About this trip:
Join us on a unique expedition to the heart of uncharted Antarctica, where maps fail and the horizon still holds secrets. On this extraordinary journey, we navigate the unexplored waters around Lazarev Bay and the mysterious Glinka Islands, a region where old aerial photographs (1939–1941) serve as reference for existing charts.
Based on previous expeditions, we know that the official maps do not match what we actually see: islands appear where the charts show nothing, and positions can be off by several kilometers. This sets the perfect stage for a true exploration voyage. One where we may even chart new islands that have remained hidden beneath ice or simply went undocumented.
Ice and daylight permitting, we will sail among icebergs in the “iceberg graveyard” of Lazarev Bay, aiming to push further south toward these mysterious uncharted islands. Two of them are of significant size and may, in fact, be entirely new to the world. With an extended itinerary of 14 days, we create time for real exploration: time to embrace the unknown.
An expedition in the truest sense of the word, a chance to rediscover the White Continent. Perhaps together, we’ll write a new chapter in the history of Antarctica.
Day 1: Embarkation in Ushuaia
In the afternoon, we embark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world located at the Beagle Channel and sail through this scenic waterway for the rest of the evening.
Day 2 - 3: At sea
During these two days we sail across the Drake Passage. When we cross the Antarctic Convergence, we arrive in the circum-Antarctic up welling zone. In this area we may see Wandering Albatrosses, Grey Headed Albatrosses, Black- browed Albatrosses, Light- mantled Albatrosses, Cape Petrels, Southern Fulmars, Wilson’s Storm Petrels, Blue Petrels and Antarctic Petrels. Near the South Shetland Islands, we spot our first icebergs.
Day 4: Through the Pendleton Strait
Arriving at the Antarctic Peninsula near the Antarctic Circle. If sea ice conditions permit, you may continue through Pendleton Strait and attempt a landing at the rarely visited southern tip of Renaud Island. Here, you have the opportunity to encounter the first Adélie penguins of the voyage and enjoy spectacular views of icebergs in this surreal, snow-swept environment.
Later in the afternoon, we will continue our journey towards Adelaide Island and Marguerite Bay, crossing the Polar Circle. We will spend the night in the area of Crystal Sound, where the scenery is so captivating it may keep you awake into the early hours. This region also offers the chance to spot orcas, humpback whales, and minke whales.
Day 5 - 9: Into Marguerite Bay and sailing toward Lazarev Bay
We sail into the majestic Marguerite Bay, surrounded by ice-cloaked islands and soaring peaks. Wildlife sightings may include humpbacks, leopard seals, and possibly Adélie penguins. If ice allows, we may land at Pourquoi Pas or Horseshoe Island before continuing toward Lazarov Bay.
We navigate into Lazarev Bay and will explore this a remote area with its icebergs of all shapes and sizes dominate the landscape. Navigation is challenging, and if conditions are favorable, we’ll launch Zodiacs for a stunning ice cruise and prepare for deeper exploration. This is true expedition territory, raw, remote, and rarely visited.
Weather and ice permitting, we head even further south, aiming to reach islands never visited before. With every mile, we step deeper into the unknown, a voyage of discovery in the purest sense. In the evening, we begin repositioning northward, leaving behind the uncharted edges of Antarctica.
Day 10 - 11: The Gullet and Detaille Island
If conditions allow, we then sail through The Gullet, one of the most impressive narrow channels in Antarctic, with towering mountains either side, birds following the ship and playful penguins and seals frolicking in the water as we sail through this very special part of the journey. If ice conditions allow we will also carry out a landing or cruise in the afternoon.
We may make a landing at an abandoned British research station here, taking in the island’s lofty position and imposing glaciers scenery.
Day 12 - 14: Familiar seas, familiar friends
Your return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to you now, and you to them.
Day 15: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
We arrive in the morning in Ushuaia and disembark.
Departures & Prices -
Prices quoted below are per person based on 2 people sharing. Single occupancy is 1.7 times the twin share price. Cabin availability changes all the time so please contact us for up-to-date details and information on specific cabin availability.
Expedition Ship: Ortelius
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Start Date
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End Date
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Quad
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Triple Porthole
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Twin Porthole
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Twin Window
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Twin Deluxe
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Superior
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2026-02-18
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2026-03-04
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$12,100
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$14,850
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$14,850
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$15,450
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$16,750
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$17,950
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