Antarctica Itineraries

• Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica
• Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
• Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
• Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales and more!

The classic Antarctica voyage with an adventure twist. Explore the Antarctic Peninsula, one of the world’s most pristine and unforgettable natural environments, and participate in extra activities every day. Each day the expedition team offers a variety of activities, including kayaking, mountaineering, hiking, zodiac cruising, photography workshop, snowshoeing & camping.  The ship will stay at one landing site for an extended period to allow for more in-depth exploration of the area. The trip will be highlighted by penguins, seals and whales accompanying the ship during your journey along the Antarctic coast.  Your first steps on the continent will be unforgettable as you visit breathtaking sights and historic places.

In brief:

• Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica who are interested in extra activities
• Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
• Participate in kayaking, camping, mountaineering & more!
• Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
• Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales, birds

• Extend your time in Antarctica and make landings in less frequented sites south of the Antarctic Circle;
• Incredible icebergs
• Millions of penguins – Adélie, gentoo, chinstrap
• 5 species of seals – crabeater, Weddell, leopard, fur and southern elephant
• Whales – humpback, minke, orca
• Visit historic research stations in the area of Marguerite Bay

• Explore the world’s seventh continent on the Antarctic Peninsula by ship, Zodiac and on foot.
• Learn about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife with an expert team of lecturers.
• See the incredible wildlife of South Georgia, often referred to as ‘the Galapagos of the South’. This includes more than 30 species of breeding birds, including four species of Penguin.
• Follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyages on South Georgia and pause for a moment at his graveside.
• Explore the quaint, British town of Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands.
• On board lecturers and educational presentations from Polar Specialists.

• Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica
• Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
• Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
• Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales and more!

• Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica
• Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
• Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
• Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales and more!

Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries. And this expedition offers you the chance to discover why, with an unforgettable journey through the spectacular wilderness of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll encounter a world where nature creates the rules, her unpredictable temperament making each trip unique, exciting and personal.

Imagine cruising in a Zodiac through crackling sea ice like shattered glass, witnessing penguins building their nests, or navigating through a maze of icebergs, each one uniquely shaped by its journey through the sea. You’ll enjoy iconic Antarctic highlights, exhilarating adventures and be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime.

This voyage starts in Buenos Aires, with a hotel night included. One day 2, take a charter flight with your shipmates to the Southernmost City in the World. Embark in the afternoon and begin your adventure south to Antarctica!

• Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica;
• Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula;
• Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists; and
• Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales and more!
• Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the tango capital of the world, and let us take care of the rest of the journey

This epic 20-day expedition brings you to a side of the Antarctic Peninsula even the luckiest of travelers don’t often see. You’ll experience the best of polar travel, including abundant wildlife, important historical sites, and ice—lots of ice. Embarking from Ushuaia, Argentina, you’ll traverse the legendary Drake Passage to arrive at Elephant Island, which gave Ernest Shackleton’s crew refuge in 1916. From this significant start you’ll move on to see enormous penguin colonies up close; zodiac cruise among icebergs that look like art; walk around and explore historic and operating scientific bases; sail across the imaginary but important line of the Antarctic Circle; and take a zodiac ride to see humpback and killer whales—all the while surrounded by the spectacular scenery of Antarctica.

Expedition in Brief
• Get to know Antarctica intimately during this 20-day trip
• Venture into the Weddell Sea on the remote east coast of the Antarctic Peninsula
• Cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′ S
• See a penguin colony of over 100,000 breeding pairs on volcanic Paulet Island
• Step back in time to experience Antarctic exploration in abandoned yet perfectly preserved bases
• Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the tango capital of the world, and let us take care of the rest of your journey

Expedition cruising in Antarctica is by its very nature an exploratory experience. Ice and weather conditions often dictate our planned route. Along with this, we are always opportunistic, stopping when we encounter a pod of whales, or when a gigantic tabular iceberg looms into view. This exciting itinerary includes two extra days of exploration down in Antarctica compared to a classic 10-night voyage. This allows us to visit additional landing sites, or to linger a little longer at some of our favorite locations. In practical terms, you will spend 25% more time down among the ice, when compared to a traditional 10-night itinerary. This equals more time on shore, more time in the Zodiacs and more time spent in the company of our expert guides. What’s not to like about that?

