Inspiration
Antarctica Active: an immersive polar adventure
If you’ve ever dreamt of walking where few have stepped, this all-inclusive Antarctic expedition offers the rare chance to do just that- on foot, by kayak, even sleeping under the stars on the ice.
Where the world falls quiet
Over 14 extraordinary days, you’ll experience the true majesty of the White Continent not just from the deck of a ship, but through a collection of expertly guided adventures designed to bring you closer to its towering icebergs, curious wildlife and raw, untouched wilderness.
From snowshoeing and snorkelling to paddling through glassy, iceberg-studded waters, this is Antarctica at its most exhilarating – and most personal.
- Ushuaia
- Drake Passage
- The Antarctic Peninsula
Pauline Duffin
Pauline specialises in designing highly-personalised adventures, guided by her decades of travel expertise. With a focus on India, South East Asia and South America and a deep love of African safaris, she's renowned for her finely-tuned ability to create experiences that reflect your unique interests.
Ushuaia
This afternoon, visit the expedition hospitality desk to collect your welcome pack, meet your fellow travellers and confirm your preferences for the journey ahead. You can also opt into an easygoing pre-embarkation tour to nearby Lake Escondido.
The rest of the day is yours to settle in. Perhaps enjoy a drink at the hotel, take in the views of the Beagle Channel, or explore the cafés and boutiques of Ushuaia’s charming main street.
Tonight, you’ll sleep with the exhilarating knowledge that tomorrow, you sail south – to the last great wilderness on earth.
Drake Passage
Board your vessel and meet the friendly crew who’ll be guiding your polar adventure. After settling into your cabin, join your fellow explorers on deck as you pull away from the coast of Tierra del Fuego and begin your journey across the legendary Drake Passage.
These two days at sea are your opportunity to ease into the rhythm of expedition life. Attend expert-led lectures, learn about the continent’s unique wildlife and history and receive your essential biosecurity and safety briefings.
Keep an eye out for seabirds gliding effortlessly alongside the ship – albatrosses and petrels are a regular sight here. When you’re not taking in the views, you might unwind in the sauna, take a dip in the jacuzzi or enjoy a quiet drink in the observation lounge.
As you edge closer to Antarctica, the air sharpens and the horizon shifts. The sight of your first iceberg marks the start of something extraordinary.
Kayak Among Icebergs in Antarctic Stillness
There are few moments more humbling than paddling through a bay of mirror-like water, surrounded by towering icebergs and curious seals. As part of AE Expeditions’ active programme, this guided kayaking experience brings you eye-level with the raw beauty of Antarctica. Dressed in specialist gear and supported by expert guides, you’ll glide silently across icy inlets, with only the sound of dripping paddles and distant penguin calls to accompany you. It’s a moment of deep stillness: a chance to feel the scale, silence and soul of the White Continent from a perspective few will ever know.
The Antarctic Peninsula
Waking up to ice-strewn waters and towering peaks signals your arrival at the Antarctic Peninsula. From here, every day brings new sights, new landings and new memories: no two voyages are ever the same.
Over the next eight days, you’ll settle into the rhythm of polar exploration. With up to two off-ship excursions daily, you could find yourself cruising among glowing blue icebergs by Zodiac, stepping ashore at a penguin rookery or hiking up a snow-covered ridge for sweeping views across the frozen landscape.
This voyage includes AE Expeditions’ full suite of active experiences. Weather permitting, you can paddle through mirror-calm bays, snowshoe along quiet trails, or even snorkel in the icy shallows. The bravest can join the legendary Polar Plunge: a quick, heart-pounding dip that earns lifelong bragging rights.
You’ll also have time to take things slow. Spend quiet moments in the observation lounge or on deck, scanning for whales or listening to the thunderous crack of calving glaciers. With nearly 24 hours of daylight, there’s always something to see.
Each evening, your expedition team will recap the day and share the plans for tomorrow. Destinations are chosen based on sea conditions and wildlife opportunities, ensuring you get the most out of every moment in this vast white wilderness.
Drake Passage Return
After a final landing in the South Shetland Islands, your bow turns north once more. The Drake Passage awaits: two days to reflect on your journey, relive favourite moments and enjoy the ship’s comforts on the voyage back to South America.
Lectures and films continue on board, offering deeper insights into Antarctic history, wildlife and climate. You can spend time editing your photos, chatting with fellow travellers or watching seabirds glide by from the observation lounge.
As Cape Horn nears, there’s a quiet sense of accomplishment. You’ve ventured to one of the world’s most remote regions and experienced its awe-inspiring power firsthand.
Ushuaia
By early morning, your ship glides through the Beagle Channel and returns to Ushuaia. After breakfast, you’ll disembark and bid farewell to your expedition team, and to Antarctica, whose icy silence and astonishing beauty are sure to stay with you.
Transfers are arranged for those with onward travel, whether you’re flying home or continuing your adventure in Patagonia. If time allows, enjoy a final stroll through Ushuaia’s colourful streets or toast your journey at a local café.
Talk to our specialists to start planning your trip
