Antarctica is one of the last truly wild places on Earth, and this 12-day / 11-night expedition cruise gives you rare, up-close access to it. From towering icebergs and pristine fjords to penguins, seals, and humpback whales in their natural habitat, every day on the White Continent is unlike anything else.

Your adventure begins the night before departure in Ushuaia, Argentina, where you'll settle in at the Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa before boarding your expedition vessel the following morning. The crossing of the Drake Passage sets the tone, and from the moment Antarctica comes into view, the pace becomes one of daily discovery. Guided Zodiac excursions bring you right to the shoreline, optional kayaking puts you even closer to the ice, and onboard naturalists and expedition experts give context to everything you're seeing, with a focus on the Gerlache Strait region.

The ship itself is a true retreat. Well-appointed cabins, exceptional dining, an all-inclusive beverage package, and panoramic common spaces make evenings just as memorable as the days. You'll return home with a digital voyage log, a parka, and a perspective on the planet that's hard to put into words.

1. Weather & Clothing 

Temperatures in late February and early March average 28 to 34°F (-2 to 1°C), and strong winds can make it feel significantly colder. Layering is essential — thermal base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof/windproof outer shell will keep you comfortable both on board and during excursions. Your voyage parka is included and will be waiting for you on board. Waterproof boots are available to borrow.

2. Travel Insurance

• Required. All passengers must carry travel insurance that includes medical, evacuation, and repatriation coverage.

• The policy must specifically cover cruise travel in polar regions with a minimum of USD 200,000 per person in evacuation and repatriation coverage.

• We also strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

• For options and pricing, visit our Travel Insurance Details page.

3. Money & Currency

• Argentinian Pesos are used in Ushuaia. Bring some local cash for small purchases before boarding.

• Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants in Ushuaia.

• U.S. dollars may be used for onboard purchases and gratuities.

• Tipping is appreciated but not required. Plan for ship staff and expedition guides if you'd like to show appreciation.

4. Documents & Preparation

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.

• Bring physical and digital copies of your passport, travel insurance, tickets, and hotel confirmations.

• Notify your bank and credit cards of your travel plans before departure to avoid account freezes.

5. Health & Comfort

• Stay hydrated. Cold, dry air can be deceiving.

• Seasickness is common when crossing the Drake Passage. Bring motion sickness medication or patches and plan ahead — don't wait until you're already at sea.

• Keep personal medications in original packaging and carry them in your carry-on luggage.

• A small personal first-aid kit with pain relievers and band-aids is always handy.

6. Onboard Etiquette

• Be on time for briefings and Zodiac departures. Groups run on strict schedules.

• Listen carefully to all safety instructions before each excursion.

• Attend the onboard lectures — they add significant depth to what you're seeing each day.

• Be considerate in shared spaces like observation decks and common areas.

7. Wildlife & Environmental Guidelines

• Antarctica has strict conservation rules. Follow them closely and listen to your expedition team.

• Never touch or approach penguins, seals, or birds. Maintain at least 5 meters of distance, even if animals approach you.

• Never leave anything behind — not food scraps, tissues, or any personal items.

• Clean your boots and gear carefully before and after every landing to protect the fragile ecosystem.

• Move slowly and quietly around wildlife to avoid disturbing nesting animals.

8. Technology & Connectivity

• Starlink satellite Wi-Fi is included and available throughout the ship. It works well for messaging, email, and light browsing, but may be limited in the most remote areas.

• No traditional cellular service is available in Antarctica.

• Cabins are equipped with 110-volt, 60 Hz American-style two-flat-pin outlets. No adapter needed.

• Download books, shows, podcasts, or music before you leave. Don't count on streaming.

9. Photography

• A camera with a good zoom lens will make a significant difference for wildlife photography from a safe distance.

• Bring extra memory cards and batteries — cold temperatures drain battery life quickly.

• Use a dry bag or waterproof backpack to protect your gear during Zodiac landings.

• Binoculars are highly recommended for spotting wildlife from the ship.

10. Mindset & Expectations

• Early mornings are common. Excursion timing is driven by weather and ice conditions.

• The itinerary is intentionally flexible. Your expedition team will always be working to maximize what you see and experience.

• Embrace the unpredictability — some of the most extraordinary moments on an Antarctic expedition are unplanned.

Temperatures in late February and early March average 28 to 34°F (-2 to 1°C), with wind chill making it feel significantly colder. Days offer 12 to 14 hours of light, often with dramatic golden-hour conditions ideal for photography and wildlife viewing. Pack with layers in mind — versatility is everything on an expedition like this.

Travel Essentials

• Passport and a copy (physical and digital)

• Flight and hotel confirmations

• Travel insurance documents

• Medications with copies of prescriptions

• Credit/debit cards and some cash (USD for onboard, Pesos for Ushuaia)

• Phone and charger

• Power bank (pack in carry-on)

• Small crossbody bag or daypack for excursions

• Reusable water bottle

Clothing

Base & Mid Layers:

• Thermal base layers, top and bottom (2 sets)

• Insulating fleece or down mid-layers (2)

• Moisture-wicking long-sleeve shirts (3-4)

Outer Layers:

• Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket (your voyage parka is provided and included)

• Waterproof shell pants or snow pants

Footwear:

• Waterproof boots (rubber boots are also available to borrow on board)

• Casual shoes or sneakers for use inside the ship

• Warm wool socks (4-6 pairs)

Accessories:

• Warm hat

• Waterproof gloves (bring a backup pair)

• Neck gaiter or balaclava

• Polarized sunglasses

Onboard & Casual Wear:

• Mid to heavyweight casual clothing for evenings and relaxed onboard time (3-4 outfits)

• Sleepwear

• Swimsuit (onboard jacuzzi or Polar Plunge)

