A group of Antarctica travelers hike through snow towards Le Commandant Charcot across a flat ice sheet in Antarctica.
Woman in orange parka with fur-lined hood stands on deck of white ship photographing sea ice at sunset in the Bellingshausen Sea.
A single Adelie penguin marches across the snow in front of the Le Commandant Charcot ship as it is parked in the ice sheet
Emperor penguin with fuzzy gray chicks stand on the ice during Le Commandant Charcot Bellingshausen Sea Voyages.
Le Commandant Charcot is parked in an ice sheet in Bellingshausen sea, travelers walk through snow on the ice around it,
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Polar Regions Antarctica Cruise

Le Commandant Charcot Bellingshausen Sea Voyages

Beyond Peter I Island and Charcot Island, this exceptional voyage heads into the heart of the Bellingshausen Sea. Named in honor of the Russian admiral and explorer who discovered Antarctica in 1820, this sea in the Southern Ocean, covered by ice floe most of the time, is hard to reach and practically unexplored.

Cross the Drake Passage and glimpse the last continent on the horizon. Follow in the footsteps of explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot, from Salpêtrière Bay to Marguerite Bay, a mountainous and magnificent land that Charcot named after his wife. Perhaps see Pourquoi-Pas Island, which Charcot named after his eponymous ship. Go on to explore the Lemaire Channel, Petermann Island and the Bellingshausen Sea, where conditions become increasingly extreme. Ice takes over the horizon, the ice floe stretches out and icebergs drift around the ship. Finally, be among the privileged few to approach Charcot Island.

Cruise round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with bookend flights between Santiago, Chile and Ushuaia. Sail aboard the sophisticated and sustainability-minded Le Commandant Charcot. This spacious 245-guest hybrid electric ship carries a maximum of 200 guests in Antarctica, with French-inspired luxury and a focus on food, wellness, onboard engagement and active programming. Participate in citizen science with Le Commandant Charcot’s onboard research laboratory, and enjoy included activities such as kayaking and hiking. This modern, innovative ship with five-star service makes her a top pick within our luxury Antarctica cruises.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and other trips to Antarctica.



Itinerary

In The Wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot Itinerary

This 16-day In The Wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot voyage begins with a charter flight from Santiago, Chile, embarks in Ushuaia, Argentina, and disembarks in Ushuaia, Argentina with a return charter flight to Santiago, Chile. This itinerary uniquely spends 2 days exploring along the Antarctic Peninsula.

Route map of the In The Wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot voyage aboard Le Commandant Charcot, cruising round-trip from Ushuaia,, Argentina, with round-trip bookend flights via Santiago, Chile, and visits to the Antarctic Circle, Charcot Island, Marguerite Bay, Pourquoi Pas Island, the Antarctic Peninsula & Drake Passage.
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Day 1
Arrive Santiago, Chile

Arrive in Santiago, Chile, and spend the night prior to an included group charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, for embarkation and the start of this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Accommodations

Included Hotel TBA

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Fly to Ushuaia, Argentina & Embark

Capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible…

Accommodations

Le Commandant Charcot

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 3 - 4
Drake Passage

Use the time spent in the Drake Passage to get acquainted with the ship and learn more about the Antarctic. The expedition leader will first present the IAATO rules of conduct that must be observed during landings in the region and will explain everything about the Zodiac® outings. Lectures about the history and wildlife of the Antarctic will be an opportunity to learn more about this magical region, where every cruise is a unique experience. From the ship’s bridge, experience exceptional sailing moments before joining the naturalist guides on the ship’s exterior decks to look out for albatrosses, cape petrels and other seabirds flying over the Drake Passage.

Accommodations

Le Commandant Charcot

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Crossing The Antarctic Circle & The Gullett

Weather permitting, cross the mythic line of the Antarctic Polar Circle, located along 66°33’ south of the Equator. This iconic area demarcates the point from which it is possible to view the midnight sun during the December solstice. Within this circle, the sun remains above the horizon for 24 consecutive hours at least once a year. Crossing this line, an experience known to few people, is sure to be an unforgettable highlight of this cruise through the polar regions.

The sumptuous landscapes of The Gullet, a narrow channel between Adelaide Island and Graham Land, attract all visitors sailing towards Marguerite Bay. It is like an ice palace, its immaculate white walls reflected in the frozen mirror formed by the waters of the Southern Ocean, scattered with icebergs and gleaming blocks of ice. This passage was explored for the first time by the Jean-Baptiste Charcot expedition in 1909, which sketched its position. It was then surveyed in 1936 by the British expedition under John Rymill. It is here in this magical setting that some of the first subaquatic images of the Antarctic were shot during Philippe Cousteau’s four-month expedition to Antarctica between 1972 and 1973.

