This 20-day Ultimate Antarctic Adventure aboard RMS St. Helena that combines large-vessel exploration with an intimate six-night voyage aboard the Icebird yacht. Sail through the Beagle Channel, then cross the Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Days are filled with guided hikes, zodiac cruises, sea kayaking, and visits to penguin rookeries. Aboard Icebird, navigate secluded anchorages, narrow channels, and remote glaciers beyond the reach of larger ships. Wildlife sightings may include seals, whales, and diverse seabirds. Flexible daily plans ensure the best use of weather and conditions for exploration. Conclude with a northbound crossing of the Drake Passage and return to Ushuaia with extraordinary memories.
Highlights
Cross the Drake Passage to Antarctica’s untouched southern wilderness
Visit Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries in prime season
Cruise the scenic Beagle Channel from Ushuaia’s southernmost harbor
Explore the South Shetland Islands via zodiacs and guided walks
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Board the expedition vessel in the afternoon and meet the crew and fellow travelers. Once settled into the cabin, the ship departs along the scenic Beagle Channel. Enjoy the first evening at sea as the southernmost edge of South America fades from sight.
Begin the Antarctic journey by crossing the Drake Passage, a wide expanse of ocean marking the Antarctic Convergence, where nutrient-rich waters support an abundance of wildlife.
During the voyage, join expert-led presentations on Antarctica’s history, wildlife, and geology. Step out onto the open decks or visit the bridge to watch for albatrosses, petrels, and possibly whales. Take part in navigation workshops and safety briefings for activities such as kayaking and snowshoeing.
By the end of Day 3, the first glimpses of icebergs and snow-covered peaks announce your arrival at the South Shetland Islands.
Day 4-7: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula onboard St Helena
The core of the journey unfolds as you explore the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, with each day offering a blend of landings, zodiac cruises, and optional adventure activities.
Kayaking Among Icebergs -Paddle through tranquil waters, drifting past seals resting on ice floes and penguins diving in for a swim. Snowshoeing Adventures - Explore pristine trails and reach panoramic viewpoints offering breathtaking vistas of glaciers and peaks. Penguin Colonies -Visit expansive rookeries of Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie Penguins, watching their amusing behaviors as they care for their chicks. Wildlife Encounters -Spot Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals on ice, with Minke and humpback whales often seen feeding nearby.
With over 500 diverse landing sites along the Antarctic Peninsula, no two voyages are ever the same. The expert team crafts each expedition based on conditions, weather, and opportunities for the most remarkable encounters.
Guided by the experienced crew, you'll navigate breathtaking ice-choked channels, witness towering glaciers, and encounter extraordinary wildlife in one of the most remote places on Earth. This is not just a cruise — it's a genuine expedition where spontaneity and discovery define every day.
Disembark your ship and join just five other guests aboard Icebird , a sturdy, expedition-equipped sailing yacht built for polar conditions. Your five-night yacht expedition into the Peninsula’s remote waters begins.For the next six days, immerse yourself fully in Antarctica’s wild side:
Sailing deep - Venture into narrow channels, secluded bays, and remote anchorages unreachable by larger vessels. Zodiac excursions& Guided Hikes - Daily landings on untouched beaches and explore stunning glaciers. Flexible daily program - Follow the best conditions and maximize your exploration, with the freedom to stay longer where nature calls. Evenings Aboard Icebird - Hearty meals, incredible photography sessions, and the rare camaraderie of a true micro-expedition.
This part of the expedition becomes more flexible, more personal, and far removed from the crowds.
Day 14-17: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula onboard St Helena
The core of the journey unfolds as you explore the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, with each day offering a blend of landings, zodiac cruises, and optional adventure activities.
Kayaking Among Icebergs - Paddle through tranquil waters, drifting past seals resting on ice floes and penguins diving in for a swim. Snowshoeing Adventures - Explore pristine trails and reach panoramic viewpoints offering breathtaking vistas of glaciers and peaks. Penguin Colonies - Visit expansive rookeries of Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie Penguins, watching their amusing behaviors as they care for their chicks. Wildlife Encounters - Spot Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals on ice,with Minke and humpback whales often seen feeding nearby.
With over 500 diverse landing sites along the Antarctic Peninsula, no two voyages are ever the same. The expert team crafts each expedition based on conditions, weather, and opportunities for the most remarkable encounters.
