Antarctica Aurora Australis – The Southern Lights

Antarctica Aurora Australis – The Southern Lights

Prices From £8,435pp
March Only | 15 nights

Antarctica Aurora Australis – The Southern Lights

Aboard: MV Ortelius

Spring 2025 presents a rare chance to experience the wonders of the Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights, in all their glory. This is your chance to witness this incredible phenomenon from one of the world's most remote and enchanting wildernesses. With the sun’s 11-year solar cycle peaking, this is an ideal time to see these stunning lights in one of the only places in the world that they are visible!

Dr. Tyler Nordgren, an expert in astronomy, will guide our stargazing sessions on deck, sharing insights into the southern sky and the auroras. Dr. Julie Rathbun, a senior scientist with NASA's Europa Clipper mission, will also lead discussions on how Antarctica helps us explore distant moons like Europa.

This exceptional expedition ventures into the rarely explored Bellingshausen Sea, Marguerite Bay, and Alexander Island - regions first charted by Adrien De Gerlache and Jean-Baptiste Charcot during their historic Antarctic expeditions. Departing from Ushuaia, we journey beyond the Antarctic Circle, immersing ourselves in untouched landscapes where few have set foot. Along the way, we’ll explore Antarctic ice shelves, remote islands, and encounter a wealth of wildlife, including humpback and minke whales, leopard seals, penguins, and a variety of seabirds. The expedition offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the unspoiled wilderness of one of the most remote regions on Earth, combining adventure, science, and the awe of witnessing the Southern Hemisphere's celestial wonders.

Please note: although chances of seeing the Aurora Australis are high, sightings can never be guaranteed.

Highlights

  • High chances of experiencing the stunning Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) during its peak solar cycle
  • Journey below the Antarctic Circle, venturing to rarely explored regions and islands, and awe-inspiring ice shelves
  • Spot a variety of Antarctic wildlife, including humpback and minke whales, leopard seals, Adélie and gentoo penguins, and numerous seabirds
  • Explore fascinating historic sites including abandoned research stations and famous explorer huts
  • Enjoy stargazing and polar science insights from dedicated onboard experts
  • Photography workshops

What's Included

  • Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
  • All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
  • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
  • Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
  • Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
  • Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
  • Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
  • Comprehensive pre-departure material.

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Ushuaia - Embark
1Day

Ushuaia - Embark

Your expedition begins in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Having arrived independently, you will make your way to the transfer point to head to the port for afternoon embarkation. Settle into your comfortable cabin, familiarise yourself with the ship and prepare for adventure as we set sail through the beautiful mountain-fringed Beagle Channel and towards Antarctica.

At Sea - Drake Passage
2 - 3Days

At Sea - Drake Passage

The next two days will be spent crossing the legendary Drake Passage. Experience the same windswept seas and salt air that greeted early polar explorers, perhaps even catching sight of a fin whale spraying mist into the sky. As you cross the Antarctic Convergence - a natural boundary where icy Antarctic waters meet the warmer seas to the north - you enter the unique circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Here, not only does the marine life shift, but the skies fill with a remarkable array of bird species, from wandering and black-browed albatrosses to cape pigeons, southern fulmars, and the elegant Antarctic petrel. Make sure to spend some time on deck wildlife spotting and soaking up the feeling of this incredible wilderness.

Pendleton Strait
4Day

Pendleton Strait

Arriving at the Antarctic Peninsula near the Antarctic Circle, you’re greeted by a surreal, icy wilderness. If the sea ice is kind, you’ll glide through Pendleton Strait to attempt a rare landing on the secluded southern tip of Renaud Island, where Adélie penguins make their first delightful appearance against a backdrop of towering icebergs. Later, you’ll sail to the Fish Islands, home to one of the southernmost colonies of Adélie penguins and striking blue-eyed shags. As night falls over Crystal Sound, the stunning landscape will keep you awake in awe, with chances to spot orcas, humpbacks, and Minke whales gliding through the moonlit waters.

Each night of your exciting voyage below the Circle will offer up another chance to witness the incredibly rare Aurora Australis (Southern Lights). Dr. Tyler Nordgren will guide our night sky viewing on deck whenever the skies and auroras cooperate, sharing their expertise on the wonders of the southern sky and its dazzling auroras. An astronomy and physics professor at the University of Redlands and a former board member of the International Dark Sky Association, Dr. Nordgren brings a wealth of knowledge to this stargazing experience.

Detaille Island & The Gullet
5Day

Detaille Island & The Gullet

Next up we hope to arrive at Detaille Island where you can step ashore at a deserted British research station, surrounded by sweeping views of glaciers and lofty ice-capped peaks. Then, brace yourself for The Gullet - a breathtakingly narrow channel where soaring mountains rise on either side, birds swoop along with the ship, and lively penguins and seals splash playfully in the icy waters. If the ice permits, the adventure continues with an afternoon landing or Zodiac cruise, letting you get even closer to this extraordinary Antarctic landscape.

