Ultimate Antarctic Adventure
CRUISE TO ANTARCTICA
& SAIL ON THE ICEBIRD
Experience Antarctica like few ever will on this exclusive expedition. Enjoy the comfort and camaraderie of St Helena, paired with a rare five-night adventure aboard Icebird. A small sailing yacht exploring the remote Antarctic Peninsula with just five fellow guests.
Designed for true explorers seeking immersion, flexibility, and raw adventure, this journey offers the ultimate polar experience: crossing the Drake Passage in comfort, followed by the serenity of Antarctica aboard a six-passenger yacht. **
Please note: this itinerary includes an additional Medical and Physical Assessment Form review for potential passengers.
For a taste of Antarctic sailing without the full expedition, check out our day sail options available on select departures.
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20 Days/19 Nights
(21 Days/20 Nights in case of our 25 February 2027 departure) -
Experience twice the typical Classic Antarctic landings and wildlife encounters aboard St Helena.
Enjoy sailing, kayaking, and hiking through pristine, untouched landscapes!Benefit from expert guides, personalized experiences, and seamless reconnections with St Helena.
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Get up close with abundant wildlife, including penguins, seals & whales.
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ST HELENA
Her open decks, generous observation lounges, and expedition-ready features provide an ideal platform for wildlife encounters, landings, and immersive exploration.
Inviting social spaces and panoramic observation areas
Two Jacuzzis, sauna and ample deck space
Full science lab set up, and active science taking place with our resident expert science team.
THE ICEBIRD
Purpose-built for polar conditions, she’s classified for operation in all oceans — including the Arctic and Antarctic.
Her heated, double-glazed pilothouse saloon offers panoramic views of the spectacular Antarctic landscapes
Fully insulated and climate controlled with a hot water radiator system and air conditioning throughout, Icebird ensures comfort even in the harshest conditions — right down to heated towel rails in the bathrooms.
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Accommodation: Fully serviced cabins.
Meals: Daily meals, snacks, tea, coffee, and house beer, soda, and wine during lunch and dinner.
Shore Excursions: Guided walks, daily shore excursions, and Zodiac cruises.
Adventure Activities: Sailing, Kayaking, Snowshoeing, Camping, Polar Plunge, Trekking and Yoga (Subject to weather and operational conditions)
Expedition Team: Led by experienced guides.
Lectures: Educational talks and expert guiding services.
Expedition Equipment: Loaned muck boots and access to the onboard doctor and medical clinic.
Pre-departure Info: Comprehensive materials and an Antarctic booklet.
Port Fees: Includes port surcharges, permits, and landing fees.
Wi-Fi: Basic Wi-Fi complimentary; upgrades available for a fee.
Crew Tips/ Gratuities
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Crafted for true explorers, this one-of-a-kind expedition is for those who value intimacy, flexibility, and deep connection with the wild. If the idea of sailing the Antarctic Peninsula on a six-passenger yacht, experiencing nature on its terms, and sharing it with just a handful of fellow adventurers excites you, this is your rare chance to live Antarctica like few ever will.
HIGHLIGHTS
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Disembark your ship and join just five other guests aboard Icebird, a sturdy, expedition-equipped sailing yacht built for polar conditions. Your six-night yacht expedition into the Peninsula’s remote waters begins.For the next five days, immerse yourself fully in Antarctica’s wild side:
Sailing deep into narrow channels, secluded bays, and remote anchorages unreachable by larger vessels.
Zodiac excursions daily to land on untouched beaches and explore stunning glaciers.
Sea kayaking opportunities (weather permitting) to paddle quietly among icebergs and wildlife.
Guided hikes across pristine Antarctic terrain, visiting penguin colonies, historic huts, and icy vantage points.
Flexible daily program — follow the best conditions and maximize your exploration, with the freedom to stay longer where nature calls.
Evenings aboard Icebird offer hearty meals, incredible photography sessions, and the rare camaraderie of a true micro-expedition.
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Back onboard your ship, join with crew and passengers and share tales of your sailing adventure as we continue to explore the Antarctic peninsula and head northward.
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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.
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Arrive back in Ushuaia in the early morning. After breakfast, disembark with cherished memories of an epic Antarctic expedition and new stories to tell.
