On this 15-day Chile cruise aboard 199-guest Ultramarine, retrace Charles Darwin’s epic voyage to the “edge of the world.” On this comprehensive journey into Chile’s spectacular network of fjords and channels, enjoy helicopter flightseeing and Zodiac cruises along an enchanting stretch of coastline. Take in awe-inspiring perspectives of some of the most remote and picturesque landscapes on Earth. From Magellanic penguin colonies and other seabirds to South American sea lions and southern elephant seals, the fascinating array of wildlife is as abundant as the majestic blue-toned tidewater glaciers. Discover this enchanting wonderland and experience all the natural splendors of southern Patagonia.
Highlights include encountering iconic wildlife, such as Magellanic penguins, sea lions and seabirds; experiencing some of the world’s most remote glacial and fjord systems, including Glacier Alley; retracing Darwin’s route through the Beagle Channel and learning about the storied history of southern Chile; Zodiac cruises among gorgeous glaciers, fjords and channels; and the unique opportunity for helicopter flightseeing right from the ship.
Modern expedition ship Ultramarine acts as home base. This purpose-built vessel is designed to extend the boundaries of exploration and offer an unmatched experience, including an unforgettable flightseeing tour (weather permitting) and a range of adventure options more extensive than any other ship in her class. Optional activities (additional cost) include kayaking, one-time paddling excursions, stand-up paddleboarding and an exclusive heli-landing.
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Save up to 30% per person when you book your select departure of the below-linked Canadian Arctic expedition cruises.
Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offer. Ask your Adventure Specialist for details and applicable savings; rates listed on our website reflect the currently available discount. See all Arctic cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on these and other adventures.
Save up to 30% per person when you book your select departure of the below-linked Greenland expedition cruises.
Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offer. Ask your Adventure Specialist for details and applicable savings; rates listed on our website reflect the currently available discount. See all Arctic cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on these and other adventures.
Save up to 30% per person when you book your select 2024 or 2025 departure of the below-linked Svalbard expedition cruises.
Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offer. Ask your Adventure Specialist for details and applicable savings; rates listed on our website reflect the currently available discount. See all Arctic cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on these and other adventures.
Solo travelers pay no single supplement when you book your select December 2025 departure of the below-linked Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake cruise.
Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and cannot be combined with other offers. Ask your Adventure Specialist for details and applicable savings; rates listed on our website reflect the currently available discount. See all Antarctica cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on these and other adventures.
On the Greenland Explorer cruise, explore the majestic fjords, glaciers and mountains of South Greenland, in partnership with local communities. On this Greenland adventure be as active as you like, or opt for more relaxing, immersive experiences. Enjoy one–of–a–kind excursions, some enabled by the ship’s two twin–engine helicopters. Some of these, such as heli-assisted hiking and landings, and the Greenland Ice Sheet Experience, are included for all guests. Also on offer are hikes, community visits and Zodiac cruises.
This voyage—accessible to guests of all fitness levels—offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in soaking up the serene mountain views, sailing through the icebergs on a Zodiac cruise, or trying optional activities such as heli–hiking, or camping in style on the shores of Tasermiut Fjord with local hosts. Additionally, travel during a time when the Northern Lights are typically most active over Greenland.
Also special, this itinerary was designed in collaboration with local Greenlandic partners and is endorsed by the regional government of South Greenland. This program pioneers a new local engagement ethos featuring the unrivaled hospitality, wisdom and expertise of the local people. In Aapilattoq, enjoy storytelling, food, music and a soccer match. Alongside Ice Sheet excursions, meet local artists, craftspeople, musicians and chefs on board for the Tamassa cultural festival. In Qasiarsuk, learn about South Greendland’s agricultural economy at a sheep farming community, and more.
In 2024, departures embark and disembark in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland with bookend charter flights to start and end in Reykjavik, Iceland. In 2025, the itinerary changes to embark and disembark farther north, in Nuuk, Greenland with bookend charter flights to start and end in Toronto, Canada.
Aboard the technologically-advanced, 199-guest Ultramarine, take advantage of two twin-engine helicopters and 20 quick-launching Zodiacs to create the quintessential Arctic experience. This modern, purpose-built polar expedition vessel comes equipped with specialized, cutting-edge safety features to provide added security in remote environments.
Read on for details about this Greenland adventure, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Greenland small ship cruises or other Arctic cruises and Arctic trips.
On this 13-day voyage aboard Ultramarine, enjoy an ultra-immersive exploration of Greenland’s serene shores, sailing the icy waters of the rarely traveled southeast coast. Travel down to the lush southern tip, stop to visit local communities and Viking sites, and observe imposing glaciers on the south and southeast coasts, which are the featured regions of this voyage.
Visits to picturesque communities and Viking sites provide an intimate look into Greenland’s distinct culture and history. And the rugged landscape, highlighted by dramatic fjords, imposing glaciers, towering mountains, verdant valleys and incredible wildflowers, will leave you breathless. Search for whales, seals and seabirds. Explore icebergs, glaciers and fjords. And experience flightseeing aboard on of Ultramarine’s twin-engine helicopters.
