Join me on an extraordinary journey aboard the Schooner Elsie—a sturdy steel sailing vessel built for navigating the world’s most remote regions. Designed for polar exploration in all weather conditions, its striking red sails create a breathtaking contrast against the Antarctic landscape.
This is a fly / fly expedition – we arranged a charter for our guests to avoid Drake passage and fly straight to Antarctica. Perfect to avoid being seasick and spending 5-6 days in Drake passage wasting your time. The flight costs are included in the tour price.
This exclusive photography expedition is open to all skill levels, offering an unparalleled opportunity to capture Antarctica’s raw beauty. Flying directly from Punta Arenas to Bellingshausen Station, you’ll bypass the challenging Drake Passage, maximizing your time for exploration and photography.
With only 17 passengers on board (including guests, crew and guides), the Schooner Elsie provides a personal and immersive experience. Equipped with two versatile Zodiacs for up-close encounters, this voyage offers hands-on photography instruction, composition workshops, and image critiques—all under the expert guidance of Daniel Kordan. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the untouched wilderness of Antarctica!
Unlike big cruise ships we will be flexible with our itinerary, with our landings – and we can do extensive photography at sunsets and sunrises while big cruise ships do not even bother to operate during photography best hours! Plus being in a small group of 12-14 photographers is so much better experience than walking the “highway” of 100+ cruise passengers! It is the private, intimate way to visit Antarctica not to mention the sustainability of sailing against wasting tons of fuel on a cruise ships.
Itinerary
Day 1 – January 6, 2026
Arrive in Punta Arenas and take the time to unwind after your long journey. Enjoy a relaxing evening and a good night’s sleep at our hotel as we prepare for the exciting adventure ahead.
Day 2 – January 7, 2026
Departure from Punta Arenas. Expedition starts from the Bellinsgausen polar station located on the King George island. Please be aware that the departure time for Antarctica can fluctuate due to various factors such as weather and runway conditions.
Day 3 – January 8, 2026
Our itinerary serves as a flexible guide, with stops and timing adjusted based on weather conditions. Today, we set out to explore Yankee Harbour and Halfmoon Island.
Yankee Harbour, a wildlife sanctuary with pebble-lined shores, is home to thriving colonies of gentoo penguins, elephant seals, and fur seals. Halfmoon Island, true to its name, features a striking crescent shape and vibrant patches of Antarctic moss. Here, you’ll have the chance to encounter elephant seals, gentoo and chinstrap penguins, and giant petrels, offering an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in Antarctica’s diverse ecosystem.
Day 4 – January 9, 2026
Tonight, we anchor within the extraordinary setting of Deception Island, a flooded caldera of an active volcano. Its horseshoe-shaped harbor provides natural shelter from Antarctica’s extreme weather.
Once a whaling station in the early 20th century, the island still holds remnants of its past, offering a glimpse into Antarctic history. On the outer side lies Bailey Head, home to the largest colony of Antarctic penguins. This breathtaking yet remote location is notoriously difficult to access—landing here depends on calm seas and low winds. If conditions allow, we’ll have the rare opportunity to explore this remarkable site.
Day 5 – January 10, 2026
Today, we set course for Trinity Island, a remote gem in the Palmer Archipelago. This untouched wilderness is a paradise of towering icebergs, dramatic cliffs, and pristine waters teeming with wildlife.
Exploring by dinghy, we’ll glide beneath natural rock arches sculpted by centuries of wind and waves, offering breathtaking views of the island’s rugged beauty. The surrounding waters are a feeding ground for whales, while the cliffs and shores provide sanctuary for penguins, petrels, and other seabirds.
The ever-changing ice formations create a mesmerizing landscape, offering endless opportunities for photography. As we cruise through this silent, frozen world—where the only sounds are the creaking of ice and calls of wildlife—we’ll experience the raw, unspoiled majesty of Antarctica at its finest.
Day 6 – January 11, 2026
Tonight, we anchor at Enterprise Island, a historic site marked by a submerged shipwreck, setting the stage for an unforgettable day of whale watching.
This region is a hotspot for marine life, offering a rare chance to witness the spectacular phenomenon of bubble net feeding. In this fascinating display of teamwork, whales create a ring of bubbles with their blowholes, trapping krill within the ‘bubble net.’ Then, in perfect synchronization, they surge to the surface with open mouths, feasting on their catch.
Observing this coordinated hunting strategy up close is an awe-inspiring experience—one that highlights both the intelligence of these majestic creatures and the breathtaking wonders of the Antarctic seas.
Day 7 – January 12, 2026
Today’s journey takes us to Orne Harbour, home to a vibrant Gentoo penguin colony and striking blue-eyed shags. We’ll embark on a scenic hike up the hillside, where breathtaking panoramic views await. From this elevated perch, we can observe whales and seals in their natural habitat, as well as the stunning expanse of islands and icebergs scattered across the bay.
Next, we explore Cuverville Island Bay, a dramatic landscape of towering cliffs and glittering icebergs. The island is teeming with life, hosting a thriving colony of Papua penguins, while its coastal waters are often dotted with seals resting on ice floes. This stop offers an incredible opportunity to witness the rich biodiversity of the Antarctic wilderness.
