
Drake Passage
South Shetland Islands
Antarctica in the Spring
Drake Passage
Ushuaia Disembarkation
Route Map
To experience the polar regions in a truly intimate way, there’s really no better seat than the one in your kayak, just inches above the water, navigating among icebergs and glacial ice dating back 30,000 years. Gliding through an otherworldly landscape with a small team, led by our expert guides and occasionally joined by playful wildlife, this is about as magical as it gets.
Beginning with the 2025-2026 season, we will be offering two distinct kayaking programs. Details below.
Immersive Kayaking
$895 (25-26 season) / $1195 (26-27 season)
Limit 10 participants*
This program is designed for those more experienced guests who want to kayak as much as possible during their voyage. Immersive Kayaking is limited to 10 participants, with a dedicated kayak guide and safety Zodiac. Immersive paddlers will have the opportunity to kayak during most excursions and landings, weather and conditions permitting.
* Advanced booking is highly recommended
Discover Kayaking
$250 (25-26 season) / $350 (26-27 season)
Prices are per outing. Participation Varies by Voyage*
This program is designed for those guests who just want a taste of the Polar kayaking experience. Each participant kayaks once per voyage in a group of 14 with a dedicated guide team and safety Zodiac. Total number of available kayaking spots on each departure will vary by itinerary length and weather, but we aim to get groups on the water at every opportunity.
*Advanced booking is recommended. Additional outings can be purchased on board, space permitting.
Whatever your ambition and level of experience, and whatever camera you happen to carry, our award-winning photography coaches will help you bring home images that capture the unparalleled natural beauty and sheer magic of your Antarctica or Arctic adventure. We offer two options for our camera-carrying explorers: for the truly obsessed, there’s our small group, immersive program led by a dedicated photography instructor, and on hand for all passengers, our onboard professional photography coach, offering tips, advice, and technical assistance throughout the expedition.
Immersive Photography Program *
Available beginning in November, 2026
$495 for Peninsula voyages / $995 for Falklands, So Georgia voyages
For experienced photographers, our immersive program will pair you with a small group and an award-winning photography instructor. Daily outings under the watchful eye of your instructor will ensure that you make the most of every photographic outing, while honing your skills, guided by a seasoned professional. On board workshops and reviews will cover every aspect of shot selection, artistic refinement, and processing your images.
*Maximum 18 participants, pre-booking recommended. Available on select voyages.
Snowshoeing is one of the most rewarding ways to explore Antarctica’s landscapes when the snow is at its thickest. Armed with lightweight snowshoes and poles, one of our Expedition Guides will guide you through the Polar snowy expanses. This is a must-do activity if you want to reach unique vantage points for incredible photo opportunities, explore the 7th Continent from up close, and be surrounded by wildlife in their natural environment. And best of all – no prior experience required!
What's Included
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Oneo pre-voyage hotel nights in Ushuaia
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Transfer from airport in embarkation city to group hotel if arriving on Day 1 of itinerary, and providing we have your confirmed air itinerary at least 15 days prior to departure
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World Class Cuisine and Live Entertainment
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Complimentary Coffee/Tea station
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Beer and wine included with dinner
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Professional Photography Coach
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Dedicated Passenger Service Manager
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Expedition jacket on loan; custom down jacket to keep
What's Excluded
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Mandatory travel insurance ; medical insurance; evacuation coverage
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Any airfare or travel expenses associated with arrival in Ushuaia other than those listed above
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Transfer from airport to group hotel, unless arriving on Day 1 of the itinerary
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Pre- or post-voyage expenses in Ushuaia
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Travel insurance; medical insurance; evacuation coverage
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Laundry and personal expenses incurred on board
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Onboard communication charges such as outgoing phone calls, WiFi from personal devices in excess of the 500 MB provided
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Staff gratuities