ANTARCTICA
Vast, Pristine, and Otherworldly
"On the edge of the ice, humpbacks rose against a painted sky, penguins called across the silence, and time itself seemed to vanish—otherworldly, eternal."
—AMANDA KAM, FOUNDER
Antarctica’s Iconic Landscapes
The South Pole
Stand at 90° South, the most remote destination on Earth.
Emperor Penguin Colony
Observe these majestic birds up close in their icy habitat.
Antarctic Peninsula
Dramatic icebergs, whale sightings, and pristine coastal landscapes
Union Glacier Camp
A luxury basecamp offering unparalleled Antarctic adventures.
The Ross Ice Shelf
A staggering wall of ice stretching into the Southern Ocean.
Historic Explorer Huts
Step into the preserved world of Shackleton and Scott.
Antarctica’s Luxury Lodging
Whichaway Camp
A sophisticated sanctuary at the edge of the world, with heated sky pods, private chefs, and access to the South Pole.
Echo Camp
A futuristic, space-inspired retreat offering cutting-edge luxury, panoramic views, and bespoke Antarctic experiences.
Wolf’s Fang Camp
For true adventurers, this elite base provides direct access to extreme exploration, from glacier climbs to kite-skiing.
SH Vega
An ultra-luxury expedition yacht, with Michelin-inspired dining, spa suites, and expert-led polar excursions.
SH Minerva
A state-of-the-art ice-class vessel designed for refined exploration, offering elegant suites and private Zodiac landings.
SH Diana
A premier polar‑class PC6 expedition ship,
blending cutting‑edge technology with
refined 5‑star luxury aboard.
Itinerary Inspiration
Signature Antarctica: Peninsula Discovery (11 Days)
From US$9,800 per traveler
Highlights: Penguin colonies, whale sightings, Zodiac safaris, scenic cruising, expert polar lectures.
Day 1 – Ushuaia: Arrive, explore town if time allows, and board your Swan Hellenic expedition vessel; evening sail through the Beagle Channel.
Day 2–3 – Drake Passage: Full crossing with onboard lectures, wildlife spotting from deck, photography workshops, spa and wellness time.
Day 4–8 – Antarctic Peninsula: Five full days of Zodiac landings, penguin colonies, glacier walks, iceberg cruising, and scenic navigation. Possible stops include Mikkelsen Harbour, Neko Harbour, Port Lockroy, and the Lemaire Channel (weather permitting).
Day 9–10 – Drake Passage: Return crossing with enrichment talks, films, and the Captain’s farewell dinner.
Day 11 – Ushuaia: Morning disembarkation; continue onward to Patagonia or Buenos Aires.
Weddell Sea – In Search of the Emperor Penguin (11 Days)
Starting from: US$10,300 per traveler
Highlights: Helicopter flights over unbroken sea ice. A rare chance to reach the Emperor penguin rookery at Snow Hill Island. Iconic iceberg fields, Adelie & Gentoo colonies, and true early-season expedition conditions.
Day 1 – Ushuaia: Embark and sail through the Beagle Channel
Day 2 – Drake Southbound: Seabirds and polar briefings
Day 3 – Crossing Continues: Whale sightings, photography
Day 4 – Weddell Sea Ice Edge: First helicopter flights; search for Emperors
Day 5 – Helicopter Landings: Deeper Weddell Sea exploration (weather dependent)
Day 6 – Snow Hill Attempt: If ice opens, land via helicopter and walk toward the rookery
Day 7 – Ice & Penguins: Zodiac cruises + Adelie and Gentoo colonies
Day 8 – Deception Island: Volcanic caldera landing, black sand
Day 9 – Drake Northbound: Wildlife viewing + farewell
Day 10 – Final Sea Day: Captain’s dinner and last ocean views
Day 11 – Ushuaia: Morning arrival and disembarkation
Signature Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands (18 Days)
From US$17,500 per traveler
Highlights: Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia king penguin colonies, Shackleton’s resting place, Falklands birdlife, Zodiac landings, glacier walks, and Michelin-inspired dining.
Day 1 – Ushuaia: Arrive and embark; sail through the Beagle Channel.
Day 2 – At Sea: Scenic sailing with lectures, photography workshops, and wildlife spotting.
Day 3 – West Point Island: Rockhopper penguins, albatross colonies, and coastal hikes.
Day 3 – Saunders Island: Fur seals, Magellanic penguins, imperial cormorants, and cliff-side scenery.
Day 4 – Port Stanley: Visit the capital; historic dockyard and wildlife at Gypsy Cove.
Day 5–6 – At Sea: Leisure time, spa, and polar specialist talks.
Day 7–9 – South Georgia: King penguin colonies, elephant seals, Shackleton’s grave at Grytviken, dramatic fjords.
Day 10 – At Sea: Observation decks and enrichment lectures.
Day 11–15 – Antarctic Peninsula: Snowy islands, photogenic Lemaire Channel, Zodiac landings, penguin colonies, and glacier exploration (weather permitting).
Day 16–17 – At Sea: Return sail relaxing and onboard dining.
Day 18 – Ushuaia: Disembark and onward travel.
South Pole - For the Adventurers (8 Days)
From US$45,500 per traveler for 8 days, US$15,500 per traveler for a day trip from Cape Town
Highlights: Whichaway & Echo luxury camps, Blue River, Crystal Cave, glacier hikes, ice climbing, fat-biking, yoga in the Wellness Dome, surreal mountain landscapes, Michelin-level dining, and a flight to the Geographic South Pole.
Day 1 – Cape Town → Antarctica: Private jet arrival; settle into Whichaway and enjoy a welcome dinner.
Day 2 – Whichaway: Explore the Blue River and Crystal Cave; optional glacier walks and fat-biking.
Day 3 – Whichaway: Ice climbing, hikes, wellness sessions, and gourmet dining.
Day 4 – South Pole: Fly to the Geographic South Pole; stand at 90°S before returning to camp.
Day 5 – Transfer to Echo: Fly to Echo Base and settle into futuristic Sky Pods.
Day 6 – Echo: Guided hikes among surreal mountain spires; optional glacier activities.
Day 7 – Echo: Flexible adventure day—technical climbs, treks, or photography.
Day 8 – Antarctica → Cape Town: Depart Echo and fly back to Cape Town for onward travel.
ANTARCTICA AT A GLANCE
Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime destination, best visited during the austral summer from November to March when conditions are ideal for wildlife viewing, iceberg navigation, and land-based excursions.
Cruise Season: November–March
◯ 23–41°F / -5–5°C | Milder summer temps, ideal for explorationPeak Wildlife Season: December–February
◯ 32–41°F / 0–5°C | Penguin chicks hatching, seal pups, and whale sightingsShoulder Season: November + March
◯ 23–34°F / -5–1°C | Dramatic icebergs, fewer crowds, and golden light for photography
Gateway City: Ushuaia, Argentina (cruise embarkation)
Language: No official language – expeditions operate in English
Currency: None in Antarctica (USD or credit cards used onboard)
National Symbol: Emperor Penguin (unofficial)
Entry: No visa required – governed by Antarctic Treaty System
Getting Around: Ice-class expedition ship + Zodiac excursions
Time Zone: Varies by vessel (usually matches departure port)
Plugs: Type C or F (European standard) depending on vessel
