Antarctica - The Last Frontier
January 14-25, 2026

Experience the magic of antarctica!

Embark with Women Who Explore to Antarctica!

Special considerations for this trip…
(1) This is a co-ed trip and women booking this trip are able to travel with their partners, friends, etc. Solo travelers are welcome and will be paired with another solo traveler at their request in a double or triple occupancy cabin.

(2) Currently this trip is only available to Women Who Explore guests; a minimum number of cabins must be reserved with a down payment by June 1st, 2025 in order for this trip to be confirmed. Please note that a special cancellation policy is in place which follows that of our expedition provider.

(3) Once the trip is confirmed, any additional booking requests after that date will be confirmed within 72 hours to the request as the boat is filled on a first come basis.

Day 1:

Welcome to ushuaia!

two women standing next to ushuaia sign

Touch down in the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, where your Antarctic journey begins. Collect your luggage and meet your expedition team at the airport. From here, a private transfer will whisk you away to your hotel.

Arrive at your charming hotel nestled in the heart of Ushuaia. Take some time to settle into your cozy room, freshen up, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the stunning landscapes from your window. Head to a local café or your hotel’s dining area for a light lunch.

Discover the unique charm of this bustling port town, renowned for its picturesque setting between the Andes Mountains and the Beagle Channel. Enjoy some free time to explore further at your own pace. Perhaps visit local shops to check out souvenirs or simply enjoy a stroll along the waterfront, soaking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and waters. You can also visit the End of the World Museum, which offers fascinating insights into the region’s history and indigenous cultures.

Return to your hotel and prepare for a special evening. Freshen up and meet the group for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant known for its hearty Patagonian cuisine. Delight in a menu featuring regional specialties and enjoy lively conversation and camaraderie as you toast to your exciting journey ahead.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2:

Exploring the end of the world

crowds of people at the ushuaia port with ships

Buenos días!! Wake up and enjoy a warm breakfast at your leisure. Today is your day to adventure your own way - spend the morning relaxing, join us for an optional trekking adventure or plan your own bucket list activity!

There’s plenty to do in the area and we are happy to give you some ideas. Here’s a few to consider: enjoy some down time at the hotel, explore the city’s museums and culinary opportunities, join an optional 4-5 hour guided round-trip trek to Esmeralda Lake, or check off your own bucket list adventure like hiking on a glacier or explore Tierra del Fuego National Park. After a full day of adventure, enjoy the evening on your own accord exploring town and enjoying the delicious culinary opportunities the end of the world has to offer

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3:

antarctica, here we come!

ushuaia ship
icebergs antarctica

Today is the day - expedition day!!! Wake up and enjoy breakfast before packing up and checking out of the hotel. We will store our luggage here until we make our way to greet the boat.

The morning is yours to spend exploring town, wander through local shops, relax with a massage, or visit a museum. Enjoy lunch at your leisure. We will meet back at the hotel midday, gather our bags, and make our way to the marina to board our home for the next 10 days.

After taking a little time to settle in, we will gather in the lounge for a warm welcome from your expedition guide and lecture staff. Meet the rest of your fellow mates and receive an overview of the ship as you get excited for the days ahead. The adventure of a lifetime is about to begin!

As you set sail, enjoy the stunning scenery of the Beagle Channel and Mackinlay Pass. You’ll pass by glaciers as you watch for glimpses of sea birds and dramatic landscapes as you start your Antarctic journey.

Join your fellow adventurers for a delightful dinner in the ship's dining room. Relish local and international cuisine while sharing stories and anticipation for the expedition.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4 & Day 5:

crossing the drake passage

people are standing on front of boat looking at antarctica
ocean with antarctica in background

Over the next couple of days, we will set sail across the legendary Drake Passage, a gateway to Antarctica.

Renowned for its dynamic weather, the Drake passage is a biological barrier where cold polar water sinks beneath the warmer northern water creating a great upwell of nutrients which sustains the rich biodiversity found in this area.

Keep an eye out for albatrosses and other seabirds following in the ship's wake. As we sail through the passage, our onboard naturalists will help identify these majestic creatures and explain the ecological significance of this region.

As you explore the ship, don’t forget that our ship has an open bridge policy allowing you to visit and observe the crew at work, learn about navigation, watch for whales, and enjoy the views during your stay. A full program of informative lectures led by expert guides and scientists, providing insights into Antarctic wildlife, history, and exploration will be provided as well.

The first sightings of icebergs and snow-capped mountains will welcome us to the South Shetland Islands, a group of twenty islands and islets that were first sighted in 1819 by Captain William Smith of the brig Williams. With favorable conditions in the Drake Passage, our lecturers and naturalists will accompany the group ashore as we experience our first encounter with penguins and seals on Day 5, the third day of our expedition.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Day 6 - Day 9:

exploring the antarctic peninsula & south shetland islands

boat with icebergs
standing penguin with boat in the background

The South Shetland Islands are a haven for wildlife, and sailing through the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island will take your breath away.

Over the next few days, the Antarctic Peninsula’s remarkable history will provide you with a type of excitement often felt by the early explorers. You will have plenty of time to take in and explore its amazing scenery; a pristine wilderness of snow, ice, mountains and waterways, and an incredible wide variety of wildlife. Apart from penguins and seabirds, you are very likely to see Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals as well as Minke, killer (orca), and humpback whales at close range.

On our journey, we hope to navigate some of the most beautiful waterways including the Gerlache Strait, the Neumayer Channel, and the Lemaire Channel (depending on the ice conditions). These narrow passages lay between towering rock faces and spectacular glaciers and are sure .

During the visit we plan to make at least two landings per day and possible landing sites may include: Paradise Bay, perhaps the most aptly named place in the world and this is where we attempt a landing on the continent proper.

After negotiating the iceberg-strewn waters of the Antarctic Sound, we hope to visit the bustling Adélie Penguin (over 100,000 pairs breed here) and Blue-eyed Cormorant colonies on Paulet Island. The Nordenskjöld expedition built a stone survival hut here in 1903. Today its ruins have been taken over by nesting penguins. 

Further exploration may take you to the Melchior Island group, Cuverville Island, Portal Point, Neko Harbour, Pléneau Island and if ice conditions permit, to Petermann Island for a visit to the southernmost colony of Gentoo Penguins.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Day 10-11:

north bound: at sea crossing drake bay

group of penguins on beach with boat approaching in antarctica

Today we embark on our journey back north as we cross the Drake Passage. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck as we search for seabirds and whales and enjoy some final lectures. Take the chance to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past days on the way back to Ushuaia.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Day 12:

arrival in ushuaia

fuzzy seal laying on snow

Arrive back in Ushuaia early in the morning. After breakfast, we will disembark and check out from our boat before being transferred to the airport to catch your flight back home. We suggest a departure time of 1 p.m. or later concluding an unforgettable Antarctic journey.

Meals: Breakfast

Expedition Ship & Cabins Options

Please note this is a co-ed trip and the boat will be shared with travelers outside of the Women Who Explore community group trip.

Embark on this journey with us to the end of the world on a 278-foot polar expedition ship originally built in 1970 for the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The vessel under went a major update in 2014 and again in 2023, now caters to 90 adventurers in 46 cabins and suites. The latest renovation refreshed every corner of the ship, from the bar lounge and restaurant to the staterooms and crew areas, ensuring a state-of-the-art experience.

With it having fewer-than-100-passenger capacity, this vessel is one of the rare and few still offering an intimate voyage to visit this unique and stunning part of the world. The smaller size means it can glide closer to Antarctica’s pristine shores, attempt to make more landings per day, and provide extended time ashore. This results in a more personalized journey, perfect for engaging in activities and wildlife encounters.

Onboard, the cabins are a haven of simplicity and comfort. Spacious, bright, and thoughtfully designed, each cabin features ample storage, temperature control, international plug points, and scenic windows or portholes, ensuring a cozy and memorable stay..

Please Read: As a reminder, this trip is a coed trip and is also shared with other guests that are not traveling with Women Who Explore. If you are traveling solo, Women Who Explore will pair you up with another solo traveler. Men may accompany a female partner or friend on this trip as a registered guest.

Standard Triple Private Cabin:

interior cabin of boat with 3 beds

Women passengers only. Sleeps 3 passengers and features a window, 3 lower berths (beds) and private facilities (shower, toilet, sink).

Cost: $8,495 per person

Standard Twin Semi-Private Cabin:

interior cabin of boat with bunk beds

Sleeps 2 passengers and features a porthole, 2 berths (upper and lower bunk) and semi-private facilities. Two standard twin cabins share one bathroom accessible from both cabins (shower and toilet). Each cabin is also equipped with its own sink. This is open to both women and co-ed bookings.

Cost: $8,995 per person.

Standard Plus Twin Private Cabin:

interior cabin of boat with two twin beds

Sleeps 2 passengers and features 2 portholes, 2 lower berths (beds) and private bathroom facilities (sink, toilet, and shower). This is open to both women and co-ed bookings.

Cost: $10,795 per person

Questions? Please reach out to us at info@womenwhoexplore.com

Ready to Book?

Ready to Book?

  • $8,395 triple occupancy, shared bathroom. Women only.

    $8,995* double occupancy, shared bathroom. Women or co-ed bookings.

    $10,795* double occupancy, private bathroom. Women or co-ed bookings.

    If you are traveling solo, you will be assigned roommate(s) upon request.

    *When you register with a friend or partner at the same time (same booking forms) you'll receive a $100 discount which will be applied as a credit to your trip balance. Does not apply to triple occupancy booking.

    A non-refundable deposit is due at booking to hold your spot. Please note once this trip is confirmed by email, the non-refundable deposit increases to 10% of the trip cost. The remaining balance will be set up on an automatic payment plan and additional payments may be applied to the trip balance at discretion prior to the payment due dates.

  • • 3 days/2 nights accommodations in a 3-4 star hotel in Ushuaia.

    • 10 days/9 nights accommodation in a 100 passenger 278 foot expedition ship.

    • Private group airport transfer from the Ushuaia Malvinas Argentinas International Airport (USH) to your hotel accommodations

    • All transportation between your hotel accommodations, the expedition ship and back to the airport on the final day as noted in the itinerary

    • Navigate Drake passage, Gerlache Strait, the Neumayer Channel, and the Lemaire Channel.

    • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by zodiac. Up to 2 landings per day. Visit places like Paradise Bay, meet the Adélie penguin and Blue-eyed Cormorant colonies on Paulet island, stop at the Nordenskjöld survival hut built in 1903, visits Melchior island, Cuverville island., Portal Point, Neko Harbour, Pléneau island and Petermann island (as weather permits).

    • Spot wildlife such as Gentoo, Chinstrap, and other penguin colonies, weddell, crab eater and leopard seals along with minke, killer (okra) and humpback whales at close range.

    • Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff

    • All miscellaneous service taxes, port charges and park entry fees throughout the expedition program

    • Meals included in this trip: 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 10 dinners

    • Detailed post-expedition log

    • Comprehensive pre-departure support and information including trip checklists, a detailed packing list, and pre-travel support provided by your trip host in a private Facebook and WhatsApp group

    • Pre-trip Q&A Zoom call to meet your fellow travelers, trip hosts and ask any questions

    • WWE Swag to make your heart happy!

    • Small group; maximum of 19 women who can travel with their partners + your 1 WWE trip host. As a reminder you are traveling on a 100 person co-ed passenger expedition ship.

  • • International flights to/from Ushuaia, Argentina - Malvinas Argentinas International Airport (USH).

    • Tips and gratuity for guides and expedition crew (at the discretion of the client).

    • Airport transfers outside of designated times and meeting location.

    • Alcohol, additional beverages, snacks and meals as noted below.

    • Any additional excursions or activities not noted as included above and in the itinerary.

    • Visa and entry requirements as applicable and any pre-travel medical expenses such as immunizations or required Covid-19 testing. 

    • Travelers insurance to cover medical expenses and emergency evacuation while traveling abroad (proof of insurance required).

    • Personal expenses not included in the itinerary such as additional accommodations, transportation, meals, souvenirs, etc.

  • All meals will be provided as noted in the itinerary. On the expedition ship, daily meals are provided and include:

    - Continental and American Breakfast Buffet
    - Buffet or Seated Served Lunch
    - Afternoon Tea
    - Three-course Dinner

    Meal times vary depending upon shore excursions. Coffee and tea is offered throughout the day. Any additional beverages not noted are not included in the trip price.

    Please reach out to the trip host after booking if you have any food allergies/sensitivities. We always do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.

  • This trip requires a minimum number of attendees to register in order for it to be confirmed. Once the trip reaches the minimum participant number, you will receive a trip confirmation email and a link to be added a private Facebook group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support. Please let us know if you do not have or use Facebook (see contact information below).

  • SPECIAL CANCELATION POLICY: PLEASE READ

    For this trip, our cancellation policy follows that of our expedition provider. A non-refundable deposit is due at booking to hold your spot. Please note once this trip is confirmed you will receive an email from Women Who Explore through the booking platform. A further deposit of 20% of the trip fare is due 270 days prior to departure and final payment due 120 days prior to departure.

    Cancellations must be received by email. Cancellation requests received after the trip is confirmed are non-refundable and non-transferrable. For these and other reasons mentioned below, you are strongly encouraged to obtain trip cancellation insurance at the same time you make a trip deposit.

    Automatic payment plans will be set up in accordance with the deposit requirements. Additional or pre-payments may be applied to the trip balance prior to the scheduled payment dates through the booking platform.

    Please see our Terms of Service for our full cancellation policy.

  • Women Who Explore guests will be required to follow the local Covid-19 guidelines and requirements as set forth by the local governing body of the destination being visited and/or the expedition leader.

  • Women Who Explore highly encourages our guests to purchase a trip insurance plan at the same time as the initial trip deposit is made to help protect your trip investment from any unforeseen reasons you may need cancel (sickness, work, injury, etc.). Please note that most insurance companies will allow you to adjust your insurance plan and increase the plan's coverage amount as any further financial investments into the trip are made including additional payments made to the trip balance, flights or travel arrangements, etc. Many insurance policies will typically require that an insurance plan is purchased with in a specified timeframe (usually 7-15 days or less) in order for any pre-existing conditions to be covered by the insurance plan. Since all insurance plans vary, Women Who Explore encourages guests to consult with the insurance company directly to inquire about their specific plan options and/or limitations prior to purchase as they may apply to that individual specifically.

    Travel (and medical) insurance is required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.

    For recommended travel insurance providers click here.

  • Please note that the itinerary provided for your adventure is subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the proposed plan, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure, and any modifications made will be done with careful consideration. We will make every effort to inform you in advance of any changes and provide suitable alternatives to ensure a fulfilling experience.

    Antarctic Expedition Notices: The above itinerary is a guide only. Our exact route and program will vary to take best advantage of local weather and ice conditions and opportunities to view wildlife. Changes will be made by the Captain and/or Expedition Leader to facilitate the best results from the prevailing conditions. A daily program sheet will be issued on board. Flexibility is the key to success.