HISTORIANS ON BOARD
from/to Ushuaia (Argentina)
13 days / 12 nights
St. Helena
13-day expedition from/to Ushuaia (Argentina) to the Antarctic Peninsula, crossing the Antarctic Circle and focusing heavily on pioneering history, accompanied by a historian.
On this trip, you have a good chance of seeing Aurora Australis, the southern lights!
On this Antarctic expedition curated by the renowned James Caird Society, you will follow in the footsteps of the great polar pioneers. On Stonington Island with Base E, Detaille Island with Base W, and Horseshoe Island with Base Y, you will experience the spirit of the golden age of Antarctic exploration.
The research stations From the mid-20th century—seemingly abandoned in a hurry only yesterday—they serve as a kind of time capsule, telling the story of the courage and determination of those explorers who once mapped the frontiers of the unknown on the Antarctic Peninsula.
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When historians recount the adventures of Shackleton, Scott, and their contemporaries, these stories also come to life aboard the St. Helena. A visit to the modern Rothera Research Station, operated by the British Antarctic Survey (weather permitting), bridges the gap to the present day.
Antarctic Peninsula to beyond the Antarctic Circle
At the same time, the Antarctic coast unfolds in all its dramatic beauty: majestic icebergs reflect like rugged cathedrals in the calm waters of the Lemaire Channel, while towering cliffs line the narrow Gullet sea channel. In Marguerite Bay , glaciers thunder into the sea and fill the bay with huge blocks of ice – accompanied by the cries of Antarctic petrels. Leopard seals bask in the sun on ice floes, while elsewhere Weddell and crabeater seals slide back into the crystal-clear water. On kayak tours, you can get up close and personal as gentoo penguins waddle along the coast and Adélie penguins playfully swim between the icebergs – and with a little luck, a humpback whale will emerge from the depths of the Southern Ocean just as you stand at the railing.
Numerous activities included
Only a maximum of 98 guests accompany this expedition on the St Helena, a former supply ship with plenty of space on board. You will enjoy pleasant freedom of movement on the spacious decks, and each lecture takes place in a very personal setting. In addition, you can make your Antarctic expedition as active as you like. The range of inclusive activities for a particularly unfiltered experience of the landscape and Antarctic wildlife ranges from Zodiac tours and kayaking to trekking and snowshoeing to camping on the Antarctic Peninsula and the Polar Plunge – ice bathing in the polar sea.
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
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
- Route developed by the renowned James Caird Society deep into the Antarctic Peninsula, crossing the Antarctic Circle
- Strong focus on thepioneering history of the 20th century with visits to the historic research stations Base E, W, and Y, which act as time capsules
- Historians on board – for particularly informative shore excursions to historical sites and exciting lectures on Antarctic history
- Visit to the modern Rothera Station, the heart of the British Antarctic Survey, including discussions with scientists (subject to approval and weather conditions)
- Marguerite Bay, with its calving glaciers, drift ice, and enormous icebergs, is one of the most impressive bays on the Antarctic Peninsula (weather permitting).
- Lemaire Channel, lined with snow-capped mountains and monumental towering ice walls, one of the most spectacular waterways in the world –"Kodak Gap"
- Possible sightings of humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas, as well as Adelie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins, crabeater and Weddell seals, and petrels.
- Option to take a polar plunge (ice bathing, optional)
- Wide range of optional activities such astrekking, snowshoeing, kayaking, and yoga on board
route
itinerary
Advance information
Your arrival and departure from/to Ushuaia 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
After arriving in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world with a lively port and rich maritime history, you will have lunch and then get to know your expedition team and fellow travelers on a short historical walk through the city before boarding your expedition ship.
A welcome briefing will be held on board the St. Helena, followed by dinner. Meanwhile, your journey begins with a cruise through the Beagle Channel. This gives you the opportunity to get to know the expedition team, the other guests, and the historians who will bring British heritage in Antarctica to life for you throughout the voyage.
Days 2 to 3: Southward through the Drake Passage
Crossing the legendary Drake Passage is one of the great milestones of polar travel. These two days at sea provide time to relax, settle in, and be inspired. Expert lectures cover early British expeditions, glaciology, and Antarctic wildlife.
On deck, you will have the opportunity to observe Cape petrels, giant petrels, and elegant albatrosses as they skillfully use the winds for their flight maneuvers. With a little luck, you may also see humpback whales and orcas.
During the passage, important safety briefings will also take place to prepare you for entering the untouched wilderness of Antarctica. Keep your eyes on the horizon: the first icebergs are a sure sign that the Antarctic coast is approaching.
Day 4: Crossing the Antarctic Circle & Crystal Sound
Today, you will cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′ south.
As you travel through the icy expanse of Crystal Sound, you will navigate into a world of drifting sea ice, mysterious light, and deep silence, interrupted only by the call of Antarctic petrels or the appearance of a seal.
The goal is to land on Detaille Island, the site of the long-abandoned Base W —a British research station that was used briefly in the 1950s. Due to advancing sea ice, the station had to be evacuated in a hurry. Today, it is remarkably well preserved and offers an impressive insight into life during the heroic age of polar exploration in the mid-20th century. Nearby, Antarctic terns nest among the rocks, and with a little luck, you may spot a leopard seal at the edge of the ice.