Accommodations

Le Commandant Charcot

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 6 - 7
Expedition to Charcot Island

When Jean-Baptiste Charcot discovered this island surrounded by sea ice in 1910 from aboard the Pourquoi Pas? while mapping Alexander Island, he had not been able to get less than 40 miles away from it. Situated in a zone that experiences frequent low-pressure systems and regular cloud cover, the island remains in many ways an enigma. It is entirely covered in ice and sheer cliffs, with the exception of the rocky outcrops extending over seven miles in the far northwest. The ice in the narrowest part of Wilkins Sound has been cracking in recent times, thus officially detaching this island from its neighbor, Alexander Island, lying roughly 30 miles away. Very few people have landed on this largely untouched island, whose waters attract numerous seabirds such as petrels, Antarctic terns and skuas.

Accommodations

Le Commandant Charcot

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
Bellingshausen Sea

Stretching from the west of the Antarctic Peninsula to the Amundsen Sea, the Bellingshausen Sea was named after the Russian admiral and explorer who has been attributed the first confirmed sighting of mainland Antarctica, in 1820. Among others, its waters surround two of the Antarctic’s largest islands: Alexander Island and Thurston Island. Explore this sea amid ice floe, blocks of sea ice and majestic icebergs. The coastal areas along the Bellingshausen Sea are also renowned as the home of colonies of emperor penguins. Depending on the month of the southern summer, perhaps be lucky enough to observe isolated adults, adolescents seeking emancipation or recently independent new adults.

Accommodations

Le Commandant Charcot

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 9
At Sea

Spend exceptional moments sailing aboard your luxury PC2-class polar cruise ship capable of sailing into the very heart of the ice, on seas and oceans which the frozen conditions render inaccessible to ordinary ships. The ship is fitted with oceanographic and scientific equipment selected by a committee of experts. Take advantage of the onboard lectures and opportunities for discussion with these specialists to learn more about the poles. Participate in furthering scientific research and discover together what these fascinating destinations have yet to reveal.

Accommodations

Le Commandant Charcot

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 10
Marguerite Bay

The icebergs are each more majestic than the next and scattered around the deep and intense blue waters of Marguerite Bay, one of the most beautiful regions in the Antarctic. It is delimited in the north by the mountainous Adelaide Island, in the south by George VI Sound and Alexander Island, and in the east by the Fallières Coast. Charcot named it after his wife during his second expedition to the Antarctic between 1908 and 1910. In 1909, in the southern summer when the skies are at their clearest, he led an important scientific mission to map and study this region. The bay is home to a number of cetaceans and there may be the chance to observe leopard seals or Adelie penguins.

Accommodations

Le Commandant Charcot

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 11
Pourquoi Pas Island

Land on the coast of Pourquoi Pas Island, so named in the 1930s by John Riddoch Rymill in honor of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, who discovered it from aboard his ship Pourquoi Pas? during his second expedition to Antarctica between 1908 and 1910. This mountainous island, situated in the north of Marguerite Bay between Graham Land and Adelaide Island, is 17 miles long and roughly 8 miles wide. It is scattered with narrow fjords and snow-covered mountains. Go to shore in a Zodiac with the expedition team and there may be the chance to observe Adelie penguins going about their business on the island’s rocky shores.

Accommodations

Le Commandant Charcot

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 12 - 13
Antarctic Peninsula

Succumb to the magic of a place unlike any other. To this day, the mythical Antarctic Peninsula still holds real fascination and promises its visitors unforgettable moments. Adventure in this icy realm, in the heart of a spectacular environment with subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. Penguins, humpback whales, seals and giant petrels are at home here, as are elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales and orcas. Depending on which sites are visited, there may be the chance to observe various creatures and share with them the beauty of these extreme parts.

Each day, based on ice conditions, the captain and the expedition leader will suggest Zodiac outings or landings to discover the infinite riches of the Antarctic Peninsula. Glaciers, ice floe, tabular icebergs, mountain peaks that plunge straight into the sea, volcanic beaches, research stations, enchanting bays and vestiges of the whaling industry: these are the faces of the Antarctic that will likely reveal themselves, in a hushed and surreal atmosphere. You will sail in the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache and Sir Ernest Shackleton, great Antarctic explorers who, from the 19th century, set out to conquer these remote and uninhabited lands.

Accommodations

Le Commandant Charcot

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 14 - 15
Drake Passage

If there is one place, one sea, one waterway dreaded by tourists, researchers and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly the Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to connect Antarctica to South America. As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, Drake Passage harbors a very diverse marine fauna. Don’t forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around the ship.

