Day Sailing

A Day Aboard Icebird: Sailing Antarctica’s Icy Frontiers with Terra Nova Expeditions

There are few experiences on Earth that can rival the exhilaration of slicing through polar waters aboard a purpose-built expedition yacht in the heart of Antarctica. With Terra Nova Expeditions, guests have the rare chance to step off their larger expedition ship and join a small group for an intimate day of sailing aboard Icebird—a rugged, ice-reinforced yacht designed for high-latitude adventure and sublime comfort, with just a few other passengers.

Built for the Southern Ocean, Icebird offers more than just a sailing excursion—it delivers a connection to the environment that’s impossible to replicate aboard a larger vessel. As the sails catch the wind, guests are immediately immersed in a quieter, more personal Antarctica. No engine noise, no crowds—just the sound of the breeze, the creak of the rigging, and the occasional exhale of a humpback whale in the distance.

With space for only a handful of guests, each day on Icebird feels like a private expedition. You might navigate narrow fjords fringed with ancient glaciers, weave between sculpted icebergs glowing with blue light, or pause in sheltered bays to kayak or hike ashore with your expert guide. The yacht’s heated, double-glazed pilot house saloon offers panoramic views of the white wilderness, while below deck, guests can warm up in a climate-controlled cabin with a hot drink in hand.

But this isn’t just about luxury—it’s about legacy. At Terra Nova, we believe that sustainable travel starts with scale. Smaller groups mean lighter footprints, greater flexibility, and richer experiences. Icebird’s minimal emissions profile and low-impact approach make her the ideal platform for modern explorers who care about preserving the pristine wild for generations to come.

One day aboard Icebird can feel like a voyage back in time—where exploration, serenity, and awe take the helm.

The adventure doesn’t stop there. Icebird also doubles as a dive platform and ski touring base for those seeking even deeper immersion into the polar environment. From underwater encounters with ethereal ice formations to ski descents with views few have ever seen, this yacht is built for explorers of every stripe.

Icebird is also available for private day excursion charters for guests of Terra Nova's main vessel, the Polar Sky. Whether you’re after a peaceful sail, a paddle among the ice, or a deep dive into the unknown, Icebird is your gateway to Antarctica, redefined. Please note that for specific activity charters conditions apply, and significant planning is needed—costs additional.

Want to chart your own course? Contact us to learn more about day charters, skiing, diving, and custom experiences aboard Icebird.

Ready to go off course—in the best possible way? Join us on Icebird and sail the silence on a day sailing excursion.

Day sailing and sailing activities are at an extra cost due to limited numbers.