Day 5: Marguerite Bay & Adelaide Island (Rothera Region)
Today, the St. Helena is heading for the remote and rarely visited Marguerite Bay —an impressive landscape of ice-covered waters, mighty glaciers, and dramatic mountain backdrops.
If conditions permit, a visit to the Rothera Research Station, operated by the British Antarctic Survey, is planned. Shore excursions at the station are subject to permits and ice conditions, but even passing by gives an impressive picture of the station's central importance to modern polar research.
In these waters, Weddell seals can be observed on ice floes, Adélie penguins glide through the ice, and with a little luck, a minke whale may appear.
This part of the itinerary is highly dependent on conditions, with safety being the top priority for activities in this remote region.
Day 6: Pourquoi Pas Island & Southern Channels
Today's agenda includes passing through the breathtaking Gullet, a narrow channel interspersed with ice that separates Adelaide Island from the mainland. This picturesque and rarely visited passage was first mapped by Jean-Baptiste Charcot and later explored by British expeditions. Surrounded by steep cliffs and hanging glaciers, leopard seals hunt penguins on and between the ice floes.
If conditions permit, a landing is planned on Pourquoi Pas Island, which once served as a refuge for early explorers during their extensive surveying missions. Weather permitting, there will be an opportunity to explore this icy labyrinth by Zodiac, following in the footsteps of the early cartographers.
Day 7: Penola Strait & Vernadsky Research Base
On your route along the coast, you will pass the impressive Penola Strait with its striking peaks and ornate iceberg formations. Weather permitting, you will stop at Vernadsky Station, which is now operated by Ukraine. The former British Faraday Station is world-famous for its groundbreaking research on the ozone hole in the 1980s.
During a tour, you can explore the station's facilities and take the opportunity to visit the southernmost bar on Earth —originally set up by the British and still a meeting place for scientists and researchers today.
Day 8: Lemaire Channel & Pleneau Island
Today, one of the most spectacular bodies of water in the world awaits you: the Lemaire Channel, also known as "Kodak Gap." Surrounded by steep cliffs and filled with drift ice, the smooth water surface reflects majestic icebergs, making the scenery seem almost surreal.
At Pleneau Island, once a safe anchorage for Charcot's expeditions, you will visit lively penguin colonies and navigate between frozen icebergs. Keep an eye out for leopard seals on the ice floes or humpback whales searching for food off the coast.
Days 9 to 10: Highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula
The last two days of intensive exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula are devoted to the Danco Coast. If possible, a landing at Neko Harbor is planned – an ideal place to set foot on the Antarctic continent. Nestled in a horseshoe-shaped glacier area, Neko offers impressive views and close encounters with gentoo penguins.
If conditions permit, a short panoramic walk or a Zodiac ride along the ice walls is possible, where calving glaciers send thunderous waves into the bay.
A visit to a remote expedition hut may also be on the agenda. Your expedition team will organize the schedule flexibly depending on ice and weather conditions to ensure optimal experiences and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Days 11 to 12: Northward through the Drake Passage
On the return journey through the Drake Passage, you can reflect on the experiences of the trip while keeping an eye out for seabirds and whales. You can also take part in concluding lectures or workshops, and a festive dinner provides an opportunity to reflect on the unforgettable impressions of the expedition while chatting with your fellow travelers.
Day 13: Arrival at the port of Ushuaia
Early in the morning, the ship docks in Ushuaia, where disembarkation takes place after breakfast.
You disembark with precious memories of an extraordinary Antarctic expedition—and a wealth of new stories from one of the world's most remote wilderness regions.
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
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.
DATES & PRICES
Request your trip here!
Submit questions via email Arrange a callback Call now: +49 201 85890960
or please select your preferred date
March 7, 2027 – March 19, 2027
From €10,980 €10,102 per person
13 days/12 nights
St. Helena (Maximum occupancy: 98)
Ushuaia, Argentina Ushuaia, Argentina
Includes snowshoeing, photography workshop, polar plunge, and kayaking
Good chances for Aurora Australis, the southern lights
Selected date
March 7, 2027 – March 19, 2027 (13 days/12 nights)
St. Helena | On the route of legendary explorers
Discovery Quad
Discovery Triple
Odyssey Twin
Odyssey Single
superior
Deluxe
premium
Owner's Suite
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Summary
activities
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, polar plunging (ice bathing), trekking, and yoga (weather and organizational permitting)
- Support from an expedition team consisting of experienced tour guides and a historian
- Lectures on board
- Expedition equipment: Rental rubber boots and a waterproof/windproof jacket
- Access to the ship's doctor and infirmary
- 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
- Personal expenses, e.g., at the bar or boutique (only cash payments in EUR or USD accepted)
- Meals ashore: Meals that are not provided on board the ship
- Beverages: Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks outside of lunch and dinner
- additional excursions
- Items not listed: Anything not listed under "Included services"
- Additional accommodation options
- Tips for the expedition team
- 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.
Your ship during the voyage
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Your expedition ship St Helena
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In the footsteps of British pioneering history
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Port Lockroy
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Gentoo penguins on the beach
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Base W on Detaille Island | © Danita Delimont
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Zodiac tour
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A humpback whale surfaces
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Encounter with a chinstrap penguin
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Young weddell seal
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Trekking on the Antarctic Peninsula
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Endless silence
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Polar Plunge
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