As with all of our voyages, a comprehensive range of activities will be offered covering all interests. These include short and longer walks on shore, visits to wildlife colonies, Zodiac cruising amongst icebergs looking for seals and whales, photographic excursions, exploring historic sites and possibly a working science station. For the more adventurous, sea kayaking is a wonderful way to discover Antarctica and, if weather conditions permit, why not spend the night camping on shore? Back on board the ship, you will enjoy informative presentations and lively discussions, great company and a relaxing atmosphere. If you relish the concept of true ‘exploratory cruising’ and appreciate the idea of a few extra days of discovery – this could be the ideal Antarctic voyage.

Ice Axe is happy to announce our 2018 Antarctica Adventure Cruise. We have sub-chartered a 132-passenger ship for a 13 day, 12-night expedition. It is a great mix of international and local adventurers, explorers and humanitarians. Lock in your spots now and rest easy that you have the cabin of your choice on this one in a lifetime trip to the white continent. Deposits are 50% of total berth.

You have just joined the ranks of a group of intrepid explorers and adventurers! The journey ahead of us is one filled with great company, good food, and amazing natural and physical experiences. Your memories of your Antarctic journey will be something you will cherish for the rest of your life.

For those who don’t have the time or are not interested in cruising across the Drake Passage, this is the trip for you. Take a three-hour flight over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage, landing you on one of the most spectacular places on earth: the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, and remotest continent – Antarctica. Once you arrive to the South Shetland Islands, embark on your expedition vessel to explore the White Continent in-depth. Voyages aim to make two excursions per day, highlighting the wildlife, geography, history and importance of the last continent.

Want to fly one Drake Passage and cruise the other? Check out the Fly & Cruise the Drake itineraries.

• Extend your time in Antarctica and make landings in less frequented sites south of the Antarctic Circle;
• Incredible icebergs
• Millions of penguins – Adélie, gentoo, chinstrap
• 5 species of seals – crabeater, Weddell, leopard, fur and southern elephant
• Whales – humpback, minke, orca
• Visit historic research stations in the area of Marguerite Bay

This is the most in-depth “do-it-all” voyage: explore the Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica, all the way south of 66 degrees south. Explore Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, with a convenient charter flight in between, before embarking on the cruise portion of your once in a lifetime adventure. In this diverse expedition, you’ll experience the spectacular flora and fauna of the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) before immersing yourself in the unique history and exquisite, rare wildlife of South Georgia.

Whether you’re visiting Antarctic research stations, witnessing a sudden minke whale breach from your Zodiac, sharing a magical moment with king penguins, or celebrating crossing the Antarctic Circle with like-minded travelers and crew, you’ll know this experience will live on in you forever.

• Explore the world’s seventh continent on the Antarctic Peninsula by ship, Zodiac and on foot;
• Learn about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife with an expert team of lecturers;
• See the incredible wildlife of South Georgia, often referred to as “the Galapagos of the South.” This includes more than 30 species of breeding birds, including four species of penguin;
• Follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyages on South Georgia and pause for a moment at his graveside;
• Explore the quaint, British town of Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands;
• Crossing of the Antarctic Circle; and
• On board lecturers and educational presentations from Polar specialists.

For those who are limited by time but want a taste of Antarctica, this is the voyage for you.  Experience the best of both worlds with one-way cruise and one-way flight, from Ushuaia and ending in Punta Arenas, Chile. This voyage adds in the bonus of a landing on mythical Cape Horn, if conditions allow. Experience the southernmost reaches of the world in an “express” version.

• Explore the world’s seventh continent on the Antarctic Peninsula by ship, Zodiac and on foot.
• Learn about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife with an expert team of lecturers.
• See the incredible wildlife of South Georgia, often referred to as ‘the Galapagos of the South’. This includes more than 30 species of breeding birds, including four species of Penguin.
• Follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyages on South Georgia and pause for a moment at his graveside.
• Explore the quaint, British town of Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands.
• On board lecturers and educational presentations from Polar Specialists.

Rich in history and home to astoundingly diverse and abundant wildlife, South Georgia is often called the Galapagos of the Poles. This epic expedition to remote lands traversed by the legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton gives adventurous travelers the unparalleled opportunity to explore this wildlife paradise and the equally unspoiled and storied Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) in great depth.

