On Water Expeditions | Polar Cruises | Antarctica

Journey through the wildlife rich Antarctic Peninsula

Midnight sun over the entrance to the Lemaire Channel

A humpback breaches, Antarctica

The beauty of the vast Antarctic landscape

Kayaking in Antarctica | Shawn Weller

Carved iceberg, Antarctica | Peter Walton

Lonely Gentoo Penguin, Antarctic Peninsula | Peter Walton

Midnight sun over the entrance to the Lemaire Channel

A humpback breaches, Antarctica

The beauty of the vast Antarctic landscape

Kayaking in Antarctica | Shawn Weller

Carved iceberg, Antarctica | Peter Walton

Lonely Gentoo Penguin, Antarctic Peninsula | Peter Walton

12 Days$13650USD

View Inclusions

Activities

10 days expedition cruising plus optional kayaking

Accommodation

10 nights aboard Heritage Discoverer
1 night hotel in Ushuaia

Meals

11 Dinners
9 Lunches
11 Breakfasts

Trip highlights

Immerse yourself in the spectacular and varied landscapes
Explore the most accessible and wildlife-rich part of Antarctica - penguins, whales, seals, sea birds
Cruise through the cool waters viewing icebergs and active glaciers
Active scientific stations
Kayaking through Antarctic waters (optional charges apply)

Discover the extraordinary landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands on an immersive small-ship expedition. Crossing the legendary Drake Passage from Ushuaia, you'll journey into a world of towering glaciers, sculptured icebergs, snow-covered mountains and wildlife-rich coastlines, where every day offers new opportunities to experience one of the planet's most remarkable wilderness regions. Travelling aboard the ice-strengthened Heritage Discoverer, exploration takes place both on board and ashore. Frequent zodiac cruises, guided landings and scenic cruising allow you to experience Antarctica from every perspective, while the experienced expedition team interprets the region's wildlife, history and unique polar environment through shore excursions and onboard presentations. During the austral summer, long daylight hours maximise time spent exploring. Depending on conditions, the voyage may visit a range of spectacular locations across the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, where bustling penguin colonies, seals hauled out on the ice, feeding whales and dramatic glacial scenery create unforgettable encounters. Historic sites and former expedition bases add another dimension, offering insight into the rich legacy of Antarctic exploration. As with every true expedition, the route is shaped by weather, sea ice and wildlife. This flexibility allows the expedition team to adapt each day to the prevailing conditions, making the most of every opportunity for exploration while ensuring no two voyages are ever exactly the same.

Itinerary

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Day 1
Join Ushuaia overnight hotel

Arrive in Ushuaia, the gateway to the Southern Ocean, set between the Beagle Channel and the rugged peaks of the Martial Mountains. Surrounded by the wild landscapes of southern Patagonia, this remote frontier town marks the beginning of your expedition. On arrival, make your way to your hotel for an overnight stay. This evening, meet your fellow travellers and expedition team over a welcome dinner, where the journey ahead begins to take shape.

Meals: D

Day 2
In Ushuaia, embark Heritage Discoverer and set sail

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Ushuaia, with time to explore this remote Patagonian outpost at your own pace. Later, transfer to the port to board Heritage Discoverer, where the captain and expedition team will welcome you on board. Settle into your cabin and take time to familiarise yourself with the vessel before gathering in the observation lounge as you depart. As the ship navigates the Beagle Channel and leaves South America behind, we set our course for Antarctica and the South Shetland Islands.

Meals: B,D

Day 3-4
Drake passage

As you cross the legendary Drake Passage, enjoy a series of engaging presentations exploring the biology, wildlife and history of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, providing valuable insight into the remarkable region that lies ahead. Spend time on deck or in the Observation Lounge as you cross the Antarctic Convergence, where nutrient-rich waters attract an abundance of seabirds and cetaceans. With each passing mile, anticipation builds as you prepare for your first encounters with Antarctica.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5-9
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands

Spend the next several days exploring the extraordinary landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Long daylight hours maximise opportunities for Zodiac cruises, guided landings, scenic hikes and wildlife encounters, while the ever-changing light creates exceptional conditions for photography as glaciers, towering peaks and sculptured icebergs glow in shades of blue, silver and gold. Each day is shaped by the prevailing weather, sea ice and wildlife, allowing the expedition team to adapt the itinerary to make the most of conditions. Possible landing sites include Half Moon Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, Petermann Island, Port Lockroy, Paradise Bay, Cuverville Island and the Melchior Islands, each offering a unique combination of dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife and Antarctic history. Watch for Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie Penguins, Weddell, Leopard and Crabeater Seals, and whales feeding in the icy waters, while seabirds soar overhead. Whether cruising among towering icebergs, walking through bustling penguin colonies or simply pausing to absorb the silence of this frozen wilderness, every day reveals another unforgettable perspective of the White Continent.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 10-11
Drake Passage

On the return crossing of the Drake Passage towards Ushuaia, there is time to relax after the adventures of Antarctica and reflect on the remarkable experiences of the past few days. Keep watch for whales and seabirds from the deck, revisit your favourite photographs and enjoy the company of fellow travellers while sharing stories from the expedition. Take advantage of the opportunity to edit your photographs while the memories are still fresh, catch up on your travel journal and attend the final presentations from the expedition team, whose insights help bring your Antarctic experience into even greater perspective.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 12
Disembark in Ushuaia where trip concludes

Arrive back into Ushuaia this morning, where your journey comes to an end. After breakfast on board, disembark and transfer to Ushuaia Airport for your onward travels, farewelling your fellow travellers and expedition team. NB* In case of unexpected delays due to weather and/or port operations we ask you not to book any onward travel until after 12 noon. Note: During our voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed. This tour offers a variety of activities and excursions. Your personal interests will determine which of these you wish to join. Please note that some activities and excursions will run at similar times, and it will not be possible to participate in both. Accordingly, refunds for excursions and missed landings are not available. Voyages are planned and scheduled pending final regulatory approval.

