Spirit of Antarctica expedition cruise: Antarctic Peninsula
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7 December 2026 - 12 days
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Journey into one of the most remote and pristine environments on Earth guided by a team of seasoned experts, from naturalists to historians, who will share their knowledge of this extraordinary region. Encounter diverse wildlife, including penguins, seals and whales, while learning about the rich history of Antarctic exploration.
Cross the famed Drake Passage, a rite of passage for any polar explorer, and set sail toward the frozen wilderness of Antarctica. Immerse yourself in a range of enriching experiences designed to deepen your connection with this remote region. Attend informative lectures by the onboard team of experts on Antarctic ecology, wildlife, and history, gaining a deeper understanding of the environment you're about to explore. Discover the onboard Citizen Science Centre, where interactive exhibits and engaging discussions bring the science of the polar regions to life.
Travel aboard a new state-of-the-art polar expedition vessel, the Douglas Mawson where you will experience the serenity and grandeur of the most remote place on Earth, where penguins nest, whales feed and captivating seals frolic in ice-speckled seas. With only 130 guests, amazing viewing space and a ship designed to minimise negative environmental impacts, the Douglas Mawson guarantees a far more enjoyable guest experience than the other older and larger expedition ships.
Accompanied throughout by New Scientist's Rowan Hooper and marine biologist and oceanographer Dr Russell Arnott, where you will spend time both at sea and on land surrounded by a host of different species. You will also have the opportunity to participate in onboard workshops with Russell, Zodiac cruises that bring you closer to the natural world, expert talks from Alison and Russell, and engaging onboard sessions exploring the latest in citizen science. In addition to this, hear from the onboard expedition team where you will learn about topics including glaciology, botany, marine biology and the history of polar exploration, deepening your connection to this remote and rugged archipelago. Unlike standard expeditions, this journey offers deeper access to expert knowledge, more meaningful interactions, and a front-row seat to the wonders of science in action.
Travel with like-minded people who love to connect with the natural world and the wonder of science. An ideal environment for curious-minded couples, friends and solo travellers to relax. Your expedition is a carefully curated mix of daytime activity offboard, designed to immerse you in your polar surroundings, and talks while on board. During the day, the itinerary remains flexible as the captain and expedition leader will look at prevailing conditions and sightings to give you the best opportunity for wildlife encounters.
In partnership with AE Expeditions.
LIFE ON BOARD YOUR ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION CRUISE
Your flexible day-to-day itinerary is guided by the captain and expedition leader, who adapt plans to current conditions and wildlife activity, ensuring that every moment maximises your experience.
Engage in daytime explorations aboard Zodiac boats, gliding through secluded coves, past majestic glaciers and across wildlife-rich waters. Take guided hikes along pristine beaches and through awe-inspiring wilderness, immersing yourself in the untouched beauty of the Antarctic landscape. Photography enthusiasts will benefit from expert guidance, capturing breathtaking images and honing their skills. With a commitment to two engaging shore excursions per day, every day promises discovery and inspiration.
One of the key advantages of sailing aboard a smaller vessel is the efficiency it offers – less time spent boarding and disembarking for daily excursions means more time immersed in the breathtaking beauty of the Antarctic wilderness.
You will have the opportunity to participate in New Scientist-led workshops with marine biologist Russell Arnott.
Throughout the cruise, enjoy all-inclusive dining, featuring delicious meals, a selection of snacks and unlimited tea and coffee. Dinner is accompanied by beer, house wine and soft drinks, ensuring a delightful and worry-free culinary experience.
Forget about formal dress codes. With a relaxed and informal atmosphere on board, you will feel at home as you attend a comprehensive programme of talks and intimate fireside chats. Delve into the intricacies of polar systems, explore how they influence the global climate and hear captivating personal stories from those who have lived at Earth's extremes.
Your expedition is entirely tailored to your pace – whether you prefer an action-packed adventure or a more relaxed experience. Participation in activities and talks is always optional, allowing you the freedom to make this cruise tailored to your personal preferences.
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN USHUAIA, THE END OF THE WORLD
Ushuaia is set on a bay off Isla Grande between the Beagle Channel, the towering glacial peaks of Cerro Martial and Monte Olivia, and is the principal gateway to Antarctica. It is fondly known as El Fin del Mundo – the End of the World.
Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative of AE Expeditions and transferred to your group hotel. In the evening, you can meet some of the ship's team, who will prepare you for boarding the next day.
DAY 2: EXPLORE USHUAIA OR JOIN AN OPTIONAL TOUR TO LAKE ESCONDIDO. IN THE AFTERNOON EMBARK UPON THE DOUGLAS MAWSON
The morning is at your leisure to explore the port town of Ushuaia.
There is an optional tour to visit Lake Escondido. This tour offers us an unforgettable panoramic drive through big valleys of glacial origin, evergreen and deciduous forests, waterfalls and rivers, in the vastness of the Andes Mountain Range. You will leave Ushuaia city to the north-east of Tierra del Fuego, driving through peat bog valleys to reach Garibaldi Pass, only accessible by a winding road that will take you to a panoramic point. From here you will have amazing panoramic views of Lake Escondido and, if weather conditions allow, of Lake Fagnano. You will start your descent towards the north-east to reach Lake Fagnano's shore, where you will visit a local ranch. After appreciating the landscape, you will have the chance to enjoy the typical Fuegian lamb barbecue. Enjoy some free time there before returning to Ushuaia for ship embarkation.
Alternatively, enjoy the day at your leisure and meet in your hotel lobby or from the meeting point at the parking lot near the pier (details will be given by our ground staff at the hotel), to be transferred to the pier for embarkation.
Once you have been transferred to the Douglas Mawson, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin before a passenger briefing.
As the ship pulls away from port, you’ll gather on the deck to commence your adventure with spectacular views over Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego.
In the evening, get to know your fellow travellers and friendly expedition team and crew at a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling adventure to Antarctica.
DAYS 3 AND 4: DRAKE PASSAGE CROSSING
As you commence the Drake Passage crossing, the expedition team will prepare you for your first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures and start the lecture program to help you learn more about Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment. Plus, there will be additional talks throughout from Russell Arnott.
The wildlife experiences begin as you enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following the vessel. Throughout the voyage, you can enjoy the facilities on board the vessel including the gym, sauna and spa, or relax in one of the observation lounges.
Nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on the afternoon of day 4, the excitement is palpable, with everyone converging on one of the observation decks watching for your first iceberg.
The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once you are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first big iceberg sighting is likely to remain with you for a lifetime. Time and weather permitting, the expedition team may attempt your first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.
DAY 5 TO 9: EXPLORING THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
It is almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on Earth is an experience that will stay with you forever.
Once you arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are yours to explore, and you have a host of choices available. You will experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish.
Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. The expedition team will help you experience a range of activities centred on daytime exploration via Zodiac boat safaris (investigating coves, glaciers and wildlife), guided hikes (exploring pristine beaches and stunning wildernesses) and photography (helping you improve your skills with a camera).
You will generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. You will want to warmly wrap up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula.
While ashore, stretch your legs and wander along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. Speaking of the oceans below, keen polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters – conditions permitting! The polar plunge can take place at any time during the voyage, so listen out for the announcement from the expedition team and get ready for the most exhilarating dip of your life!
In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, the ship cruises some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or lingers in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge (open at the captain’s discretion) for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour. Listen out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve into the sea. Take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of the pristine paradise of the splendid white continent.
Join the team in the lecture theatre for presentations covering a broad range of topics to suit every interest. These lectures will cover polar science, wildlife, marine biology, glaciology, ornithology, exploration, history, photography and research, including specialist New Scientist talks. Regardless of the topic, they all have one thing in common: they all aim to engage, educate, entertain and turn you into an ambassador for the planet. Plus, both on board and in the Zodiacs, the expedition crew will give you introductions to and commentary on many of the Antarctic phenomena you are experiencing.
You will have the opportunity to participate in the unique citizen science program offered throughout the voyage. It is designed to be a hands-on, immersive and transformative experience that helps you protect the beauty of our planet. Various sampling and data collection projects will be conducted on your voyage and a citizen science coordinator will be on hand to introduce and assist you. This expedition provides a unique platform to help collect high-quality data. With extended access to these remote regions and our expedition teams equipped with scientific backgrounds, you will have the potential to participate and engage our passengers in citizen science projects to provide valuable data to the global scientific community. For a greater understanding, visit the world-class Citizen Science Centre on board. You will be rewarded for your thirst for knowledge with one of the best views on the ship.
DAYS 10 AND 11: AT SEA
Enjoy a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before you re-enter the Drake Passage for your return journey to South America.
With lectures and film presentations to complete your Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and discussion about what you have seen and experienced.
As you approach the tip of South America, your captain may sail close to the legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.
DAY 12: ARRIVE IN USHUAIA AND DISEMBARK
During the early hours, you will cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where you will disembark and be transferred to Ushuaia Airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires.
Note: Please note that it not recommended to book flights departing Ushuaia before 12pm on the day of disembarkation in case there are delays.
