20 Days in Antarctica aboard the St. Helena · Optional 5-night stay on a polar sailing yacht

St Helena | Icebird
from/to Ushuaia (Argentina)

20 days (19 nights)

Max. 98 Passagiere · Yacht-Phase (max. 5 Mitreisende)
20-Tage-Antarktis-Expedition auf der St Helena (max. 98 Passagiere) — mit 5-Nächte-Yacht-Phase auf der SY Icebird für maximal 6 Gäste
20 days on the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the St. Helena, featuring daily Zodiac landings, penguin colonies, whale watching, and an active scientific program. Optionally, the trip can be extended to include a yacht phase with a maximum of 5 fellow travelers: five nights under sail on the SY Icebird, in secluded bays and ice-filled channels off the standard routes. The yacht phase must be booked in advance —once the six spots are filled, all other guests will complete the full trip on the St. Helena.
The St. Helena, an expedition ship with a capacity of up to 98 passengers, will take you to the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. You will be accompanied by an expedition team of twelve to fourteen naturalists, historians, and scientists. Breeding colonies of Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins, Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals on ice floes, Pygmy and humpback whales When it comes to feeding, over five hundred potential landing spots make every trip unique.
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Those who have reserved one of the six spots in the yacht phase will transfer to the SY Icebird on Day 8 for six days and five nights. The ice-strengthened 18.6-meter aluminum yacht, equipped with a retractable keel and AeroRig system, can navigate narrow channels, secluded bays, and remote anchorages that remain inaccessible to larger vessels. The daily schedule is flexible, the pace is personalized, and encounters are more intimate. Participation in the yacht phase requires a comprehensive medical and physical assessment form to be completed prior to departure; the ship’s doctor may exclude participants if there are safety concerns. All other guests remain aboard the St. Helena for these days and follow the main program.
All activities are included at no extra charge: kayaking, snowshoeing, trekking, ice camping, yoga, polar plunge, and a photography workshop on St. Helena. Those who have booked the yacht portion of the trip can also enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, ski touring, and rock climbing aboard the SY Icebird.
Wir empfehlen Ihnen diese Antarktis-Expedition, wenn Sie den Kontinent intensiver erleben möchten als in einer reinen Expeditionskreuzfahrt, und gleichzeitig den Komfort eines voll ausgestatteten Expeditionsschiffs nicht missen wollen. Auf Wunsch verbinden wir die Reise mit zusätzlichen Tagen in Ushuaia oder Buenos Aires sowie kuratierten Vor- oder Nachreise-Add-ons. Sprechen Sie uns gerne an.
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: Day 1 begins with boarding in the afternoon in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, directly aboard the St. Helena. We are happy to book international flights to Buenos Aires and the domestic flight to Ushuaia for you upon request.
Entry requirements: German citizens must have a valid passport. Current entry requirements for Argentina can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office. Requirements may vary for other nationalities. Please feel free to contact us.
Note for solo travelers: If you do not request a single cabin, you may be accommodated in a shared cabin on board. In this case, you will be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender and possibly of a different nationality. No single cabin surcharge will apply.
HIGHLIGHTS
- 14 Nächte auf der St Helena, 5 Nächte auf der SY Icebird – Sieben Tage auf der St. Helena, fünf Nächte auf der SY Icebird (max. 5 Mitreisende), dann noch einmal 7 Nächte auf der St Helena.
- Antarctic Peninsula Intensive – Landings among Adélie, Gentoo, and chinstrap penguins, as well as sightings of Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals.
- SY Icebird Sailing Deep – Mit nur fünf Mitreisenden segeln Sie in enge Kanäle, abgeschiedene Buchten und entlegene Ankerplätze, die größeren Schiffen verschlossen bleiben.
- Aktivitäten ohne Aufpreis – Auf der St Helena Kajak, Schneeschuhwandern, Trekking, Camping auf dem Eis, Yoga, Polar Plunge und Foto-Workshop. Bei der Yacht-Phase zusätzlich Schnorcheln, Tauchen, Skitouren und Klettern
- A maximum of 98 passengers on the St. Helena – a deliberate reduction on a ship built to carry 150 passengers, equipped with twelve Zodiacs for faster landings.