Guided by the experienced crew, you'll navigate breathtaking ice-choked channels, witness towering glaciers, and encounter extraordinary wildlife in one of the most remote places on Earth. This is not just a cruise — it's a genuine expedition where spontaneity and discovery define every day.
As the expedition heads back north, there's an opportunity for a final landing or zodiac cruise. Weather and ice conditions permitting, explore destinations like Brown Bluff, where towering cliffs and an Adélie penguin colony await, or Paulet Island, home to historic sites and abundant wildlife.
Relive the journey north — final lectures, seabird spotting, and a celebratory dinner.
Day 20: Return to Ushuaia | Disembarkation
1 Breakfast
Arrive back in Ushuaia — disembark with stories to last a lifetime.
Please note: The above itinerary is a general guideline. The precise route and activities are adjusted to optimize wildlife viewing and adapt to prevailing weather and ice conditions. The Captain and/or Expedition Leader makes necessary changes to ensure the best possible experience. A daily program is provided on board. Flexibility is essential for a successful expedition. Please note facilities onboard Icebird are shared, and a different category of vessel to the RMS St Helena. Itinerary is 19 to 20 days and varies in days due to operating schedules.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$21,0802-3 travelers
Discovery Quad Cabin
The Discovery Quad Cabins measure approximately 14 square metres (150 sqft). Located on the Promenade and Deck “A” and feature a desk, a window, two bunk beds (pullman style), and an en-suite bathroom.
Discovery Triple Cabin
The Discovery Triple Cabins measure approximately 14 square metres (150 sqft). Located on Deck “A” and feature a desk, a window, one bunk bed (pullman style), one single bed, and an en-suite bathroom.
Odyssey Twin Cabin
The Odyssey Twin Cabins measure approximately 10 square metres (107 sqft). Located on Decks “A” and “B” and features a desk, a window, one bunk bed (pullman style), and an en-suite bathroom.
Odyssey Single
The Odyssey Single Cabins measure approximately 8 square metres (85 sqft). Located on the Boat Deck and features a desk, a window, an en-suite bathroom, and one single bed.
Superior Cabin
The Superior Cabins measure approximately 14 - 16 square metres (150 sqft). Located on Decks “A” and “B” and features a desk, a window, two single beds, and an en-suite bathroom. Superior Cabins on deck B feature a slightly larger size and a sofa bed, and a porthole instead of a window.
Deluxe Cabin
The Deluxe Cabins measure approximately 15 square metres (162 sqft). Located on the Promenade Deck, and features a desk, a window, an en-suite bathroom, and one double (King-sized) or two single beds.
Premium Cabin
The Premium Cabins located on the Promenade Deck measure approximately 18 square metres (194 sqft) and feature a desk, a window, an en-suite bathroom, and one double (King-sized) or two single beds.
Owners Suite
The spacious Owner’s Suites measure approximately 40 square meters (430 sqft). Located on the Boat Deck and features a seating area, a meeting area, an en-suite bathroom, a walk-in closet, and one double (King-sized) bed.
Initial deposit is nonrefundable 25% of the total trip cost, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Can be paid by check, bank transfer, or credit card, but please note there is a 3% processing fee for final payments via credit card and a maximum $20,000 charge per card. This surcharge does not apply to deposits
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
19 Breakfasts, 18 Lunches, 19 Dinners
19 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Shore Excursions: Guided walks, daily shore excursions, and Zodiac cruises.
Adventure Activities: Kayaking, Snowshoeing, Camping, Yoga (Subject to weather and operational conditions).
Expedition Team: Led by experienced guides.
Lectures: Educational talks and expert guiding services.
Pre-departure Info: Comprehensive materials and an Antarctic booklet.
Port Fees: Includes port surcharges, permits, and landing fees.
Wi-fi: Basic Wi-fi complimentary; upgrade available for a fee.
Crew Tips/Gratuities
Daily Meals, snacks, tea, coffee, and house beer, soda, and wine during lunch and dinner.
Expedition Equipment: Loaned muck boots, a waterproof/windproof outer shell jacket, and access to the onboard doctor and medical clinic.
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Beverages: Alcoholic drinks and sodas outside of happy hour / dinner time.
All passengers travelling with Terra Nova Expeditions on Antarctic Expeditions are required to carry travel insurance that includes emergency evacuation and repatriation from Antarctica, with a minimum coverage of $250,000 USD.
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
