Antarctica by Private Expedition Ship

While Antarctica is an epic adventure destination, most visitors never fully experience this pristine polar realm. The majority travel via larger cruise ship, often with several hundred other passengers. And while such voyages generally include shore excursions and Zodiac outings, there’s still a level of buffering from the elements, from silence and solitude, that define the most moving encounters with this incomparable icebound wilderness. That’s why we’ve created a different kind of Antarctica expedition—one that immerses you completely in the magic of the White Continent.

1. Exclusive Access! We Get You Deeper & Closer to Antarctica's Wonders
   This small expedition ship itinerary is offered exclusively by Natural Habitat Adventures and WWF. Our compact vessel, the SOLA, is built for navigating polar waters, with an ice-strengthened steel hull and state-of-the-art navigation and safety equipment. This means we can get you into places big ships and large cohorts can't go. We've got access to narrow channels and isolated coves, with a sense of seclusion evocative of pioneering voyages of a century ago. You won't find a more gratifying encounter with the White Continent!

2. A Small-Group Wilderness Immersion for Just 12 Travelers
   We take a maximum of 12 guests. Most Antarctica cruise ships carry from 50 to 150 passengers and sometimes many more. On such voyages, you’re in the most remote place on the planet, yet you never get a break from the presence of dozens of traveling companions, nor the noise of the ship. Our small-scale journey ensures a profound sense of solitude and quiet, which are ironically rare commodities on most Antarctica journeys. You'll feel like you're on a private expedition.

3. Skip the Drake Passage & Fly Round-Trip from Chile
   Most Antarctica journeys require crossing the notorious 600-mile Drake Passage. While it's an adventure in its own right, and some travelers wouldn't miss it, it also requires 4-5 days of travel time, with little to see en route. We opt to fly you both ways between Puerto Natales and King George Island just off the Antarctic Peninsula, where our small ship awaits. You get a full immersion in the wonders of Antarctica in a shorter time frame—and we maximize your comfort as well.

4. More Quiet...and More Flexibility
   Based aboard a smaller vessel, our expedition unveils remote bays, beaches and icebound headlands where we are generally on our own and away from the crowds that are inevitable with larger ships. We steep you in solitude and silence, as few Antarctica experiences can. And, because our nimble ship size allows us more flexibility, we have added freedom to craft the rhythm of our days as each group prefers.

5. Exclusive Permits for Camping Ashore
   Not everyone who sails to Antarctica gets a chance to leave the ship and camp on land. And while some ships offer a chance for a single night’s camping on the ice, it happens in the company of up to 50 or 60 fellow travelers—not exactly the feel of a remote wilderness experience. Plus, these groups must arrive after dinner and be out by 5:30 am. It's really just a quick chance to sleep on the ice in the vicinity of many other people. We, however, hold special permits that allow us to spend up to three nights camping ashore (weather permitting) in locations far from other human presence. When we camp, it’s just us and the penguins and seals. While camping is optional (you're welcome to sleep aboard the ship instead), it’s usually a major highlight of our travelers’ experience.

6. Extended Exploring Ashore for a True Wilderness Encounter
   Most visitors who travel to Antarctica aboard larger ships go ashore and essentially stand on the beach, perhaps walking a short distance in large groups. While even this opportunity can be exciting, often among multitudes of penguins, it pales in comparison to the chance to really explore away from crowds. Our small group is able to hike farther, by ourselves, in the vast, pristine silence of the polar world. This is a genuine wilderness experience, and it isn't available on other itineraries.

7. Guided Small-Group Kayaking Excursions
   Optional opportunities for kayaking are included, and you are accompanied by our experienced Expedition Leader on exciting short excursions. We explore the shoreline in very small groups to ensure the quietest and most intimate wildlife encounters. (Kayak outings from larger ships often include groups of 20 or more.) Also, when you're kayaking with just a few individuals, you receive personalized attention from our Expedition Leader to help you improve your paddling skills quickly and efficiently.

8. Sail with World-Class Polar Mariners
   We've scoured the globe to find the premier vessels, captains and crew for this extraordinary expedition. You can rest assured that you'll be in the hands of preeminently qualified mariners with in-depth experience in polar waters as we navigate the crenellated coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. All have extensive training in offshore safety and sea survival in the Southern Ocean and Antarctic waters.

9. Highly Personalized Guiding
   While most Antarctica ship operators travel with onboard experts from naturalists to polar historians, few guests have a chance to interact with them personally. Most are consigned to attending lectures in the ship's lounge, rather than traveling alongside the ship's staff, asking myriad questions and developing the kind of friendship that typically accompanies any genuine shared adventure. In contrast, our naturalist Expedition Leader provides a level of personalized service you won't find on other Antarctica trips. With tremendous depth of knowledge and experience in the polar realm, as well as training and resources from WWF’s renowned scientists, our guide embodies why we hold a global reputation for hiring the very best! See Expedition Leader bios with traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.

10. Top-Quality Expeditionary Equipment
    As part of our unwavering commitment to safety and comfort, we provide state-of-the-art equipment, including top-quality safety and survival gear, tents, kayaks and camping equipment. Our gear is meticulously maintained, reducing the chance for unexpected mishaps as we travel.

11. Our Quality–Value Guarantee Ensures Your Antarctica Expedition
    With Natural Habitat Adventures, you receive our exclusive quality and value guarantee, clearly stating that we will meet the lofty expectations we set in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise.

12. Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey
    We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.