Christmas Season in Antarctica
Highlights
- Spend Christmas exploring Antarctica’s wildlife rich peninsula where penguins, seals, and whales define the season.
- Sail the legendary Drake Passage while learning from polar experts and contributing to hands on citizen science.
- Explore the volcanic South Shetland Islands by Zodiac and kayak among glaciers, penguins, and seals at the height of the Antarctic.
Celebrate the festive season at the very end of the Earth on this unforgettable Christmas voyage to Antarctica. Traveling from Ushuaia across the legendary Drake Passage, this expedition explores the wildlife rich Antarctic Peninsula and the dramatic South Shetland Islands, regions famed for their towering glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and pivotal roles in polar exploration history.
Timed for the Antarctic summer, this journey benefits from long daylight hours, milder polar conditions, and peak wildlife activity. Penguins are busy with nesting and chick rearing, seals lounge along icy shores, and whales frequently surface in krill rich waters, creating an atmosphere of constant discovery during one of the most magical times of year to visit.
Days at sea are enriched by expert led lectures, wildlife watching, and opportunities to contribute to meaningful citizen science projects, while shore days bring immersive Zodiac cruises, landings at historic sites, visits to active research stations, and optional kayaking among icebergs. Christmas Day itself is celebrated in true expedition style, blending festive warmth with the raw beauty of the polar environment.
This voyage offers the rare chance to spend the holidays in one of the planet’s most pristine places, sharing moments few people will ever experience. Guests often leave feeling deeply inspired, refreshed, and profoundly connected to the natural world, carrying home memories that redefine what a Christmas adventure can be.
Ideal for adventurous travelers, nature lovers, and those seeking a truly meaningful holiday escape, this itinerary is perfect for anyone who dreams of celebrating Christmas somewhere extraordinary, far beyond the familiar and into the heart of Antarctica’...
Standard Activities
About the Christmas Season in Antarctica
Celebrate the festive season at the very end of the Earth on this unforgettable Christmas voyage to Antarctica. Traveling from Ushuaia across the legendary Drake Passage, this expedition explores the wildlife rich Antarctic Peninsula and the dramatic South Shetland Islands, regions famed for their towering glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and pivotal roles in polar exploration history.
Timed for the Antarctic summer, this journey benefits from long daylight hours, milder polar conditions, and peak wildlife activity. Penguins are busy with nesting and chick rearing, seals lounge along icy shores, and whales frequently surface in krill rich waters, creating an atmosphere of constant discovery during one of the most magical times of year to visit.
Days at sea are enriched by expert led lectures, wildlife watching, and opportunities to contribute to meaningful citizen science projects, while shore days bring immersive Zodiac cruises, landings at historic sites, visits to active research stations, and optional kayaking among icebergs. Christmas Day itself is celebrated in true expedition style, blending festive warmth with the raw beauty of the polar environment.
This voyage offers the rare chance to spend the holidays in one of the planet’s most pristine places, sharing moments few people will ever experience. Guests often leave feeling deeply inspired, refreshed, and profoundly connected to the natural world, carrying home memories that redefine what a Christmas adventure can be.
Ideal for adventurous travelers, nature lovers, and those seeking a truly meaningful holiday escape, this itinerary is perfect for anyone who dreams of celebrating Christmas somewhere extraordinary, far beyond the familiar and into the heart of Antarctica’s wild wonder.
Itinerary
Arrive and explore in Ushuaia
After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious hotel, take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. (In the unlikely event that you can’t be accommodated at the Arakur, you’ll unwind at another of Ushuaia’s top luxury hotels.)
Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.
All Aboard!
Drake Passage
Merry Christmas, Antarctica!
South Shetland Islands
Drake Passage
Ushuaia Disembarkation
Terms & Conditions
- — All offers are included in the fares shown.
- — 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.
What’s camping in Antarctica like? Long after most passengers are tucked away in their cabins, chances are you’ll still be lying awake, cozy in your sleeping bag, captivated by the ethereal sounds of gently lapping waves, creaking glaciers and perhaps the blow of a whale passing in the night.
The air seems even more pure than in the daytime, the scale of your surroundings even more humbling, and by morning you’ll find yourself wondering how you could possibly describe this once-in-a-lifetime experience to friends back on board.
Program Details
- Cost per camper: $295 (25-26 season) / $395 (26-27 season)
- Select voyages only
- 1 Overnight, weather permitting
- Ages 12 and older are welcome
- Limited spots – sign up early!
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. Only available on Antarctic voyages. Not available on Ocean Nova voyages.
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.
Onboard Photography Coach
Available To All On Every Voyage
Free
Our photography coaches are always on hand to give advice on Zodiac cruises, on-shore landings, or on deck. In addition, they will share ongoing presentations to help you best address the challenges of shooting in the unique and unpredictable polar regions. Your onboard coach will also be documenting your expedition, which will be presented to you in a USB flash drive keepsake to share with friends and family back home.
Immersive Photography Program *
Available beginning in November, 2026
$495 for Antarctic Peninsula voyages / $995 for Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica 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
-
One Hotel Night
-
Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages with dinner
-
World Class Cuisine
-
Complimentary coffee/tea station
-
Certified Emergency MD and Clinic
-
Voyage Photographer
-
Professional Photography Coach
-
Dedicated Passenger Service Manager
-
Expedition jacket on loan, custom down jacket to keep
What's Excluded
-
Mandatory travel insurance ; medical insurance; evacuation coverage
-
Any airfare or travel expenses associated with arrival in Ushuaia other than those listed above
-
Transfer from airport to group hotel, unless arriving on Day 1 of the itinerary
-
Pre- or post-voyage expenses in Ushuaia
-
Travel insurance; medical insurance; evacuation coverage
-
Laundry and personal expenses incurred on board
-
Onboard communication charges such as outgoing phone calls, WiFi from personal devices in excess of the 500 MB provided
-
Staff gratuities
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
Antarctica - Discovery & Learning Voyage
