antarctic expedition yacht

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Luxury Antarctica Expeditions

Antarctica is known for its breath-taking scenery, diverse wildlife and the opportunities it provides for scientific research, conservation and discovery.

From exploring deep waters in a submersible to observing penguin colonies thriving in their natural habitat, or gracefully gliding through untouched polar landscapes to encounter humpback whales and orcas from afar. Heli to isolated mountain tops and ski down untouched slopes at sunrise, if time and weather permit, stop to explore old whaling stations and shipwrecks left behind.

Visiting Antarctica by yacht, particularly those equipped with exploration assets such as helicopters, snow mobiles and submarines, will ensure your time in the white desert is optimised while also providing unrivalled comfort, luxury and flexibility.

Featured Experiences

The Wilds of Antarctica

This yacht expedition is brimming with action, adventure, and extraordinarily diverse and resilient wildlife. It will take you soaring over glittering glaciers by helicopter, camping on uncharted territory, and enjoying organic and intimate encounters with a diverse range of endemic species.

Find out more

A Ski & Sail Adventure in Antarctica

Antarctica truly is the final frontier; on a ski and sail yacht expedition here, you will speed down pristine slopes, admire untouched wilderness and marvel at the abundant fauna and marine life of the Southern Continent. All the while, enjoy the unique connection to the elements that can only be found whilst sailing.

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Yachts to Charter in Antarctica

Explore Antarctica Differently

Heli-ski to the ends of the earth

Make tracks in unchartered territory, discovering pristine slopes and untouched wilderness at its greatest. Our Antarctic yacht expeditions provide access to helicopters, enabling epic heli-skiing further inland, gaining you access to ski mountains that have never been skied before in a truly exhilarating experience, alongside experienced mountain guides who will show you the ropes. A videographer will also accompany you to bring back evidence of your action-packed adventure that you will treasure forever.

Plunge into the underwater world in a submersible

It’s true that Antarctica is breath-taking enough above water. However, submersibles enable you to plunge to the ocean depths below to see what is hiding beneath the icy waters of the frozen continent. Discover the fascinating marine life in this part of the world, spy historical shipwrecks, and marvel at the scale of the icebergs as you discover the depths of the ocean alongside experts.

PLANNING YOUR ANTARCTIC EXPERIENCE

Get in touch with our Expedition Designers to begin planning your own bespoke, once-in-a-lifetime Antarctic expedition.

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Antarctic Peninsula

A city of icebergs.

Antarctica and its islands remain largely unexplored. This city of icebergs is the highest, driest and windiest continent on Earth. At a time when this icy region is feeling the heat of the world’s spotlight, it’s important to explore responsibly and with experts in the field.

An expedition yacht with helicopter and submersible on board offers the best vantage point to view this extraordinary environment. This cold, white desert is wonderfully unpredictable, both in terms of weather and landscapes, so when we say it will be an adventure, we mean it. Every day aboard a yacht is crafted by our polar experts based on the ever-changing elements and the concentrations of wildlife that is governed by them.

With Cookson’s history of exploring Antarctica, we can afford to make plans in the spur of a moment. If choppy sea means we can’t sail through a narrow channel, we may decide to take a helicopter to a nearby base where scientists haven’t laid eyes on another human being for several months. We’ve found them happy to spend an evening sharing their home-made vodka and telling tales of the Antarctic.

Beneath the water’s surface, this is a playground for whales. The summer months bring algae blooms, krill-rich waters and mammals that travel long distances to feed on them. Orcas arrive to patrol the coastline for unsuspecting seals and humpbacks to slam their tail flukes against the water. Voyaging south, our experts can show you to islands where penguins take reign. Here colonies of chinstraps, gentoos and Adélies number in their hundreds and thousands.

Collaborating with scientists

Join leading scientists in climate and wildlife research and learn more about a continent that has changed the way we view our evolving world. Gather data on orcas and other rarely seen species or visit Vernadsky Research Station where scientists study long-term climate trends.

Whale watching

The nutrient-rich waters are the perfect spot to find some of the ocean’s giants. Spot majestic killer, minke and humpback whales who migrate to feed in the Southern oceans during the summer, before heading to the warmer Northern waters to breed in the winter.

Submersible dives

Plunge deep into waters once thought inhospitable to find a surprising array of wildlife surviving in the icy depths. Here sponges are the size of small cars and medusa jellyfish hypnotically float in front of you.

Penguin colonies

See penguin colonies with populations larger than some cities as they survive Antarctica’s harsh conditions.

Sea kayaking

Kayak in the same waters as colossal icebergs and native wildlife. This is a chance to paddle alongside Antarctica’s gentle giants; the various species of whale that inhabit these waters.

Ski touring

Explore the Antarctic Peninsula to search for pristine slopes to hike up and ski down. As most of these slopes can only be accessed by skinning, the descent is made all the more rewarding.

Admire a landscape found nowhere else on Earth

Equipped to explore by air and sea

Orcas arrive to patrol the coastline for unsuspecting seals

With a camera crew on board to capture aerial views

Explore the Peninsula in its entirety with access to a helicopter

A barking elephant seal

Beneath the water’s surface, this is a playground for whales

Add another dimension to your Antarctic expedition with a helicopter

Sculpted by Mother Nature

There's always marine life to spy aboard a yacht in Antarctica

Crabeater seals balance on free-floating ice

The intricate beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula

Skies unmarred by pollution

A cunning leopard seal inspects the cameraman

Our favourite yachts for an expedition to Antarctic Peninsula

Planet Nine

Contact our expert team today and see where it takes you.

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Yacht Charter Antarctica

Antarctica offers some of the world’s most adventurous cruising grounds. Take in the stunning surroundings of the Polar Circle while surrounded in luxury on board an exploration yacht during an Antarctica yacht charter.

Few have experienced the enormity of an Antarctica yacht charter. The most adventurous of cruising grounds, Antarctica is the perfect area to discover aboard a private yacht. Far from the beaten track of the mainstream expedition cruising grounds, the entire continent is covered in ice. From giant, ten-mile-long icebergs to mammoth glaciers, the scenery is awe-inspiring at every turn. Cruise in luxury and comfort aboard the finest explorer yachts available through Northrop & Johnson.

