Photo Tour with a Sailing Yacht to Antarctica
Available for individual booking
Gigantic icebergs, fantastic landscapes, and incredible wildlife – that is Antarctica. A dream for photographers and lovers of polar regions.
Our exclusive trip to Antarctica will be on the sailing yacht Wind Dancer, with a maximum of 8 guests. Our style of travel is very different from a classic Antarctic tour. If you choose Antarctic trip on large ship, the «Zodiacs» (small motorboats) are available only for limited hours. But in our case we have our own «Zodiac» on the yacht, allowing us to capture the spectacular landscapes and ice formations under the best lighting conditions. Additionally, our yacht is very mobile. We can sail, but we also have a motor. If interesting situations with animals arise, we are always able to launch our «Zodiac» to get closer to the animals or, if necessary, land on shore.
Trip Details
Dates
December, January, February (approx. 24 days including travel days)
Destination
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Number of Participants
7 people
Cost
CHF 13’850 per person (in a double room)
Questions
WhatsApp +41 79 772 49 93
We have a lot of flexibility in planning our itinerary to Antarctica. However, weather, ice conditions, and safety measures play a significant role.
Day 1
We meet in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Over a common dinner, we will discuss the upcoming journey. I recommend arriving 1-2 days earlier if possible. This way, we can take advantage of any weather windows and set sail earlier. There are various photographic opportunities around Ushuaia. On an easy hike to Emerald Lake, we can already get «warmed up» for photography.
Day 2
Today, our adventure to the White Continent begins. After settling in on the yacht and stowing all the supplies, we set off. We sail slowly through the Beagle Channel along forested mountains. Our crew will familiarize us with safety measures. Please consider that we may need to wait 1-2 days for the weather conditions to permit the start of our expedition.
Day 3, 4
Drake Passage! This sea passage is known for its high waves and strong winds. No wonder many people feel a bit anxious about it. However, the effort will be worth it when we reach Antarctica and begin our first landings and photographic excursions.
Day 5
We reach King George Island. We continue along the magnificent landscapes of the South Shetland Islands. For the first time, we will encounter gigantic icebergs and snow-covered mountain peaks.
Day 5 – 15
We will spend 11 full days in Antarctica. There will be plenty of time to explore and photograph this breathtaking landscape and wildlife. We’ll visit remarkable places such as:
- Half Moon Island,
- Yankee Harbour,
- Deception Island,
- Gerlache Strait,
- Waterboat Point,
- Paradise Harbour,
- Verdansky Station,
- Petermann Island,
- Lemaire Channel,
- Port Lockroy and Jougla Point
All of these areas are bays or channels, offering shelter from waves and winds. We may even reach the 65th southern latitude on our journey. Afterward, we will sail north again toward the South Shetland Islands.
Day 16 – 20
We will sail through the Drake Passage once more, heading back towards Ushuaia.
Day 20 – 21
We are expected to finish our tour in Ushuaia on Day 21. Please plan your return flight for two days later!
Looking forward to an incredible journey!
You can see more pictures of this unique area in my Portfolio.
Sailing Yacht Wind Dancer
The Wind Dancer features a steel hull, making it particularly suited for use in Arctic regions. It is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and has a spacious wheelhouse to protect the crew on the upper deck during bad weather.
Fuel capacity: 2,100 liters in two tanks.
Freshwater capacity: 1,000 liters + burner, which produces 140 liters per hour.
For a comfortable stay for both guests and crew on board, the yacht offers:
– 4 toilets with showers;
– Autonomous heating system for all living spaces;
– Independent air conditioning for each room.
– Television;
– Modern audio system;
– Washing machine with dryer;
– Satellite connection;
– Fully equipped kitchen with refrigerator and freezer,
– Yacht library.
Two diesel generators, service batteries, and a powerful inverter provide all areas of the yacht with 220-volt electricity during long crossings. A dinghy with an outboard motor ensures the crew can land on shore.
The yacht comfortably accommodates 12 people: 8 passengers and 4 crew members. The guests are hosted in comfortable, cozy cabins with separate beds for 2 people. Each member of the expedition will be provided with a duvet, pillow, bed linen, and a towel.
Tour Leadership
- Rolf Gemperle and the boat crew
Included
- 21 days on the sailboat from Ushuaia to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
- Full board on the ship
- Own Zodiac boat
- Photo coaching and tour guidance by Rolf Gemperle
- Preparation meeting
Not Included
- Flight to Ushuaia
- Hotel/accommodation and meals in Ushuaia
- Cancellation insurance
- Travel accident insurance
- Single cabin upon request
Is this the tour for you?
- Yes, if you appreciate nature and photography
- We spend most of our tour on the boat. Some sea-going ability is an advantage
- We’ll spend plenty of time on photography
- Guests with all camera brands are welcome (Nikon, Canon, Sony, Fuji, Panasonic, Olympus, etc.).
- Both beginner and professional photographers are equally welcome. Additionally, non-photographing partners can also participate in this journey.
