Antarctica by Expedition Yacht
28 Days • Maximum 7 Guests • Application Only
An immersive expedition into one of the last true wildernesses on Earth.
Travel aboard a private expedition yacht through the Antarctic Peninsula, where towering glaciers, vast icebergs and abundant wildlife shape each day. With only seven guests, the journey is deliberately small and flexible, allowing us to respond to weather, sea ice and wildlife as conditions unfold.
The limited group size allows greater flexibility, more personal guidance and a fundamentally unique experience.
RARE ACCESS
Go further into Antarctica
Antarctica is one of the most remote wilderness regions on Earth, and travelling by yacht changes the experience completely.
With a maximum of just seven guests, the expedition is deliberately small and flexible, allowing more time in the environment and the freedom to respond to changing conditions.
Rather than following a fixed cruise schedule, each day is shaped by wildlife, weather and ice.
Antarctic Wildlife
Antarctica offers extraordinary encounters with wildlife in one of the most dramatic environments on the planet.
Across the expedition, opportunities may include penguins, seals, whales and seabirds, alongside glaciers, sea ice, towering mountains and remote coastlines.
For those with suitable experience, there may also be opportunities to snorkel or dive in Antarctic waters.
THE JOURNEY
Into the Antarctic Wilderness
Puerto Williams → Drake Passage → Antarctic Peninsula → key exploration areas → Puerto Williams
The expedition begins in Puerto Williams before crossing the Drake Passage towards the Antarctic Peninsula.
Once in Antarctica, the route remains deliberately flexible.
Weather, ice and wildlife determine where we explore and how long we spend in each location, giving the expedition the ability to make the most of conditions as they develop.
EXPEDITION YACHT
Built for Remote Exploration
Travelling by yacht creates a level of access, flexibility and intimacy that is difficult to achieve on a larger expedition vessel.
SMALL BY DESIGN
With only seven guests onboard, the experience is highly personal and there is no need to move in large groups.
FLEXIBLE EXPLORATION
The route can respond to wildlife, weather and ice conditions rather than following a rigid timetable.
MORE TIME OUT THERE
The yacht becomes your base, allowing you to stay immersed in the Antarctic environment for the full expedition.
MULTIPLE WAYS TO EXPLORE
Days may involve shore landings, Zodiac excursions, wildlife photography, snorkelling or diving depending on conditions.
Purpose-built for Antarctica
Built for high-latitude exploration, the yacht is purpose-designed for expedition travel in remote and challenging environments. Its reinforced aluminium hull is engineered to navigate through brash ice, while the robust schooner rig provides stability, safety and redundancy in demanding conditions.
Accommodating up to 12 guests, the vessel combines expedition capability with comfort, featuring heated living spaces, durable bamboo interiors and well-appointed shared areas. Twin engines, onboard workshop facilities, expedition RIBs and extensive navigation and communication systems ensure the yacht is equipped for extended voyages far from conventional support.
Designed for adventure, safety and self-sufficiency, this vessel provides a unique platform for exploring some of the most remote regions on Earth
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2028
1 February - 29 February 2028 -
28 Day
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Puerto Williams, Chile
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Maximum 7 Guests (Application Only)
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Twin Share: USD $35,900 per person (all inclusive)
Single Supplement: Available on request (subject to availability)
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USD $2,500 (Non refundable)
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This expedition is by application only. Please fill in eligibility questionnaire here
What’s Included
Comprehensive pre-departure information and expedition preparation
Expert leadership from Scott Portelli and an experienced expedition team
All meals and beverages onboard throughout the voyage
Accommodation aboard the expedition yacht
Daily Zodiac cruises and guided shore landings
All guided wildlife and photography excursions
Opportunities to explore Antarctica's spectacular landscapes, glaciers and wildlife
Entry fees to historic Antarctic landing sites
Port taxes and government charges
Airport transfers between Puerto Williams and the expedition yacht
What’s Not Included
International or domestic flights to and from Puerto Williams, Chile
Airport taxes and airline-imposed fees
Passport, visa and vaccination costs
Comprehensive travel insurance and emergency evacuation cover (mandatory)
Accommodation and meals before or after the expedition
Personal expenses, including bar purchases, laundry and gratuities (where applicable)
Personal clothing and photography equipment
Costs associated with weather or operational delays outside the published itinerary
Life Onboard
Life onboard is simple, practical and immersive. Space is limited, cabins are compact and daily routines are shaped by weather, wildlife and life at sea.
Guests become part of the rhythm of the expedition, sharing meals, experiences and time on deck with a very small group of like-minded travellers.
For those who value access and experience over conventional luxury, that intimacy is part of what makes the journey exceptional.
CURATED BY SCOTT PORTELLI
Designed by Experience
Every expedition reflects more than three decades of experience exploring and photographing some of the world's most remote environments.
Internationally recognised wildlife photographer, filmmaker and expedition specialist Scott Portelli has spent more than a decade working throughout Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic, developing an intimate understanding of the region's wildlife, landscapes and seasonal conditions.
His experience has shaped every aspect of this journey, from the itinerary and timing to the wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities, creating an experience that goes beyond simply visiting these extraordinary places.