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

11 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 11 dinners
1 night hotel accommodation in Ushuaia on twin share or single basis (depending on berth configuration chosen)
House beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Group transfer to the ship on day of embarkation
Comfortable cabin accommodation and use of all public areas on cruise
Specialist expedition staff
All sightseeing and shore excursions from the ship including the use of Zodiacs
Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services
Medical services. There is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board (charges may apply)
Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities
Rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise
Pre-departure information
Digital Voyage Log
Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport or hotel in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).

What's not included

Air transport and transfers before and after the cruises (except for pre-scheduled group transfers listed above)
Passport and vaccination charges, reciprocity fees and airport departure taxes
Accommodation and meals or other services not included in the ship cruise itinerary
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and celebrations
Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, travel insurance and items of a personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls
Customary end of voyage tips

What to Know Before You Join Us

Our voyages are designed for curious travellers — not just passengers. While our itineraries offer a range of activities, from gentle Zodiac cruises to more challenging hikes and paddles, it’s important to understand the nature of this experience before you join us. These expeditions are suitable for most travellers with an adventurous spirit, good health, and the ability to move confidently around a vessel — especially in variable weather and sea conditions. Some shore landings and excursions may involve uneven terrain, wet landings, or light scrambling. Boarding Zodiacs and navigating the ship may require balance and agility, though our experienced team is always on hand to assist. Each trip may include a variety of optional activities, most of which require no prior experience. You might find yourself kayaking past icebergs, snowshoeing across pristine landscapes, or even camping on the ice for a night under the stars. Of course, all activities are optional — you’re always welcome to stay aboard and enjoy the ship at your own pace. Not sure if this trip is right for you?

Get in touch with our team — we’re here to help you choose the experience that best suits your interests, comfort, and curiosity.

Vessel

Heritage Discoverer

Heritage Discoverer is a purpose-built expedition vessel designed for immersive exploration in remote and polar regions. Ice-strengthened for high-latitude operations, she combines a proven expedition pedigree with modern upgrades and refined onboard spaces. Carrying up to 130 guests, the vessel offers an intimate and flexible expedition experience, supported by a highly experienced crew and expedition team. Multiple viewing areas, including an observation lounge and open bridge access, ensure a constant connection to the surrounding environment, while a fleet of Zodiacs enables regular shore landings and close-up wildlife encounters. Onboard, spacious ocean-view staterooms and suites are complemented by relaxed dining areas, lecture facilities and wellness amenities, creating a comfortable base for exploration. Designed to balance capability and comfort, Heritage Discoverer is well suited to exploring some of the world’s most remote and compelling regions.

Cabins

Heritage Discoverer

Heritage Suites - 2 cabins

Located on Deck 7, Heritage Suites are 67m2 including a 15m2 furnished private balcony, living room with desk and sofa (converts to single bed), espresso machine, vanity table, walk-in closet and marble bathroom with separate shower and bathtub.

Heritage Discoverer

Worsley Suite - 2 cabins

Located on Deck 7, Worsley Suites are 57m2 including a 8m2 furnished private balcony, living room with desk and sofa (converts to single bed), espresso machine, vanity table, walk-in closet and marble bathroom with separate shower and bathtub.

Heritage Discoverer

Discovery Suite - 6 cabins

Located on Deck 5, Discovery Suites are 39m2 including a 1.5m2 French balcony, living room with desk and sofa (converts to single bed), vanity table, walk-in closet and marble bathroom with separate shower and bathtub.

Heritage Discoverer

Navigator Suite - 2 cabins

Located on Deck 7, Navigator Suites are 37m2 including an 8m2 furnished balcony, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with separate shower and bathtub.

Heritage Discoverer

Superior Balcony Stateroom - 8 cabins

Deck 5 Superior Balcony Staterooms are 19m2 -20m2 including a 1.5m2 French balcony, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with shower

Heritage Discoverer

Deck 4 Superior Single Staterooms - 6 cabins

Deck 4 Superior Single Staterooms are 16m2 - 18m2 and feature a large picture window, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with shower.

Heritage Discoverer

Deck 4 Superior Staterooms - 20 cabins

Deck 4 Superior Staterooms are 18m2 and feature a large picture window, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with shower.

Heritage Discoverer

Deck 3 Superior Single Staterooms - 4 cabins

Deck 3 Single Staterooms are 14m2 - 15m2 and feature two porthole windows, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with shower.

Heritage Discoverer

Deck 3 Superior Staterooms - 20 cabins

Deck 3 Superior Staterooms are 18m2 and feature a picture window, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with shower.

Departure dates

Notes

Kayak

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$13650USD

Options & Supplements*

Deck 4 Superior StateroomUSD$14200
Deck 3 Single StateroomUSD$15800
Superior Balcony StateroomUSD$16550
Deck 4 Superior Single StateroomUSD$16900
Discovery SuiteUSD$18500
Navigator SuiteUSD$19000
Worsley SuiteUSD$23000
Heritage SuiteUSD$23500
Kayaking optionUSD$1585

*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Antarctic Peninsula aboard Heritage Discoverer trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.