- Active scientific program – Fully equipped onboard laboratory and resident scientific team aboard the St. Helena.
- Drake-Passage mit Stabilisator – Modernes Stabilisator- und Ballastsystem auf der St Helena
itinerary
From Ushuaia to Antarctica under sail
Day 1 | Embarkation in Ushuaia
In the afternoon, you’ll board the St. Helena in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. You’ll meet the crew and your fellow passengers, settle into your cabin, and attend the safety briefing. The ship will then set sail along the Beagle Channel as the southern tip of South America fades from view behind you.
Days 2 and 3 | Drake Passage, heading south
The Drake Passage marks the transition to the Antarctic Convergence, where nutrient-rich waters support a vibrant ecosystem. During the days at sea, naturalists give lectures on Antarctic history, wildlife, and geology. The program also includes safety briefings for kayaking and snowshoeing, as well as workshops on navigation and polar photography.
From the decks, you can spot albatrosses, petrels, and, with a little luck, whales. By the end of Day 3, the first icebergs and snow-capped peaks signal your arrival at the South Shetland Islands.
Days 4–7 | Antarctic Peninsula · St. Helena
The highlight of the trip: exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Each day offers a mix of shore landings, Zodiac cruises, and activities, including kayaking among icebergs, snowshoeing to lookouts, and visits to breeding colonies of Adélie, Gentoo, and chinstrap penguins.
Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals rest on ice floes; in the bays, you can watch minke and humpback whales feeding. With over five hundred possible landing sites, no two trips are alike. The captain and expedition leader make new choices every day, based on weather, ice conditions, and wildlife sightings.
Days 8–13 | Antarctic Peninsula · On to St. Helena & optional Icebird phase
For the main group aboard the St. Helena, the program continues from days 4 through 7: Daily landings and Zodiac cruises along the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, further visits to extensive penguin colonies featuring Gentoos, Chinstraps, and Adélie penguins, sightings of Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals on ice floes, and encounters with minke and humpback whales feeding in nutrient-rich waters. Kayaking among icebergs, snowshoeing along untouched trails to panoramic viewpoints overlooking glaciers and peaks, and, upon request, camping on the ice or a polar plunge. The expedition team plans each day anew based on weather, ice, and wildlife conditions, ensuring that no two days are alike.
Those who have reserved one of the six spots in the optional sailing extension (pre-booked; once filled, the standard itinerary on St. Helena remains), will disembark on Day 8 and transfer to the SY Icebird for six days and five nights: an ice-strengthened 18.6-meter aluminum yacht with a retractable keel and AeroRig sail system, built for polar conditions. With just five fellow travelers and an experienced polar crew, six days and five nights of “Sailing Deep” begin: venturing into narrow channels, secluded bays, and remote anchorages that are inaccessible to larger ships. Daily shore excursions, guided hikes, kayaking in iceberg-strewn bays, and—depending on conditions— snorkeling, diving, ski touring, or climbing. A flexible daily schedule, a personalized pace, and evenings on board with hearty meals and the rare camaraderie of a true micro-expedition.
Days 14–17 | Return to St. Helena · Antarctic Peninsula
Re-embarkation on St. Helena. The second leg of the voyage aboard the main ship offers another full week of Antarctic exploration: more landings, Zodiac cruises, penguin colonies, and wildlife encounters along the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.
The activity program is the same as on days 4 through 7. Kayaking, snowshoeing, a photography workshop, and, if we’re lucky, a night of camping on the ice. The scientific team in the onboard lab will present the latest research data from the expedition, and fellow travelers will share their first impressions of the yacht phase.
Day 18 | Farewell Landings
On the way north, enjoy one final landing or Zodiac cruise. Depending on weather and ice conditions, options include Brown Bluff, with its reddish-brown cliffs and an Adélie penguin colony, or Paulet Island, with its historic sites and abundant wildlife. In the evening, bid farewell to Antarctica.
Day 19 | Drake Passage, heading north
Crossing the Drake Passage heading north. On the open decks, you can watch seabirds and whales, while inside, naturalists and historians lead final lectures and workshops. In the evening, the captain hosts a farewell dinner, where you can reflect on the expedition with your fellow travelers.
