Astounding Antarctica Group Tours
Beyond the Polar Circle
DATES TBD
All Inclusive
This one is going to be special. Join us to the forgotten continent of Antarctica for a life-changing adventure you will cherish forever. This "lost world" truly is like traveling to another planet! The unbelievable landscapes, animals, colors, and light make Antarctica a premiere destination for photographers, adventure travelers, nature lovers, history buffs, & just about every other type of traveler out there! Our travel club has partnered with the best specialized operator in the industry taking groups to the Arctic and Antarctic for over 25 years! Incredible wildlife photos (penguins, whales, seals, giant sea birds...), landscape photos, zodiac landings on the great frozen mass to explore and experience the continent on foot is just "the tip of the iceberg" on this journey. This itinerary focuses on the "Deep South" (getting as far south as we can!) and is an ideal time of year to witness & the best whale watching in the world!
P.S. It's obviously quite expensive getting to the most remote place on earth and we encourage you to research other options out there so you can see how incredible our value is!
Ushuaia, Tierra Del Fuego: Gateway to Antarctica:
Our journey begins in the "southernmost town in the world": Ushuaia, Argentina.Arrive a night early (optional) to catch up on jet lag and have some time 
to explore this stunningly beautiful town at the bottom of the world.
"A busy port and adventure hub, Ushuaia is a sliver of steep streets and jumbled buildings below the snowcapped Martial Range. Here the Andes meets the famed Beagle Channel in a sharp skid, making way for the city before reaching a sea of lapping currents. Ushuaia takes full advantage of its end-of-the-world status, and an increasing number of Antarctica-bound vessels call into its port... That said, with a pint of the world’s southernmost microbrew in hand, you can happily plot the outdoor options: hiking, sailing, skiing, kayaking, and even scuba diving." - Lonely Planet
* Optional Pre-Night Recommended
Getting There...(~3 nights)
* Night 1: We sail the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the remainder of the evening.
* Day 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage. Along the way we'll enjoy fascinating lectures by experts in marine biology, mountaineering, Antarctic research, & more. Take in the cool salt breezes, rolling seas, & maybe even a fin whale spouting up sea spray!
- Wildlife Along the Way: Wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, light-mantled sooty albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels are a few of the birds we might see.
Exploring Antarctica...(~5-6 nights)
"No place on Earth compares to this vast white wilderness of elemental forces: snow, ice, water, rock. Antarctica is simply stunning." - Lonely Planet
"Antarctica’s surreal remoteness, extreme cold, enormous ice shelves and mountain ranges, and myriad exotic life forms invariably challenge you to embrace life fully...Antarctica is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary species. Some, such as the enormous whales, migrate from afar, while others, including the Weddell seal and emperor penguin, remain close to the continent. Antarctica possesses an unnameable quality. Call it inspiration, call it grandeur…it is simply the indescribable feeling of being a small speck in a vast, harshly beautiful land. To let our minds soar in a place nearly free of humankind’s imprint: this is magic." -Lonely Planet
* Wake up to the gray stone peaks sketched with snow, towers of broken blue-white ice, and dramatically different wildlife below and above.
* Places we might visit (specific sites vary depending on sea conditions, weather, regulations, 
& other unpredictable circumstances)
Livingston Island: Bursting with life, thousands of gentoo and chinstrap penguins waddle across the rugged terrain, their calls filling the crisp Antarctic air. Towering southern giant petrels soar overhead, scanning the shoreline for their next meal. Meanwhile, massive elephant seals haul their hulking bodies onto the beach, claiming their territory in a display of sheer power and dominance
Pléneau & Petermann Islands: Glide through the breathtaking, ice-framed Lemaire Channel, where towering cliffs and shimmering glaciers create an unforgettable scene. Keep your eyes peeled for playful Adélie penguins and striking blue-eyed shags perched on the frozen landscape. With a bit of luck, you’ll spot humpback and minke whales surfacing nearby or a stealthy leopard seal lurking in the icy waters!