Antarctic Adventure: A Luxury Yacht Charter Odyssey

Embark on an unparalleled luxury yacht rental to Antarctica, where the Southern Lights illuminate the white continent’s pristine wilderness. Navigate the serene still waters of the Drake Passage aboard a private yacht, exploring Antarctica’s breathtaking landscapes from the South Shetland Islands to the expansive Antarctic Peninsula. Anchor in the volcanic Deception Island’s safest harbours, witness the playful gentoo penguins on King George Island, and cruise through the iceberg-laden Gerlache Strait. Venture into the remote Weddell Sea, feel the mystique of the Antarctic Sound, and step ashore at the historical Port Lockroy. With complete luxury and expert expedition leaders guiding the way, your yacht rental in Antarctica promises a voyage of discovery, filled with encounters with majestic whales and playful seals, set against a backdrop of awe-inspiring glaciers and the untouched beauty of Earth’s final frontier.

Get in contact with an Antarctica yacht charter broker

Northrop & Johnson is a leading yacht charter brokerage with access to a superb fleet of luxury private yachts built to ice-class standards. All our yachts are fully crewed, come equipped with fantastic onboard amenities, and boast flexible cabin configurations. Our Antarctica yacht brokers boast expert knowledge of cruising this incredible destination and can craft a once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience. If you want to explore this other-worldly destination in complete luxury aboard a private yacht, contact our team today or browse our luxury yachts for charter in Antarctica.

What are some alternative yacht charter destinations?

• Northern Europe
• Pacific Northwest

Charter Highlights Antarctica

• Feel the earth's warmth at Whalers Bay, where sulfuric steam vents through the sand
• Savor homemade vodka at Vernadsky Research Station's pub on Pleneau Island
• Marvel at the Lemaire Channel's beauty, the "Kodak Gap", known for its photogenic gorge
• Explore Port Lockroy's Base A, a museum and post office in a historic British station
• Navigate Paradise Harbor's icebergs by tender, originating from its glacier
• Witness glacier calving's dramatic sound and sight in Neko Harbor
• Encounter Gentoo Penguins and Elephant Seals on Greenwich Island
• Observe Elephant Seals and sparring Fur Seals from Hannah Point, Livingston Island
• Experience Chile's landscapes with a scenic helicopter tour

Best Yachts for Charter in Antarctica

Motor yachts for charter in antarctica, sailing yachts for charter in antarctica, antarctica yacht charter: faqs, can a private yacht go to antarctica.

Yes, private yacht charters can embark on awe-inspiring voyages to Antarctica, provided they possess the necessary permits and comply with the Antarctic Treaty System regulations, safeguarding this pristine wilderness. Given the challenging weather, ice-infused seas, and the area’s isolation, yachts must be exceptionally equipped. Northrop & Johnson offers an exclusive array of expedition superyachts adhering to ice-class specifications, ideally suited for navigating the world’s most secluded regions, including the Antarctic Peninsula. For a luxury yacht charter experience in the white continent, contact us or explore our fleet.

How much is a luxury Antarctica yacht charter?

Luxury yacht charters in Antarctica with Northrop & Johnson start at US$50,000 per week and rise to more than a million for the world’s finest expedition vessels. If you want to charter a yacht in Antarctica, contact Northrop & Johnson.

What's the weather like in Antarctica?

In the heart of Antarctica’s extreme weather, navigating through its icy waters demands vessels equipped for the harshest conditions. With Northrop & Johnson’s luxury Antarctica yacht charters, experience the white continent amidst fierce cold, potent katabatic winds, and the stark beauty of prolonged daylight in summer and extended darkness in winter.

Coastal temperatures fluctuate from -10°C to 0°C (14°F to 32°F) during the summer months (November to February), while the Antarctic interior and higher elevations face temperatures down to -80°C (-112°F) in winter. The Antarctic Peninsula, known for its slightly milder climate, still presents a formidable challenge with its unpredictable weather shifts.

Despite the continent’s overall dryness, coastal regions near the Weddell Sea and Gerlache Strait may encounter more frequent snowfalls and blizzards, adding to the adventure. Northrop & Johnson’s expedition yachts, designed for luxury voyages to the most remote areas, including the South Shetland Islands and Deception Island, are fully equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and communication systems, ensuring safe passage through Antarctica’s icy realms.

For those drawn to the call of the Southern Lights and the allure of glaciers, penguins, and seals, our private yacht charters offer an unparalleled way to explore Antarctica. Contact us to embark on a journey where awe-inspiring landscapes and luxury converge at the edge of the world.

When's the best time to visit Antarctica?

The optimal period for an Antarctica yacht charter, particularly aboard a luxury superyacht, is during the summer months from October to March. This season offers extended daylight hours, relatively milder weather, and the chance to witness Antarctic wildlife in vibrant activity. This timeframe aligns with the peak of Antarctica’s yacht charter season, allowing guests to fully immerse in the awe-inspiring landscapes, encounter gentoo penguins, and navigate through calm seas amidst glaciers and icebergs. Embarking on a luxury yacht rental during this window maximizes the Antarctic experience, combining complete luxury with the thrill of exploration and discovery in the white continent.

What wildlife can I see in Antarctica?

A highlight in Antarctica is the wildlife. During a luxury superyacht charter, you will have the opportunity to see:

• Penguins, including King Penguins and Chinstrap Penguins
• Whales, including Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, Southern Right Whales, and Blue Whales
• Seals, including Leopard Seals and Elephant Seals
• Dolphins and Antarctic Orcas
• Cormorants, Antarctic Petrels, and Kelp Gull

Will I be able to see the Southern Lights?

The Aurora Australis, visible from February to October, illuminates Antarctica’s winter skies. Luxury Antarctica yacht charters typically navigate the white continent between October and March, making October and February ideal for experiencing this mesmerizing phenomenon. These months provide a rare chance to witness the Southern Lights during an Antarctic yacht rental, combining luxury, adventure, and the natural spectacle of the auroras in the Southern Hemisphere.

What are the top destinations to visit during a luxury superyacht charter in Antarctica?

