Departure for the Antarctic Circle

Expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula for active explorers, including trekking, kayaking, and camping

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INTO THE HEART OF ANTARCTICA

from/to Ushuaia (Argentina)

12 days (11 nights)

St. Helena

max. 98 passengers

12-day Antarctic expedition from/to Ushuaia (Argentina) to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, crossing the Antarctic Circle and offering a wide variety of activities such as kayaking, snowshoeing, and trekking.

This extensive Antarctic expedition takes you from Ushuaia in the southernmost tip of Argentina through the legendary Drake Passage to the untamed Antarctic Peninsula. Your sturdy expedition ship will also navigate through the South Shetland Islands and beyond the Antarctic Circle.

Aboard the former supply ship St. Helena, you can expect a comfortable yet authentic expedition experience. During the 12-day voyage through the tranquil Southern Ocean, you will encounter untouched ice landscapes, gigantic glaciers, and mighty icebergs within reach. The natural environment is harsh, yet impresses with its rich wildlife: you will visit bustling colonies of Adelie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins, or paddle your kayak through ice-filled waters past crabeater, Weddell, and leopard seals enjoying a relaxing sunbath on a drifting ice floe. With a little luck, you'll be standing at the railing just as a minke or humpback whale appears next to the St. Helena or an orca sends a fountain of water skyward.

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Daily varied activities on board, on the water, and on land.

Zodiac landings and cruises open up even more opportunities to observe wildlife up close and reach shores that are only accessible by small boat. Snowshoe hikes across snow-covered slopes take you right into the heart of the Antarctic ice world. Camping on the Antarctic Peninsula and trekking toursacross untouched terrain complement the exceptionally extensive program of activities. This also includes the Polar Plunge (ice bathing, optional) and yoga on board.

The voyage is accompanied by an experienced expedition team, who not only accompany you on excursions and shore landings, but also offer interesting lectures on board about the geology, wildlife, and ecological features of Antarctica.

Your expedition ship, St. Helena, combines tradition with a pioneering spirit and is equipped with spacious observation decks, panoramic lounges, a sauna, two whirlpools, and a science lab. You will share the spacious common areas and spa facilities with a maximum of 98 fellow travelers.

Stephanie Gräf

Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in travel to the Arctic and Antarctic.

I am your contact person for questions and bookings relating to the Arctic and Antarctic, and I am delighted that you are one of the few people who are traveling to the ends of the earth.

You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de

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Good to know

Arrival and departure: We offer a variety of customized travel packages including flights, hotels, transfers, and activities. We are also happy to suggest pre- and post-programs in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay to extend your trip.

Attention solo travelers: The St Helena offers single cabins specifically for solo travelers. It is also possible to share a twin, triple, or quadruple cabin with other solo travelers of the same gender to save on the single cabin supplement.

Entry requirements: German citizens need only a passport (valid for 6 months beyond the date of return) to enter Argentina.

Insurance: Proof of international health insurance covering medical repatriationmust be provided.

Medical questionnaire:You are required to completea medical questionnaire before departure.

HIGHLIGHTS

Crossing the legendary Drake Passage with its rich marine life in the Antarctic Convergence Zone
Crossing the Antarctic Circle (depending on weather and ice conditions)
Spectacular straits such as Gerlache Strait, Errera Channel, and Lemaire Channel, lined by mountains up to 1,000 meters high
Zodiac excursions and landings for a close-up experience of Antarctic landscapes and marine wildlife
Possible sightings of humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas, as well as Adelie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins, crabeater and Weddell seals, leopard seals, and petrels.
Exciting onboard lectures by polar experts on topics such as wildlife in Antarctica, glaciology, and history
Opportunity for a polar plunge (ice bathing)
Exceptionally wide range of optional activities such as camping, snowshoeing, kayaking, trekking, and yoga

route

itinerary

Advance information
Your arrival and departure from/to Ushuaia (Argentina) are not included in your tour price.

Since our customers all have individual wishes for their trip, we are happy to book flights separately. Of course, the flights then become part of a secure package tour. We recommend an overnight stay in Ushuaia to cushion any irregularities with your flight or lost luggage. We are happy to organize everything for you on request. Please contact us.

Day 1: Welcome aboard the St Helena – Embarkation in Ushuaia

Embarkation takes place in the afternoon, and your experienced expedition team and specialist lecturers will welcome you on board. After settling into your cabin, the St Helena will set course through the Beagle Channel and Mackinlay Pass. Your Antarctic expedition will begin with impressive scenery of rugged coastlines and steep cliffs.