Day 20 | Return to Ushuaia
The St. Helena will arrive back in Ushuaia early in the morning. After breakfast, you will disembark between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. Transportation to the airport has been arranged. Do not book a flight home for early in the morning; be sure to allow plenty of time.
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
Photography workshop (included)

The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are among the most photogenic places on Earth: penguin colonies on dark pebble beaches, glacier fronts by the sea, leopard seals on drifting ice floes, and the long daylight hours of the high latitudes.
To ensure you return with stunning photos, an experienced photography mentor will accompany the expedition. During lectures on board and while ashore, he will offer practical tips on composition, lighting, and animal behavior. Whether it’s a wide-angle landscape shot of a mountain panorama or a close-up of a penguin chick, the expedition team knows the best vantage points at every landing site and will help you make the most of every opportunity.
Sea kayak (included)

From a Zodiac, you can observe the wildlife. From a kayak, you’re right in the middle of it all. The sea kayaking tour takes you in small groups among icebergs, along steep glacier fronts, and through quiet coves where fur seals slide down the rocks and penguins surface right next to the boat.
On the Antarctic Peninsula, you’ll glide through tranquil bays against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and calving glaciers. No prior experience is necessary; a briefing will be provided on board. Space is limited; we recommend registering when you book.
Snowshoe trekking (included)

Where a regular walk along the ice edge ends, snowshoe trekking begins. In small groups, you’ll hike across pristine slopes to vantage points offering views of glacial crevasses, iceberg fields, and deeply indented bays—scenery you’d otherwise only see from the air.
The tours are adjusted daily based on snow conditions and weather. There are two difficulty levels, so both beginners and experienced hikers can find a pace that suits them. Snowshoes and poles are provided on board; sturdy shoes and waterproof pants are all you need.
Camping on the Ice (all-inclusive, max. 30 guests)

A night under the open sky on the Antarctic ice is one of the most intense experiences this expedition has to offer. In select bays along the peninsula, you’ll set up a simple bivouac and listen to the silence of the ice, the crunching of calving glaciers, and the distant calls of the penguins.
Camping is weather-dependent and limited to a maximum of 30 guests per trip. Campsites are assigned on-site. All equipment (bivy sack, sleeping pad, sleeping bag) is provided by the expedition team. Good general health is required; no prior experience is necessary.
DATES & PRICES
Request your trip here!
Submit questions via email Arrange a callback Call now: +49 201 85890960
or please select your preferred date
28.12.2026 – 16.01.2027
ab 25.380 € 23.350 € p.P.
20 days/19 nights
Icebird
Ushuaia, Argentina Ushuaia, Argentina
15 Nächte an Bord der St. Helena und 5 Nächte an Bord der Icebird
inklusive Camping, Fotografie-Workshop, Kajaking, Schneeschuhwandern und Polar-Plunge
06.01.2027 – 25.01.2027
ab 25.380 € 23.350 € p.P.
20 days/19 nights
Icebird
Ushuaia, Argentina Ushuaia, Argentina
15 Nächte an Bord der St. Helena und 5 Nächte an Bord der Icebird
inklusive Camping, Fotografie-Workshop, Kajaking, Schneeschuhwandern und Polar-Plunge
16.01.2027 – 04.02.2027
ab 25.380 € 23.350 € p.P.
20 days/19 nights
Icebird
Ushuaia, Argentina Ushuaia, Argentina
15 Nächte an Bord der St. Helena und 5 Nächte an Bord der Icebird
inklusive Fotografie-Workshop, Kajaking, Schneeschuhwandern und Polar-Plunge
25.01.2027 – 14.02.2027
ab 25.380 € 23.350 € p.P.
21 days/20 nights
Icebird
Ushuaia, Argentina Ushuaia, Argentina
15 Nächte an Bord der St. Helena und 5 Nächte an Bord der Icebird
inklusive Fotografie-Workshop, Kajaking, Schneeschuhwandern und Polar-Plunge
Selected date
28.12.2026 – 16.01.2027 (20 Tage/19 Nächte)
Icebird | Ultimative Antarktis-Expedition
Quad Share Cabin
Geteilte Vierbettkabine an Bord der SY Icebird mit eigenem Bad. Ideal für Solo-Reisende, die eine erschwingliche Option suchen und ihre Polarexpedition gerne teilen.