Some of the best destinations to explore during a luxury yacht charter in Antarctica include:

• Visit the volcanic Deception Island: This volcanic island is part of the South Shetland Islands and boasts a pretty sheltered bay to drop anchor. Tender ashore and explore the once-busy whaling station and feel the heat on the black sandy beaches from the subterranean volcanic vents. Afterward, head to King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands, known as the unofficial capital of Antarctica due to its large number of research stations.
• Cruise the Gerlache Strait: This picture-perfect strait is surrounded by high cliffs and bright blue glaciers and is peppered with stunning bays and harbors. The Gerlache Strait is known for its spectacular whale-watching opportunities.
• Explore the Lemaire Channel: This gorge-like channel is also known as the Kodak Gap, thanks to its stunning picture-perfect seascapes and landscapes. Soak up the wonderful scenery from the deck of your private yacht. For adventure enthusiasts, the Lemaire Channel is a great destination for rock climbing.
• Drop-anchor at Livingston Island: A wildlife haven, Livingston Island is home to a vast colony of Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins, as well as elephant and fur seals that can be found lazing on the island’s beach.
• Wiencke Island, Port Lockory: This historic former World War II military base is now a penguin research center, museum, shop, and home to the world’s southernmost British Post Office. Don’t forget to post a postcard to your friends and family back home from here!

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Icebird – High Latitude Expedition Yacht

Icebird is equipped with an indestructible Aero-rig, a 100ft rotating carbon spar with fixed boom, a serious no-fuss sailing rig that is eminently suitable for sailing the southern ocean. Icebird can be tacked or gybed with just a turn of the wheel, and with her 3.3m keel down she will tack through 80 degrees, or run down wind with ease, her sails set square to the wind. Icebird  is a very special yacht built in one of the best European yards to a very high specification which included preparation for Antarctic and Arctic waters, and she is registered under her St Vincents and Grenadines flag for commercial charter. Icebird  is classified for operating in all oceans including Arctic and Antarctic waters.

Icebird is a highly specified aluminium Van de Stadt 61 custom built by the Trintella Shipyard in the Netherlands for high latitude conditions and ice. She is an extremely strong, heavy-duty expedition yacht that will carry her crew in comfort, safety, and speed, worldwide from the Arctic Ocean to the tropic islands of the South Pacific and on to Antarctica. The enclosed pilothouse provides comprehensive navigation, pilotage, and monitoring systems and keeps the sailor in warm dry comfort.  With spectacular all round vision, her crew get to enjoy living in a “Room with a View”.

The “Room with a View” – Double glazed Pilot House offers all round vision while sailing.

A large and superbly well-equipped galley provides the cook with large refrigeration storage and spacious facilities for gourmet cooking.

The lower saloon serves as office second navigation area, and media/ entertainment area. The wrap around leather lounge provides relaxation space for cocktails, conversation or movies.

Icebird’s    ‘Aero-rig’ is a free standing and rotating carbon rig built by Carbo Spars of the UK.  To date no Aero-rig has ever been lost and these rigs have a reputation of being indestructible. The Aero rigged yachts Paratii and Paratii 2 have both circumnavigated Antarctica below 60 degrees south and weathered extreme conditions. They are also simple to sail, very efficient and require very little maintenance, and have minimal potential for icing….ideal for shorthanded sailing.

Two well-appointed bathrooms include heated towel rails and are serviced by a large capacity water maker and hot water system.

Forward Cabins

The large garage accommodates an aluminium hulled rigid inflatable tender with 15hp engine, as well as many other items including dive compressor, kayaking gear, skis and equipment for specialised expeditions.

Icebird’s Aerorig has many purposes…a place to get away from it all!….or excellent vantage point.

Put yourself in the picture!

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Sailing Antarctica: Record-breaking voyage around the southern continent

• September 25, 2019

In March 2018, Oyster 72 Katharsis II became the first yacht to sail round Antarctica below 62°S. Skipper Mariusz Koper recounts this extraordinary expedition

Katharsis II dwarfed as she sails alongside the Ross Sea Ice Shelf. All photos: Mariusz Koper

Many believe number seven to be lucky. The seventh day of February proved to be just that. It’s seven weeks since we dropped the lines in Cape Town; the Amundsen Sea was the seventh Antarctic sea that we would cross through; and the seventh storm of the voyage was approaching soon.

For a couple of days now, we have been sailing along the 70th parallel. With humidity in the air, Katharsis II became covered with ice, which started to form on the shrouds, the mast and the ropes. The icy peak of the mast resembled a decorated Christmas tree. The wind transducer stopped functioning. These obstacles were a hindrance to our sailing and decision-making abilities.

For a week, the visibility has been limited to a few hundred metres. In fact, it has often been down to a couple of boatlengths. We were sailing through a milky mist, accompanied only by snowstorms and often had to shovel the snowy powder off the deck.

Steering through massive seas is all in a day’s work in the Southern Ocean

As for the icebergs, while appearing less frequently than off east Antarctica, they seemed older and thus more disintegrated, with deadly brash ice surrounding them. Our eyes strain while searching for icy shadows emerging through the surface of the sea.

It is a much easier task now that we no longer have the sprayhood, which limits visibility significantly. It was completely wrecked by a violent wave during a previous storm in the Ross Sea. Consequently, we were forced to disassemble it. But now it means we have nothing to shield ourselves from icy bullets of spray, though we do at least have a second small dodger to protect the companionway.

Our lucky seven has brought drier air, the ice is beginning to melt, and even the wind instruments have started to work again. Around 2200, Hanna, who is on watch, suggests that we reef the sails. We’ve been sailing with a second reef in the main.

Article continues below…

Sailing to high latitudes: Everything you need to know before you set sail

Specialist high latitude yachts invariably have metal hulls and are very solidly built with large fuel tanks and internal steering…

Sailing South Georgia: The inside story of Skip Novak’s 2018 expedition

We were eight days out from the south coast of South Georgia and once again we had skied smack into…

The sea is rather calm and the wind instruments say it’s blowing 25 knots. I think we could still wait, especially considering the weather forecast, which predicts the wind won’t exceed 35 knots. However, barely a half an hour later I have to jump back outside. The wind is far stronger than the gauge was indicating and as the conditions continue to worsen I decide to drop the main.

