Le Commandant Charcot moored in polar sea ice under a clear blue sky
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Beyond the Antarctic Circle

In the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot: sixteen days aboard Ponant's luxury icebreaker, deep into the Bellingshausen Sea.

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Departs

2 December 2027

Duration

16 days · 15 nights

Ship

Le Commandant Charcot

Route

Santiago – Ushuaia – Antarctica

Guests

Around 200

The voyage

Where few ships can go

Follow the route of French polar explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot, crossing the Antarctic Circle and sailing on to the Bellingshausen Sea, where the ice shapes the horizon. Along the way you'll navigate The Gullet, explore Marguerite Bay and land on Pourquoi Pas Island, named in honour of Charcot himself.

Le Commandant Charcot is a luxury icebreaker for around 200 guests, built to reach the most remote corners of the polar world in comfort.

Voyage outline

The journey

This is an expedition, so the daily program is shaped by the ice and weather. Your expedition team decides the best landings each day.

  1. Day 1Santiago, ChileArrive and settle in before your Antarctic adventure.
  2. Day 2Santiago to UshuaiaFly to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica, and board Le Commandant Charcot.
  3. Day 5Crossing the Antarctic CircleCross the circle and navigate The Gullet, a narrow channel between ice-capped peaks.
  4. ExploringMarguerite Bay & the Bellingshausen SeaLandings and Zodiac outings, including Pourquoi Pas Island.
  5. Day 9At seaA day aboard to take in the ship, the scenery and expert talks.
  6. Day 16Ushuaia to SantiagoDisembark in Ushuaia and fly back to Santiago.

On the ice

Life at the edge of the world

Wildlife you may see

  • Emperor, Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins
  • Ross, leopard and crabeater seals
  • Humpback and minke whales, and orcas

Ways to explore

  • Kayaking
  • Hiking and snowshoeing
  • A polar plunge, or a polar swim in a drysuit
  • Participative science with the onboard team

Included in the package

  • Return flights between Santiago and Ushuaia
  • Your stateroom aboard Le Commandant Charcot
  • 24-hour room service

Departures

2027–28 season

Dates shown are when the ship leaves Ushuaia. Your package begins the day before in Santiago.

Fares vary by date and suite. Ask us for current Australian dollar pricing and availability.

  • 2 December 2027Featured sailing
  • 28 December 2027Also available

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Ready for Antarctica?

Polar voyages sell out early. Our advisors can secure your suite, arrange flights to Santiago and add hotel nights before or after, all in one booking.

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