Day 2 to 3: Heading south through the Drake Passage

The crossing of the legendary Drake Passage, named after Sir Francis Drake, takes you through a region with exceptional biodiversity. Where cold polar waters meet warmer currents, a diverse ecosystem emerges that attracts numerous seabirds such as albatrosses and petrels.

Thanks to your ship's open bridge policy, you can spend time on the bridge, look over the officers' shoulders, learn more about navigation, watch for whales, or simply enjoy the vast horizon. At the same time, the lecture team provides background information on the history, geology, and wildlife of Antarctica.

Sometime on day 3, the South Shetland Islands appear on the horizon – remote islands first discovered in 1819 by Captain William Smith. If conditions are favorable, this is often where the first shore landing takes place, where you will probably encounter penguins and seals for the first time.

Days 4 to 9: Exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula & Crossing the Antarctic Circle

The Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands reveal a world of mighty icebergs, pristine glaciers, and dramatic rocky landscapes, defining the polar wilderness in its purest form.

Possible highlights of the core stage of your Antarctic expedition:

Kayaking: Calm, icy waters provide the backdrop for trips among sculpted icebergs, curious seals, and diving penguins.
Snowshoe hikes: Impressive routes lead over snow-covered ridges and glacial terrain to extraordinary vantage points.
Zodiac cruises: Trips through ice-filled bays allow close encounters with wildlife and diverse ice formations.
Impressive waterways: Among the absolute highlights are some of the most famous passages in Antarctica, including the Gerlache Strait, the Errera Channel, and the Lemaire Channel, which is not without reason referred to as the "Kodak Gap": the scenery is among the most spectacular on the entire 7th continent.

There are over 500 potential landing sites along the Antarctic Peninsula, making every trip unique. The expedition team always puts together the exact program flexibly – depending on conditions, weather, and the best opportunities for wildlife viewing. Their in-depth knowledge of this region ensures that you experience true voyages of discovery and reach destinations beyond the usual routes.

Animal lovers are treated to impressive moments time and again: sightings of Adélie, gentoo, and chinstrap penguins, crabeater and Weddell seals, leopard seals, as well as minke, humpback, and orca whales hunting in the nutrient-rich waters characterize this ship expedition. The course continues southward with the goal of reaching the
South Polar Circle.

Giant petrel in flight over the Drake Passage

Days 10 to 11: Northward through the Drake Passage

Leaving the icy wilderness behind marks the beginning of your return journey through the Drake Passage. Here, you can reflect on the experiences and impressions of the past few days in complete seclusion.

The last lectures and workshops are on the agenda on board, while you can find moments of peace and quiet on the outer decks. With a little luck, you may see various seabirds or marine mammals again.

Your Antarctic expedition concludes with a convivial farewell dinner on the last evening – an atmospheric setting in which to bring this intense journey to a close.

Day 10: Back through the Drake Passage

During the return journey through the Drake Passage, you will have the opportunity to reflect on the experiences of your Antarctic expedition. Keep an eye out for seabirds flying by and whales, which often accompany the ship in this region. On board, lectures and workshops will be offered once again before a festive farewell dinner in a convivial atmosphere brings your unforgettable journey to a fitting close.

Ushuaia at night with snow-capped mountains in the background

Day 12: Arrival at the port of Ushuaia

Early in the morning, your ship will arrive back in Ushuaia. After breakfast, you will disembark. You will take with you memories of a journey to the most remote and southernmost regions of the earth, which will linger in your mind for a long time to come.

The daily programs described here are for your guidance. The itinerary may vary considerably due to local ice and weather conditions, last-minute permit procedures, and local authorities, but also to respond to current conditions regarding wildlife viewing.Theexpedition leader on board will determine the final itinerary and daily program. Flexibility is of utmost importance during our expedition-style voyages.

activities

camping

A unique experience for adventurers and nature lovers: a night under the open sky on the Antarctic continent —surrounded by silence, untouched landscape, and the rugged beauty of the white continent.

This special adventure is included in the tour price, but is limited to only 40 guests per departure. Camping is done with expedition-grade bivvy equipment, which ensures safety and comfort during the night on the ice.

Camping in Antarctica is a rare opportunity to experience the region in its purest and most impressive form. This option is only offered on selected departures, so it is advisable to register early when booking to secure a place.

kayaking

Experience an unforgettable adventure on a kayaking expedition in Antarctica. Glide silently through calm, crystal-clear waters, surrounded by imposing icebergs and spectacular landscapes. This environmentally friendly activity allows you to encounter seals, penguins, and, with a little luck, even whales, while exploring remote channels and secluded bays.