It’s the right decision. The wind rises to over 50 knots, and from time to time, exceeds 60 knots. The waves start to build up, making it harder to manoeuvre in between the icy obstacles.

After three hours of running with the storm with the reefed staysail only, we sail in between some icebergs. In fact we are entering a cemetery of growlers. The ice is everywhere, and it’s impossible to sail around them safely. We cannot slow down so we turn into irons to stop. Then we slowly start sailing against the wind and the enormous waves towards a giant iceberg that we’d already passed.

Big seas and big ‘bergs kept Katharsis II’s crew on their toes

We struggle for an hour before finally reaching the shadow of an ice island. At a few hundred metres long and weighing probably tens of millions of tonnes, the ice is pacifying the waves in its lee, as if it were a harbour. For five hours we drift along its side. Then, as the wind abates to 35 knots, we began to sail again, heading east once more on our voyage round Antarctica.

For years I had dreamed of sailing round Antarctica and within its waters – that is, entirely south of the 60th parallel. As a matter of fact, this route is the last significant tabula rasa on the world’s sailing map.

The two known attempts to circle Antarctica’s waters below the 60th parallel ended before reaching the finish line. The first of them took place in 2005, when the Russian yacht Apostol Anrdey lost her rudder around the Ross Sea. After performing temporary repairs, the crew was forced to retreat to Wellington, New Zealand.

The second attempt, conducted by a Russian-Ukrainian crew on the yacht Scorpius in 2012, ended at the D’Urville Sea. The yacht suffered major damage and the crew returned to Hobart.

Proof it could be done

There was, on the other hand, a successful non-stop circumnavigation of Antarctica above the 60th parallel. The goal, accomplished by Fedor Konyukov aboard the 85ft Alye Parusa in 2008, has been recognised by The World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC).

Katharsis II is an Oyster 72, a yacht with a glassfibre hull. It’s commonly believed this sort of construction does not serve well in icy conditions, but several previous expeditions we’ve made in the region have proven that this fearless vessel manages polar conditions well.

A well planned and properly prepared expedition is not all about hardship

During our first polar voyage, we sailed along the Antarctic Peninsula, south from the Antarctic Circle. That’s when we first experienced abrupt changes in weather conditions and the proximity of ice.

For the following expedition, I led Katharsis II to Greenland and the Arctic, and we successfully navigated through the North West Passage . We learned how to manoeuvre in between the drift ice and, at Ilulissat harbour in Greenland, experienced being trapped in it.

The challenge grew in 2015 with our expedition to the Ross Sea. Indenting the front of Ross Ice Shelf is the Bay of Whales, the southernmost point of sailable water in the world. We arrived in a year when the ice cap over Antarctica was the largest since it was first measured.

To sail from the Southern Ocean towards the open waters of the Ross Sea we had to push through the ice a number of times as we navigated through an ice barrier 100 miles wide. Despite the difficult storm conditions, we got south to 78° 43’S, 163° 43’W . This experience reassured me that, with careful navigation, Katharsis II is capable of facing the hardest stuff.

To prepare for the record voyage I analysed the weather conditions and previous annual ice charts in the region. As the Southern Ocean is dominated by strong westerly winds it encouraged a clockwise route, though the only pattern you can guarantee is the variability of direction and speed of winds. Records differed substantially in terms of the number of days with weak winds (under 10 knots) and strong winds (above 25 knots).

I estimated that we’d struggle 15-30% of the time with weak winds and about 15-25% of the time with strong winds. But I observed a certain correlation: the icier Antarctica was over the astral winter, the stronger the winds were over the following summer.

East winds, which are inconvenient for this route, could accompany us for about a third of the voyage. And, although less troublesome closer to summer, the ice made the overall situation more complex. I paid close attention to ice level changes in two spots, at the Ross and Weddell Seas.

Entering into the Ross Sea the route can be shortened significantly, but very rarely can this be accomplished by the end of January. In turn, the drift ice at the Weddell Sea can reach the South Orkney Islands, that is, beyond the 60th parallel.

The most favourable conditions, ice-wise, occur in mid-February. This became decisive in determining our start point – Cape Town – so that we’d reach the Weddell Sea by the second half of February at the latest.

I planned to finish in Hobart – it added an extra 2,000 miles to the shortest version of the route, but at the same time it increased our chances of sailing with following winds in the stormy waters of the Southern Ocean.

We were supposed to start in December 2016. Katharsis II was already waiting for us in Cape Town when my second officer and partner, Hanna Leniec, was diagnosed with breast cancer. This terrible news shocked everyone. I didn’t consider anything other than postponing the voyage.

For Hanna, it was a difficult year. The surgery, the exhausting chemotherapy and the radiotherapy affected her physical condition, but not her mental fortitude. A year later, she was ready to embark on the challenging sail, which we dedicated to the prevention of breast cancer. Hanna prepared a series of short videos, documenting her struggle with the illness.

Research expedition

During the expedition we planned to conduct a couple of research projects: one on the presence of plastic micro-particles in waters surrounding Antarctica; the other, as part of the International Scientific ARGO Program on temperature and salt levels, which would require the installation of several buoys. One of our crew was Piotr Kuklinski, a professor of oceanology who was responsible for the conduct of the science project.

Over the last eight years, Katharsis II has sailed 100,000 miles, so before embarking we unstepped the rig to check it out. We replaced running rig and sails, and replaced some electronics including the radar and the chartplotter so we’d have two independent navigation systems.

Above the radar we installed a thermal camera that would help with spotting ice when we had limited visibility. We also acquired some flexible tanks to take extra fuel so we could cross the Southern Ocean by engine if we were dismasted.

All our preparations were directed at serving one purpose: to be completely self-sufficient. Apart from the Antarctic Peninsula, which is a tourist destination, we’d not be able to count on any outside help. We also prepared to set up a camp in case we needed to abandon the yacht.

It was a challenge to provision for nine crew for over 100 days (plus extra in case of a serious delay). We turned one of the five cabins into a pantry where we could store more than 1,200kg of food (not counting drinks).

