11 Days

Spirit of Terra Nova

Explore the untouched wilderness on our signature Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands trip. 

More time on the ice than any standard Peninsula voyage

Best for: More time on the ice
Duration
11 days
Group
Max 98
Ship
St Helena
From
$8,790
Expedition Overview

OUR 11-DAY ANTARCTIC ADVENTURE TO THE EDGE OF THE WORLD.

Explore the untouched wilderness on our signature Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands trip. 

Tailored for adventurers keen to witness the continent’s breathtaking landscapes, captivating wildlife, and boundless opportunities for discovery, this journey offers thrilling activities such as kayaking, snowshoeing, and sailing through icy waters, ensuring each day is filled with unforgettable experiences.

This trip takes you further, gives you more time to explore than the standard Antarctic Peninsula trips.

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St Helena Terra Nova Expeditions Vessels

HIGHLIGHTS

Terra Nova — Trip Highlights
  • Explore the Antarctic Peninsula's dramatic icebergs and glaciers
  • Encounter abundant wildlife — penguins, seals, and whales at close range
  • Daily Zodiac landings and cruises for close-up wildlife encounters on shore
  • Kayaking through pristine Antarctic waters — included at no extra cost
  • Onboard sailing experience aboard Icebird — a perspective no large ship can offer
  • Expert-guided excursions into Antarctica's history, ecology, and wildlife

ITINERARY

  • Board the expedition vessel in the afternoon, where you'll meet your crew and fellow travellers. After settling into your cabin, the ship sets off along the picturesque Beagle Channel. Relish your first evening at sea as the southernmost tip of South America disappears from view.

  • Start your Antarctic adventure with a crossing of the Drake Passage, a vast stretch of open ocean that marks the Antarctic Convergence, where nutrient-rich waters sustain a vibrant ecosystem.

    While at sea, attend expert-led talks on Antarctica’s history, wildlife, and geology. Head to the open decks or the bridge to spot albatrosses, petrels, and even whales. Adventure activities, including navigation workshops and safety briefings for kayaking and snowshoeing, will also be held.

    By the end of Day 3, the first sighting of icebergs and snow-capped peaks will signal your arrival at the South Shetland Islands.

  • The core of the journey unfolds as you explore the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, with each day offering a blend of landings, zodiac cruises, and optional adventure activities.

    Highlights Include:

    Kayaking Among Icebergs: Paddle through tranquil waters, drifting past seals resting on ice floes and penguins diving in for a swim.

    Snowshoeing Adventures: Strap on snowshoes to explore pristine trails and reach panoramic viewpoints, offering breathtaking vistas of glaciers and peaks.

    Penguin Colonies: Visit expansive rookeries of Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie Penguins, watching their amusing behaviours as they care for their chicks or brave the frigid waters.

    Wildlife Encounters: Spot Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals lounging on ice or hunting in the water, with Minke and humpback whales often seen feeding nearby.

    With over 500 diverse landing sites along the Antarctic Peninsula, no two voyages are ever the same. Our expert team crafts each expedition based on conditions, weather, and opportunities for the most remarkable encounters. As passenger vessel traffic has increased in recent years, competition for landing sites has intensified—but our deep knowledge of this pristine region ensures you’ll embark on true exploratory journeys, venturing beyond the crowds.

     

    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.

    Join us for an adventure where the unknown awaits, and every landing is a moment of exploration.

  • As the expedition heads back north, there’s an opportunity for a final landing or zodiac cruise. Weather and ice conditions permitting, explore destinations like Brown Bluff, where towering cliffs and an Adélie penguin colony await, or Paulet Island, home to historic sites and abundant wildlife.

  • Relive your adventures as you cross the Drake Passage, keeping an eye out for seabirds and whales along the way. Take part in final lectures or workshops, and enjoy a celebratory dinner with your fellow travellers as you reflect on the unforgettable journey.

  • Arrive back in Ushuaia in the early morning. After breakfast, disembark with cherished memories of an epic Antarctic expedition and new stories to tell.

The above itinerary is a general guideline. Our precise route and activities will be adjusted to optimize wildlife viewing and adapt to prevailing weather and ice conditions.

The Captain and/or Expedition Leader will make necessary changes to ensure the best possible experience. A daily program will be provided onboard. Flexibility is essential for a successful expedition.

Terra Nova Expeditions Explorer

No extra charges. Just extra adventure.

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.

    All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, and house beer, wine, and soda during pre-dinner hours, plus crew gratuities.

  • Adventure activities.

    Kayaking, snowshoeing, camping, trekking, Zodiac cruises, yoga, and the polar plunge — all included.

  • Expert equipment.

    Loaned muck boots, weather gear, and a personal inner layer to keep. Plus access to the onboard doctor.

  • Expert guides.

    Expert-led shore excursions, daily lectures, and educational talks from naturalists, historians, and scientists.

Your ship — RMS St Helena

True expeditions, with no compromise on comfort.

Terra Nova — Ship Highlights
98
Guests
51
Cabins
12
Zodiacs
81
Crew
Cabins & suites
All en-suite with ocean views, updated in the 2022 refit. Single cabins with no supplement. Interconnecting cabins available for families and groups.
Onboard facilities
Panoramic observation lounges, two Jacuzzis, gym, spa, and a full science lab with a resident expert science team. More space per guest than almost any comparable vessel.
Built for this
Ice-strengthened hull, deep draft, and powerful engines built for the Southern Ocean. British built and flagged — purpose-made for long ocean voyages, not converted from a cruise ferry.
A ship with a story
Capacity for 150.
We carry 98.
The difference is yours.
British built & flagged No single supplement

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Some of our onboard team

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • We offer a range of solutions designed to meet your needs—whether you're just getting started or scaling something bigger. Everything is tailored to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

  • Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.

  • We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.

  • You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.

  • We offer flexible pricing based on project type and complexity. After an initial conversation, we’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.

  • Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving.