The Last Great Wilderness on Earth
Join the Wildness Community for an unforgettable journey to the last great wilderness on Earth.
This expedition takes you deep into the icy landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, a place of towering glaciers, vast penguin colonies, and extraordinary marine wildlife. Travelling aboard a small expedition vessel, we will explore remote bays and islands by zodiac, step onto the Antarctic continent, and experience one of the most awe-inspiring environments on the planet.
This is not a typical cruise. It is a true expedition, guided by experienced naturalists and expedition staff (and of course your Wildness trip leaders), where flexibility and exploration allow us to make the most of every wildlife encounter and every moment in Antarctica.
Expedition Overview
Dates: 9-19 December 2027
Duration: 11 days / 10 nights
Group size: Max. 15 Wildness guests
Style: Hosted polar expedition aboard a 90 passenger ship
Best for: Adventure travellers, wildlife lovers, photographers and anyone dreaming of experiencing Antarctica
Pricing
Standard Plus Triple (Shared)
USD $8,190 pp
Standard Twin (Shared)
USD $8,690 pp
Expedition Highlights
Incredible Wildlife Encounters
Small-Ship Expedition Experience
Explore the Last Wilderness
Cross the Legendary Drake Passage
Daily Zodiac Landings & Cruises
Adventure with Like-Minded People
Why Antarctica?
Antarctica is a place that captures the imagination like nowhere else on Earth.
It's the last truly wild continent - a land of incredible glaciers, drifting icebergs, extraordinary wildlife and landscapes so vast they make you feel wonderfully small.
But Antarctica is also one of the most fragile environments on our planet. Experiencing it firsthand gives us a deeper appreciation for its importance, the challenges it faces, and why protecting wild places matters.
Our hope is that you leave Antarctica with incredible memories, lifelong friendships and a deeper connection to this remarkable corner of the world.
Because Antarctica isn't just a destination.
It's a place that stays with you forever.
The Expedition
Wild. Remote. Unforgettable.
We'll explore one of the most remote and extraordinary places on Earth through daily zodiac excursions, wildlife encounters and landings among Antarctica's dramatic glaciers, mountains and ice-covered landscapes.
Carrying a maximum of just 90 passengers, the ship offers a more personal and immersive experience, with fewer people ashore, more meaningful encounters and a stronger connection to the wilderness around us.
What to Expect
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Crossing of the legendary Drake Passage
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Daily zodiac landings and wildlife cruises (weather permitting)
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Opportunities to observe penguins, seals, whales and seabirds
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Polar plunge in Antarctic waters (weather permitting)
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Expert lectures on wildlife, geology and polar history
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Small-group experience with like-minded adventurers
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No experience required - just a sense of adventure and wonder
This is for you if...
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You've always dreamed of visiting Antarctica.
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You feel most alive exploring the natural world.
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You get excited by wildlife encounters and wild, remote places - such as penguin colonies, whales, seals and many species of birds.
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You're curious, adventurous and open to the unexpected.
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You enjoy travelling with like-minded people and being part of a community.
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You're comfortable embracing expedition travel, where nature sets the schedule.
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You'd rather collect stories and experiences than souvenirs.
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You want to experience one of the last truly wild places on Earth.
Why Wildness?
At Wildness, we believe extraordinary places are best experienced alongside extraordinary people.
This expedition is about more than wildlife sightings and spectacular landscapes. It's about sharing those moments with a community of curious, adventurous and open-minded travellers who feel most alive exploring the natural world.
Whether you're joining solo, with a partner or alongside friends, you'll be welcomed into a supportive group of like-minded adventurers from around the world.
Expect meaningful conversations, plenty of laughs, unforgettable wildlife encounters and the kind of friendships that often last long after the expedition ends.
Following your first Wildness expedition, you'll become a Wildness Explorer - our community of past expedition guests.
As an Explorer, you'll enjoy returning traveller benefits, exclusive partner offers and priority access to future adventures, while remaining connected to a growing community of people who share your love of the wild.
Itinerary
Day 0: 9 Dec 2027
Meet in Ushuaia, Argentina, enjoy local activities
Day 1: 10 Dec 2027
Embark the ship that will take us to Antarctica
Day 2-3: 11-12 Dec 2027
Crossing the Drake Passage, onboard activities
Day 4-7: 13-16 Dec 2027
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands, daily zodiac excursions, landings and the famous polar plunge (weather permitting)
Day 8-9: 17-18 Dec 2027
Return crossing of the Drake Passage
Day 10: 19 Dec 2027
Disembark in Ushuaia
The Wildlife
Antarctica is home to some of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters on Earth.
During our expedition, we'll have the opportunity to observe vast penguin colonies, whales surfacing alongside the ship, seals resting on ice floes and an incredible variety of seabirds soaring above the Southern Ocean.
December is one of the most exciting times to visit, with penguin colonies bustling with activity, early chicks beginning to appear, increasing whale activity, and long polar days that provide more time to explore.
While every expedition is unique, wildlife commonly encountered includes:
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Chinstrap, Gentoo & Adélie Penguins
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Humpback & Minke Whales
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Weddell, Leopard, Crabeater & Antarctic Fur Seals
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Orcas (Killer Whales)
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Albatrosses, Snow Petrels, Skuas & Giant Petrels
One of the most exciting parts of Antarctica is that nature writes the itinerary.
Every day brings new opportunities, unexpected encounters and moments you'll remember for a lifetime.
What's Included
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Pre-expedition shared accommodation in Ushuaia (1 night, 9 December 2027)
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Local activities in Ushuaia on arrival day
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Transportation to ship
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10 days / 9 nights aboard the MV Ushuaia expedition vessel (10-19 December 2027)
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Shared cabin accommodation (Standard Plus Triple or Standard Twin)
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All meals onboard (breakfast, lunch, dinner + snacks)
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Drinking water, tea & coffee onboard
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Daily zodiac excursions, shore landings and the famous polar plunge (conditions permitting)
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Expert naturalist and expedition guides
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Waterproof boots on loan for landings, life jackets and all zodiac safety equipment
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Exciting lectures and presentations on Antarctic wildlife, history & geology
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Onboard safety equipment and emergency protocols
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All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
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Comprehensive pre-departure material.
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Detailed post-expedition log
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Peace of mind that the booking is transferable until 1 July 2027. In case you are no longer able to make it, we will contact our waiting list to attempt to help facilitate the transfer of your spot to another person.
What's Not Included
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International flights to/from Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Domestic flights to Ushuaia (we can assist with booking these)
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Travel insurance (mandatory - must cover expedition cruising & remote areas)
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Waterproof outer layers and cold-weather clothing (packing list provided)
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Crew tips / gratuities
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Alcoholic beverages & soft drinks
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Personal expenses
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Argentina visa (if applicable to your nationality)
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Post-expedition accomodation in Ushuaia
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Wifi is not included but available onboard at an additional cost
Information about travel requirements, visas and all detailed logistics will be provided in a booking confirmation pack once your spot is secured.
Our Home At Sea
MV USHUAIA
A classic Antarctic expedition vessel carrying up to 90 passengers in 46 cabins, with INSB Ice Class C rating.
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Max 90 passengers · 46 cabins
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Length 84.73m · Beam 15.41m
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Cruise speed 12 knots · Max 14 knots
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8 Zodiac/RIB craft for landings
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Warm, friendly and experienced expedition crew and naturalists that speaks both English and Spanish
Life Onboard
Life aboard is all about balancing exploration, learning and connection.
Most days will include one or two zodiac excursions, taking us ashore to explore remote islands, penguin colonies, glaciers and breathtaking Antarctic landscapes, or out on wildlife cruises among icebergs and sea ice (weather permitting).
Back onboard, you'll have time to warm up with a hot drink, review photos from the day, attend fascinating presentations on Antarctic wildlife, history and geology, and share stories with fellow adventurers.
With a maximum of 90 passengers, the ship's lecture hall, bar, library, dining room and observation deck provide comfortable spaces to relax, connect and take in the incredible scenery as it unfolds around us.
Cabins
Standard Plus Triple (Shared Cabin)
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Standard Twin (Shared Cabin)
Standard Plus Triple (Shared Cabin - 3 people)
Ideal for friends travelling together, or solo travellers happy to share. These cabins feature ocean views, a private bathroom and everything needed for a comfortable expedition experience.
Ideal for couples, friends travelling together, or solo travellers happy to share. These cosy cabins feature porthole views, a washbasin and desk, with a shared bathroom between two cabins.
Standard Twin (Shared Cabin - 2 people)
Many members of our Wildness community join expeditions on their own. We will assist with roommate matching for those who would like to share.
Travelling solo?
Pricing
Please note:
Payments are due as follows:
USD $1,500 deposit due at booking, USD $3,000 due on 1 March 2027, remaining balance due on 1 August 2027
Payment plans are available. Booking transferable until 1 July 2027.
Pricing is listed in US Dollars. You can convert the amount into your local currecy here.
We accept both US Dollars and Australian Dollars. Payments can be made via credit card, direct bank transfer, Revolut and Wise.
We do our best to keep pricing accurate and up to date. However, due to factors such as supplier costs, prices may occasionally change. If this happens, we'll always communicate any updates transparently and as early as possible. Rest assured, if you already have a confirmed booking with us, your price will not change.