Immersed in this spectacular setting, you’ll enjoy unforgettable encounters with historically significant sites and unique wildlife unafraid of humans. Come face to face with thousands of curious king penguins and a sea of fur and elephant seals, blanketing beaches nestled below towering snow-capped mountains. Here, your days will be devoted to experiencing one of the last untamed places on the planet, mesmerized by the magnificent beauty of these rugged and pristine landscapes and the wildlife that call them home.

Summer comes to South Georgia’s remote, untamed landscape like a freight train. Famed for its abandoned whaling stations and Shackleton’s heroic journey, South Georgia is home to millions of fur seals and penguins, wallows of elephant seals, and nesting albatross. We arrive at the breeding cycle peak, as chicks become juveniles, parents shuttle fish and seal pups thrill with mock charges. Retracing Shackleton’s boat voyage, we visit Elephant Island before continuing south along the Antarctic Peninsula. Days remain long, and filled with humpback and minke whales, penguins and leopard seals, historic sites and scientific stations

Voyage Highlights
South Georgia

• Witness the incredible wildlife of South Georgia, one of the greatest wildlife concentrations on the planet
• Visit some of the world’s largest king penguin rookeries and search for wandering albatross on nests
• See beaches thick with elephant and fur seals
• Cruise past Elephant Island’s dramatic north coast (weather permitting)
• Trace the final leg of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous journey from Fortuna Bay to Stromness
• Pay your respects to the great explorer at a visit to his gravesite at Grytviken

Antarctica

• Explore the most accessible and wildlife-rich region of Antarctica
• Daily shore visits and Zodiac cruises offer close encounters with penguins, whales, seals and sea birds
• Visit historic research huts and working scientific stations
• Cruise past massive icebergs and ancient glaciers
• Enjoy the pristine beauty and vast landscapes
• Witness the endless sunlight of the midnight sun
• Learn about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife from our expert team
• Kayakers will glide through narrow sheltered waterways and fjords, paddle amongst ice floes and drift quietly alongside wildlife

This remote stretch of the Antarctic Peninsula is visited for just a few short months each year. From January onwards, seasonal ice conditions give us our best chance of achieving our objective – crossing the Antarctic Circle. Here we witness expansive landscapes, sizable Adelie penguin rookeries and we hope to see the large tabular icebergs that have drifted north from the Bellingshausen Sea. We always anticipate exciting ice navigation on this expedition. Detaille Island, below the Circle is a spectacular location. The snowy peaks which surround us, soar more than 2,000 meters above the ice-strewn waters. We aim to cross 66 degrees, 33 minutes South of latitude, which officially marks the position of the Antarctic Circle on the global map. We then return north, along the heavily glaciated coastline of the Antarctic Peninsula, passing through the Argentine, Fish and Yalour Island archipelagos along the way and into the Gerlache
Strait and Danco coast region.

Our program of off-ship excursions is well underway and there is an exciting selection of activities to choose from – including short or long hikes ashore, visits to historic points of interest and wildlife colonies, zodiac cruising looking for whales and seals or simply photographing the incredible icebergs. Such activities are enjoyed in the company of our onboard team of wilderness guides, naturalists, marine biologists, historians and photographers. For those with an adventurous streak why not spend a night ashore camping like the early Antarctic explorers?

Enjoy Antarctica in style — by flying and then cruising south of the Antarctic Circle! For those who don’t have the time or are not interested in cruising across the Drake Passage, this is the trip for you. Take a three-hour flight over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage, landing you on one of the most spectacular places on earth: the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, and remotest continent – Antarctica. This trip takes you in-depth on the White Continent to explore below 66 degrees south. Prepare for incredible ice, curious wildlife and an adventure of a lifetime.

Want to fly one Drake Passage and cruise the other? Check out the Fly & Cruise the Drake itineraries.

• Extend your time in Antarctica and make landings in less frequented sites south of the Antarctic Circle;
• Incredible icebergs
• Millions of penguins – Adélie, gentoo, chinstrap
• 5 species of seals – crabeater, Weddell, leopard, fur and southern elephant
• Whales – humpback, minke, orca
• Visit historic research stations in the area of Marguerite Bay

South Georgia has been called ‘the most staggering wildlife show on earth’. After our in-depth exploration, we are certain you will agree. This seldom-visited corner of the planet is a place we know intimately and cherish sharing with our guests every season.

