Antarctic Peninsula - South Shetland Islands
Antarctic Classroom
From the classroom to the ends of the Earth.
A once-in-a-lifetime leadership and sustainability journey for senior high school students.
Expedition OverviewA 10-DAY EXPEDITION BUILT FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS.
The Antarctic Classroom takes selected Year 9–12 students to the Antarctic Peninsula, one of the most remote and consequential places on Earth. Aboard the historic expedition vessel St Helena, students learn, research, and reflect alongside scientists and mentors, with the continent itself as the classroom.
This is more than an expedition. It's a launchpad for confidence, for curiosity, and for the kind of global perspective that universities and employers are looking for. If you're ready to see what's at stake firsthand, this is where it starts.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Live field research and sustainability learning alongside scientists and mentors
- IB-aligned activities and Duke of Edinburgh opportunities built into the programme
- Career and university preparation with Lee Stewart, CEO of ESG Strategy
- Explore the Antarctic Peninsula's dramatic icebergs and glaciers
- Encounter abundant wildlife — penguins, seals, and whales
- Daily Zodiac landings and cruises for up-close wildlife and landscape encounters
- Kayaking through pristine Antarctic waters — included at no extra cost
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
You Go
Your programme begins before you board the ship. Three live group webinars with Lee Stewart (CEO, ESG Strategy) cover expedition orientation, climate and sustainability presentation skills, and wildlife and science briefings from onboard scientists.
Expedition
Every day aboard the St Helena balances hands-on adventure with structured learning. Students take part in guided lectures, field research, and interactive workshops — all designed to build leadership, resilience, and real-world skills. Each student also works on an individual research project throughout the voyage, presenting findings to all guests on the return crossing.
Return
The programme doesn't end at disembarkation. Optional post-voyage support helps students translate their Antarctic experience into tangible outcomes — for university, for careers, and beyond.
Meet Your Mentor
Lee Stewart
Global sustainability leader, author, and mentor trained by Al Gore, guiding students to turn their Antarctic adventure into realworld opportunities and future impact.
“Our goal is to help every student return from Antarctica as a confident, capable, and compassionate leader for the planet.” — Lee Stewart, CEO, ESG Strategy
ITINERARY
Board the expedition vessel in the afternoon, meet your crew and fellow students, and settle into your cabin. The ship departs through the scenic Beagle Channel as the southernmost tip of South America slowly disappears behind you.
Two days crossing one of the world's most storied stretches of ocean. While the Drake does its thing, the programme kicks into gear — expert-led talks on Antarctic wildlife, history, and climate science, alongside hands-on workshops and your first mentor sessions.
By the end of Day 3, snow-capped peaks and the first sightings of icebergs signal your arrival at the South Shetland Islands.
Four days of exploration along the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Each day brings shore landings and Zodiac cruises guided by your expedition team, with the programme woven around the adventure — field research, citizen science, and daily check-ins with mentors.
With over 500 diverse landing sites along the Peninsula, no two voyages are ever the same. Evenings bring debriefs, 'Talking Story' sessions with the expedition team, and time to work on your individual project.
Guided by our experienced crew, you'll navigate breathtaking ice-choked channels, witness towering glaciers, and encounter extraordinary wildlife in one of the most remote places on Earth. This is not just a cruise — it's a genuine expedition where spontaneity and discovery define every day.
As the expedition heads north, weather and ice permitting, there's a final opportunity to set foot on the continent. Destinations like Brown Bluff — with its towering volcanic cliffs and Adélie colony — or Paulet Island, rich in history and wildlife, make for a fitting farewell to Antarctica.
The return crossing is where the programme comes together. Students wrap up their projects, edit photo and video content, and deliver final presentations to all guests onboard — a 5–7 minute showcase of research, voyage experience, and personal reflections. The day ends with a captain's dinner and celebration.
Arrive in Ushuaia in the early morning. After breakfast, disembark with new friendships, a completed research project, and a perspective on the world that very few people your age will ever have.
The above itinerary is a general guideline. Our precise route and activities will be adjusted to optimise wildlife viewing and adapt to prevailing weather and ice conditions. The Captain and Expedition Leader will make necessary changes to ensure the best possible experience — a daily programme will be provided onboard. Flexibility is essential for a successful Antarctic expedition.
