Upcoming Expeditions 2020/21

Expedition Overview:

We shall meet in Ushuaia, at the southern tip of Argentina, and after a day of preparations and packing Icebird, sail past Cape Horn and across the Drake Passage to Antarctica. We shall make landfall near Anvers Island and then start to explore the many coves, islands and fjords along the Antarctic Peninsula. As we explore the Antarctic Peninsula ski ascents will be attempted of multiple peaks. Most ascents will be single-day tours from the yacht, while more remote peaks will require dragging sleds across glaciers to establish a base-camp for a few days. The exact locations will depend on the weather and sea-ice conditions, which vary greatly from year to year.

During rest days, or when the weather is not suitable for ski touring, we will be able to take to the sea kayaks to explore more of the coast-line. Sea kayaking is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the glaciers and ice, and to see the abundant wildlife that Antarctica has to offer.

Expedition Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia. Meet team and spend night in cabana/hotel.
Day 2: Day in Ushuaia. Prepare equipment and practice glacier crossing and crevasse rescue skills.
Day 3: Pack Icebird and set sail along the Beagle Channel.
Day 4-7: Sail to Antarctica across the Drake Passage. This usually takes 3 to 4 days.
Day 8-24: Ski mountaineering along the Antarctic Peninsula.
Day 25-28: Sail across the Drake Passage.
Day 29: Arrive in Ushuaia. Spend night in cabana/hotel.
Day 30: Depart Ushuaia.

Expedition Overview:

We shall meet in Ushuaia, at the southern tip of Argentina, and after a day of preparations and packing Icebird, sail past Cape Horn and across the Drake Passage to Antarctica. We shall make landfall near Anvers Island and then start to explore the many coves, islands and fjords along the Antarctic Peninsula. As we explore the Antarctic Peninsula ski ascents will be attempted of multiple peaks. Most ascents will be single-day tours from the yacht, while more remote peaks will require dragging sleds across glaciers to establish a base-camp for a few days. The exact locations will depend on the weather and sea-ice conditions, which vary greatly from year to year.

During rest days, or when the weather is not suitable for ski touring, we will be able to take to the sea kayaks to explore more of the coast-line. Sea kayaking is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the glaciers and ice, and to see the abundant wildlife that Antarctica has to offer.

Expedition Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia. Meet team and spend night in cabana/hotel.
Day 2: Day in Ushuaia. Prepare equipment and practice glacier crossing and crevasse rescue skills.
Day 3: Pack Icebird and set sail along the Beagle Channel.
Day 4-7: Sail to Antarctica across the Drake Passage. This usually takes 3 to 4 days.
Day 8-25: Ski mountaineering along the Antarctic Peninsula.
Day 26-29: Sail across the Drake Passage.
Day 30: Arrive in Ushuaia. Spend night in cabana/hotel.
Day 31: Depart Ushuaia.

Expedition Overview:

March is a fantastic time of year to visit the Antarctic Peninsula. At this time of year vast numbers of humpback whales congregate to feed on the abundant krill along the Antarctic Peninsula. Penguin chicks are starting to fledge and make their first leaps into the sea. And sea-ice is at its minimum, making it easier and safer to travel further south.

We shall meet in Ushuaia, at the southern tip of Argentina, and after a day of preparations and packing Icebird, sail past Cape Horn and across the Drake Passage to Antarctica. Landfall is usually made near Anvers Island before heading to a sheltered anchorage for a well-earned meal and drink, and then start preparations for our kayak journey. Our plan, depending on weather and conditions, is to start at Enterprise Island at the northern end of Wilhelmina Bay, and then gradually head south, passing through the stunning landscapes of the Errera Channel, Paradise Harbour and the Lemaire Channel to reach the Ukrainean research station of Vernadskiy. Sea kayaking is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the glaciers and ice in total silence, and to see the abundant wildlife that Antarctica has to offer.

Icebird will be on hand for the duration of the journey, whether for a rest, or to supply us with fresh pizzas and cakes. We have the option and the equipment to camp out, or to use Icebird as a more comfortable mobile base camp to return to in the evenings. The advantage of having a comfortable support yacht is that the choice is yours as to how strenuous and adventurous you want to make it!

During rest days, or when the weather is not suitable for kayaking, we will visit historic areas, wildlife sites, and research bases.

Expedition Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia. Meet team and spend night in cabana/hotel.
Day 2: Pack Icebird and set sail along the Beagle Channel.
Day 3-7: Sail to Antarctica across the Drake Passage. This usually takes 3 to 4 days.
Day 8-24: Sea kayak along the Antarctic Peninsula.
Day 25-28: Sail across the Drake Passage.
Day 29: Arrive in Ushuaia. Spend night in cabana/hotel.
Day 30: Depart Ushuaia.