Twenty-six. That’s the number of Antarctic sailings PONANT has set up for the winter of 2024-2025. With 30 years of experience in this region, they’re offering trips that span the entire southern summer season, from October to March. This period perfectly aligns with the penguins’ breeding cycle on the White Continent.
Monthly Highlights of the Journey
November marks the penguin breeding and nesting season on the Antarctic Peninsula, with snow-capped peaks and drifting icebergs creating a stunning backdrop. January sees the arrival of newborn penguins, while in February, the growing chicks and receding summer snow make hiking more feasible.
Onboard Experiences
Travelers will sail aboard PONANT’s small ships – Le Lyrial, L’Austral, and Le Boréal – accompanied by skilled Captains, Expedition Leaders, and naturalist-guides. They are dedicated to sharing their passion and knowledge, making it possible for guests to witness a variety of wildlife such as Adelie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins, orcas, seals, elephant seals, albatrosses, and southern fulmars, all in an eco-friendly manner.
Highlighted Voyages
1. The Southern Adventure: This 15-day polar expedition explores the Falkland Islands and the pristine lands of Antarctica. Guests will see varied hues of white and have guided outings in Zodiacs or sea kayaks, allowing close encounters with the ice. Departures are on 1st and 16th November 2024, priced from €14,000, including Buenos Aires-Ushuaia return flights.
2. The Great Adventure: This voyage on L’Austral and Le Lyrial sails to South Georgia, tracing the historic route of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 1916 Endurance Odyssey. The journey continues to the Orkney Islands, showcasing a territory populated by penguins, albatrosses, seals, and whales. Departures are set for 9th November 2024 and 3rd March 2025, with prices starting from €14,990, including Ushuaia-Buenos Aires return flights.
3. Emblematic Antarctica: Guests cross the Drake Passage, experiencing the powerful winds and waves of the Furious 50s and Screaming 60s. The changing ice and wildlife, such as Adelie, gentoo, and chinstrap penguins, await. Sixteen sailings are available from November 2024 to March 2025, with prices starting from €10,640, including Buenos Aires-Ushuaia return flights.
Falklands, South Georgia & Valdes Peninsula Expedition
On Le Boréal, this 20-day journey from 11th to 30th March 2025 includes stops at South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, and Argentina’s Chubut province. Travelers will see a diverse array of wildlife, including Magellanic, gentoo, and king penguins, elephant seals, fur seals, albatrosses, and orcas. The landscapes range from black sand beaches and snow-capped mountains to the rugged beauty of the Falkland shores and the arid lands of Chubut. Prices start from €10,570, including a Buenos Aires-Ushuaia flight.
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Paul Johnson, the Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog, has been in the travel industry for over 30 years and has received numerous awards, including the ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. His blog is recognized as one of the world’s best luxury travel blogs by The Telegraph.