Porquoi Pas & Horseshoe Islands
6Day

Porquoi Pas & Horseshoe Islands

First charted by the legendary explorer Charcot, Pourquoi Pas Island offers a unique landing on its rugged, rocky shore with the towering Moider Glacier as a dramatic backdrop. A short, scenic walk from the beach opens up stunning views, and lounging Antarctic fur seals add to the unforgettable wildlife encounters of your journey. After lunch, the adventure continues to Horseshoe Island, aptly named for its shape, where an abandoned research station holds relics from the early days of Antarctic exploration. Set against breathtaking mountain and snow-filled vistas of both the Pourquoi Pas Islands and Horseshoe’s mountain range, this landing is a photographer’s dream, with even two vintage wooden boats resting onshore, seemingly poised for one last voyage.

George IV & Wilkins Ice Shelf
7 - 10Days

George IV & Wilkins Ice Shelf

If the ice and weather are on our side, our next destination is Antarctica’s breathtaking ice shelves - the massive George IV and Wilkins. Prepare to be awed by these towering walls and endless stretches of ice that will make both us and our ship feel minuscule. Along the way, you may spot an array of Antarctic wildlife, from majestic humpback whales and playful fur seals to groups of Adélie penguins and, if luck is with us, the elusive Ross seal.

Jenny & Leonie Islands
11Day

Jenny & Leonie Islands

Next up is Jenny Island which offers a fresh perspective of Antarctica, with its raised beaches, striking hanging glaciers, and lush moss carpets. Wildlife thrives here, and you’ll be likely to find the island bustling with terns, skuas, Adélie penguins, and even elephant and leopard seals. Then, a landing on Leonie Island promises an unforgettable experience. For those seeking adventure, a hike to the island’s peak rewards you with a sweeping, jaw-dropping view over Marguerite Bay and the distant Adelaide Island - a panorama like no other in this icy wilderness.

Lagoon & Mikkelsen Islands
12Day

Lagoon & Mikkelsen Islands

First charted by the famed Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Lagoon Island is the northernmost gem of the Leonie Islands and offers a dramatic change of scenery with its gentle slopes and wide, flat beaches - a striking contrast to the towering ice of previous days. Wildlife varies here with the snow cover, and in light snow, the landscape can appear almost desert-like, an unexpected sight in Antarctica.

Our last adventure in Antarctica will offer up an exhilarating Zodiac cruise around the Mikkelsen Islands, where we hope to encounter up to five species of Antarctic seals and spot magnificent birdlife, including giant petrels and lively Adélie penguins.

At Sea - Drake Passage
13 - 15Days

At Sea - Drake Passage

Having spent nine exhilarating nights uncovering the incredible lands below the Antarctic Circle, it will be time to head back towards South America as we make our way back into the Drake Passage for another exciting crossing. Spend time relaxing with your shipmates, attend the final lectures and presentations from your expert team and spend time on deck looking for seabirds and marine wildlife.

Ushuaia - Disembark
16Day

Ushuaia - Disembark

Your voyage concludes back in Ushuaia where it will be time to disembark filled with memories of your adventure of a lifetime. A group transfer to the airport will be provided upon disembarkation.

A view from Above

All Aboard

MV Ortelius
Mid range vessel

MV Ortelius

Ortelius was built as a Russian scientific survey ship with ice strengthened hull, ideal for polar sailing. She has been completely refurbished for polar expedition travel and has a selection of suites and cabins with windows or portholes and private facilities. There are twin dining rooms, a lecture room, bar and observation lounge and lots of open deck space plus an open-bridge policy. Ortelius also has a helicopter landing pad and helicopter excursions are available on some itineraries.

we work hard to earn passionate reviews from our clients.

4.9
44 Google reviews

Now that I am back from my odyssey voyage, I thought I would let you know that after all that planning it really did exceed my expectations – we managed landings everywhere even on Tristan da Cuhna and had great bird sightings. The guides all knew what they were talking about too and made sure I got some great photos – still sorting them all out! Thanks for everything and see you at Birdfair!

Dave Martin

Overall I think that it was an excellent trip that was well worth the price paid and I would have no hesitation recommending your company to others.

Steve Sutton

Just a quick note to express my sincere thanks to you and all your staff for making this an epic adventure of immense proportions. Everything went smoothly, pickups, hotels and most of all the expedition itself. Truly a mind blowing experience unlike any I have ever taken.

Mr J Borg, Malta

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With countless travel experiences and an enduring hunger for adventure, Sheena knows exactly what’s needed to craft a holiday of a lifetime. Her experience and generosity of spirit are legendary and she’ll help you build an itinerary that will make all your dreams come true.

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With a lifetime of unforgettable nature and adventure based travel under his belt, Simon shares his passion, enthusiasm and hands-on experience to help create the perfect itinerary for every client.

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Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

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