Neko Harbor: An epic landscape of mammoth glaciers and endless wind-carved snow, Neko Harbor offers opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and landing that afford the closest views of the surrounding alpine peaks.
Paradise Bay: Hop aboard a Zodiac and navigate through the vast, ice-strewn waters, where every turn reveals a new frozen wonder. Feel the thrill as humpback and minke whales break the surface, their massive forms gliding gracefully through the icy depths. With the crisp Antarctic air on your face, this up-close encounter with the wild heart of the Southern Ocean is nothing short of exhilarating!
- Crystal Sound: Our journey takes us south along the Argentine Islands to this ice-packed body of water, and from here across the Polar Circle in the morning!
Activities & Adventures
* Shore Excursions and Zodiac Cruises: Zodiac rides emphasize active wildlife and nature experiences. Guided shore excursions, walks, wildlife spotting, and Zodiacs to/from landings are all included!
* Hiking: Venture beyond the shore and reach higher ground for more expansive vantages on guided hikes across glaciated environments. The leadership of certified mountain guides & assistants makes this a safe and once-in-a-lifetime experience. Physical fitness is essential. Special alpine equipment is provided if needed (ropes &/or crampons). *Optional BUT INCLUDED for those interested
* Photo Workshops: A professional photographer on board will be happy to share their experience and expertise with us. So if you consider yourself only a fair photographer, or even if you can’t tell the front end of a camera from the back, you’re going to go home with some new shutterbug knowledge and a mitt-full of fantastic photographs of your trip.
* On-Board Workshops: Most of our time will be spent experiencing & photographing the landscapes & wildlife of the polar region. During cruise days we'll sometimes have the option of partaking in a wide range of onboard interactive workshops and activities. Certain topics may include
navigation, astronomy, geology, & botany along with in-depth presentations that explore the fascinating life of polar whales, land mammals, birds, and the other animals that call these regions home. *Availability of particular workshops depends on the availability of the experts who guide them
Encounters with Whales
The world's largest mammals are abundant in Antarctica. Discover some of the most common visitors we may encounter on our adventure.
Whale watching in Antarctica is an awe-inspiring experience offering encounters with some of the planet’s most magnificent marine giants, in one of the most remote and pristine environments on Earth. Whether we're observing from the deck of our expedition ship or a zodiac for up-close and personal encounters, the experience can be vastly different but equally unforgettable!
From the Expedition Ship: Majestic, Panoramic Views
Spotting whales from the deck of our expedition ship offers a broad, panoramic perspective of the Antarctic seascape with these incredible creatures thriving in their home environment. As we navigate through icy waters, surrounded by towering glaciers and snow-draped mountains, the sight of a whale surfacing against this backdrop is breathtaking.
- Species Sightings: Humpback whales are the most commonly spotted, known for their dramatic breaches and bubble-net feeding. Minke whales and orcas (killer whales) are also frequent visitors, often seen gliding through the water in groups.
- Distant yet Stunning Views: This is the ideal way to scan for activity and witness whales interacting with their environment on a grand scale. From the deck, spot the telltale blow of a whale as it exhales, sending a misty plume into the cold air. Binoculars & telephoto lenses help bring the details of their movements into focus, from the graceful arching of their backs to the occasional flick of a fluke as they dive down into the deep.
- A Sense of Scale: Our ship provides an elevated vantage point, allowing us to appreciate the full size of the whales in relation to the vast Antarctic landscape.
From a Zodiac: Intimate, Heart-Pounding Encounters
For a more immersive experience, nothing compares to encountering a whale from a zodiac—a small, inflatable boat that brings us much closer to the water’s surface for some of the most unforgettable encounters (& photographs) in a lifetime.
- Close Proximity: In the zodiac, we may find ourselves mere yards away from a massive humpback lazily surfacing, its barnacle-encrusted head
emerging in a slow, graceful motion. The experience is humbling, with the whale’s sheer size and power felt more acutely at eye level.
- The Sounds of the Wild: Unlike the relative silence on a ship, we can hear the deep exhalation of a whale’s breath, the gentle lapping of water against their bodies, and even, on rare occasions, the ethereal, mysterious calls of humpbacks resonating through the air.
