Spirit of Antarctica - 12 Days
Onboard Sylvia Earle – 132 passengers
Embrace the spirit of polar exploration on this classic expedition to the coveted white continent. Early season is a great time for photography, the sheer magnitude of sea ice and icebergs surrounding the continent lends to some dramatic landscapes. Sail across the famed Drake Passage to and from Antarctica, admiring spectacular seabirds and approaching the ice as the explorers of old did: by sea. With a chance to Zodiac cruise through pack ice, set foot on the continent, choose from a range of adventure options and even perhaps camp under pastel polar skies, this is the quintessential Antarctic voyage for adventure-lovers.
Voyage Highlights:
- Hone your ice and wildlife photography skills.
- In Zodiacs, explore quiet bays and coves in search of wildlife and marvelling at dazzling icebergs.
- Encounter busy penguin colonies.
- Take the polar plunge and join an exclusive club!
Tour Dates
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Nov 19 - Nov 30, 2025 (12 days)
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Dec 10 - Dec 21, 2025 (12 days)
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Dec 29 - Jan 9, 2027 (12 days)
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia, where you will be met by a representative and transferred with your fellow expeditioners to your assigned pre-voyage hotel. If you are already in Ushuaia, we ask you to make your way to your hotel. This afternoon, visit the hospitality desk to collect your luggage tags, and confirm if you wish to join our tour in Ushuaia tomorrow. The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.
Day 2: Embarkation
This morning, enjoy breakfast and check-out.
Day Tour included for 2025 departure dates: Afternoon catamaran cruise – we will board our catamaran and sail the Beagle Channel, towards the city’s iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. Crossing the Bridges Archipelago we’ll slow down to watch colonies of sea lions and imperial cormorants sun themselves on the rocky outcrops, while gulls, rock cormorants, skuas, petrels, albatrosses and cauquenes are often sighted. Our cruise offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountain range, in addition to hearing tales of the people and communities of the region.
Day Tour included for 2026 departure date: Lake Escondido tour – This tour offers us an unforgettable panoramic drive through big valleys of glacial origin, evergreen and deciduous forests, waterfalls and rivers, in the vastness of the Andes Mountain Range. We will leave Ushuaia city to the northeast of Tierra del Fuego, driving through peat bog valleys to reach Garibaldi Pass, only accessible by a winding road that will take us to a panoramic point. From here we will have amazing panoramic views of Lake Escondido and, if weather conditions allow, of Fagnano Lake. We will start our descent towards the northeast to reach Fagnano Lake’s shore where we will visit a local ranch. After appreciating the landscape, you will have the chance to enjoy the typical Fuegian Lamb barbecue. Enjoy some free time there before returning to Ushuaia for ship embarkation.
Alternatively, enjoy your day at leisure and meet at your hotel lobby in the afternoon to be transferred to the pier for embarkation. Once onboard, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin before our important mandatory briefings. As the ship pulls away from port, we’ll gather on the deck to commence our adventure with spectacular views over Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. This evening get to know your fellow expeditioners and friendly expedition team and crew at a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling adventure to Antarctica.
Days 3-4: Drake Passage Crossing
As we commence the Drake Passage crossing, we make the most of our time getting comfortable with the motions of the sea. Our expedition team prepare you for our first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures and start our lecture program to help you learn more about Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment. Our wildlife experiences begin as we enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following our vessel. You can also enjoy the facilities on board the vessel including the gym, wellness centre or the relaxing in one of the observation lounges.
Nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on the afternoon of day four, the excitement is palpable with everyone converging on one of the observation decks watching for our first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once we are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first big iceberg sighting is likely to remain with you for a lifetime. Time and weather permitting, we may attempt our first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.
Days 5-9: Antarctic Peninsula
It is almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever. Once we arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ours to explore, and we have a host of choices available to us. Because we are so far south, we will experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish.
Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. You will want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula.
While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. If you have chosen an optional activity, you will have the option to do participate in the activity whenever conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters – conditions permitting! The polar plunge can take place at any time during the voyage, so listen out for the announcement from the expedition team and get ready for the most exhilarating dip of your life!
In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge (open at the captain’s discretion) for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour. Listen out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve into sea. Take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of the pristine paradise of the splendid white continent.
Days 10-11: Drake Passage Crossing
Enjoy a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before we re-enter the Drake Passage for our return journey to South America. With lectures and film presentations to complete our Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and experienced. We hope you become ambassadors for Antarctica telling your family, friends and colleagues about your journey to this magical place, advocating for its conservation and preservation so that they might one day visit the region to experience what you have been lucky to see and do here. As we approach the tip of South America, our Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.
Day 12: Disembark Ushuaia
During the early morning, we cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where we will be free to disembark around 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as we all continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature. On disembarkation, a transfer will be provided either directly to the Ushuaia airport or into downtown.
Note: At the conclusion of the voyage, we do not recommend booking flights departing Ushuaia prior to 12:00 pm on the day of disembarkation in case there are delays.
In the spirit of expedition travel, we encourage you to adopt a flexible and adventurous attitude when joining our voyages. This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond our control.
Route Map
Trips and Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Single Travelers:
- If willing to share a cabin, we can match you with another or other passengers of the same gender to avoid a single supplement.
- Single occupancy price is 1.5x the per person share price
- Starting the Arctic 2026 season there will be 6 dedicated Solo Balcony Stateroom A cabins, 2 Solo Balcony Stateroom B and 2 Solo Balcony Stateroom C cabins available with no single supplements. Pricing based on full brochure fare. See pricing grid for details.
Adventure Options:
- Kayaking Program – requires previous kayaking experience and an intermediate paddling level
- 2025 pricing
- $680/person on Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear (8 days)
- $830/person on Wild Landscapes of West Greenland
- $870/person on Jewels of the Arctic (12 day trips)
- $980/person on Svalbard Odyssey, Jewels of the Arctic (15 Days), Greenland Odyssey, Southern Greenland
- $1,190/person on Svalbard in Depth, Northwest Passage (16-17 day trips) & Northern Lights Explorer
- $1,660/person on Arctic Complete & Traversing the Northwest Passage
- 2026 pricing
- $795/person on Jewels of the Arctic (13 day trip), Wild Scotland, Arctic Golden Autumn & Northern Lights Explorer
- $895/person on Svalbard Odyssey, Jewels of the Arctic (15 Days)
- $1,095/person on Svalbard in Depth
Single Travelers:
- If willing to share a cabin, we can match you with another or other passenger of the same gender to avoid a single supplement.
- Single occupancy price is 1.5x the per person share price.
- Starting the 2026-27 season there will be 6 dedicated Solo Balcony Stateroom A cabins, 2 Solo Balcony Stateroom B and 2 Solo Balcony Stateroom C cabins available with no single supplements. Pricing based on full brochure fare. See pricing grid for details.
Antarctic Adventure Options:
- Kayaking Program: $1,330/person on 12-15 day Antarctica voyages, $1,745/person on 20+ day Antarctica & South Georgia voyages and $1,030/person on 9 day Express trip. Requires previous kayaking experience and an intermediate paddling level.
- Paddling: $640/person
- Camping: $165/person
- Snorkeling: $675/person on 12-14 day Antarctica voyages, $835/person on 20+ day Antarctica & South Georgia voyages and $515/person on 9 day Express trip.
- Alpine Trekking: $1260/person
- Snowshoeing: $370/person on 12-15 day Antarctica voyages and $440/person on 20+ day Antarctica & South Georgia voyages
- Ski/Snowboard Touring: $1395/person – experience required
- Shackleton Crossing on Skis: $2,220/person – experience required
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime. Please contact us for the real time availability & prices.
Cabin Descriptions
Captain Suite
The largest of all the cabins, the singular Captain’s Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you’ll need to book early to secure this suite. The Captain’s Suite features additional amenities including 1 free pair of binoculars per suite, free stocked mini bar (replenished as needed) and 1 free bottle of champagne.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 471.5 sq. ft. (43.8m2)
Junior Suite
The four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren’t enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites’ separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony. The Junior Suite features additional amenities including 1 free pair of binoculars per suite, free stocked mini bar (stocked once only) and 1 free bottle of champagne.
Cabin & balcony combined size: Up to 448 sq. ft. (41.6m2)
Balcony Stateroom Superior
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superior cabins are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear. Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 314 – 379 sq. ft. (29.2 – 35.2m2)
Balcony Stateroom A
The 23 Balcony Stateroom A cabins are a premium cabin and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 210 – 309 sq. ft. (19.5 – 28.7m2)
Starting the 2026-27 season there will be 6 dedicated Solo Balcony Stateroom A cabins (#407, 409, 410, 412, 607 & 610) available with no single supplements. Pricing based on full brochure fare. See pricing grid for details.
Balcony Stateroom B
The 17 Balcony Stateroom B Cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 & 6. Many are fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 210 – 309 sq. ft. (19.5 – 28.7m2)
Starting the 2026-7 season there will be 2 dedicated Solo Balcony Stateroom B cabins (#606 & 603) available with no single supplements. Pricing based on full brochure fare. See pricing grid for details.
Balcony Stateroom C
The 11 Balcony Stateroom C cabins are the most economical balcony stateroom, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are on Deck 4 & 6, either in the most forward or aft location or in a mid-ship location with a smaller cabin size.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 210- 309 sq. ft. (19.5 – 28.7m2)
Starting the 2026-27 season there will be 2 dedicated Solo Balcony Stateroom C cabins (#611 & 614) available with no single supplements. Pricing based on full brochure fare. See pricing grid for details.
Aurora Stateroom Superior
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Aurora Stateroom Superior are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear. Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
Cabin size: 214 – 224 sq. ft. (19.9 – 20.8m2)
Aurora Stateroom Triple
There are two Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they’re close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
Cabin size: 244 sq. ft. (22.67m2)
Deck Plan
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions:
- All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
- One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Ushuaia on Day 1.
- Half-day tour of Ushuaia on Day 2, prior to embarkation.
- Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
- All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage.
- Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner.
- Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
- All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
- Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
- Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
- One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
- Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
- Comprehensive pre-departure information.
- Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
- Wi-Fi – Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable.
Exclusions:
- International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Airport arrival or departure taxes.
- Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
- Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
- Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
- All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges.
Note: A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.