Antarctica Polar Expedition 2026
Join an Adventure of a Lifetime!
Expedition to Antarctica's Polar Regions Scheduled for 2026
Get ready for an unforgettable journey as you embark on a guided group trip with Bluewater Travel to the remote, breathtaking beauty of Antarctica. This thrilling expedition offers diverse adventures for both divers and non-divers alike, with the opportunity to experience polar diving (for experienced divers), exhilarating activities like hiking, whale watching, and polar plunges.
March 9 - 23, 2026
trip-leader
Mark Hatter – An accomplished photojournalist with over two decades of experience, Mark has had hundreds of articles and images published in numerous fly fishing and diving publications. He's traveled the world seeking new underwater photography challenges, including cold-water destinations like British Columbia and Antarctica.
itinerary
Join us as we explore the pristine landscapes and diverse wildlife of Antarctica, including colossal glacier fronts, dazzling berg-filled bays, towering snow-swept mountains, and a variety of birdlife such as albatross and elder ducks. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the last remote areas of wilderness on Earth!
Pricing:
- Quad Cabin (2 portholes): $11,200 per person
- Twin Cabin (2 portholes): $13,700 per person
- Twin Cabin (2 windows): $14,300 per person
- Twin Deluxe (2 windows): $15,600 per person
- Superior Cabin (2 windows): $16,650 per person
- Diving Add-on: $1,075 per person
Join us now and prepare to be amazed by the wonders of Antarctica!
Why-join
- Uncover the most untouched and unspoiled territory on Earth
- Attend a program of lectures led by renowned naturalists
- Travel aboard the M/V Plancius, an expedition vessel designed for exploring remote locations and navigating through ice
- Take comfort in a fully refundable deposit until 18 months from departure
Highlights
- Encounter diverse wildlife, including humpback whales, penguins, and leopard seals
- Discover stunning ice wildernesses, glacier fronts, and berg-filled bays
- Marvel at the towering snow-swept mountains surrounding the shoreline
What's Included
- All meals throughout the voyage
- All shore excursions and activities by Zodiac
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists
- Use of rubber boots and snowshoes
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport after disembarkation
Exclusions
- Airfare and travel-related fees
- Meals ashore
- Insurance
- Additional baggage charges and personal expenses (such as laundry, bar, beverages, and telecommunication charges)
- Gratuity for the crew at the end of the voyage
This guided group trip will be led by an experienced Bluewater Trip Leader. While underwater photography gear is welcome, the Trip Leader is not a photography expert and can only offer limited advice. Our Guided Group Trips offer an excellent opportunity for like-minded individuals to travel together.
What to Expect
Day 1: End of the world, start of a journey
- Embark from Ushuaia, Argentina, known as the southernmost city in the world
- Sail through the Beagle Channel for the remainder of the evening
Day 2 - 3: Path of the polar explorers
- Cross the Drake Passage, encountering cool salt breezes, rolling seas, and various seabirds
Day 4: From Point Wild to the Weddell Sea
- Arrive at Point Wild, Elephant Island, where Shackleton's crew made their first landing after losing their ship, Endurance
- Set off for the Weddell Sea, offering potential activities in Erebus and Terror Gulf and stunning scenery
Day 5 - 6: Exploring the remote regions
- Continue to explore the area of Erebus and Terror Gulf, visiting places like Vega Island and Beak Island
- Discover colossal glacier fronts, dazzling berg-filled bays, and towering snow-swept mountains
Day 7: Orléans Strait whale search
- Navigate down the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula
- Search for humpback and orca whales in Mikklesen Harbor
Day 8: Port monuments and island wildlife
- Visit the Yalour Islands, home to Adélie penguins, emperor, gentoo, chinstrap, macaroni, and adelie penguins
Day 9 - 10: Historic sites and wildlife sanctuaries
- Land on Detaille Island, home to a British research station that is now an historic monument
Day 11: Farewell to Antarctica
- Explore the Melchior Islands for your final activities before heading back to Ushuaia
Join us now for the adventure of a lifetime! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or call us at 1-310-915-6677. Let's embark on this incredible journey together!
Photo Gallery
Book Now!
Find out more about the MV Plancius here.
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- Mark Hatter, an experienced photojournalist, will lead the Antarctica Polar Expedition 2026, offering guidance for this unique underwater adventure.
- Nudibranch and various other marine life might be encountered during the diving portion of the expedition, providing ample opportunities for photography enthusiasts.
- For the dive gear, travelers should bring their own, as Bluewater Trip Leader Mark Hatter's expertise is more focused on photography rather than diving gear assistance.
- Adventurers can rejoice as this trip offers both polar diving and other exhilarating activities, ensuring an action-packed itinerary under the blue waters of Antarctica.
- Divers and non-divers can explore and immerse themselves in the diverse destinations offered by the expedition, such as colossal glacier fronts, berg-filled bays, and towering, snow-swept mountains.
- Kelp forests and various birdlife like albatross and elder ducks can also be discovered during this unforgettable journey with Bluewater Travel.
- Lifestyle travelers can embrace the adventure-travel ambiance of the Antarctica Polar Expedition, with its combination of exploration, educational programs, and chance encounters with wildlife.
- Photography enthusiasts can perfect their skills while capturing the vibrant colors of the Antarctic landscape, from the azure waters to the snow-covered mountain peaks, creating heart-stirring memories that last a lifetime.
