Exploring Antarctica

Both the Mediterranean and the Caribbean have traditionally been the most popular cruising grounds for luxury yacht charter. However, the more adventurous clients are increasingly looking to combine five star luxury with unique experiences, in far off destinations, including the Galapagos Islands and Antarctica.

My younger sister is currently travelling the world as a stewardess on board luxury super yachts. All the pictures featured in this article were taken by her whilst she enjoyed 24 hour daylight on board motor yacht HANSE EXPLORER in Antarctica.

Charterers interested in the suggested itinerary below will need to secure their bookings often years in advance, as there are only a handful of yachts capable of exploring these regions due to the ice breaking hull requirements.

Day 1: The South Shetland Islands 

These wildlife-rich islands are located at the very northern tip of Antarctica and are home to numerous penguin, elephant seal and seabird breeding colonies. Multinational scientific research stations are scattered throughout the islands, which offer the chance to wander through bustling penguin rookeries and get up close to southern elephant seals as they rest on the beach.

Day 2: Antarctic Sound and the Weddell Sea 

Known as “Iceberg Alley”, Antarctic Sound lies off the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, where massive tabular icebergs drift north from the Weddell Sea. South along the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula lies Snow Hill Island, home of the elusive Emperor Penguin. A colony of 4,000 breeding pairs of Emperor penguins has been discovered recently at Snow Hill Island and is undoubtedly the most accessible Emperor Penguin colony in the world! 

Day 3: Brown Bluff and exploring the Antarctic Peninsula 

Brown Bluff was formed by a subglacial volcanic eruption and is so named because of the huge cliff of volcanic rock that dominates this spectacular landing site. Located near the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, Brown Bluff is home to hundreds of Gentoo and Adélie penguins. Observe huge coastal glaciers spilling directly into the sea and get right up to an iceberg in the ship’s sea kayaks.

Day 4: Paradise Bay, Neumayer Channel and Port Lockroy 

Passing between the soaring cliffs of the majestic Neumayer Channel, you arrive at one of Antarctica’s most exciting anchorages, Port Lockroy. A designated Historic Site and part of the British Antarctic Territory, Port Lockroy also functions as a museum and is the only public post office on the Antarctic Peninsula. We visit a Gentoo penguin colony, view nesting Blue-eyed shags (cormorants) and witness reminders of past whaling activities. We may also pay a visit to Palmer Station - a modern Antarctic Research Station (USA). 

Day 5: Lemaire Channel, Petermann Island and Verdansky Station 

The Lemaire Channel (nicknamed ‘Kodak Gap’) is an iconic 11km stretch of water between the steeply plunging cliffs of Booth Island and the glaciated landscape of the Antarctic Peninsula. The Zodiacs on board allow you to cruise amongst the icebergs and look for close encounters with humpback whales, orca and seals that may be hauled out onto the ice. In the evening, we may visit Verdansky Scientific Research Station to get a taste of Ukrainian hospitality (and perhaps some home made Ukrainian Vodka!)

Day 6: Across the Antarctic Circle 

Sea and ice conditions permitting, HANSE EXPLORER is able to cross the Antarctic Circle and venture further south than most Antarctic ships ever venture (66° 33′ South). Some may choose to celebrate the crossing of the Antarctic Circle with a sub-zero polar plunge! … and then raise the body temperature again in the ship’s onboard sauna. With the mother ship parked in the edge of the ice floe, we set up camp for a night (not that it ever becomes very dark) camping out in Antarctica!

Day 7: A day in the Ice 

Spend the day revelling in the icy wonderland of the Deep South. Or if it is silent solitude you are after, you may prefer to slip quietly amongst the ice in the sea kayaks, keeping an eye out for wildlife as you go. Climb a snow-clad hill for sweeping views of the Antarctic Peninsula’s rugged icescape. At the end of the day, the captain may seek out some ‘fast ice’ - seawater that has frozen solid on the surface, and is also attached to the shore, holding it in place. Lower the gangway and walk straight out onto the ice for cocktails. In a land without marinas, it is certainly an advantage to be able to create your own wharf, wherever you please!

Day 8: The Gullet, Crystal Sound and the Fish Islands 

The Gullet is a narrow channel separating Adelaide Island from the Antarctic mainland. Notoriously difficult to pass through, the Gullett rewards adventurous navigators with spectacular views of the high mountains and tumbling glaciers on each side of the channel.

Please contact me for any further information on the detail listed above [email protected].