ITINERARY
Please note: The itinerary is a general guide. Routes and activities may change to maximize wildlife viewing and adapt to weather and ice conditions. The Captain and Expedition Leader will make adjustments as needed. A daily program will be provided onboard. Flexibility is important for a successful expedition. Please note that Icebird has shared facilities and is a different type of vessel than St Helena. Trip length may vary from 20 days depending on the operating schedule.
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Icebird is a small, expedition sailing yacht offering highly immersive Antarctic experiences in an intimate, adventure-focused setting. With a maximum of six guests on Ultimate Antarctica (eight on Day Sailing experiences), voyages are flexible, hands-on, and designed for those seeking a deeper connection to the Antarctic environment.
Icebird operates in two formats:
Day Sailing Experiences – short, immersive day trips from St. Helena.
Ultimate Antarctica Adventure – a 21-day expedition including five nights onboard Icebird, with the remaining nights aboard St. Helena. This combination delivers both the comfort of a larger expedition vessel and the uniquely close-to-nature experience of sailing Antarctica on a small yacht.
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Icebird offers a much more personal and immersive experience. With only six to eight guests onboard, you are closer to the water, closer to wildlife, and able to access locations and perspectives not possible from a larger ship. The experience is highly bespoke and hands-on.
Guests may actively participate in expedition sailing, an exclusive experience that is always weather and conditions dependent, as well as enjoy small-group kayaking, snowshoeing, and hiking in carefully selected locations. Special group activity arrangements may be possible on request; please enquire in advance.
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Quad Share: $21,080 per person
Guests booking Quad Share will have an upper or lower berth in a quad cabin on St. Helena. On Icebird, solo travellers will be allocated an upper or lower berth, while two guests travelling together will share a double bed. Both ships accommodate four guests per cabin, both with a private bathroom.Upgrade Option for guests in Quad Share on St. Helena:
Twin occupancy +$2,000 per person
Double Private: $25,380 per personIncludes a private double-occupancy cabin on both St. Helena and Icebird.
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Yes, meals are included onboard Icebird as part of the Ultimate Antarctica itinerary, with a dedicated chef onboard.
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Yes. Soft drinks, house wine, and beer are included. Cocktails and spirits are available at an additional charge. A detailed bar menu will be provided prior to departure.
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Dietary requirements and allergies must be communicated well in advance and will be assessed before booking confirmation. Complex or lifestyle-based diets may not always be accommodated.
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Guests may actively participate in expedition sailing, an exclusive experience that is always weather and conditions dependent, as well as enjoy small-group kayaking, snowshoeing, and hiking in carefully selected locations. Special group activity arrangements may be possible on request; please enquire in advance.
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Yes, conditions permitting.
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Skiing and other special activities may be offered on select charters, subject to conditions and availability of a qualified guide. Please enquire in advance.
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A detailed gear list will be provided before departure. In general:
Muck boots (provided from St. Helena)
Waterproof outer layers and gloves
Crocs or similar onboard footwear
Soft bags and a large daypack (max 15 kg)
Hard luggage is stored onboard St. Helena
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Guests must have a reasonable level of physical fitness. Significant mobility limitations or severe health conditions may prevent participation.
All guests travelling onboard Icebird must complete a medical questionnaire prior to booking confirmation.
Due to the remote nature and limitations of operating from a small sailing yacht, Terra Nova Expeditions and Icebird operators reserve the right to decline participation if a guest’s medical or physical condition is deemed unsuitable for safe participation.
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Guests can be transferred back to St. Helena via zodiac if required. Icebird maintains communication with nearby vessels to ensure rapid support in case of emergency.
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Before confirming your booking, Terra Nova Expeditions and the operators of Icebird will review your application, medical questionnaire, and physical fitness information to ensure the expedition is suitable and safe for all participants. Confirmation will be provided once these assessments are complete.
FAQs
EXPLORE ST HELENA
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Spacious, newly updated cabins, with ocean views. Modern and well appointed she offers best in class accomodation. All cabins and suites have ensuite bathrooms, and some interconnecting cabins are available in the Twin Odyssey class. Triple and quadruple cabins are perfect for solo travelers or are ideal for families or groups seeking shared accommodations during polar expeditions. Single cabins are also available with no supplement.
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Her open decks, generous observation lounges, and expedition-ready features provide an ideal platform for wildlife encounters, landings, and immersive exploration.
