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Antarctica

Antarctica, an Expedition to Planet Earth

A land that holds 90% of Earth’s ice, Antarctica stuns visitors with its awe-inspiring beauty. See peaceful bays dotted with colossal icebergs; cruise along deep fjords and see massive glaciers; be amazed by sharp snowy peaks that jut out of the sea.

Feel the spray of seawater on your cheeks as you cruise in a Zodiac to shore. Follow in the footsteps of early explorers as you hike on Antarctic soil.

Penguins, whales, seals, and seabirds congregate in Antarctica and South Georgia during the austral summer. Present in large numbers, you can move along in their world and find endless inspiration for photographs.

Setting foot on the seventh continent is a privilege and an honor. You will bring home unforgettable tales, and your journey will arouse curiosity and admiration, and create inspiring narratives that will be cherished and recounted for years to come.

Getting to Your Antarctic Gateway

Depending on your air-cruise itinerary, you will be using Punta Arenas, Chile or/and Ushuaia, Argentina as your Antarctic gateway.
Many international airlines land daily at Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benitez airport. From there, several airlines connect the capital of Chile and Punta Arenas.
Many international flights also land daily at Buenos Aires’ international airport, Ezeiza. Connections to Ushuaia are available from Ezeiza airport and the domestic Aeroparque
Airport. Overland transportation by bus between Punta Arenas and Ushuaia, a 12-hour journey, is also available.

Sea Kayaking

Experience Antarctica from the unique vantage point of a sea kayak. The majestic landscape, the icebergs, and the wildlife presents a unique perspective as you paddle quietly through the icy waters.

The Program

The sea kayaking program is an optional small-group experience limited to a maximum of 20 participants per expedition who will go on excursions in two separate groups of 10 guests each, on an alternating basis. Each group of 10 guests enjoy 1-2 excursions throughout the voyage, under the guidance and leadership of an experienced Kayak Master.

During your trip in Antarctica, your Kayak Master will work with the Expedition Team to look for the best kayaking opportunities based on suitable and safe weather conditions. A dedicated safety Zodiac will support the group. Each kayaking excursion will be approximately one and a half hours. The Kayak Master will strive to offer some time at the landing site so you can also explore on land. To take part in the kayaking program, you must have previous experience, know how to swim, and be able to communicate in English. The minimum age for participation is 15 years. Space is limited.

Note

Sea Kayaking is offered as a full program of 1-2 excursions delivered throughout the expedition to the same group of participants. It is not possible to join individual, one-off kayaking excursions or rotating participation among family members or groups of friends traveling together.
Payment of the sea kayaking participation fee is due at the time of reservation. In the case of cancellation 120 days or more prior to departure, Antarctica21 will refund 50% of the participation fee. In the case of cancellation 119 days or less prior to departure, there will be no refund.

What You’ll See in Antarctica

Towering Icebergs & Glaciers

Witness immense ice formations sculpted by nature over thousands of years, each one a masterpiece.

Vast, Endless White Landscapes

Experience the untouched beauty of Antarctica, where the horizon blends into the sky in a surreal display.

Penguin Colonies in Their Natural Habitat

Watch thousands of penguins waddling, nesting, and diving into the icy waters.

Majestic Whales Surfacing in the Cold Waters

Spot humpback, minke, and even killer whales gracefully emerging from the ocean.

Seals Resting on Ice Floes

See these remarkable creatures basking on icebergs or playfully swimming near the ship.

Crystal-Clear Antarctic Air & Silence

Feel the purest, crispest air while experiencing the rare tranquility of one of the most remote places on Earth.

Antarctic Midnight Sun

In summer months, the sun never fully sets, creating breathtaking, golden-lit landscapes.

Historic Explorer Sites

Walk in the footsteps of legendary explorers, from Ernest Shackleton to Roald Amundsen, at preserved research stations.

Deep Blue Ice Caverns & Frozen Tunnels

Gaze at mesmerizing ice formations in vivid shades of blue, shaped by the elements.

Rare & Exotic Seabirds

Spot albatrosses, petrels, and skuas soaring above the icy waters.

Hiking & Snowshoeing in Antarctica

See more of the Antarctic landscape with our Hiking & Snowshoeing program. Excursion locations are selected for their scenic appeal and will provide unique vantage points for your photographs.

The Program

The Hiking & Snowshoeing program is an optional small-group experience offered on board the ship as a one-off excursion. A Hiking & Snowshoeing Guide leads the group.

During your trip in Antarctica, the Hiking & Snowshoeing Guide will work with the Expedition Leader to look for the best hiking or snowshoeing opportunities within the trip’s schedule, based on suitable and safe weather conditions. Each excursion will be approximately one and a half hours in duration. Depending on the time of the year and the conditions of the terrain, some excursions may require the use of snowshoes and/or trekking poles, which Antarctica21 provides. November, December, and January, generally offer good snowshoeing opportunities. Snowshoes are usually not needed in February and March. Participants can select the excursions they want to join, paying a per-excursion fee. The activity can be booked and paid on board the ship.

To take part in the Hiking & Snowshoeing program, you do not need previous experience. However, your level of physical fitness should be good. The minimum age for participation is 15 years.

For complete details, please review the “Hiking & Snowshoeing in Antarctica” document, which is available upon request.

RESPONSIBLE TR AVELER GUIDELINES

Never disturb or feed wildlife on land or at sea, allow wildlife to instigate all interactions.
Don’t take souvenirs (for example rocks, feathers, bones, etc.)
Don’t leave anything behind. Take home everything you brought with you.
Never walk on moss and lichens. It takes years to grow back.
When ashore, keep at least 5 meters (15 feet) distance from all animals.
While kayaking, keep at least 100 meters (328 feet) distance from whales and seals.
Avoid blocking the ‘walkways’ between penguin colonies and their water entry and exit points.
Use the provided facilities to decontaminate your boots and help protect the ecosystem from foreign bacteria or seeds.
There are no bathrooms available at landings in Antarctica. Make sure to use the facilities on board before excursions.

RESPONSIBLE PHOTOGR APHY GUIDELINES

Always respect animals when taking pictures. Your shot is important, but the wellbeing of wildlife must always take priority.
Flash photography is not allowed; it might spook the animals.
Read about Antarctic wildlife species and learn to read their behavior.
If an animal appears distressed, stop taking photos and move away slowly and immediately.