- Unexpected Moments: Some whales are naturally curious and may approach the zodiac, circling beneath or even spy-hopping—rising vertically out of the water to get a look at you. The feeling of looking directly into a whale’s eye, with nothing but a thin rubber boat between you, is an unforgettable experience.
- The Adrenaline Factor: While these encounters are typically calm, the sudden appearance of a surfacing whale can send a surge of excitement through the boat. The power of these creatures is undeniable, yet their gentleness & ease navigating around the tiny zodiacs are mesmerizing.
* As always this entire trip will be amazing for photography (PhotoFly Travel Club adventures are laid back when it comes to photography. They are not workshop style based tours and you do not need to be an avid photographer to join. All are welcome!)
* International Airfare is not included. We are happy to help you find a good flight as always! (Flying into & out of Ushuaia (USH) *Most guests need to arrive one night early to arrive in time for embarkation.
*Don't forget to e-mail us for the daily itinerary for our Antarctica small group tours (joinus@photoflytravel.com)
Price From (Sharing Cabin): $7,998.00
*For our solo travelers, we will pair you up with same sex UNLESS single occupancy is requested to have your own room.
Quad Cabin (4 twin beds/both bunk beds; 2 portholes): $7,998.00
Triple Cabin Porthole (3 twin beds; 2 portholes): $9,239.00
Twin Cabin Porthole (2 twin beds; 2 portholes): $9,995.00
Twin Cabin Window (2 twin beds; 2 windows): $10,639.00
Twin Cabin Deluxe (2 twin beds; small sofa; 3 windows): $11,449.00
Superior Double (1 double bed; 1 sofa bed; 2 windows): $12,249.00
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Single Occupancy:
Single Cabin Porthole: $16,995.00
Single Cabin Window: $17,995.00
Single Cabin Deluxe: $19,449.00
Superior Single Cabin: $20,895.00
Cancellation Policy & Refunds
50% of deposit is refunded for all cancellations made 190 days (September 6th, 2025) or more prior to trip departure date. An additional 100 USD admin fee is subtracted from the total refund. Cancellations less than 190 days (September 7th , 2025) prior to the trip departure date will receive no refund of the full amount due. No refunds on unused portions of the tour. Credit card fees and paypal processing fees cannot be refunded. After airline tickets are issued, airline cancellations are per the airline’s policy and are usually non-refundable and changeable with a fee plus new ticket price. Travel insurance required (ask us about policy options). *Hotels subject to change based on availability Travel insurance required (ask us about policy options).
Roommate Pairing Policy: Please be advised that PhotoFly endeavors, but does not guarantee, to secure a suitable roommate for travelers electing to share accommodations. In the event a match cannot be arranged no less than forty-five (45) days prior to the scheduled departure date, the traveler shall be required to convert to a single occupancy room and shall be responsible for the associated single supplement fee. Should a roommate become available after said date, PhotoFly will facilitate the pairing and issue a refund for the previously paid single supplement.
Optional Activity Cancellation Policy: Travelers wishing to cancel any optional activity(s) have until the day before Day 1 on the official itinerary to receive a refund. Please note that this is subject to approval by the provider and PhotoFly will act in good faith to recoup the money. From Day 1 on, cancellations for personal reasons (changed mind, potential bad weather, etc.) are not entitled to any refunds and PhotoFly will directly ask the provider for money back.
Notice: Payment online incurs 3.7% credit card processing fee or 3.6% PayPal* processing fee (automatically added to shopping cart). PayPal Payments from outside the USA incur a 4.5% processing fee. Please mail check to avoid fees to:
Local Planet Travel
325 Rocky Slope Road, Suite 104-240
Greenville, SC 29607
*You can use a credit card on PayPal and do not need a PayPal account.
We also accept no fee payments via Venmo & Zelle. Should you wish to pay via either method see the instructions below:
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*If mailing a check, please reserve your spot via the above trip page and select "check payments" on the checkout page.