Meet Your Mentor
Amanda is the Founder and CEO of Ocean Youth Academy. A non-profit organization founded by a group of polar expedition guides, marine biologists, and outdoor educators who have first hand experience with the transformative power of immersive education and connection with nature.
“Education inspires awareness, experience fuels action. If we want the next generation to protect our planet, we must give youth around the globe the opportunity to see what’s at stake."
- Amanda Hunter, Founder & CEO, Ocean Youth Academy
Amada Hunter
Your Floating Classroom — St Helena
True expeditions, with no compromise on comfort.
We carry 98.
The difference is yours.
Onboard activities and extra adventure.
-
![]()
Kayak
Glide through crystal-clear water at ice level, closer to the wildlife and geology than any Zodiac can get. Seals, penguins, and whales have a habit of approaching curious kayakers. Pre-booking required.
-
![]()
Trekking
Venture beyond the shoreline and into terrain most Antarctic visitors never reach. Quiet, low-impact, and staggeringly beautiful. Led by expert guides across snowfields and beside glaciers.
-
![]()
Zodiac Cruising
Your daily connection to the shore. Twelve Zodiacs mean more landings, more flexibility, and more time where it counts, on the ice, not waiting for a tender.
-
![]()
Daily Learning
Educational talks, daily lectures and field learning with scientists, mentors and expedition leaders.
-
![]()
Photography Workshop
A lecture from an expert expedition photographer, plus hands-on guidance during landings and on deck. Whether you shoot on a phone or a professional camera, you'll find the support you are looking for.
-
![]()
Polar Plunge
Completely optional. Absolutely unforgettable. A supervised plunge into Antarctic waters. something most people insist they’ll skip… until they don’t.
-
![]()
Morning Yoga
Morning sessions to ease the body between days of exploration. Beginners welcome. Held indoors, or on deck when Antarctica decides to cooperate.
No surprise charges when you board.
Everything here is included too.
-
Your cabin.
Fully serviced cabins with daily housekeeping, fresh linen, and en-suite bathrooms.
-
Every meal. Every day.
Three meals, all-day snacks, tea and coffee, and house beer/wine/soda during dinner hours.
-
Adventure activities.
Kayaking, snowshoeing, camping, trekking, Zodiac cruises, yoga, and the polar plunge — all included.
-
Expert equipment.
Loaned muck boots and activity gear and a personal outer layer expedition parka for you to keep.
-
Expert guides.
Expert-led shore excursions, daily lectures, and educational talks from naturalists, historians, and scientists.
-
Hotel Expenses
Basic Wi-Fi and crew gratuities are already included in your cruise fare.
Secure your spot with a small deposit now.
Pricing for our December 9, 2026 Classroom onboard St Helena:
USD 14,650 per person
Double Occupancy Cabin
USD 12,110 per person
Double Occupancy Cabin
USD 11,220 per person
Double Occupancy Cabin
USD 10,140 per person
Double Occupancy Cabin
USD 9,380 per person
Single Occupancy Cabin
USD 9,380 per person
Double Occupancy Cabin (Interconnecting Options)
USD 8,790 per person
Triple Occupancy Cabin
USD 7,990 per person
Quad Occupancy Cabin
Guided by our experienced team on the ice.
The same passionate team, voyage after voyage. Naturalists, historians, and guides who have given their careers to this continent.
-
![Ryan Hope-Inglis]()
Ryan Hope-Inglis
Expedition Leader
Currently celebrating his 100th trip to Antarctica. Ryan brings a wealth of enthusiasm, passion and experience to Terra Nova Expeditions.
-
![Ida Olsson]()
Ida Olsson
Expedition Leader/Glaciologist
Ida has spent a decade living at 78° North in Svalbard. One of the last people to ski to the North Pole. When Ida says she knows the cold and remote, she means it personally.
-
![David Baillie]()
David Baillie
Cinematographer & Guide
Dave is an award-winning Director of Photography capturing stories in some of the world’s most remote environments, with extensive experience in the polar regions and work on major BBC series like Planet Earth and Frozen Planet.
-
![Gaby Pilson]()
Gaby Pilson
Expedition Leader/Geologist
Gaby is a seasoned expedition guide and outdoor educator with a background in geosciences, meteorology, and philosophy. She’s always ready to dive into all things polar over a good cup of coffee.