We prepared over 1,000 portions of dinners, pasteurising the meat in jars (with a dozen different flavour variations). We stored 80kg of food in the freezer and hid treats for special occasions, including Christmas, birthdays, and other important moments we wanted to celebrate.

We were particularly careful about storing delicate items such as tomatoes and eggs. Each of the tomatoes was covered in a paper towel, which we would change every couple of days. We took 522 eggs and they required constant turning to avoid the yolk sticking to the eggshell. Lastly, our diet was supplemented with freeze-dried meals, which are lightweight and easy to prepare.

Around Antarctica

On 23 December 2017 we left Cape Town. A gentle breeze let us set full sail and cross our start line, but the wind died soon after and reflected in a really weak first 24 hours’ mileage – barely 70 miles logged. The beginning was not very promising for reaching the finish line at Hobart within 100 days.

The main goal of the voyage was to complete a circle around Antarctica south of 60°S, but speed was still an important factor as it would allow us to pass the unwelcoming waters faster and leave them behind before Antarctica’s seas begin to freeze again.

Among the spectacular, icy landscape of the Antarctic Peninsula

We had no problems adapting to the pace of life at sea. We divided into four pairs, switching the watch every three hours with an extra three hours’ standby below deck. This arrangement gave us time to rest and restore our energy. Each watch was also responsible for the preparation of the main meal of the day.

After 11 days of sailing, still before reaching Antarctica, we saw our first iceberg: they’d accompany us for the next three months. Initially, they were scarce but, a week after entering the Commonwealth Sea, we could see a dozen of them in a six-mile radius.

Sailing off east Antarctica, in the Davis Sea and the Mawson Sea, we were at one time able to count some 100 icebergs in sight. It was a magnificent landscape, and the majestic giant sculptures inspired respect.

Growlers – chunks of ice showing only one or two metres above the surface – are a bigger threat than the more easily-seen icebergs

It’s easy to spot an iceberg – even in limited visibility an iceberg will send out a clear echo on the radar screen. Growlers pose a bigger threat to a yacht’s safety, and they always drift along with icebergs. This was our main concern, especially when visibility was limited with snowstorms or during the polar nights, which began to lengthen from mid-February.

We crossed the latitude of 60°S on 5 January and the navigation through Antarctica’s waters turned out to be extremely exciting.

We met our first Antarctic storm in the Davis Sea, a storm of such intensity it called the success of our expedition into question. We barely moved for two days. When our boom vang hydraulics failed we had to go into this storm with only a staysail.

Snow and ice covered the boat during the many freezing storms

Winds over 50 knots blasted from the east and forced us to sail upwind. We made so much leeway that, after 24 hours of sailing back and forth, we found ourselves back where we’d started.

We spent the next day drifting in the shadows of an ice pack emerging from behind the Western Ice Shelf. That was our ally, calming down the sea.

We managed to keep our course much closer to the intended heading during the next storms, no matter what the direction of the wind.

Light winds – especially in eastern Antarctica – posed a different sort of challenge. Katharsis II manages quite well in light breezes, despite her weight. But if the wind fell to 4-6 knots, we couldn’t exceed 100 miles a day. Having sailed a third of the course we were concerned that the voyage would take more than 120 days, but fortunately winds picked up at the beginning of February.

The situation at the Weddell Sea was favourable. It let us sail along the latitude of 62°S but we couldn’t avoid encounters with drift ice. There is usually a couple of hundred metres of clean water adjacent to drift ice, but on 25 February we were sailing along an area packed with ice, and when night fell we realised we were surrounded by it.

We turned upwind to slow to about 2-3 knots and, using our infrared camera, we managed to escape the hazard a few hours later. We brushed against the ice several times, but luckily without ramification.

We saw land only twice and both times the encounter was accompanied by stormy conditions. After 38 days of sailing we were waiting out a storm in the shadow of heavily glaciated Balleny Islands, and there we saw penguins for the first time. Until then we’d been occasionally kept company by whales and albatross.

Three weeks later, soon after passing Cape Horn , we saw the majestic Antarctic Peninsula. In the Gerlache Strait part of our main track came off the mast when reefing. In the shadows of the Melchior Islands we managed to replace the damaged track and resume sailing.

Being side-swiped by huge cross seas deep in the Southern Ocean

The last storm before closing the loop at the Cosmonauts Sea was one of the worst. The pressure dropped from 960mb to 928mb in a matter of hours. Again we were forced to struggle against adverse winds and endure a dark polar night among icebergs.

I opted for the shortest route that took us through the eye of the storm, and although exhausted from the cold and the snow constantly freezing on our foulies, we found our way out without any damage.

Most of the damaged we did experience we could repair or minimise… except one. We weren’t able to fix our carbon fibre boom, which snapped during a storm 1,000 miles before the finish line at Hobart.

Smashed by the crest of wave that broke over us, coming from a direction opposite to all the others, Katharsis II was side-swiped off course, which led to an uncontrolled crash-gybe. The boom broke, so then we were slowed to sailing under foresails only.

Crew: Mariusz Koper, skipper; Tomasz Grala, first mate; Hanna Leniec, second mate; Michał Barasiński, third mate; Magdalena Żuchelkowska, fourth mate. Watches: Wojtek Małecki, Irek Kamiński, Piotr Kukliński, Robert Kibart.

Circuit accomplished

On 20 March 2018, we completed our circumnavigation round Antarctica. It had taken us a total of 72 days and 6 hours. We made the entire circumnavigation south of the latitude of 62°S, including 25 days of sailing south from the Antarctic Circle. We were filled with a sense of satisfaction and relief. We could begin sailing back towards safer – that is, ice-free – waters.

We reached Hobart on 5 April, after 102 days and 23 hours. Ironically, the stormy weather subsided only after we reached Storm Bay, Tasmania – we needed 18 hours to complete the last 50 nautical miles.

After almost 103 days of isolation in a confined space we returned to civilisation, but not a single crewmember was in a hurry to leave. That spoke of the atmosphere we had in our crew. We were a group of friends who managed to stay friends. And for me that’s one of the most important accomplishments of the voyage.

Katharsis II ’ s circumnavigation was accomplished under World Speed Sailing Record Council rules and was awarded Performance Certificate No54.

About the author

Mariusz Koper, 57, is a Polish entrepreneur and former educational publisher. He has logged 160,000 miles, sailed around the globe, done four polar expeditions and competed in the Sydney Hobart Race.

Fly to Antarctica

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Antarctic Fly-Sail Expedition

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Fly-In Fly-Out – Skip Sailing Across The Drake Passage!

The Fly in and fly out trips start and end in Punta Arenas, Chile.  The fly one way and sail the other start and end in Ushuaia, Argentina.

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Why Join Us in Antarctica?

• Never more than 8 passengers onboard
• Maximum time in Antarctica
• Unique personal experience
• Itinerary changes based on passenger interests
• Photographers dream – flexibility to “chase the light” and catch the important moments
• Naturalist dream – spend extended time ashore

An example itinerary of a fly in and fly out trip.  Fly one way and sail the other way are nearly identical, but with 5 extra days for sailing and they start and end in Ushuaia, whereas the Fly/fly options leave from Punta Arenas.  The exact dates for each activity is outlines in the trip dates above.

For more information about both types of trips, please see the links below

An active researcher joins EVERY trip.  During the trip the scientists, with the assistance of guests will help with real Antarctic science.

In the past scientists have studied everything from penguin population change to past climate to mercury in the oceans. Scientists will be selected during the year to join the trips.  Find out more about the science here.

Various Citizen Science Projects are also carried out, in which guests can participate!

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Interested in Flying or Sailing to Antarctica?  We’re happy to answer any questions

YOUR EPIC MOMENTS BY OUR EXPERT TEAM

THE EYOS EXPERIENCE

Delivering the thrill of adventure to those ready to explore the unknown.

Since pioneering the category in 2008, EYOS remains the world leader in private superyacht expeditions. With our extensive knowledge and hard-won experience of the remote world, we define our own limits to take you beyond yours.

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Allow us to customize your expedition experience with our expertise in chartering expedition superyachts. Tailored to your needs, we can help you select an expedition yacht for you to set sail and discover unknown horizons.

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Far beyond the Caribbean and Med, the world’s remote corners are waiting

to be explored by those willing to venture well off the beaten track. View our destinations to begin your journey.

For those adventurous few whose experiences are only limited by their imagination, a remarkable world awaits.” Rob McCallum EYOS Founding Partner

Operational expertise is at the very core of what EYOS does. With decades of combined experience, our team delivers your needs with utmost confidence and safety, even in uncharted territories.

Special Projects

From managing expeditions to the bottom of the Earth’s five oceans to consulting on the build of SeaXplorer, the world’s finest expedition yacht, EYOS is the leader in highly specialized project oversight in the expedition industry.

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Contact eyos to begin your expedition.

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Breaking the ice for expedition sailors

OUR MISSION

   Arctic Yachts is an expedition sailing & documentary film production company founded by Peter Madej - a captain, ice pilot and expedition leader with very deep knowledge of Greenland, Arctic Canada, Svalbard, Arctic Norway and Iceland. Peter sailed approx 250.000 Nm over the past 20 years, and assembled a small team of very experienced expedition sailors driven by genuine passion for the Arctic.

  Each year we take part in remarkable expeditions, with main focus on providing safe, reliable and efficient platform to film production, wildlife photography, science, as well adventure & sports projects, that combine sailing with mountaineering, skiing and exploring some of the most beautiful and remote parts of the Arctic.

   We also produce expedition video content for our YouTube channel  and recently created a short documentary film " Jojo ".

   When back on land, we offer expert advise to the interesting people and projects that share our passion and core values. If you are up for an amazing expedition, film shoot, or even a mission impossible, and need to find the most suitable yacht, get a professional advise or connect to our network of trusted expedition sailors and guides, we can assist in making your dream come true! 

Photo by  Florian Ledoux

OUR AREAS OF EXPERTISE

ice navigation

navigating uncharted waters

finding the most suitable expedition yacht to buy or charter

preparations to the expedition ​

itinerary planning

film production onboard a yacht

approaching Arctic wildlife ​

location scouting for films

   Documentary film is our big passion. Most recently we've supported the production of amazing feature documentaries “Aquarela” (Victor Kossakovsky), “Polaris” (Ainara Vera) and natural history series “America”, as well produced our own short documentary – “ Jojo ” which premiered in the Cinema Galeries in Brussels in October 2022.

When the pandemic closed the borders and shut down most of the expedition projects, we came up with the idea to create Expedition Sailing Virtual Boat Show - a virtual event that would promote some of the nicest projects and people operating in the Arctic. During the strict lockdown, we produced a series of video interviews with expedition sailors, guides, and artists in order to connect them with the audience via a dedicated website and YouTube channel .

  Our long-term goal is to create a large (2000+ minutes) documentary series that will follow an expedition circumnavigating each continent. The primary aim of this project is to study noise pollution in the oceans and develop effective solutions to significantly reduce the human impact on marine mammals that rely on echolocation and vocalization for communication, navigation, sourcing food, and detecting predators. This expedition project is in an advanced stage of development and offers unique opportunities for partners who wish to join us. We are currently engaging with various investors, business partners, artists, expedition sailors, and PR specialists to bring this beautiful project to life.

S/Y Polski Hak,  photo by  Florian Ledoux

Passing Thru Travel

Top 5 Luxury Expeditions to Antarctica 2024

Posted: March 11, 2024 | Last updated: March 11, 2024

Though most people don’t think of Antarctica as the destination for their next vacation, it is still pristine, remote, and filled with almost otherworldly beauty. Whether it’s untouched ice landscapes, unique wildlife encounters, or the surreal experience of visiting the Earth’s southernmost continent, there is far more to visiting Antarctica than you might initially expect.

There is an excellent opportunity for those looking for more luxury expeditions in this harsh and remote environment. These expeditions provide unparalleled comfort and style, making the inaccessible accessible without compromising the spirit of adventure. Today, we will journey with the top luxury expedition cruises to Antarctica to learn more about their unique offerings and features that often focus on sustainable travel practices to preserve Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem.