Our October departure is timed to coincide with the arrival of spring, as South Georgia emerges from the long and icy winter. This marks the beginning of the wildlife migration and breeding cycles for many species. The late January departure visits at the height of the polar summer. Days are long and the wildlife will be relaxed after the earlier breeding frenzy in spring.

Both voyages feature a shipboard photography symposium open to all guests. For lovers of remote, small-ship expedition cruising, this voyage ticks every box you could possibly imagine.

Antarctic adventures are best enjoyed midsummer, when near-midnight sun powers an explosion of life along the shore and brightens the thought of camping out, early alpine climbing starts or extended kayaking trips. Penguin highways are busy with traffic as parents hurry to fatten chicks and waterways are alive with whales and seals. We visit historic sites and step onto the most spectacular continent on Earth.

Voyage Highlights
Antarctica
• Explore the most accessible and wildlife-rich region of Antarctica
• Daily shore visits and Zodiac cruises offer close encounters with penguins, whales, seals and sea birds
• Visit historic research huts and working scientific stations
• Be surrounded by massive icebergs and cruise past ancient glaciers
• Enjoy the pristine beauty and vast landscapes
• Witness the endless sunlight of the midnight sun
• Learn about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife from our expert team
• Sleep like an Antarctica explorer and camp on the ice! (weather permitting)
• Kayakers will glide through narrow sheltered waterways and fjords, paddle amongst ice floes and drift quietly alongside wildlife.

Follow in the footsteps of the great explorers during a crossing between South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Leaving from Montevideo, you will set sail for a 16-day expedition cruise into the heart of the White Continent.

Begin by discovering the coastlines of South Georgia, an island deeply marked by its whaling activity of the past. In Fortuna Bay, set off to meet the immense colony of king penguins, the real rulers of the roost. Your stop at Grytviken will enable you to relive the adventures of Sir Ernest Shackleton, the famous British explorer who lies here, before setting sail for the Antarctic Peninsula.

Don’t miss out on the shore visit to Deception Island, which long served as a refuge for sailors during heavy storms. You will come across elephant seals and fur seals, sharing the spotlight with chinstrap penguins. You’ll then go to Port Lockroy where you’ll be surprised to find a small museum and the most southern post office in the world.

You will disembark in Ushuaia, the Argentinean capital of Tierra del Fuego, whose landscapes will take your breath away.

This exciting expedition provides great diversity and will appeal to those seeking a truly comprehensive Antarctic experience. It includes visits to the South Shetland Islands, the western and northern sections of the Antarctic Peninsula, the stunning Weddell Sea region, and the historic location of Elephant Island – a place forever connected to the epic story of Sir Ernest Shackleton. Adding to the experience will be a visit to several locations in the Falkland Islands, including the homes of nesting albatross and the colorful King penguin. Throughout the voyage, our expedition ship acts as a floating wilderness lodge, which we reposition every day to yet another exciting location. You will be spoiled for choice by all of the activities we have planned.

We maximize our time on this voyage by flying from South America to Antarctica, saving a two day crossing of the Drake Passage. A further day and a half is saved by flying back to South America at the end of the voyage. The time saved by flying allows us to spend maximum time exploring the magnificent Antarctic. You can expect to be off the ship exploring for nine out of the twelve days This voyage is unique and has been designed for those who want the most in-depth Antarctic experience possible.

The Weddell Sea is a rarely visited, heavily iced and beautiful area of Antarctica that holds penguin rookeries and is home to many seals and marine birds. These trips combine the ‘classic’ West side of the Antarctic Peninsula with the less visited eastern Weddell Sea. Famous for the ill-fated polar expedition led by British explorer Ernest Shackleton, the Weddell Sea is known for amazing ice formations and a variety of wildlife. Take this trip to journey to a little-known part of Antarctica and pass through the route of Ernest Shackleton.

In brief:

• Visit the pristine, icy Weddell Sea on the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula, as well as the highlights of the western side of the peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
• Sail in the waters of the 1914 Ernest Shackleton expedition
• Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
• Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales and more!