Antarctica Expedition: 10 Days at Sea (Trip Report)
TLDR
This 10-day expedition to Antarctica was an absolutely unforgettable experience! We explored the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands aboard the M/V Ushuaia, surrounded by stunning glaciers, incredible wildlife like penguins, seals, and whales, and breathtaking icy landscapes. Highlights included snowshoeing at Portal Point, a polar plunge at Vidt Point, and sailing through the majestic Lemaire Channel. The crew was fantastic, the food was decent (even with vegan options), and I met amazing people from all over the world. Pricing starts at $4,300 for the tour, with optional clothing rentals ($150) and tips for the crew ($100). If you’ve ever thought about visiting Antarctica, don’t hesitate—I even made a video about it, so you can see all the beauty and excitement yourself!
Full story
Over 10 incredible days, we sailed aboard the M/V Ushuaia, exploring some of the most remote and stunning places on Earth. From the moment we left Ushuaia, Argentina, and crossed the Drake Passage, I knew this trip would be something special.
We were surrounded by towering glaciers, massive icebergs, and untouched wilderness. Wildlife was everywhere—Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adelie penguins waddling around in their colonies, Weddell seals resting on ice, and even humpback whales feeding in the bays. Every day felt like a new chapter in the best nature documentary ever.
Day-by-Day Highlights
Drake Passage: The adventure began with the famous Drake Passage. The crossing wasn’t too rough (thankfully), so we had time to settle in, meet the crew, and attend some fascinating lectures about glaciers and Antarctic wildlife.
Halfmoon Island: Our first landing on Halfmoon Island welcomed us with stunning views of glaciers and lively penguin colonies. Walking among the Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins while surrounded by icy peaks was a magical experience.
Hydrurga Rocks: This rocky area was home to Weddell seals and busy penguins building their nests. We even spotted a rare Adelie penguin, which was a treat!
Portal Point (First Continental Landing): Stepping onto the Antarctic continent for the first time was surreal. We went snowshoeing across pristine snowfields, feeling like true explorers venturing into uncharted territory.
Andvord Bay & Vidt Point: Zodiac cruises in Andvord Bay brought us close to stunning glaciers and feeding humpback whales. Later, at Vidt Point, we did something I’ll never forget: the polar plunge. Jumping into freezing Antarctic waters was crazy, but it was also an unforgettable thrill.
Port Lockroy: This historic research station offered a unique glimpse into Antarctic exploration history. We sent postcards from the world’s southernmost post office—such a cool experience! The nearby penguin colonies added to the charm.
Lemaire Channel: The narrow Lemaire Channel was jaw-droppingly beautiful. With towering ice-covered cliffs on both sides and icebergs floating by, it felt like sailing through a frozen dream.
Petermann Island: Home to Adelie and Gentoo penguin colonies, Petermann Island offered peaceful hikes and stunning views of glaciers and mountains. The sounds of glaciers cracking in the distance added to the surreal atmosphere.
Foyn Port: A historic whaling site, Foyn Port was both fascinating and haunting. We saw the remains of an old whaling ship, now home to nesting seabirds, and learned about Antarctica’s whaling history.
Return Journey (King George Island & Drake Passage): A medical evacuation at King George Island delayed our schedule slightly, but the crew handled it with professionalism and care. During the return across the Drake Passage, we enjoyed more lectures, shared stories, and started to reflect on the incredible adventure we’d just experienced.
The ship and the people
The M/V Ushuaia was our cozy base for the journey. The food onboard was decent—not amazing but not bad either. They even provided vegan and vegetarian options, which was great to see.
What made the trip extra special was the people. The crew was outstanding—professional, friendly, and always ready to help. I also met some amazing fellow travelers, adventurers from all over the world. It was inspiring to share this journey with people who had such diverse stories and perspectives. We formed a little community on that ship, and I’ll always cherish those connections.
Pricing and practical info
Tour Cost: $4,300 (includes food, lectures, and all activities).
• Booked through: Antarctica Cruises
• Contact person: Gavin, Email: [email protected]
Clothing Rental: $150 for warm, waterproof gear (essential!).
• Rented from: Ushuaia Gear Rental.
Tips for the Crew: $100 recommended (and they totally deserve it).
This doesn’t include flights to/from Ushuaia or personal expenses, but the experience is worth every penny!
This trip to Antarctica was everything I dreamed of and more. The untouched beauty of the icy landscapes, the incredible wildlife, and the unique experiences (like the polar plunge!) made it a journey I’ll never forget.
If you’ve ever thought about visiting Antarctica, do it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will change the way you see the world.
I made a video about trip with beautiful nature and wildlife shots: