St Helena and Icebird Yacht Expedition

Ultimate Antarctic Adventure:

St Helena and Icebird Yacht Expedition

Dec - Feb

From £16,460pp

Cruise-only

19 Nights

Antarctica

This expedition redefines what Antarctic exploration can be

Combining a classic expedition cruise to the White Continent with an exclusive polar sailing experience, this world-first Antarctic program goes beyond the limits of traditional expedition cruising. Designed for those who seek deeper immersion and rare access, this expedition offers extended time ashore, flexible routing dictated by conditions, and an unusually close relationship with the polar environment.

While St Helena provides the comfort and safety of a modern polar expedition vessel, five nights aboard Icebird offer a more intimate perspective. With just six guests on board, the yacht enables navigation through narrow channels, access to quieter anchorages and landings sites that are rarely possible for larger vessels.

This is an Antarctic expedition defined by flexibility, small-scale access and a deliberate approach to exploration.

Itinerary highlights

Experience twice the typical Antarctic landings aboard St Helena, complemented by sailing, kayaking, and guided hikes across pristine landscapes.

Spend five intimate evenings aboard Icebird, the expedition-equipped yacht, with just five fellow guests, sharing insights, observations, and reflections.

Join expert-led talks on Antarctic history, geology, wildlife, and conservation for deeper understanding of the region.

Capture extraordinary landscapes and wildlife during onboard photography workshops guided by experienced photographers.

Embark on daily Zodiac excursions to land on untouched beaches, explore glaciers, and encounter wildlife in its natural habitat.

Observe penguin colonies, seals, whales, and seabirds with guidance from seasoned polar experts.

This expedition redefines what Antarctic exploration can be

This is an Antarctic expedition defined by flexibility, small-scale access and a deliberate approach to exploration.

Itinerary highlights

Experience twice the typical Antarctic landings aboard St Helena, complemented by sailing, kayaking, and guided hikes across pristine landscapes.

Spend five intimate evenings aboard Icebird, the expedition-equipped yacht, with just five fellow guests, sharing insights, observations, and reflections.

Join expert-led talks on Antarctic history, geology, wildlife, and conservation for deeper understanding of the region.

Capture extraordinary landscapes and wildlife during onboard photography workshops guided by experienced photographers.

Embark on daily Zodiac excursions to land on untouched beaches, explore glaciers, and encounter wildlife in its natural habitat.

Observe penguin colonies, seals, whales, and seabirds with guidance from seasoned polar experts.

Day 1

Ushuaia, Argentina

Step aboard your expedition vessel this afternoon and meet the crew and fellow travellers who will share this remarkable journey. As you settle into your cabin, the ship glides along the stunning Beagle Channel, framed by jagged peaks and shimmering waters. Feel the excitement build as Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, slowly fades from view. On deck, watch the sky change with the evening light, and let the crisp southern air hint at the adventures to come. Tonight, as the ship sails into open waters, you can already sense that something extraordinary awaits just beyond the horizon.

Day 2-3

Drake Passage

The voyage continues across the Drake Passage, a broad stretch of open ocean where cold Antarctic waters meet those from the south, sustaining a rich and varied ecosystem. Spend your days on deck or in the bridge, observing albatrosses and petrels gliding effortlessly, with the occasional whale surfacing nearby. Expert talks provide insight into the region’s history, wildlife, and geology, while optional sessions introduce navigation, kayaking, and snowshoeing techniques in preparation for the days ahead. As you approach the South Shetland Islands, the first icebergs and distant snow-capped peaks emerge on the horizon, marking the subtle but unmistakable arrival into Antarctic waters.

Day 4-7

Antarctic Peninsula

The core of your expedition unfolds along the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, with each day shaped by landings, zodiac excursions, and the opportunities the environment presents. There is ample chance to join included activities such as kayaking among icebergs, drifting past seals and penguins; snowshoeing across pristine trails to panoramic viewpoints; photography workshops to capture the subtle beauty of ice and wildlife; and yoga onboard for quiet reflection. Guided by an experienced crew, you’ll navigate ice-choked channels, visit penguin colonies, and observe seals and whales in their natural habitat. Each day blends thoughtful exploration with moments of discovery, offering a measured and immersive Antarctic experience.

Day 8-12

Onboard Icebird

Disembark from your ship and join just five fellow guests aboard Icebird, a sturdy, expedition-equipped yacht, for a five-night sailing journey into the Antarctic Peninsula’s most remote corners. This participatory voyage encourages you to take part in sailing the yacht under the captain’s guidance. Over the coming days, explore hidden channels, secluded bays, and remote anchorages unreachable by larger ships, with daily zodiac excursions to untouched beaches and glacial landscapes. Paddle among icebergs on weather-permitting sea kayaking trips, hike across pristine terrain to penguin colonies, historic huts, and icy viewpoints, and follow a flexible program that adapts to the best conditions for wildlife and sailing. Evenings are spent sharing hearty meals prepared and enjoyed together, offering incredible photography sessions and the rare camaraderie of a true micro-expedition.

Day 13-17

Antarctic Peninsula

Back on board St Helena, the ship continues its journey along the Antarctic Peninsula, heading northward. Days are spent sharing stories with fellow travellers and the crew, reflecting on the landscapes and wildlife encountered along the way. There are opportunities to revisit favourite spots by zodiac, join photography workshops, or simply watch the shifting ice and coastline from the deck. The quiet rhythm of life at sea allows time to observe seabirds, spot passing whales, or enjoy yoga and other onboard activities. Each day unfolds at a measured pace, offering a final chance to connect with the Antarctic environment before the voyage draws gradually toward its conclusion.

Day 18-19

Drake Passage

As the ship retraces its course across the Drake Passage, take time to reflect on your Antarctic journey. Seabirds glide alongside the vessel, and whales may appear in the open waters, offering quiet moments of connection with the ocean. Onboard lectures and workshops provide a final opportunity to deepen your understanding of the region, while the evenings are for sharing stories and memories with fellow travellers. A celebratory dinner marks the conclusion of the expedition, bringing the voyage to a thoughtful and convivial close as the horizon slowly shifts, and the journey northward carries you toward familiar shores once more.

Day 20

Ushuaia, Argentina

Arrive back in Ushuaia in the early morning, as the familiar landscape slowly comes into view. After breakfast on board, disembark with a sense of quiet reflection, carrying memories of the Antarctic’s ice, wildlife, and stillness. Conversations and shared stories linger as you step ashore, bringing with you a new perspective and experiences to cherish long after the voyage concludes.

What's Included

Fully serviced cabins on St Helena and Icebird
Guided shore landings, scenic Zodiac cruises, and immersive walks ashore
Adventure activities such as kayaking, snowshoeing, camping, polar plunge, trekking and yoga, subject to weather and operational conditions
Experienced expedition team of expert guides, polar specialists, and respected scientists
Educational lectures and expert guiding throughout the voyage
Daily meals and snacks with tea and coffee, house beer, wine, and soft drinks served at lunch and dinner
Loan of expedition muck boots and outer weather gear
Complimentary basic Wi-Fi
Crew gratuities and port fees

Dates & Pricing

Interested in joining? Call us to explore your options and plan your Antarctic adventure with expert guidance.

28 Dec '26 - 16 Jan '27 from £16,460 pp

6 Jan '27 - 25 Jan '27 from £16,460 pp

16 Jan '27 - 4 Feb '27 from £16,460 pp

25 Jan '27 - 14 Feb '27 from £16,460 pp

What's Included

Fully serviced cabins on St Helena and Icebird
Guided shore landings, scenic Zodiac cruises, and immersive walks ashore
Adventure activities such as kayaking, snowshoeing, camping, polar plunge, trekking and yoga, subject to weather and operational conditions
Experienced expedition team of expert guides, polar specialists, and respected scientists
Educational lectures and expert guiding throughout the voyage
Daily meals and snacks with tea and coffee, house beer, wine, and soft drinks served at lunch and dinner
Loan of expedition muck boots and outer weather gear
Complimentary basic Wi-Fi
Crew gratuities and port fees

Dates & Pricing

Interested in joining? Call us to explore your options and plan your Antarctic adventure with expert guidance.

28 Dec '26 - 16 Jan '27 from £16,460 pp

6 Jan '27 - 25 Jan '27 from £16,460 pp

16 Jan '27 - 4 Feb '27 from £16,460 pp

25 Jan '27 - 14 Feb '27 from £16,460 pp

Curate your exclusive expedition

Let’s get started. Share your details below and your personal Expedition Expert will be in touch to design your dream adventure.

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Speak to one of our team

+44 (0)808 164 4210

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Every journey I plan starts with a conversation. Tell me what excites you, what you've always dreamed of experiencing, and I'll craft something extraordinary. The best expeditions begin with a single question: What would make this unforgettable for you?

Ashley | Expedition Planner

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FAQs

Have questions about your Antarctic adventure? Our FAQs and team are here to help every step of the way.

What are St Helena and Icebird?

Who operates these ships?

Can you assist with pre- and post-cruise arrangements?

Are meals provided onboard?

How are dietary requirements handled?

What clothing and gear should passengers bring?

Are there physical requirements to join Ultimate Antarctica Adventure?

What happens if someone feels unwell onboard Icebird?

St Helena and Icebird Yacht Expedition

Ultimate Antarctic Adventure: