A hands-on sailing expedition beyond the Antarctic Circle where guest crew navigate icy waters, share in every duty aboard a classic vessel, and explore the remote, silent beauty of the southernmost continent.
Explore one of the world’s last wildernesses this Antarctica sailing expedition to this rarely visited part of the planet on board a family run classic sailing boat where you are the crew.
Adventurers seeking a truly hands-on polar odyssey will find their challenge south of the Antarctic Circle. This is no passive cruise—you are the guest crew, joining in every aspect of life at sea aboard a classic sailing vessel. From Puerto Williams, the world’s last outpost before the Southern Ocean, the voyage begins amid snow-capped peaks and kelp-fringed coves. After safety drills and sail handling practice, the crew trims canvas down the Beagle Channel, following the path of Darwin toward open water, where black-browed albatrosses take station on the westerlies.
Five to six restless days are spent crossing the Drake Passage, a live classroom in celestial navigation, storm tactics, and watchkeeping. Helming by starlight, reefing topsails under squalls, and plotting positions on a constantly shifting chart forge camaraderie faster than any icebreaker. Humpbacks surface in silver dawns; petrels dance just metres from the rail.
Icebergs the size of cathedrals announce arrival in the Gerlache Strait. Here the small vessel’s shallow draft allows anchorages cruise ships overlook—Murray Harbor, Point Meusier, hidden coves where silence feels physical. Shore excursions tread softly among gentoo colonies and time-forgotten huts, while zodiac forays weave through brash ice in search of leopard seals.
When conditions permit, the course turns even further south across Crystal Sound toward Marguerite Bay and the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′ S—a latitude few sailors ever record in their logbooks. Every mile demands teamwork at the braces and a keen eye on the ice charts.
Returning north, the expedition lingers at Port Lockroy to post memories home before steering once more across the Drake, spirits tempered by unforgettable, shared moments of polar light and salt-rimmed laughter.No sailing experience is necessary and the professional crew will teach you as much as you’d like to know about navigation, manoeuvres, weather observations, furling the sails, and more.
Why you'll love this adventure
- Cross the infamous Drake Passage and Antarctic Circle
- Beagle Channel, Drake Passage, Gerlache Strait, Murray Harbor, Marguerite Bay, and Port Lockroy.
- Sail a beautiful traditional tall ship where you are the crew
Dates
Itinerary
Your journey to Antarctica starts in the Puerto Williams, Chile where you'll cross the infamous Drake Passage, before reaching the Antarctic Peninsula and crossing the Antarctic circle. For more details please submit an enquiry.
What's included
- Full board
- One bunk per booking in a two person room
- Coffee and tea
- Blanket, sheets, pillow and covers
- 3-4 crew members guiding the group
Not included
- Soda and alcoholic drinks (during sailing no alcohol will be served)
- Towels
- Paid excursions ashore
- Transfer to and from the vessel
- Visas
Trip notes
Price
Min age
Accommodation
There are 6 cabins, each for 2 persons. The cabins are situated in the middle of the ship, which makes them as stable as possible.
Your bunk is inside one of the two person cabins. Your bed will be either the high or the lower bed of a bedbunk. All beds are over 80cm wide and 2 meters long. Each bed has a reading light for the evening hours. The cabins are ensuite. In a wet cell you will find a shower, of course with hot and cold water, and a toilet, that when possible flushes with outside water. In the cabin itself you will find a fountain and mirror. Your clothing can be stored in closet and your bag or suitcase can be stored under the bed.
Additional notes
Sustainable Travel to Antarctica
To protect this pristine region, the operator is a proud member of IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators). IAATO sets strict environmental standards, ensuring that every visitor treads lightly on this fragile land. By sailing with them, you’re not only embarking on a polar adventure — you’re becoming a guardian of Antarctica’s future.
Day 1 – Puerto Williams
Arrival and preparations. In the afternoon we set sail through the Beagle Channel — a dramatic fjord named after Darwin’s ship.
Days 2–8 – Crossing the Drake Passage
We begin our journey south through one of the most legendary stretches of ocean. Expect soaring albatrosses, rolling swells, and the rhythm of life at sea. Our crew quickly bonds as we fall into the watch system.
Days 9–13 – First Landfalls on the Antarctic Peninsula
We enter the Gerlache Strait, with potential stops at Murray Harbor, Charlotte Bay, and the historic whaling wreck at Enterprise Island. Weather permitting, we explore Paradise Bay and its surroundings: Danco Island, Neko Harbor, Cuverville, and Waterboat Point.
Days 14–18 – Crossing the Antarctic Circle & Exploring the Far South
We venture below 66°33’S — the Antarctic Circle — navigating into more remote and ice-heavy waters. Depending on sea ice, we aim for Stonington Island or Detaille Island, sailing through Crystal Sound and Marguerite Bay. Possible stops include Vernadsky Station, Port Charcot, Pleneau Island and Petermann Island.
Days 19–20 – Northern Return through the Peninsula
Retracing our route through the peninsula, we revisit key anchorages or explore new ones we missed on the way down.
Day 21–25 – Crossing the Drake Passage (Northbound)
The return voyage gives time to reflect, share stories, and soak in the last sunrises over the Southern Ocean.
Day 26 – Arrival in Puerto Williams
Landfall in Chile’s southernmost port town. Disembarkation and a heartfelt goodbye after a truly extraordinary adventure.
Tour operator
An old Herring drifter (Logger) built in 1915, the ship is 28 meters long over deck (38 meters overall) and takes 16 trainees on her voyages. No previous sailing experience is needed and experienced and new sailors love her equally.
A family of four professional sailors have owned and run this vessel since 2006 and sail her with true passion. Built for the North Sea she’s a fast sailor and her rigging is as traditional as it gets.
We love that the boat’s appearance is kept as traditional as possible yet combined with modern techniques and equipment. Everyone on board is part of the informal sail training program that is designed to get the best out of everyone whether you join for 2 days or a longer ocean crossing.
On September 13th she and her crew were the first traditional sailing ship to complete the North West Passage after Roald Admundsen with his ship Goya in 2013.
Enquire today
Sail Antarctica Expedition 2026
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A most helpful, friendly and knowledgeable travel company!
Very helpful and provided lots of research material and excellent personal perspectives on the tall ship sailing trip I was interested in taking.— Martin
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