1. Seabourn Antarctica Cruises

For our journey’s first leg, we will be cruising the Antarctic Peninsula with 132 ocean-front suites, luxurious amenities, and custom-built submarines for underwater exploration. The Seabourn Antarctica Cruises represent the evolution of luxury expedition cruising, offering the perfect blend of adventure and opulence.

On this cruise, you will also find spectacular views of icebergs, glaciers, and marine wildlife. The best time to set out on this particular cruise is the austral summer months (November to March) for wildlife viewing and milder temperatures. Just ensure you don’t miss out on the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore beneath the ocean’s surface in one of their state-of-the-art submarines.

2. Magellan Explorer

Next, we’re off to the Magellan Explorer, which specializes in Antarctic air cruises, departing primarily from Punta Arenas, Chile. The Magellan Explorer is a modern expedition vessel with private balconies, a range of cabin categories, and state-of-the-art facilities. Explicitly designed for Antarctic air cruises, this experience provides a faster and more direct route to the continent than most of its competitors.

The Magellan Explorer offers an aerial view of the Arctic and a unique lens for Antarctic wildlife and dramatic landscapes. The peak season is during the austral summer months, especially December and January, for the 24-hour daylight provided. For the ultimate experience, opt for a cabin with a private balcony for unparalleled views of the Antarctic scenery.

3. National Geographic Explorer

We’re off to National Geographic Explorer for their expedition cruises along the Antarctic Peninsula. Part of the National Geographic fleet, known for its focus on exploration and education for travelers looking to balance their arctic adventure with a proper understanding of this wild tundra. These expeditions offer a range of activities like kayaking, hiking, photography workshops, and expert-led educational programs.

The surroundings of your expedition will be rich in wildlife encounters, including whales and penguins and stunning ice formations. The best time to visit is from November to March, with each month offering different experiences, from icebergs in November to wildlife in December to January. Just don’t forget to participate in the photography workshops by National Geographic experts to capture stunning Antarctic images.

4. Greg Mortimer

Named after a renowned Australian mountaineer, our next ship embodies the spirit of adventure. The Greg Mortimer cruises the Antarctic Peninsula and beyond with a variety of activities like kayaking, camping, and even stand-up paddle boarding. On the journey, diverse experiences range from crossing South Georgia to observing glaciers and icebergs.

For the best experience, go in the Antarctic summer, with different wildlife sightings possible each month. Make sure to try the unique experience of camping on the Antarctic ice for an unforgettable night in one of the least explored regions of the Earth.

5. Sea Spirit

For our last destination, we’re headed to the Sea Spirit for its expeditions along the Antarctic Peninsula. The Sea Spirit is known for its intimate and luxurious atmosphere focused on providing a more personal and immersive Antarctic experience. With kayaking, camping, and wildlife photography facilities, you’ll experience close-up encounters with penguins, whales, and dramatic ice landscapes.

The best time to embark on this journey is from November to March, with the late season (February to March) being less crowded and offering unique wildlife sightings. For this trip, use the ship’s smaller size for more intimate and less crowded landings.

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The post Top 5 Luxury Expeditions to Antarctica 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Piotrek Golemo.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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How to Choose the Best Antarctica Trip for You

Posted by Michelle Peters | Oct 2, 2023 | Antarctica & Arctic , Travel Tips

Imagine gliding through a silent sea of icebergs, the only sounds the occasional calving of glaciers, the call of seabirds, and the excited murmur of your handful of shipmates. Nowhere else on Earth rewards avid adventurers like Antarctica, the globe’s most remote and magnificent polar wilderness. It’s easy to see why it makes so many nature travelers’ bucket lists !

But first things first. Why would you choose a Nat Hab Antarctica expedition over a standard cruise to the White Continent? Well, if you’re aching for authentic immersion in the land of penguins and icebergs, our trips are your ticket there.

Why Choose a Nat Hab Antarctica Expedition?

Giant ships can’t access the smaller channels we visit, plus, on a typical cruise, you’ll be in the crowded company of many more travelers than you would aboard our more intimate boats. With Nat Hab, you sail on a vessel that accommodates just 7 or 12 passengers, guided by expert naturalists.

Add to this the fact that we truly love what we do, and we specialize in nature travel. If your main goal is to experience Antarctica’s nature and wildlife , you’ll benefit from our Expedition Leaders’ vast expertise and knowledge. After all, we are the world’s foremost nature travel experts—these are the only types of trips we run!

So, how do you know which of Nat Hab’s two Antarctica adventures is right for you? We’ll be honest: Even we find it difficult to decide. They’re both just that good! Here, we’ll get into the details of both our new Ultimate Antarctica by Expedition Yacht trip and our Sailing Antarctica Polar Wildlife Expedition .

We hope this guide provides insight into what you can expect from the different styles of boat, and what you’ll do at sea and on land on each voyage. This is a heady choice and an extraordinary adventure, so if you have further questions after learning about these Antarctica trips, please reach out to our Adventure Specialists for more information!

Sailing Antarctica: An Intimate Exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula

If you’re aiming for exclusive and exhilarating, our Sailing Antarctica expedition yacht voyage is for you. You’ll sail with just seven travelers on an ice-strengthened motorsailer. The only other living creatures in your company are the seals, whales and penguins you’ll see on the ice and in the water. A world-class skipper and seasoned polar crew will ensure that intrepid explorers like you enjoy a rare experience of one of the most remote and magnificent places on Earth.

© Catherine Lang

Aboard Ocean Tramp

Our S/V Ocean Tramp is a 66-foot expedition motor sailboat that can accommodate eight guests (but we travel with only seven, affording everyone a bit more breathing room). She’s optimally designed for small-scale polar exploration, with swift passage across open seas yet with agility enough to permit intimate exploration of the rugged coastline and secluded bays that are inaccessible to larger cruise ships).

© Kelly Daughtry

Take it from Sara Higgins, Senior Adventure Director for Nat Hab: “You feel like the ship is your home and like you are on a true expedition exploring Antarctica. You really get to know fellow travelers and crew.”