Belegung: 1 bis 4 Personen pro Kabine. Eigenes Bad an Bord.
Double Private Cabin
Private Doppelbettkabine an Bord der SY Icebird mit eigenem Bad. Maximale Privatsphäre an Bord — geeignet für Paare oder Solo-Reisende, die einen Rückzugsort wünschen.
Belegung: 1 bis 2 Personen pro Kabine. Eigenes Bad an Bord.
cabin
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
activities
Selected date
06.01.2027 – 25.01.2027 (20 Tage/19 Nächte)
Icebird | Ultimative Antarktis-Expedition
Quad Share Cabin
Geteilte Vierbettkabine an Bord der SY Icebird mit eigenem Bad. Ideal für Solo-Reisende, die eine erschwingliche Option suchen und ihre Polarexpedition gerne teilen.
Belegung: 1 bis 4 Personen pro Kabine. Eigenes Bad an Bord.
Double Private Cabin
Private Doppelbettkabine an Bord der SY Icebird mit eigenem Bad. Maximale Privatsphäre an Bord — geeignet für Paare oder Solo-Reisende, die einen Rückzugsort wünschen.
Belegung: 1 bis 2 Personen pro Kabine. Eigenes Bad an Bord.
cabin
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
activities
Selected date
16.01.2027 – 04.02.2027 (20 Tage/19 Nächte)
Icebird | Ultimative Antarktis-Expedition
Quad Share Cabin
Geteilte Vierbettkabine an Bord der SY Icebird mit eigenem Bad. Ideal für Solo-Reisende, die eine erschwingliche Option suchen und ihre Polarexpedition gerne teilen.
Belegung: 1 bis 4 Personen pro Kabine. Eigenes Bad an Bord.
Double Private Cabin
Private Doppelbettkabine an Bord der SY Icebird mit eigenem Bad. Maximale Privatsphäre an Bord — geeignet für Paare oder Solo-Reisende, die einen Rückzugsort wünschen.
Belegung: 1 bis 2 Personen pro Kabine. Eigenes Bad an Bord.
cabin
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
activities
Selected date
25.01.2027 – 14.02.2027 (21 Tage/20 Nächte)
Icebird | Ultimative Antarktis-Expedition
Quad Share Cabin
Geteilte Vierbettkabine an Bord der SY Icebird mit eigenem Bad. Ideal für Solo-Reisende, die eine erschwingliche Option suchen und ihre Polarexpedition gerne teilen.
Belegung: 1 bis 4 Personen pro Kabine. Eigenes Bad an Bord.
Double Private Cabin
Private Doppelbettkabine an Bord der SY Icebird mit eigenem Bad. Maximale Privatsphäre an Bord — geeignet für Paare oder Solo-Reisende, die einen Rückzugsort wünschen.
Belegung: 1 bis 2 Personen pro Kabine. Eigenes Bad an Bord.
cabin
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
activities
Information
Included services:
- 14 Nächte an Bord der St Helena, 5 Nächte an Bord der Icebird in der gewählten Kabinenkategorie
- Full board on board: three meals a day, snacks throughout the day, tea, and coffee
- House wine, house beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- All scheduled landings and Zodiac trips (weather permitting)
- All activities included at no extra charge: kayaking, snowshoeing, trekking, ice camping (max. 30 passengers per trip), yoga, polar plunge, photography workshop
- Guided by an expedition team of twelve to fourteen members, including naturalists, historians, and scientists
- Daily lectures and educational activities on board
- Active scientific program in a fully equipped onboard laboratory
- Expedition parka as a gift (it's yours to keep)
- Rubber boots for landing (provided on loan for the duration of the trip)
- Rental outdoor gear; expedition-grade camping equipment
- Port Fees and Landing Permits
- Tips for the crew
- Basic Wi-Fi on board (upgrades available for a fee)
- Pre-trip information, including the Antarctica booklet
- Licensed ship's doctor and fully equipped infirmary on board
- Transfer to Ushuaia Airport on the day of disembarkation
- Optional yacht trip on the SY Icebird – five nights with a maximum of 5 fellow passengers; bookable for an additional fee
- International flights to Buenos Aires and a domestic flight to Ushuaia (we can arrange your flights upon request)
- Overnight stays in Ushuaia before and after the trip
- Travel and travel cancellation insurance
- Required: Travel insurance that includes emergency medical and evacuation coverage. We’d be happy to help you find the right policy.
