Spirit of Antarctica

Spirit of Antarctica 12 days

Prices From £7,416pp
16 DEC, 2017 | Up to 11 nights

Spirit of Antarctica 12 days

Aboard: Polar Pioneer

A classic adventure and activity expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands with camping, kayaking, mountaineering & snorkelling options

Highlights

  • Spectacular Antarctic scenery
  • Amazing wildlife including penguins, birds and whales
  • Adventure options such as camping, kayaking, mountaineering and snorkelling
  • Zodiac amongst sculpted icebergs
  • Visit historical and scientific sites

What's Included

  • Full board accommodation on board ship
  • Zodiac landings and excursions
  • Programme of expert lectures
  • Loan of rubber boots
  • Polar parka

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Ushuaia
1Day

Ushuaia

Board with time to settle in before our evening departure. Excitement lifts as we set sail down the Beagle Channel, keeping watch for magellenic penguins, dolphins and albatross.

Drake Passage
2-3Days

Drake Passage

Our Drake Passage crossing offers cape petrels darting about the ship, black-browed and wandering albatross soaring, and Wilson’s storm petrels flitting above the sea. Learn about Antarctica from our expert naturalist’s informative talks, and about safety and environmental guidelines from our expedition team as we prepare for adventures ahead.

Antarctic Peninsula
4-9Days

Antarctic Peninsula

An overnight passage along Gerlache Strait delivers us to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, an ethereal wonderland of vast proportions. Aboard Zodiacs, we explore penguin rookeries, historic sites and scientific stations and cruise near exquisite icebergs. Our kayakers glide into secluded bays, while climbers ascend pristine peaks.  Stepping ashore on the continent itself creates an everlasting memory. Bubble-netting humpbacks demand a wake-up call, even at midnight! A curious leopard seal cruising amongst spectacular icebergs may mean postponing lunch.  We make the most of every day and a fair bit of each night as well. If the weather allows, we’ll have a sleep-out on the ice – a must for any Antarctic explorer!

Drake Passage
10-11Days

Drake Passage

As the Captain steers the ship north across Drake Passage, our minds and souls revel in rich Antarctic experiences. There’s time to watch for seabirds, enjoy entertaining talks, discuss what we’ve seen and learned, exchange photos and stories. With luck, we may make a ceremonial rounding of Cape Horn before sharing a farewell dinner.

Puerto Williams or Ushuaia
12Day

Puerto Williams or Ushuaia

A dawn cruise along the Beagle Channel ends in Ushuaia or Puerto Williams. If the latter, disembark after breakfast for a tour of the town and stunning surrounds, before your flight to Punta Arenas.

A view from Above

All Aboard

Polar Pioneer
Adventure vessel

Polar Pioneer

Polar Pioneer was built in Finland as an ice-strengthened research ship with ice class 1A Super, making it perfect for navigation in Polar areas with heavy sea ice. With a legendary reputation as a strong and capable veteran expedition ship, it was refurbished in 2022 with a modernised lounge and upgraded cabins allowing for up to 48 guests to travel in comfort and in an intimate setting that offers an authentic expedition adventure. There is a mixture of cabins and suites, including suites and cabins with ensuite bathrooms and twin and triple cabins with shared facilities. All cabins have portholes or windows. Public areas include a refurbished lounge with bar, newly refurbished dining saloons, a sauna, and multiple viewing decks and raised decks for photography. There is an Open Bridge policy and, owing to its small guest numbers, all passengers are able to fit into the 5 Zodiacs at one time so there is no waiting to go on shore. This ship features the highest ice-class capable of exploring in ice and offers the smallest group size available for trips to Antarctica and South Georgia.

we work hard to earn passionate reviews from our clients.

4.9
44 Google reviews

Now that I am back from my odyssey voyage, I thought I would let you know that after all that planning it really did exceed my expectations – we managed landings everywhere even on Tristan da Cuhna and had great bird sightings. The guides all knew what they were talking about too and made sure I got some great photos – still sorting them all out! Thanks for everything and see you at Birdfair!

Dave Martin

Overall I think that it was an excellent trip that was well worth the price paid and I would have no hesitation recommending your company to others.

Steve Sutton

Just a quick note to express my sincere thanks to you and all your staff for making this an epic adventure of immense proportions. Everything went smoothly, pickups, hotels and most of all the expedition itself. Truly a mind blowing experience unlike any I have ever taken.

Mr J Borg, Malta

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Antarctica adventure for you.

Amy Lucas Travel Specialist

Having amassed a host of extraordinary adventures in destinations all over the world, Amy’s experience, skills and enthusiasm for helping clients plan their ideal itinerary will help make your holiday unforgettable, action packed and life-changing.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike lives and breathes adventure travel and has a wealth of experience in some of the most exciting and inspirational destinations in the world. His expertise and first-hand experience afford him the skills to help build holidays to remember.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

With a lifetime of unforgettable nature and adventure based travel under his belt, Simon shares his passion, enthusiasm and hands-on experience to help create the perfect itinerary for every client.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us
0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43

Chat Now

Request a
callback

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

text
close

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Request a
callback

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

Your Details

It would be great to know...

We are always looking for ways to improve the service we offer to our customers, so we would love to know...

1) How do you rate our website?
2) Where did you hear about us:

Tell us about your ideal trip

What are your interests?