The 13-day Wild Fjords of South Greenland: Land of the Vikings cruise is aboard the 199-guest Ultramarine, a modern, purpose-built polar expedition vessel. Her twin helicopters access unique terrain; her innovative, internal hangar launches Zodiacs in a modern way; and her specialized, cutting-edge safety features provide added security in remote Arctic environments. AdventureSmith Explorations’ crew of award-winning polar small ship cruise experts have personal experience sailing in the polar regions. Contact us to discover more about this Arctic small ship cruise and other options to suit your travel interests and timeline.
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Visit the remote emperor penguin colony near Snow Hill Island, Antarctica. Sail past masses of dense ice and thick, tabular icebergs in the Weddell Sea to experience the legendary rookery, which now numbers 4,000 breeding pairs of emperor penguins. Today, it is one of the most exclusive wildlife viewing experiences on the planet. Embrace the thrill of the search as by setting out to visit the emperor penguins at Snow Hill Island. Walk across the thick sea ice to stand within meters of the most coveted penguin species on the planet. Anticipate scenes reminiscent of “March of the Penguins” and BBC’s “Frozen Planet.” Just imagine the penguins tobogganing across the ice towards the sea. Such wildlife moments are too precious for words!
The highlights are many on this emperor penguin expedition. Embrace the expeditionary spirit on a quest to reach the colony of thousands of pairs of emperor penguins and their chicks. Spend 5 days in the vicinity of Snow Hill, either on tour to the colony, or immersing in custom-designed Weddell Sea experiences. Enjoy helicopter sightseeing and Zodiac cruising for unique perspectives of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Experience this true polar quest aboard Ultramarine, a ship equipped with two twin-engine helicopters to fly to the vicinity of the rarely-visited Snow Hill rookery. While she has capacity for 199 guests, on these departures Ultramarine only takes 150 guests, translating into one expedition team member for every four guests. This modern, purpose-built polar expedition vessel also features an innovative, internal hangar that launches Zodiacs in a modern way. And her specialized, cutting-edge safety features provide added security in remote environments like Antarctica. All of these features make her an ideal basecamp for luxury Antarctica cruises.
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Time. Rough seas. There are many reasons to fly to Antarctica, skipping the customary sea crossing of the Drake Passage. This Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake cruise shaves up to 100 hours off your trip, flying directly from southern Chile to King George Island in the South Shetlands. This quick 3-hour flight crossing won’t reduce the scale of your adventure—you’ll first experience breathtaking aerial views then join the ship with camera ready to spot wildlife and ice while exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. Beaches dotted with leopard seals and penguins give way to icy plateaus with snowcapped mountains looming behind. Cruise in a Zodiac in search of whales, search the skies for seabirds and perhaps paddle amongst blue icebergs.
In addition to the main Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake itinerary that cruises over 8 days, there are 10-day options that cruise one way, either beginning or ending in Ushuaia, Argentina. There is also a longer 11-day option that includes the opportunity to cross the Antarctic Circle. Two small ships operate the itineraries: the 138-guest Ocean Explorer and the 172-passenger World Explorer. Each departure includes up-close exploration on guided hikes, shore walks and small craft excursions. Optional activities (additional cost) include kayaking, one-time paddling excursions and stand-up paddleboarding.
Find yourself in near-constant sunlight, flying high above the legendary Drake Passage. Some believe sailing the Drake is a rite of passage, but others enjoy the smooth 3-hour flight before setting foot on the 7th Continent.
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The 18-day South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari itinerary is a fast way to get to the rarely visited South Georgia Island while also stepping foot on the 7th Continent. Highlights include experiencing the quintessential wildlife experience of the “Galapagos of the Poles,” visiting South Georgia’s king penguin rookeries–the largest in the world, reflecting at the resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton, visiting abandoned whaling stations and learning stories of their inhabitants.
While cruising, photograph massive albatross and pintado petrel as they swoop and soar around the ship, guiding her toward South Georgia. Step ashore onto beaches teeming with king penguins and elephant seals on this fabled island, where there’s time to pay respects to famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Antarctica awaits, with its geographic contradictions and overwhelming enormity. Relax on a Zodiac ride, hike glistening glaciers, share comical moments with inquisitive penguins, or witness the rugged peninsula from a sea kayak. Antarctica will surprise and delight, and never disappoint.
Passage is aboard a selection of small ships. The 172-guest World Explorer is a purpose-built, all-suite polar expedition ship featuring private balconies in every cabin and a focus on health and wellness throughout her six passenger decks. The 138-guest Ocean Explorer is a refined ship with cutting edge technology and design for efficient and sustainability-minded cruising. From your ship home base, enjoy opportunities for Zodiac cruising, hiking, photography, daily lectures by onboard polar experts and even the polar plunge. Added-cost activities include sea kayaking, one-time paddling excursions and stand-up paddleboarding.
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