- Personal bar purchases outside of lunch and dinner hours, as well as premium beverages
- Wi-Fi Upgrades
- Boutique and souvenir shopping
- Personal expenses (laundry service, satellite phone)
- Visa and passport fees (if applicable)
- Optional pre- and post-tour excursions
- Evacuation costs in an emergency (to be paid by the passenger)
- We recommend arriving one to two days before the trip begins to allow for any flight or baggage delays.
- Travel health insurance with unlimited coverage is mandatory, and proof of coverage must be provided.
- The trip takes you to remote areas without access to advanced medical facilities. People with life-threatening conditions or who require daily medical care cannot participate.
- Expedition language: English (on board the St. Helena and the SY Icebird). Safety and shore excursion briefings will be conducted in English.
- This trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility. The yacht portion of the trip requires greater physical mobility than a standard cruise.
- We will cancel the trip up to 30 days before departure and notify you by email if the minimum number of 50 participants has not been reached. Such cancellations are extremely rare.
- In addition, travel insurance that includes emergency medical and evacuation coverage is required for participation; boarding will not be permitted without proof of such coverage.
- The Drake Passage can be subject to rough seas. The St. Helena is equipped with a modern stabilizer and ballast system; on the SY Icebird, the motion is typical of a yacht.
- The yacht portion of the SY Icebird trip is optional and limited to a maximum of 5 passengers; it must be booked in advance. Once all spots are filled, the trip will proceed as the standard tour of St. Helena. To participate in the yacht portion, a comprehensive medical and physical assessment form is required; if there are any safety concerns, the ship’s doctor may exclude you from participating.
- Camping on the ice is limited to a maximum of 30 guests per trip.
Your ship during the voyage

Their flagship: the St. Helena
Click here for deck plans, cabin categories, facts & figures > View here
Your sailing yacht: the SY Icebird
Polar expedition yacht for up to 6 guests, available for advance booking — aluminum hull, AeroRig, retractable keel > View here
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Ushuaia?
Do I need a visa for Argentina or Antarctica?
What sets this trip apart from a standard Antarctic cruise?
When is the best time to visit the Antarctic Peninsula?
What clothes should I pack for the trip?
What is the Drake Passage like, and what are the sea conditions?
How does the yacht extension work on the SY Icebird?
Do I need special insurance for this expedition?
What animals can I see on the Antarctic Peninsula?
What physical requirements do I need to meet?
What is included in the tour price?
Can I book pre- or post-trip activities?
Snow-capped mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula with drifting icebergs
Snow-capped mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula with drifting icebergs
A polar sailing yacht is reflected on the smooth water among the ice floes
A polar sailing yacht is reflected on the smooth water among the ice floes
A person with a backpack looks out over Iceberg Bay on the Antarctic Peninsula
A person with a backpack looks out over Iceberg Bay on the Antarctic Peninsula
A person at the railing looks out from the ship's deck at snow-capped mountains
A person at the railing looks out from the ship's deck at snow-capped mountains
Gentoo penguins on a snow-covered rock in front of icebergs and mountains
Gentoo penguins on a snow-covered rock in front of icebergs and mountains
Penguin colony on a rocky plateau, misty bay with icebergs
Penguin colony on a rocky plateau, misty bay with icebergs
A leopard lies on an ice floe, with a Zodiac boat carrying passengers in the background
A leopard lies on an ice floe, with a Zodiac boat carrying passengers in the background
A Zodiac boat with passengers navigates between ice floes against a backdrop of mountain scenery
A Zodiac boat with passengers navigates between ice floes against a backdrop of mountain scenery
Three sea kayaks are paddling in front of a massive iceberg in Antarctica
Three sea kayaks are paddling in front of a massive iceberg in Antarctica
Three photographers at the edge of the ice are photographing ice floes at sunset
Three photographers at the edge of the ice are photographing ice floes at sunset
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