Inviting social spaces and large panoramic observation areas.
A relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with an expert team onboard
Full suite of adventure options
Two Jacuzzis, gym and spa.
Full science lab set up, and active science taking place with our resident expert science team.
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With capacity for 150 but carrying just 98 guests, St Helena blends traditional seafaring heritage with a contemporary expedition experience. Her recent refit in 2022 has introduced refined touches throughout, from modern cabin furnishings to enhanced public spaces, creating an atmosphere of modern comfort and style. Built in the UK the St Helena is a rugged, versatile expedition platform and truly unique in the Antarctic world.
Perfectly suited for adventurous voyages, her ice-strengthened hull, deep draft, and powerful engines make her ideal for navigating the remote and rugged coastlines of Antarctica, the South Atlantic, and beyond. Her open decks, generous observation lounges, and expedition-ready features provide an ideal platform for wildlife encounters, landings, and immersive exploration.
With a soul steeped in maritime history and a future set for discovery, St Helena offers a rare opportunity to explore the world’s most extraordinary destinations in style, safety, and comfort.
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Guests can look forward to expert-led excursions, including zodiac cruises, guided landings, sailing, camping, and kayaking — bringing you up close to awe-inspiring landscapes and extraordinary wildlife. With a dedicated team of knowledgeable expedition leaders, naturalists, and seasoned crew members, the St Helena promises an unforgettable exploration experience that blends adventure with superior hospitality.
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Quad Share: Guests booking Quad Share will have either an upper or lower berth in a quad cabin on St. Helena. On Icebird, solo travellers will be assigned an upper or lower berth, while two guests travelling together will share a double bed. On both vessels, cabins accommodate a total of four guests, each cabin has a private en-suite bathroom.
Double Private: Guest booking Double Private will have a private double-occupancy cabin on both St. Helena and Icebird. Cabins feature two lower single beds on St. Helena and a double bed on Icebird. Both cabins with their own en-suite bathroom.
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Fully insulated and climate-controlled, with a hot water radiator system and air conditioning throughout, Icebird ensures comfort even in the harshest conditions, right down to heated towel rails in the bathrooms. Her aft garage provides generous storage for expedition equipment: a rigid aluminium-hulled inflatable boat, skis, kayaks, diving gear, and everything needed to make the most of the remote places you’ll explore.
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Purpose-built for polar conditions, she’s classified for operation in all oceans — including the Arctic and Antarctic. Icebird’s ice-reinforced aluminium hull features six watertight compartments for maximum safety. Her heated, double-glazed pilothouse saloon offers panoramic views of the spectacular Antarctic landscapes as the yacht navigates through ice and sea.
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Step aboard Icebird, our private sailing vessel. Designed for just six passengers, this intimate experience offers a rare chance to explore Antarctica’s hidden corners. From secluded bays and towering icebergs to wildlife-rich shores unreachable by larger ships. Led by expert guides, you’ll enjoy a quieter, more personal connection with the White Continent, sailing sustainably through its pristine waters.
Please note: the exact sailing itinerary is weather-dependent and will be confirmed during the voyage.
EXPLORE ICEBIRD
Double Private Cabins
Guest booking Double Private will have a private double-occupancy cabin on both St. Helena and Icebird. Cabins feature two lower single beds on St. Helena and a double bed on Icebird.
Both cabins come with their own en-suite bathroom.
Cabin layout on St Helena
Cabin layout on the Icebird
Quad Share Cabins
Cabin Layout on St Helena
Guests booking Quad Share will have either an upper or lower berth in a quad cabin on St. Helena.
On Icebird, solo travellers will be assigned an upper or lower berth, while two guests travelling together will share a double bed.
On both vessels, cabins accommodate a total of four guests, each cabin has a private en-suite bathroom.
Cabin Layout on Icebird
EXPLORE MORE
DESTINATIONS
Explore remote destinations, from polar wildernesses to breathtaking landscapes, each promising adventure and unforgettable memories.
DISCOVER
THE ACTIVITIES
The ideal base to fully experience Antarctica, with a variety of thrilling activities like sailing, kayaking, wildlife encounters, and more, all crafted to deepen your exploration.
EXPERIENCE LIFE
ONBOARD
A meticulously designed daily schedule that blends adventure and relaxation, creating lasting connections with the Antarctic landscape and fellow explorers.