Exploring Antarctica's Spring
Highlights
- Experience Antarctica’s pristine spring awakening as penguins court, nest, and new life emerges across icy shores.
- Venture by Zodiac to the volcanic South Shetland Islands, teeming with seals, seabirds, and sculpted glacial vistas.
- Cross the legendary Drake Passage and join expert-led programs unveiling Antarctica’s secrets through science and story.
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey to witness Antarctica at the dawn of its season of renewal, when the continent reawakens under the glow of spring. Departing from Ushuaia, your voyage traverses the storied Drake Passage—an initiation into the polar world once braved by legendary explorers—before reaching the dramatic shores of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
In October and November, as the sea ice retreats and light returns, the Antarctic landscape is at its most pristine and alive. Penguins begin their annual courtship rituals, seals reclaim the shores, and whales make their first appearances amid drifting icebergs and radiant blue glaciers. The lengthening days and ethereal sunsets of spring provide magical lighting for photography and unforgettable Zodiac excursions.
Each day invites a new adventure—cruising past towering bergs, landing on penguin colonies, or visiting working research bases that reveal life at the planet’s edge. Onboard lectures by polar experts deepen your appreciation for this fragile ecosystem, while the optional Citizen Science program lets you contribute to real-world research.
This voyage is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and first-time polar travelers eager to experience the rare privilege of seeing Antarctica awaken from its winter slumber. You’ll return home forever changed—carrying memories of vast silence, radiant light, and the timeless wonder of witnessing life begin anew at the bottom of the world.
Standard Activities
About the Exploring Antarctica's Spring
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey to witness Antarctica at the dawn of its season of renewal, when the continent reawakens under the glow of spring. Departing from Ushuaia, your voyage traverses the storied Drake Passage—an initiation into the polar world once braved by legendary explorers—before reaching the dramatic shores of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
In October and November, as the sea ice retreats and light returns, the Antarctic landscape is at its most pristine and alive. Penguins begin their annual courtship rituals, seals reclaim the shores, and whales make their first appearances amid drifting icebergs and radiant blue glaciers. The lengthening days and ethereal sunsets of spring provide magical lighting for photography and unforgettable Zodiac excursions.
Each day invites a new adventure—cruising past towering bergs, landing on penguin colonies, or visiting working research bases that reveal life at the planet’s edge. Onboard lectures by polar experts deepen your appreciation for this fragile ecosystem, while the optional Citizen Science program lets you contribute to real-world research.
This voyage is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and first-time polar travelers eager to experience the rare privilege of seeing Antarctica awaken from its winter slumber. You’ll return home forever changed—carrying memories of vast silence, radiant light, and the timeless wonder of witnessing life begin anew at the bottom of the world.
Itinerary Day to Day
Arrive and explore in Ushuaia
After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to your 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 your hotel, 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
South Shetland Islands
Antarctica in the Spring
Drake Passage
Ushuaia Disembarkation
Route Map
Enjoy up to $7000 discount on selected voyages aboard Seaventure
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
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 Complete