Download Brochure
Ask Scott About This Expedition
Apply for the Expedition
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cancellation Period
Cancellation of a booking or part thereof will incur the following fees based on the notice period prior to any tour. Once travel has commenced, no refunds will be made for any unused services and clients will be responsible for their travel arrangements and insurance.A deposit for any tour is made upon booking to secure your place on the tour, this is non-refundable. By paying the invoice for deposit you accept these terms and conditions.
If a cancellation is made less than 1 month (30 Days) prior to the tour date, we will not reimburse the cost of the tour.
If a cancellation is made within 1-2 months (60 Days) prior to the tour date, we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 10% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour and any admin fees incurred.
If a cancellation is made within 3 months (90 Days) prior to the tour date we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 15% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour and any admin fees incurred.
If a cancellation is made within 3 – 6 months (180 Days) prior to the tour date we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 20% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour and any admin fees incurred.
Cancellations made by the organiser to a tour will be reimbursed in full (Not including the deposit which is Non-refundable).
Note: If the booking has been rescheduled and the cancellation is requested, this will be considered a new booking and subject to our standard terms and conditions.If for any reason weather or operational cancellation of a single day occurs during the tour, there is no refund provided if the circumstances are out of the control of the organiser.
Itinerary Disclaimer
The itineraries on our websites are correct at time of publishing and may differ slightly depending on changes to local operations, foreign policy and laws, availability of resources, flight schedules, and supplier cost. In the case of any changes, the organiser will endeavour to provide an alternative option to continue your itinerary.
Insurance Policy
Travel insurance is NOT included in the cost of your tour. We strongly recommend that passengers arrange their own travel insurance. Insurance is required before arriving at your destination to ensure you are covered for unforeseen situations that may arise to cause loss of luggage, cancellation of flights and tours or medical emergencies.
Scott Portelli and affiliates are not responsible for loss or damage of any equipment whilst participating in these activities. Appropriate travel insurance should be arranged prior to visiting your destination.
Release Forms/Waivers
While the organiser makes every effort to safeguard our clients, we cannot be held responsible for personal injury or loss due to events beyond our control. Wildlife tourism carries inherent risk as you are interacting with wild animals and a signed release form is required from all participants before tour departure. This is signed on the first day of departure or prior to arriving at your destination on each separate tour. Guests are encourage to download this liability waiver and return back to us prior to your tour.
Foreign Currency
As of October 2023, all general tour costs are quoted in $USD as suppliers and operations in the region move to a more stable currency for services rendered. Current exemptions are Norway (quoted in Euros), Falkland Islands (quoted in GBP Pounds), and Australia (Australian Dollars).
For local currency, please notice that Tongan Pa’anga is still the currency used while visiting the Tongan islands and will be the only accepted form of currency for tourist in Tonga. For other destinations, please check which local currency will be required. NOTE: Tour prices are subject to change year on year and will be reflected in the tour itinerary prior to each season.
Visas for Tonga
Please review the visa requirements for your country here
Visas for Norway
Norway’s visa requirements vary according to the traveller’s country of origin, the purpose of traveling and the period of stay. Please review the visa requirements for your country here
Visas for Australia
Please review the visa requirements for your country here
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The expedition begins and ends in Puerto Williams, Chile. Most travellers fly into Punta Arenas before continuing to Puerto Williams.
You have two options:
Fly with DAP Airlines, which operates regular flights between Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams (subject to seasonal schedules).
Travel by ferry with Austral Broom, which operates services several times per week between Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams.
Detailed pre-departure information and travel recommendations will be provided before your expedition.
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The Antarctic Peninsula has a maritime polar climate, with summer temperatures typically ranging between -12°C and -1°C. Conditions can change quickly, with sunshine, snowfall, strong winds and fog all possible in the same day.
The west coast is generally milder and wetter, while the eastern side near the Weddell Sea is colder, with more extensive sea ice. Dressing in layers and being prepared for changing conditions is essential.
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Yes. Flexibility is one of the key advantages of travelling aboard a private expedition yacht.
Weather, sea ice and wildlife activity determine our daily plans, allowing us to adapt the itinerary to maximise wildlife encounters, shore landings and photographic opportunities. While specific landings can never be guaranteed, this flexibility often results in experiences that larger expedition ships simply cannot offer.
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Yes. All participants are required to complete a medical assessment before departure. As we operate in one of the world's most remote environments, it is important to ensure everyone is medically fit for the expedition.
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This expedition is best suited to active travellers with a good level of mobility and fitness. You'll be boarding Zodiacs, walking over uneven terrain, assisting with life onboard and spending extended periods outdoors in cold conditions.
No previous sailing experience is required, but a positive attitude, flexibility and willingness to participate are essential.
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Absolutely. This is a genuine hands-on expedition rather than a traditional cruise.
Participants are encouraged to become part of the crew by helping with sailing, steering, anchoring, wildlife watches and other daily tasks. You can participate as much or as little as you're comfortable with, making the experience both rewarding and immersive.
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The yacht is equipped with advanced navigation, weather forecasting and satellite communication systems, including real-time weather monitoring technology to support safe expedition operations.
Starlink satellite internet is also available onboard, allowing for general communication throughout much of the voyage, although connectivity may vary depending on location and weather conditions.
Upcoming Expeditions