Kayaking allows you to connect with the pristine beauty of Antarctica in a special way, combining the thrill of discovery with moments of quiet contemplation. Under the guidance of experienced experts, you will navigate responsibly through this fragile ecosystem.

The activity is included in the travel package, is weather dependent, and must be booked in advance.

Polar Plunge (ice bathing)

Experience pure adrenaline with the Polar Plunge in Antarctica—a unique adventure that you are guaranteed to remember for a long time to come. Under the safe guidance of the expedition team, you can optionally dive into the ice-cold waters of the white continent. Surrounded by imposing glaciers and dramatic landscapes, this unique moment is guaranteed to be accompanied by thrills.

Whether as a personal challenge or to cross a special experience off your bucket list, the Polar Plunge is one of the most intense experiences in the heart of Antarctica.

Please note that this experience is subject to weather and conditions.

Snowshoe tours

Snowshoeing in Antarctica offers a unique opportunity to experience the untouched terrain of the 7th continent up close. Equipped with snowshoes, you can easily traverse soft snowfields and gentle slopes to reach remote areas that would otherwise be difficult to access on foot.

Under the guidance of experienced guides, you will discover impressive glaciers and fascinating ice formations while protecting the fragile natural environment. Peaceful, intense, and overwhelmingly beautiful—snowshoe hikes add a peaceful yet exciting dimension to your Antarctic journey.

The activity is included in the tour price, is weather dependent, and must be booked in advance.

yoga

Experience peace and tranquility amid the icy expanses of Antarctica with complimentary yoga and stretching workshops on board. The sessions are suitable for both beginners and advanced practitioners and combine gentle movement with mindfulness to recharge your batteries after eventful days of exploration.

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you can expect stretching exercises to relieve tension and basic yoga practices that heighten your awareness of the pristine surroundings. Depending on the weather, sessions take place in a quiet indoor area or occasionally outdoors, offering the perfect combination of relaxation and vitality in the heart of Antarctica.

The workshops are dependent on weather and conditions.

trekking

Antarctic trekking allows you to experience the untouched wilderness of the white continent in a particularly intense way. Under the guidance of experienced expedition leaders, you will explore remote, snow-covered trails and impressive landscapes that few travelers ever get to see.

The routes vary depending on the landing site and weather conditions and are suitable for different fitness and experience levels. With every step, you will immerse yourself deeper into the tranquil beauty of Antarctica and experience its unique wildlife and impressive panoramas up close.

The trekking tours are dependent on weather and conditions.

Information

Included services:

Accommodation on board with daily housekeeping
Daily meals, snacks, tea, coffee, as well as house beer, soft drinks, and wine with lunch and dinner
Guided hikes, daily shore excursions, and Zodiac rides
Kayaking, snowshoeing, camping, polar plunging (ice bathing), trekking, and yoga (weather and organizational permitting)
Support from an expedition team of experienced tour guides
Lectures on board
rental rubber boots
Comprehensive travel documents and Antarctic handbook
Port fees and fees for permits and landings
Basic Wi-Fi (upgrades available for a fee)
Tips for the crew

Not included in the price:

International airline tickets
Passport and visa fees, unlisted government arrival and departure taxes
Luggage, trip cancellation, trip interruption, and travel health insurance – highly recommended
Excess baggage fees on international and domestic flights
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landings and cruise excursions, or other equipment not mentioned
Additional accommodation options
Transfers on arrival and departure

Important:

Language spoken on board: English
English-speaking expedition team
Completing a questionnaire, medical certificate, cruise contract, and flight information form is mandatory.
There is a doctor on board.
Open bridge
The route and final itinerary during the voyage will be decided on site by the expedition leader and captain based on ice and weather conditions, as well as opportunities for wildlife viewing. The itinerary described here is for illustrative purposes only.
Proof of international health insurance with medical repatriation must be provided.
The trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
Internet/WiFi: Internet access is available on board for simple surfing. Prepaid data cards can be used for more intensive use. Please note that some streaming services are blocked on board. As the St Helena travels in remote regions, the internet connection may be limited at times.
A heart for solo travelers: The St Helena offers single cabins specifically for solo travelers. It is also possible to share a twin, triple, or quadruple cabin with other solo travelers of the same gender to save on the single cabin supplement. If you would like to occupy a cabin that is not designated as a single cabin on your own, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to help you.