Your journey begins upon arrival in Chile’s capital, Santiago. You may arrive at any convenient time, and the organizers will take care of your transfer to a cozy hotel. In the evening, a welcome dinner awaits, where you will meet your group and discuss the upcoming adventure. After spending the night at the hotel, you will set off in the morning for the distant and mysterious Antarctica.

After breakfast, an organized transfer will take you to the airport, where you will board a flight to Ushuaia. The flight (included in the cost) lasts several hours, and upon arrival, you will board the luxurious icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot.

The ship enters the waters of the legendary Drake Passage—where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans collide. This stretch of the journey has long been considered a true test for sailors. However, modern icebreakers ensure a comfortable crossing. Today, you will enjoy an engaging lecture about the region’s unique characteristics and fauna. From the deck, you can watch albatrosses and other seabirds following the ship.

The expedition continues, and as you approach Antarctica, you will see more icebergs and drifting ice. You will have the opportunity to learn more about Antarctica as the expedition team gives lectures on the icy continent, its history, climate, and extraordinary inhabitants. At the same time, you will get accustomed to life aboard the luxurious icebreaker, finding your favorite spots for relaxation and observation.

Here, you may spot playful dolphins, majestic whales cutting through the water’s surface, and, of course, the first penguins—either drifting on ice floes or diving energetically in search of food.

The ship reaches the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, surrounded by endless white and blue landscapes. You will navigate through the Antarctic Sound, which was once a treacherous trap for ships but is now accessible thanks to powerful icebreakers. Here, you may encounter Adélie penguins and leopard seals—and, if you're lucky, even spot whales.

Welcome to the mysterious and remote Weddell Sea! Only a few explorers have managed to reach this place, and its waters hold many secrets. The icebreaker confidently navigates through massive icebergs and drifting ice, overcoming one of the most extreme environments on the planet.

These waters are covered in ice year-round, with drifting ice reaching up to 10 meters thick in winter! The climate here is harsh—winter temperatures drop to -32…-33°C, and even in summer, they rarely rise above freezing.

This region is not only known for its extreme cold but also for the crystal clarity of its waters. The sea’s average depth is about three kilometers, and its transparency is so high that objects can be seen up to 80 meters below the surface!

If the weather allows, you will have the opportunity to descend to the water and explore the icy world up close. You can embark on a boat expedition, and for the bravest—try a polar plunge. Whether you choose to dive into the freezing abyss without a wetsuit or swim in a dry suit is up to you!

The Weddell Sea is a true oasis of life amid the icy wilderness. This thriving ecosystem is based on a tiny but crucial inhabitant—Antarctic krill. These small crustaceans are the primary food source for many marine giants, including whales, seals, and penguins.

Scientists continue to make fascinating discoveries in this region. In 2022, researchers found the world's largest fish breeding colony at the bottom of the Weddell Sea—around 60 million nests of icefish! These fish have adapted to the extreme cold by producing a special antifreeze protein in their blood, allowing them to survive in freezing waters.

Encounters with marine wildlife here are particularly breathtaking. You will see graceful Weddell seals, agile crabeater seals, and their main predators—leopard seals. Humpback whales and minke whales are frequently spotted in these waters, and if you're lucky, you might even witness the legendary blue whale, the largest animal on the planet. Keep your eyes on the water—at any moment, a colossal tail might rise above the waves, or a mighty whale’s breath may break the ocean’s surface!

During the cruise, you will undoubtedly meet the charming inhabitants of these icy lands—penguins. Antarctica is home to one of the largest Adélie penguin populations. Their black-and-white plumage resembles an elegant tuxedo, with distinctive white rings around their eyes giving them a comical expression.

But the true rulers of these lands are the emperor penguins—the largest of their kind. Unlike other species that nest on rocky shores, emperor penguins breed exclusively on sea ice. This makes them particularly vulnerable to climate change, as the rapid retreat of Antarctic ice threatens their survival.

If weather conditions permit, you will have a unique opportunity to land on shore. You can take a walk on foot or try snowshoeing across the snowy expanse to see these magnificent birds in their natural habitat.

Throughout this journey, you will witness a mesmerizing world of drifting ice giants. The Weddell Sea is home to some of the largest icebergs on the planet.

Iceberg A81 is comparable in size to London, while its “older sibling,” A23a, is twice the size of St. Petersburg! These ice giants are carefully monitored via satellite, as they play a crucial role in the Antarctic ecosystem and impact marine navigation. Currently, scientists are tracking the drift of A23a towards warmer waters, where its fate is sealed—it will eventually melt, becoming part of the world’s oceans.

Today is a day to unwind and enjoy the comforts of your floating home.

Onboard, you can indulge in relaxing spa treatments, work out in the gym, swim in the pool with breathtaking ocean views, or stroll through the winter garden. In the lounge, you can spend the evening with a glass of wine, sharing impressions with fellow travelers, while the ship’s restaurants offer exquisite gourmet dishes.

The icebreaker begins its journey back to Ushuaia. This is the perfect time to savor your last views of Antarctica, watch seabirds, and reflect on all the unforgettable moments of the expedition. The ship’s team will host lectures, discussions, and events throughout the day.

The last full day on board. You will have time to share stories with your fellow travelers, review your photos, and enjoy a final celebratory dinner in a warm and friendly atmosphere. A special slideshow of your journey will be presented.

Upon arrival in Ushuaia, you will have breakfast onboard before disembarking. A transfer will take you to the airport, where you will board a charter flight to Santiago. Your Antarctic adventure comes to an end, but the memories will stay with you forever!