Upcoming Expeditions 2021/22

Expedition Overview:

This year we are planning a longer expedition to South Georgia in order to explore some of the remoter mountains at the southern end of this wonderful island. We shall start the trip by following Shackleton's epic crossing of South Georgia, and then head south, weather permitting, to the Salvesen range to explore some of the island's other glaciers and mountains on ski, in addition to visiting some of the island's remarkable historic and wildlife areas. South Georgia is one of the most remarkable places on earth. Steeped in colourful history, this remote mountainous island is home to a breathtaking amount of wildlife.

We shall meet in Stanley in the Falkland Islands, and after a day of preparations sail east to South Georgia. Depending on weather, we hope to land at King Haakon Bay on the south coast, where Shackleton commenced his famous traverse of the island. The traverse should take four to five days, and if conditions allow we hope to ski some of the summits along the route.

Icebird will pick us up at the abandoned whaling station of Stromness, where Shackleton finished his traverse. We shall then sail southwards along the coast of South Georgia, making landings as the weather allows. There are numerous glaciers and bays that we can explore on ski, and colonies of King and Macaroni penguins to visit, as well as the abandoned whaling station of Grytviken.

Further information about our 2018 South Georgia Ski Expedition.

View South Georgia on Google Maps.

Want to know what crossing South Georgia is like? Read about our 2014 Crossing of South Georgia.

Expedition Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Stanley. Meet team and spend night on Icebird.
Day 2: Day in Stanley. Prepare equipment and practice glacier crossing and crevasse rescue skills.
Day 3-6: Sail to South Georgia across the South Atlantic. This usually takes 4 to 5 days.
Day 7-8: Arrive in South Georgia and sail towards King Haakon Bay.
Day 9-14: Crossing of South Georgia via Shackleton's route.
Day 15-16: Rest day, then ski from Maikviken to Grytviken.
Day 17-18: Exploration and ski tours in Cumberland Bay.
Day 19: A day at the King Penguin colony in St Andrews Bay.
Day 20-30: Exploration and ski tours in Drygalski Fjord and the SE end of South Georgia.
Day 31-35: Return to Stanley (Falkland Islands).
Day 36: Depart Stanley.

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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.

Join this Expedition

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.

Join this Expedition

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.

Join this Expedition