Join us on an extraordinary journey aboard the Schooner Tolkien — a robust steel sailing vessel designed for navigating the world’s most remote and extreme regions. Built specifically for polar exploration in all weather conditions, her elegant red sails stand out dramatically against the white wilderness of Antarctica.
This is a fly/fly expedition: we have arranged a private charter flight so you can skip the Drake Passage entirely. No days lost at sea and no risk of seasickness — instead, you’ll fly directly from Punta Arenas to Bellingshausen Station. The flights are included in the tour price, ensuring maximum comfort and time spent where it truly matters: in Antarctica.
This exclusive photography expedition welcomes participants of all skill levels and provides a unique opportunity to capture Antarctica’s raw, untouched beauty. With only 19 guests on board, the Schooner Tolkien offers a truly intimate, personal atmosphere — a stark contrast to large cruise ships.
Equipped with Zodiacs, we’ll have complete flexibility for landings, wildlife encounters, and exploring ice formations up close. Throughout the voyage, you’ll receive hands-on instruction in the field, composition and workflow guidance, and group image critique sessions tailored to your interests.
Unlike large cruise ships tied to fixed schedules, we’ll remain flexible — allowing us to photograph during sunrise and sunset, when the light is at its most magical. No rushing, no crowds, and no “photographer-unfriendly” timetables. Instead of walking ashore with 100+ passengers, you’ll be part of a small group of photographers, ensuring space, time, and creative freedom.
Itinerary
Day 1 – January 16, 2027
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 17, 2027
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 18, 2027
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 19, 2027
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 20, 2027
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 21, 2027
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 22, 2027
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 23, 2027
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 24, 2027
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 25, 2027
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 26, 2027
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 27, 2027
Today, we fly back to Punta Arenas, where we’ll spend our final night before concluding our adventure.
Day 13 – January 28, 2027
Check out of the hotel in Punta Arenas. We recommend scheduling your departure flight no earlier than January 30 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:
19 900 USD – per person in a twin 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 (16 to 17 Jan) and one night after (27 to 28)
– All meals on board
– Professional sailing team
– Shore landings and tours with the dinghy
– Photography guiding and workshops
Not included in the price:
– Flights to and from Punta Arenas
– Travel Insurance
– Other personal expenses
About the Schooner Tolkien
The Schooner Tolkien is a spacious, steel two-mast sailing vessel designed for safe and comfortable travel in remote regions. Originally built in 1964 and completely rebuilt for passenger voyages, the ship combines classic tall-ship character with modern amenities.
On board, you’ll find:
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A comfortable salon with warm wood interiors, lounge seating, and a bar — a cozy space to relax, review images, or socialize after excursions.
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Twin cabins with private bathrooms, thoughtfully arranged for comfort during multi-day voyages.
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A large deck area, providing excellent vantage points for photography and wildlife viewing.
The Tolkien sails efficiently under both engine and sail, offering a stable and secure platform even in varying weather conditions. The vessel is supported by multiple generators, reliable navigation systems, and safety equipment meeting international standards.
With its small passenger capacity, the atmosphere onboard is friendly, personal, and unhurried — ideal for photographers and travelers who value space, flexibility, and meaningful time in the landscape.
This ship is not a cruise liner — it is a true expedition sailing vessel, offering:
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Intimate group experience
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Close access to natural environments
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Flexibility to adjust plans based on light and conditions
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A sense of adventure and authenticity on the water
The Schooner Tolkien provides the perfect balance of comfort, stability, and expedition-ready capability for exploring remote coastlines and wild, photogenic environments.
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:
Raymond Hoffmann