The Ocean Tramp’s expansive forward and aft decks make for great whale- and leopard seal-watching. And there’s a roomy, well-lit dining space inside with padded banquette seating around a generously sized table.

© Colby Brokvist

Four guest cabins offer varying configurations, with the largest cabin being the Shackleton Suite, with a private en suite bathroom. For solo travelers, there’s room for a single guest in the Beagle Cabin. What you sacrifice in terms of room space by not choosing a mega-ship will be made up for in spades when you realize how close and personal you are with this stunning land and seascape.

Aboard Australis

Our S/V Ocean Australis is a 75-foot ice-strengthened sailing vessel that is a sturdy, seasoned veteran of polar waters. Guests spend nearly two weeks on the motorsailer, which contains two Zodiac tenders for access to remote coastal areas. Like the Ocean Tramp, she’s well suited for small-scale polar exploration across open seas, along rugged coastline and into quiet bays.

Compact, cozy and featuring modern-day comforts, the Australis interior offers four cabins for a max of seven guests. There’s a saloon with a large dining table and entertainment options, as well as a well-equipped galley kitchen.

The spacious outdoor cockpit has a removable sunshade and is a great spot for a barbecue on the aft deck when the weather allows. Guests may climb into the crow’s nest for 360-degree views and fantastic wildlife viewing. Four guest cabins offer varying configurations and levels of privacy.

© Ben Wallis

Ultimate Antarctica: A Luxe Sailing Expedition Like No Other

Get ready for an adventure of epic proportions aboard a ship you might not first expect when sailing to Antarctica. With unparalleled grace and vigor, the Hanse Explorer, a 156-foot luxury expedition yacht, carries just 12 guests in comfort and style into a land of icy wonders. It’s a vessel you would normally have to completely charter, but we’ve taken that chore out of the equation and done it for you.

© Martin Enckell

Our Ultimate Antarctica voyage aboard the Hanse is for those whose expeditionary spirit is especially strong and who are drawn to explore in a context of exceptional comfort. Aboard this special ship, you’ll find all the amenities of home (and then some), while at the same time having intimate access to the icebound ends of the Earth.

Aboard  Hanse Explorer

What some may describe as a “superyacht,” we tend to think of as an elevated expeditionary experience—all the attributes of a large expedition vessel, but with just 12 fortunate guests onboard.

“Even by Nat Hab standards—where the smallest groups venture to the planet’s wildlife places to view wildlife in the most intimate of contexts—this expedition is truly special,” says Ben Bressler, Nat Hab’s founder and president.

© Justin Hofman

No need to book the entire vessel—we’ve got it taken care of. You’ll get the freedom and flexibility of a private charter, safety, comfort, understated elegance, and a light-flooded interior that makes you feel one with the wild world beyond. Built in Germany in 2006, she was completely retrofitted in a multi-million-dollar redesign in 2020, including new state-of-the-art stabilizers that make for a more pleasant ride. This ship is also designed to move at a faster pace than the motorsailers we use, so you can expect to cover more distance (weather-depending).

Expect all the luxuries of a world-class yacht but with an expedition-oriented style and more move-about space than on the motorsailers. From the bar and lounge in the heart of the guest area, you can sip your favorite drink while gazing out at panoramic views. Head out through glass-paned sliding doors to the outside decks. Dining choices crafted by an acclaimed international culinary team, an inviting observation lounge, the deluxe Finnish sauna and the top deck hot tub are just icing on the cake.

When it’s time for some shut-eye, retreat to six elegant and practical guest cabins on the main deck, all identical with private en suite bathrooms, lots of natural light, a TV, desk, and ample closet and bureau space. There’s an Owner’s Suite for an extra indulgence, situated on the Upper Deck, with a king bed, en suite bathroom and large, connected open private sitting area and office.

Overall, the Hanse Explorer is still an expedition ship, but the home you return to after your daily adventures is a more well-appointed one. By creating a calm interior with understated elegance, there is no effort to compete with the grandeur of the passing scene. In every aspect, she is one of the toughest, safest, most nimble and comfortable ships of her size.

Antarctica Encounters

Whichever ship or itinerary you choose, you’re guaranteed experiences like none other. On a smaller vessel like Ocean Tramp or Australis, we can be a bit more flexible with our itinerary, and you’ll feel part of the team making decisions about where to go and what to do. Regardless, here are just a few of the extraordinary moments you might have:

© Kelly Martin

• A post-dinner Zodiac cruise where you happen upon whales feeding or a leopard seal on the hunt for penguins.
• Seeking the best lighting conditions for photography, particularly aboard the nimbler motorsailers.
• Kayaking amidst icebergs and along rugged shorelines to see Antarctic wildlife at eye level.
• Where landing permits, hiking ashore on pristine polar beaches that we share only with penguin rookeries, Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals.
• Glimpsing your first icebergs and the snow-clad mountains that indicate the South Shetland Islands.
• Spotting huge populations of albatross, petrel, skua, gull, tern and cormorant.
• Camping ashore in the most remote and ethereal environment you’ve ever experienced (available on the motorsailer itineraries only).

Wondering what other wildlife you’ll see in Antarctica? Get all the deets on Adelie, chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, whales, seals of all ilk, dolphins and seabirds in our Antarctica Wildlife Guide .

© Conor Frantzen

Antarctica: Never the Same Trip Twice!

Do keep in mind that weather dictates our Antarctica itineraries, activities and routes. In fact, it’s that wild, unpredictable nature of the trip that makes it so magical and memorable. No two trips are exactly the same, and we know whichever Nat Hab Antarctica adventure you choose, it will be utterly life-changing.

> Read: Diminishing Sea Ice Threatens Delicate Antarctic Ecosystem (from our conservation travel partner, World Wildlife Fund)

Ready to explore the White Continent? Learn more about our Sailing Antarctica and Ultimate Antarctica trips!

About The Author

Michelle Peters

From her home office in northwest Seattle, Michelle has been crafting compelling content about travel destinations worldwide for more than 20 years. In those two decades, she made the leap from editor for the hotel and resort department at Virtuoso to a full-time freelance editor and writer—and never looked back.

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