Accommodations

Le Commandant Charcot

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 16
Disembark Ushuaia, Argentina, Fly to Santiago, Chile & Depart

Capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible…

Say farewell to the ship’s crew, captain and guides, as well as new friends made during this epic voyage. Disembark here, catch the return charter flight to Santiago and travel onward.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Transfers program (includes transfer to included 5-star hotel from Santiago airport or chosen pick-up location within a 30-mile range from the city center, 1-night stay in a Santiago hotel plus dinner and beverage package on Night 1, breakfast on Day 2, charter flights between Santiago and Ushuaia, transfer to the ship for embarkation on Day 2, and disembarkation day transfer from the ship to the airport); all meals while on board the ship; captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner; “open bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands); evening entertainment and events; room service; highly qualified bilingual French/English expedition team; lectures presented by the expedition team; Zodiac and shore excursions; park entry fees into protected areas; complimentary unlimited Wifi on board; boot rental and polar parka to keep (no children sizes available in either); port fees and taxes (except for child passengers–see Families & Children); gratuities; activities indicated in cruise documents.

Exclusions

Other meals and services not mentioned in the program; optional add-on excursions or packages; ground services before or after the cruise, aside from Transfers program; visa expenses; possible immigration reciprocity taxes; gratuities for the local guide; luggage handling; beverages beyond those in Inclusions; laundry, hair salon, spa treatments, onboard medical consultations and other personal charges; cancellation, luggage, assistance, repatriation, medical and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations beyond 14 days after booking confirmation are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
365 days or more – $250
364 to 211 days – 10% of total trip cost
210 to 91 days – 100% of deposit
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The In The Wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot voyage begins and ends in Santiago, Chile (SCL). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Recommended flight arrival and departure times are specific to each voyage; consult your Adventure Specialist for guidelines relating to your departure. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

Economy class group charter flights between Santiago, Chile, and Ushuaia, Argentina, are included with this trip’s itinerary; see the Transfers program information listed above under Inclusions. Charter flights are unique per departure and details will be confirmed in advance. The flight to Ushuaia is expected to depart after breakfast on Day 2 of the itinerary. There is a luggage limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) checked luggage and 18 lbs (8 kg) cabin baggage on the charter flights for Economy class. Additional Economy class baggage allotment can be requested and purchased and is based on availability. Business Class seating is available upon request and may incur an additional charge. The luggage limit for business class is two 50 lbs (23 kg) checked luggage and 22 lbs (10 kg) cabin baggage. On the final day of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier and breakfast is held on board. Disembarkation follows breakfast, with a transfer to the airport for the return charter flight to Santiago.

Activities

Various optional, included activities may be available on your In The Wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot voyage: citizen science, kayaking, hiking and snowshoeing. Additional activities include practicing photography, the polar plunge, Zodiac cruising and shore-based excursions. In addition to these off-ship excursions, a multitude of onboard activities keep guests engaged, including live music, dance and theater; spa treatments; exercise and stretching classes; specialty food, wine and cocktail tastings; organized games; and lectures by guides and possible special guests.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. This supplement may vary depending on cabin category and remaining availability per departure. A willing-to-share program is not available. Triple and quadruple rates may be available in select cabin categories; contact AdventureSmith for details.

Families & Children

Children 8 years and older at time of travel are welcomed on this expedition. Children under 18 years old at time of travel may receive special discounts when sharing a cabin with two full-fare adults. A child sharing a cabin with a single adult is considered to be a paying adult. Contact AdventureSmith for details.

Travel Insurance

On Commandant Charcot, an EKG (electrocardiogram) is required from the doctor of any guest who wishes to participate in the polar plunge (where available). A medical form for all travelers is required for every departure. Travelers are also highly encouraged to have full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Dec 05 - Dec 20, 2025
Le Commandant Charcot • 16 days
From $28840USD
Per Person
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Jan 02 - Jan 17, 2026
Le Commandant Charcot • 16 days
From $28840USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Luxury Hybrid Electric Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot, carrying 200-245 guests, is a sophisticated, luxury expedition ship cruising the Arctic & Antarctic. Her hybrid electric engine, powered by liquefied natural gas, is the first of its kind. And her activity options, including ice fishing, offer a unique polar experience, rounded out by a French-inspired onboard atmosphere.

Expert Reviews

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

Leslie Camacho • January 10th, 2023
Expert Review: Cruising the Bellingshausen Sea

Emperor penguins, midnight sunsets... Read this review of Le Commandant Charcot's explorations in the Bellingshausen Sea and learn why you should cross the Antarctic Circle aboard this ship.

Lauren Pilholski • October 25th, 2022
Expert Aboard: Le Commandant Charcot Ship Review

Get expert insight on the record-breaking ship Le Commandant Charcot. Our specialist was aboard for more than two weeks and reviews everything from the cabins to the crew and programming.

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

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Le Commandant Charcot Bellingshausen Sea Voyages

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