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.
Swan Hellenic SH Vega
An ultra-luxury expedition yacht, with Michelin-inspired dining, spa suites, and expert-led polar excursions.
Swan Hellenic SH Minerva
A state-of-the-art ice-class vessel designed for refined exploration, offering elegant suites and private Zodiac landings.
Swan Hellenic SH Diana
A premier polar‑class PC6 expedition ship,
blending cutting‑edge technology with
refined 5‑star luxury aboard.
Itinerary Inspiration
Classic Antarctica Peninsula
Highlights: Meet penguin colonies and observe seals in their natural habitat. Kayak among icebergs and whales in protected bays. Enjoy onboard lectures with expert polar guides.
Day 1 – Arrive in Ushuaia + board your Swan Hellenic expedition vessel
Day 2–3 – Drake Passage: Educational lectures, spa rituals, wildlife spotting + onboard activities
Day 4–5 – South Shetland Islands: Penguin colonies, glacier walks + first landings
Day 6–8 – Antarctic Peninsula: Kayaking, Zodiac safaris + wildlife photography
Day 9 – Lemaire Channel: Scenic cruising + icefield landings
Day 10–11 – Drake Passage return + farewell dinner
Day 12 – Disembark in Ushuaia + onward travel
South Pole - Wellness & Discovery
Highlights: Champagne toasts on ancient ice. Emperor Penguins at Atka Bay. A rare journey to 90° South, the Geographic South Pole.
Day 1 – Cape Town to Antarctica: Private jet to Wolf’s Fang + transfer to Echo Camp with welcome cocktails
Day 2 – Ice Adventures: Ice tunnel walk, fat biking, yoga, and sunset champagne on the ice
Day 3 – Atka Bay: Fly to Emperor Penguin colony; thousands of penguins + guided photography
Day 4 – Leisure & Wellness: Glacier hikes, meditation, and chef-prepared tasting menu with fine wines
Day 5 – South Pole: 7-hour flight to 90° South; flag ceremony + photos at the bottom of the world
Day 6 – Polar Plateau Overnight: Stargazing, storytelling, and sleeping in expedition comfort near the Pole
Day 7 – Return to Camp: Flight back to Echo; celebratory dinner with South African wines
Day 8 – Farewell Antarctica: Private jet to Cape Town with memories of a lifetime
Antarctica & South Georgia
Highlights: Balcony views, Zodiac landings, penguin-filled coasts, glacier walks, and Michelin-inspired dining for two.
Day 1 – Ushuaia: Arrive + embark, sail-away champagne toast
Day 2–3 – Drake Passage: Spa rituals, fine dining, wildlife spotting
Day 4–6 – Antarctic Peninsula: Daily Zodiac landings, penguin encounters, kayaking among icebergs
Day 7 – South Shetland Islands: Scenic cruising + glacier walks
Day 8–9 – At Sea: Crossing toward South Georgia, enrichment lectures
Day 10–13 – South Georgia Islands: King penguin colonies, Shackleton’s resting place, dramatic fjords
Day 14–15 – At Sea: Leisure at sea, spa + culinary experiences
Day 16 – Falkland Islands: Quaint settlements, albatross cliffs, and cultural encounters
Day 17–18 – At Sea: Return via the Drake Passage
Day 19 – Ushuaia: Disembark with hearts full of polar magic
South Pole - For the Adventurers
Highlights: Overnight at the South Pole — stand at the bottom of the world. Explore iridescent ice tunnels and trek across glaciers. Witness over 6,000 emperor penguins and their chicks in one of the most remote colonies on Earth.
Day 1 – Depart Cape Town on private jet + land on Wolf’s Fang runway; transfer to luxury camp & settle in
Day 2 – Explore ice tunnels, fat bike across glaciers, try ice climbing + enjoy polar gourmet dining
Day 3 – Scenic flight to Atka Bay: spend the day with emperor penguins + glacial photo safaris
Day 4 – Return to camp + hear stories from polar explorers
Day 5 – Depart for the South Pole: cross the polar plateau + arrive at 90° South
Day 6 – Overnight at the South Pole camp: flag ceremony, champagne toast + reflective journaling
Day 7 – Return flight to Echo/Whichaway + celebratory dinner
Day 8 – Depart Antarctica via Wolf’s Fang + return to Cape Town
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