-
![Dr Sara Torres Ortiz]()
Dr Sara Torres Ortiz
Naturalist, Citizen Science Coordinator
Sara is a marine biologist and postdoctoral researcher, studying animal cognition and communication. She works with whales, dolphins, and porpoises worldwide and helps travelers connect with the natural world through informed, respectful wildlife encounters. -
![Dr Jarrod Mckenna]()
Dr Jarrod Mckenna
Naturalist
Jarrod is a reproductive biologist, TED speaker, and expedition guide based in Melbourne. His research spans female reproductive health across species, and he brings his passion for science to inspire respect for the natural world and future scientists.
Our Sustainability Framework
Our EARTH
Programme
Five principles that guide every decision we make, from the ships we operate to the science we support.
Education for Exploration
Every passenger is briefed on Antarctic ecosystems and IAATO protocols before setting foot ashore.
Action for Climate
We actively support climate monitoring and offset programmes that go beyond regulatory compliance.
Reducing our Footprint
Small ships, small groups, fewer passengers per site means less impact per visit, every time.
Together for Communities
We invest in the sub-Antarctic and gateway communities that make polar expeditions possible.
Healthy Oceans
Strict biosecurity on every voyage, and active support for citizen science programmes at sea.
This voyage forms part of Terra Nova’s EARTH Sustainability Program:
Advancing real-world learning and youth engagement in environmental leadership.
Our EARTH Sustainability Program is more than a pledge. It’s a call to action. From planning polar journeys to guiding guests in Antarctica, environmental responsibility is at the heart of everything we do.
Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we focus on key initiatives to protect these pristine environments for generations to come. Onboard, we reduce impact with efficient engines, water-saving systems, anti-fouling hulls, and reusable water stations.
The Uili Lousi
Tongan Scholarship to Antarctica
Honouring the legacy of Pacific climate leader Uili Lousi, this scholarship supports a Tongan student to join the 2026 expedition, ensuring Pacific voices are represented in global climate leadership.
“I am the voice of the whales. I carry their song to you. When I swim with them and look them in the eye, I can see their pain. The ocean is changing. The climate is changing. This is why I am here to ask you for help."- Uili Lousi , Tongan Climate Advocate, Artist, & Cultural Custodian
A mandatory programme fee applies to all participants, paid in addition to cabin fare. It covers three phases:
- Pre-Voyage: Three live webinars, enrolment in Ocean Youth Academy's Polar Oceans Course, a 1:1 mentor session, individual project planning, and a custom Antarctic Sustainability Immersion Journal.
- On-Voyage: Citizen science and field research, 1:1 mentoring, skill-building workshops, and a 5–7 minute final presentation delivered to all guests.
- Post-Voyage: A mentorship review call, career and university guidance, and access to the Terra Nova Student Alumni Network.
The fee is USD 1,495 for students and USD 895 for parents and companions (which includes 12-month access to the Polar Oceans Course).
Yes. The programme framework is structured to support the IB learner profile and subject areas including ESS, Biology, Geography, Mathematics, and Theory of Knowledge. Activities connect to learning outcomes across inquiry, scientific thinking, ethics, global contexts, and CAS.
There's no fixed school schedule. The Antarctic Classroom is a blended experience — workshops, field research, reflection, and project work are woven into the expedition itinerary rather than counted in classroom hours. Students should expect:
- Workshops and presentations scheduled throughout the day
- Reflection and project time during sea crossings and onboard activities
- Personal time to work on assignments and projects independently
The experience is immersive rather than rigid. When the conditions are right for landings, that's where you'll be.
Yes — through our partnership with Ocean Youth Academy (OYA). There are two options:
- New participants ($500 USD): OYA serves as your official Award Centre. Complete Skills, Volunteering, Physical, and your Adventurous Journey or Gold Project (Residential) with full OYA mentorship. Standard DoE registration fees apply separately.
- Existing participants ($250 USD): If you're already enrolled with another Award Centre, sections completed during the expedition can be formally assessed and signed off. Additional sections are $50 USD each.
The programme is designed for senior high school students in Years 9–12 (typically aged 14–18) with a demonstrated interest in science, leadership, or sustainability. Parents, guardians, and educators are welcome to join alongside their students.
Yes. In 2026, the Uili Lousi Tongan Scholarship provides a fully funded programme placement for one Tongan student, ensuring Pacific voices are represented in climate leadership.
From 2027, Ocean Youth Academy will offer scholarships for global students to apply for. Details will be available closer to applications opening.
The St Helena offers several family-friendly arrangements:
- Travelling with both parents: A triple occupancy cabin is ideal — two adults and one student.
- Travelling with one parent: A quad occupancy cabin works well — you and your parent will be paired with another same-gender parent–student duo.
- Interconnecting options: Interconnecting Twin Odyssey cabins are available for families who prefer linked but separate spaces.
Please note: all shared cabins follow same-gender occupancy rules. Mixed-gender groups (e.g. mother and son) must book a twin cabin or separate cabins.
Students travelling under school supervision have two main options:
- Shared student cabins: A spot in a triple or quad cabin shared with other students on a same-gender basis.
- Single cabins: Available with no single supplement for those who prefer their own space.
Off-ship adventure takes centre stage — daily landings, hikes, and Zodiac cruises. Onboard, there's plenty happening too:
- Workshops: Photography and video, public speaking, Zodiac driving, astronomy, navigation, and knot tying.
- Science & research: Onboard science lab with expert-led data collection and the scientific method applied to your own research question.
- Adventure: Kayaking, snowshoeing, trekking, camping, and the polar plunge — all included.
- Social & leisure: Movie nights, game nights, ship-wide scavenger hunts, and 'Talking Story' evening sessions with the expedition team.
- Wellness: Two Jacuzzis, a gym, and onboard yoga sessions.
- Laptop or tablet with Keynote or PowerPoint installed — essential for research, writing, and your final presentation.
- Notebooks and pens — a 'Write in the Rain' notebook is ideal for field use.
- Any personal reference materials, guidebooks, or journals you find helpful.
A full recommended kit list will be provided after booking.
Basic Wi-Fi is included and suited to light tasks — email, simple browsing, and research. For heavier use such as uploading large files or video editing, a faster Wi-Fi upgrade is available at additional cost. We recommend downloading key research materials and references before departure.
Every voyage is led by polar professionals — qualified guides, educators, and lecturers — who are responsible for safety and expedition success. Day-to-day supervision of students is the responsibility of the accompanying parent, guardian, or teacher.
Students travelling without a parent must be accompanied by a designated teacher or school representative who takes responsibility for supervision throughout the voyage.
Yes. The St Helena carries up-to-date medical equipment and has an onboard doctor and medical clinic available throughout the voyage. The full expedition team is also trained and certified in wilderness first aid.
Over-the-counter seasickness medications, armbands, patches, and traditional remedies are all available onboard. The St Helena also offers See-LEVEL, a world-first virtual reality headset designed to combat motion sickness without medication — effective in over 90% of users, with symptoms reversing in around 12 minutes.
See-LEVEL hire is $55 per 10-hour session, and is complimentary for guests in Premium, Deluxe, and Suite cabins.
Most things are included. Possible additional costs are limited to:
- Wi-Fi upgrade for faster access
- Drinks outside of meal times
- Boutique and gift shop purchases
- Laundry
- Personal expenses not listed under inclusions
Everything else — meals, activities, gear, excursions, guides, gratuities, and basic Wi-Fi — is included in your fare.
Alcohol is not permitted for guests under 21. For guests of legal drinking age, house beer and wine are served during designated meal times. Premium drinks or beverages outside meal times are not included and incur an additional cost.
Terra Nova does not handle international flights, but we have recommended partners who can assist with internal flights and hotel arrangements within Argentina and South America.
A designated group hotel in Ushuaia will be confirmed with full details and pricing available in February 2026. Share your specific requirements with our team and we'll be in touch.
The Polar Oceans Course is a 10-section virtual expedition course covering Antarctic wildlife, conservation, and climate change — designed to prepare all participants for the voyage. Parents' programme fee includes 12-month access to the course.
Parents can choose to take the course themselves or donate their access to a student from an underserved community — a meaningful way to extend the programme's reach beyond the voyage.
Still have questions?Our team is happy to walk you through the programme, cabin options, or anything else before you commit to anything.