The glacial continent of Antarctica: a destination that will enthral you during an epic adventure of a lifetime. Until 150 years ago, this vast icy wilderness was unexplored by mankind and to this day belongs to no country, a treasured area of planet Earth protected by an international treaty for scientific research and wildlife conservation.
Put simply, this is no ordinary holiday. Jetting into Antarctica to embark on a voyage onboard a state-of-the-art expedition ship for a fly cruise, or sailing on a luxury cruise vessel across this unique region for the duration of your trip, it’s an experience unlike any other. It’s an adventurous expedition to the ends of the earth - beyond the (sometimes) challenging voyage and notoriously turbulent Drakes Passage lies a phenomenal destination. Filled with mystery and unyielding extremes, it's a great privilege that in today’s world, we can traverse Antarctica’s unrelenting conditions in relative comfort. Expeditions are open to everyone with reasonable fitness and a keen sense of adventure.
Our expeditions to Antarctica offer the opportunity of a lifetime to explore the finest show on Earth. There will be continually shifting and sometimes extreme weather conditions, yet rest assured that your journey will always be meticulously planned by our expert polar team to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Mother Nature. Journey onboard high-tech transport designed specifically for the snowy terrain and icy waters, such as the flagship vessel Magellan Explorer. Having pioneered air-cruise expeditions for the last twenty years, the highly experienced teams know how to navigate this region.
There are a wide range of expedition opportunities to suit your personal preferences and to ensure you travel in comfort when experiencing the unique nature of Antarctica. Choose from one of the most extensive suites of Antarctica air cruises available in the world, or opt for longer sea-only cruises. Either expedition type offers itineraries that visit Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). Each trip is created as a boutique adventure onboard small ships which allows more time to explore the epic white wilderness.
Classic air cruise itineraries include flying into Antarctica from Chile before sailing between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. This popular route affords panoramic views of a winter wonderland of icebergs and fjords. Sightings of the resident wildlife include entertaining penguins, weddell seals and enormous breaching humpback whales - remarkable experiences that you’ll never forget.
For the most adventurous explorers, take an exhilarating air cruise to the Antarctic Polar Circle. Every voyage is carefully curated by the Expedition Team to showcase the region's spectacular highlights whilst carefully navigating the route based on weather conditions.
Alternatively, longer 20-day cruise-only expeditions begin setting sail from the Falklands observing the enthralling display of wildlife from black-browed albatrosses to the rockhopper penguin. Cruise to South Georgia to meet the noisy elephant seals, and visit one of the world’s largest king penguin colonies - truly a sight to behold. From here, glide along the waters of the Antarctic Peninsula, marvelling at the spectacle of the Antarctic Sound and the Penola and Gerlache Straits which are breathtaking at dawn and dusk light.
The small boutique ships provide a warm, comfortable sanctuary with an intimate atmosphere to retreat to given the lower number of guests onboard. Each day you’ll explore the waters in the ship’s Zodiacs before disembarking and discovering the landscape up close with expert polar guides and seasoned travel professionals.
In order to provide a richer understanding of the region, whilst on board the engaging educational programme provides fascinating insights into the unique geography, history, and other facets of this wild environment. Learn fascinating facts from academics about the wildlife you’re seeing and the millennia-old icebergs that surround you for a deeper appreciation of the wonders of Antarctica.
When planning your visit to this magnificent region, our highly experienced team can provide everything you need, whether that's advice about extending your expedition to ensuring the trip caters to your every wish during this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. From walking amongst hundreds of king penguins to kayaking in the glistening icy waters before sharing thrilling stories with your fellow travellers, this is an exclusive experience to one of the last great frontiers. However you choose to venture across Antarctica, it promises to deliver a profound personal experience in this unique otherworldly destination.
- Utterly designed and tailored around you and your requirements
- Totally unique every time you travel with us
- The very best hand picked guides which can make the difference between a good and an outstanding holiday
- Established over 30 years ago we have been around longer than most
- Our specialists come from, have lived in or travelled extensively in the regions we cover
- Unparalleled knowledge provides you with the best possible experience
- Philanthropy is our philosophy
- Our founding principle is to always ‘put something back’
- An amount from each holiday is donated to our selected conservation and humanitarian charities
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By Marcela Kunova - 20th April 2017
Nicola Shepherd, founder and CEO of The Exploration Company, organises unusual trips for HNW and UHNW clients ranging from birthday parties at an Indian Maharajah's palace to reliving Sir Vivian Fuchs's 1950s expedition to the South Pole. Citywealth caught ...
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