Spirit of Terra Nova: St Helena

Antarctic Peninsula

Explore even more untouched wilderness on this signature Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands trip. Tailored for adventurers keen to witness the continent’s breathtaking landscapes, captivating wildlife, and boundless opportunities for discovery, this journey offers thrilling activities such as kayaking, snowshoeing, and sailing through icy waters, ensuring each day is filled with unforgettable experiences. This trip takes you further, with a day longer than the standard Antarctic Peninsula voyages

Highlights

  • The small ship advantage with fewer than 100 passengers
  • Get up close with abundant wildlife, including penguins, seals & whales.
  • Take advantage of kayaking through the pristine waters and enjoy daily zodiac landings along the untouched shores.
  • Join expert guided excursions to learn about the continent’s fascinating history & ecology.
This trip is perfect for adventurous travelers, nature lovers, and photographers seeking a deeper Antarctic experience. With more time on the Peninsula and added activities like kayaking and snowshoeing, it’s ideal for those who want to go beyond the standard cruise and truly explore.

Stewart's Take

Get more time in Antarctica on this classic expedition cruise from Ushuaia

Overview

Explore even more untouched wilderness on this signature Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands trip. Tailored for adventurers keen to witness the continent’s breathtaking landscapes, captivating wildlife, and boundless opportunities for discovery, this journey offers thrilling activities such as kayaking, snowshoeing, and sailing through icy waters, ensuring each day is filled with unforgettable experiences. This trip takes you further, with a day longer than the standard Antarctic Peninsula voyages

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina Board the expedition vessel in the afternoon, where you'll meet your crew and fellow travellers. After settling into your cabin, the ship sets off along the picturesque Beagle Channel. Relish your first evening at sea as the southernmost tip of South America disappears from view. Days 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage Start your Antarctic adventure with a crossing of the Drake Passage, a vast stretch of open ocean that marks the Antarctic Convergence, where nutrient-rich waters sustain a vibrant ecosystem. While at sea, attend expert-led talks on Antarctica’s history, wildlife, and geology. Head to the open decks or the bridge to spot albatrosses, petrels, and even whales. Adventure activities, including navigation workshops and safety briefings for kayaking and snowshoeing, will also be held. By the end of Day 3, the first sighting of icebergs and snow-capped peaks will signal your arrival at the South Shetland Islands. Days 4-8: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula The core of the journey unfolds as you explore the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, with each day offering a blend of landings, zodiac cruises, and optional adventure activities. Highlights Include: Kayaking Among Icebergs: Paddle through tranquil waters, drifting past seals resting on ice floes and penguins diving in for a swim. Snowshoeing Adventures: Strap on snowshoes to explore pristine trails and reach panoramic viewpoints, offering breathtaking vistas of glaciers and peaks. Penguin Colonies: Visit expansive rookeries of Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie Penguins, watching their amusing behaviours as they care for their chicks or brave the frigid waters. Wildlife Encounters: Spot Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals lounging on ice or hunting in the water, with Minke and humpback whales often seen feeding nearby. No Two Voyages are the Same! With over 500 diverse landing sites along the Antarctic Peninsula, no two voyages are ever the same. Our expert team crafts each expedition based on conditions, weather, and opportunities for the most remarkable encounters. As passenger vessel traffic has increased in recent years, competition for landing sites has intensified—but our deep knowledge of this pristine region ensures you’ll embark on true exploratory journeys, venturing beyond the crowds. Guided by the experienced crew, you’ll navigate breathtaking ice-choked channels, witness towering glaciers, and encounter extraordinary wildlife in one of the most remote places on Earth. This is not just a cruise—it’s a genuine expedition where spontaneity and discovery define every day. Join us for an adventure where the unknown awaits, and every landing is a moment of exploration. Day 9: Antarctic Sound and Farewell Landings As the expedition heads back north, there’s an opportunity for a final landing or zodiac cruise. Weather and ice conditions permitting, explore destinations like Brown Bluff, where towering cliffs and an Adélie penguin colony await, or Paulet Island, home to historic sites and abundant wildlife. Day 10: Crossing the Drake Passage (Northbound) Relive your adventures as you cross the Drake Passage, keeping an eye out for seabirds and whales along the way. Take part in final lectures or workshops, and enjoy a celebratory dinner with your fellow travellers as you reflect on the unforgettable journey. Day 11: Return to Ushuaia Arrive back in Ushuaia in the early morning. After breakfast, disembark with cherished memories of an epic Antarctic expedition and new stories to tell. Please note: The above itinerary is a general guideline. Our precise route and activities will be adjusted to optimize wildlife viewing and adapt to prevailing weather and ice conditions. The Captain and/or Expedition Leader will make necessary changes to ensure the best possible experience. A daily program will be provided onboard. Flexibility is essential for a successful expedition.