Our final destination of the day is Neko Harbour, where we’ll stand before a colossal glacier—one of the most awe-inspiring sights of the expedition. If we’re lucky, we may witness the raw power of ice calving, as massive chunks break away and crash into the sea, sending waves rippling through the bay. The thunderous sound and sheer scale of this event serve as a humbling reminder of Antarctica’s untamed beauty and ever-changing landscape.
Day 8 – January 13, 2026
Today, we navigate the breathtaking Lemaire Channel, one of Antarctica’s most stunning passages. This narrow waterway, nestled between Booth Island and the Antarctic Peninsula, is framed by towering cliffs that rise 400 meters straight from the sea, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring corridor. At its narrowest point, the channel spans just 300 meters, offering an intimate and immersive experience of the polar landscape.
As we glide through the serene waters, we’ll be on the lookout for orcas and humpback whales, which frequently pass through this area. Their presence adds to the magic of this remarkable journey, making it a true highlight of our Antarctic expedition.
Day 9 – January 14, 2026
Not far from the Academic Vernadsky Station, the Yalour Islands emerge as a cluster of low, rocky outcrops amidst the icy expanse. This area stands out as one of the few locations on the Antarctic Peninsula where a thriving colony of Adélie penguins can be found. The islands are encircled by a mesmerizing array of icebergs and ice floes, upon which seals are often seen lounging. The juxtaposition of the lively wildlife against the serene backdrop of ice and rock creates a truly enchanting spectacle, highlighting the raw beauty and biodiversity of the Antarctic region.
Day 10 – January 15, 2026
Today is reserved as a buffer day to accommodate any unforeseen weather disruptions. Antarctic weather can be highly unpredictable, and this extra day ensures that we remain flexible with our plans, allowing us to fully experience everything without compromising the adventure.
Day 11 – January 16, 2026
Today, we visit the historic Port Lockroy station, where you can send postcards from the southernmost post office in the world. Originally a whaling station in the early 20th century, Port Lockroy was later transformed into a British Antarctic Exploration Centre and, in 1996, became a museum and post office. Open only during the tourist season, it offers a unique chance to send mail from this extraordinary location, leaving you with lasting memories of your Antarctic adventure. You’ll also find a selection of souvenirs, with card payment options available.
After this unforgettable experience, we’ll return to Bellingshausen Station to prepare for our departure back to Punta Arenas, bringing our journey through Antarctica’s stunning landscapes and rich history to a close.
Day 12 – January 17, 2026
Today, we fly back to Punta Arenas, where we’ll spend our final night before concluding our adventure.
Day 13 – January 18, 2026
Check out of the hotel in Punta Arenas. We recommend scheduling your departure flight no earlier than January 19 and ensuring it is a refundable ticket with flexible date changes, as flights from Antarctica may be delayed, potentially resulting in a later arrival in Punta Arenas than expected.
Price:
18 900 USD – per person in a twin cabin
17 900 USD – per person in a triple cabin
Included in the price:
– Roundtrip flight from Punta Arenas to King George island to avoid Drake passage (worth $4000)
– Accommodation in Punta Arenas (based on twin occupancy) – one night before the trip (6 to 7 Jan) and one night after (17 to 18)
– All meals on board
– Professional sailing team
– Shore landings and tours with the dinghy
– Photography guiding and workshops by Daniel Kordan
Not included in the price:
– Flights to and from Punta Arenas
– Travel Insurance
– Other personal expenses
About Schooner Elsi
The Schooner Elsie is a state-of-the-art expedition yacht designed for polar adventures in any weather conditions. It offers comfortable accommodations, including triple and twin cabins, along with three bathrooms and showers. Guests can enjoy modern conveniences such as refrigeration units, a washer and dryer, and a hot water and heating system that ensures warmth throughout the vessel.
For power and efficiency, the yacht features a 3 kW inverter and two 220V diesel generators. Communication and navigation are seamless with advanced satellite systems and cutting-edge safety equipment. A tender boat is also available for shore excursions, providing easy access to remote locations.
With its comprehensive facilities and robust design, Elsie guarantees a secure and comfortable journey, allowing guests to explore breathtaking polar landscapes while enjoying the conveniences of home.
What to bring
Gear:
– DSLR camera with tripod and remote shutter release
– A wide angle lens. For example, Nikkor 14-24 or Canon 17-40. Best lens for use in wide-angle scenes or architecture photography
– A middle-zoom lens such as a 24-70 mm
– A telephoto zoom lens, such as a 70-200 mm. 300 mm with 1.5 TC or 500 mm, 600 mm are recommended for wildlife and bird photography. Be sure to have additional tripod mount to this lens.
Wear:
– Waterproof and windproof jacket (consider the average temperature +5 – +10 C at nights and +8 – +15 C during the daytime)
– Waterproof pants
– Warm jacket and thermal pants
– Wellingtons or fishing boots
The full list will be sent by mail to participants.
Tour leaders:
Daniel Kordan