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Vessel

ST HELENA

Ocean Albatros

Built in the UK the St Helena is a rugged, versatile expedition platform and truly unique in the Antarctic world. Originally built to serve one of the most remote communities on Earth, the St Helena is a storied vessel with a legacy of resilience, reliability, and global connection. Her recent refit in 2022 has introduced refined touches throughout, from modern cabin furnishings to enhanced public spaces, creating an atmosphere of modern comfort and style. With capacity for 150 but carrying just 98 guests, St Helena blends traditional seafaring heritage with a contemporary expedition experience. 

Perfectly suited for adventurous voyages, her ice-strengthened hull, deep draft, and powerful engines make her ideal for navigating the remote and rugged coastlines of Antarctica, the South Atlantic, and beyond. Her open decks, generous observation lounges, and expedition-ready features provide an ideal platform for wildlife encounters, landings, and immersive exploration. With a soul steeped in maritime history and a future set for discovery, St Helena offers a rare opportunity to explore the world’s most extraordinary destinations in style, safety, and comfort.

For full information about this vessel click here:

Booking Information

Essential Information

Deposit

Reservations require a 25% deposit at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings within 120 days of departure require full payment.

Final Payment

Balances are due 120 days prior to departure and can be paid by bank transfer. Balance payments may be made by credit card subject to a 2% surcharge.

Cancellations

All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellations received 120 days or more prior to departure = loss of deposit. If cancellation occurs less than 120 days up to and including the day of departure: 100 % of the total price. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance is due immediately. We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance.

Pricing, Sharing and Single Occupancy

Prices shown are per person on a shared basis. If you are travelling alone and wish to share, you will be matched with someone of the same gender and pay only the share rate. Some Single occupancy cabins are available or a supplement applies for other cabin types.

Booking Terms

Please read carefully the general Terms and Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by Terra Nova Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking

Included

  • Accommodation: Fully serviced cabins.
  • Meals: Daily meals, snacks, tea, coffee, and house beer, soda, and wine during lunch and dinner.
  • Shore Excursions: Guided walks, daily shore excursions, and Zodiac cruises.
  • Adventure Activities: Kayaking, Snowshoeing, Camping, Yoga (Subject to weather and operational conditions)
  • Expedition Team: Led by experienced guides.
  • Lectures: Educational talks and expert guiding services.
  • Expedition Equipment: Loaned muck boots and access to the onboard doctor and medical clinic.
  • Pre-departure Info: Comprehensive materials and an Antarctic booklet.
  • Port Fees: Includes port surcharges, permits, and landing fees.
  • Wi-Fi: Basic Wi-Fi complimentary; upgrades available for a fee.
  • Crew Tips/ Gratuities

Excluded

  • Personal Expenses: Includes bar charges and Boutique Charges. Final payments must be made in cash (US Dollar or Euro).
  • Additional Excursions: Airfare, pre-cruise accommodation, insurance, or any excursions/activities/gear not listed in the itinerary.
  • Accommodation Upgrades: Single room supplements and stateroom upgrades.
  • Off-ship Meals: Meals not provided aboard the ship.
  • Beverages: Alcoholic drinks and sodas outside of happy hour / dinner time.
  • Optional Services: Examples include onboard boutique purchases.
  • Unlisted Items: Anything not specified under “Inclusions.”
Booking Request
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