• Athletic clothing, if desired

Sun Protection:

• Sun-protective clothing (UPF-rated)

• Wide-brim hat or cap for outdoor excursions

Toiletries

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss

• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash

• Deodorant

• Skincare products, including high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm

• Hand cream and face moisturizer (wind and cold protection)

• Hairbrush or comb, hair ties

• Razor and shaving supplies

• Prescription medications in original packaging

• Travel-size hand sanitizer

Gear & Personal Items

• Camera with zoom lens, extra memory cards, and spare batteries

• Dry bag or waterproof backpack for protecting gear during Zodiac landings

• Binoculars

• Chargers and portable power bank

• Earbuds or headphones

• Travel journal or notebook

• Light reading material or e-reader (download content in advance)

• Snacks for travel days

Optional Items

• Small personal first-aid kit (pain relievers, band-aids, motion sickness medication)

• Sleep aid for adjusting to ship movement

• Travel laundry detergent for quick washes

• Travel pillow and eye mask for flights

Packing Tips:

• Don't overpack. Cabins are comfortable but compact — stick to what you need.

• Your parka is provided as part of the voyage. No need to bring your own.

• Cold temperatures drain battery life fast. Bring spares and keep batteries warm in an inner pocket when shooting outside.

• Seasickness medication is worth having even if you don't typically get motion sick. The Drake Passage is notoriously rough.

 Payment Policy

All Walker Wellness Retreats require a 25% non-refundable deposit of the total retreat price to secure your booking. Should you need to cancel your trip, your deposit will not be refunded, regardless of the reason for cancellation.

For International Destinations, the next 25% is due 120 days before the trip, and the final remaining balance is due 90 days before departure.

Trips can be paid in full at any time. If booking after the final payment deadline, trip payment in full is due at the time of booking. Invoices NOT paid in full within 7 days of the deadlines mentioned above are subject to trip cancellation. No refunds will be issued for trips canceled due to nonpayment.  

Cancellation Policy

BEFORE the final payment deadline: If you cancel your reservation before the final payment deadline, any additional payments made beyond the non-refundable 25% deposit will be refunded. However, the 25% deposit remains non-refundable. 

AFTER the final payment deadline: If you cancel your reservation after the final payment deadline, all payments made (including the deposit and any additional amounts) are non-refundable due to financial commitments with our retreat venues, guides, and service providers.

In the unlikely event that Walker Wellness Retreats cancels a retreat, you will be given a 100% full refund. 

** Please note that all passengers are required to carry adequate travel insurance that includes medical, evacuation, and repatriation coverage.

• The policy must specifically cover cruise travel in polar regions and provide minimum evacuation and repatriation coverage of USD 200,000 per person (for Arctic and Antarctic cruises). For additional details on travel insurance coverage and pricing, click the link below.

We also strongly recommend purchasing travel cancellation and interruption insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances or force majeure events that could result in trip cancellation, delay, or interruption, as well as lost baggage or post-departure issues.

Travel Insurance 

The deadline to book an international retreat is 30 days before the retreat begins; however, some exceptions can be made based on availability. Please email us at info@walkerwellnessretreats.com to inquire about booking after the deadline.

Your Antarctic adventure begins at the bottom of the world. Ushuaia, Argentina, sits where the Andes meet the sea, framed by snow-capped peaks and the legendary Beagle Channel — a dramatic and fitting launching point for the expedition ahead. Today is yours to arrive, settle in, and soak up the energy of the world's southernmost city.

Arrival & Accommodation: Upon arrival at Ushuaia Airport, you'll be greeted by our staff and transferred to the Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, your home for the night before tomorrow's embarkation. Perched on a hillside overlooking the Beagle Channel, the Arakur offers stunning panoramic views and a warm, luxurious welcome to the region.

Main Activities:

• Visit the Museo del Fin del Mundo for a fascinating introduction to the region's history, from its indigenous peoples to the age of polar exploration.

• Explore the trails and landscapes of Tierra del Fuego National Park, just a short drive from the city.

• Stroll the Ushuaia waterfront and take in views of the Beagle Channel and surrounding mountain ranges.

Meals: On your own. Ushuaia's waterfront restaurants are excellent — look for Patagonian lamb and fresh Fuegian seafood.

Evening Notes: A free evening to explore the city at your leisure, rest up, and build anticipation for tomorrow's departure. An early night is well worth it.

Overnight at Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, Ushuaia, Argentina

This is the day the expedition truly begins. After a final morning in Ushuaia, you'll board the M/V Sea Spirit and set course for one of the most remote places on Earth. As the ship clears the harbor and glides through the Beagle Channel, the anticipation is electric — Antarctica is just days away.

Arrival & Accommodation: After breakfast at the hotel, the morning is yours to enjoy Ushuaia one last time. Browse the shops along Avenida San Martín, pick up any last-minute essentials, and take in the views of the snowcapped Martial Range before the afternoon transfer to the pier. In the afternoon, our staff will escort you to the dock where you'll be warmly welcomed aboard the M/V Sea Spirit, your home for the journey ahead. Get settled into your spacious suite and take time to explore the ship's decks, common areas, and amenities.

Main Activities:

• Board the M/V Sea Spirit and settle into your suite for the voyage ahead.

• Attend welcome briefings and introductions from your expedition team and onboard naturalists.

• Explore the ship's observation decks and panoramic common spaces as you get underway.

• Step outside to watch as Ushuaia fades into the distance and the scenery of the Beagle Channel unfolds around you.

Meals: Dinner is included on board. Your first of many exceptional meals aboard the M/V Sea Spirit — a great opportunity to meet fellow travelers and your expedition team.

Evening Notes: As the ship passes through the Beagle Channel, the evening light on the surrounding peaks and waterways is stunning. A perfect way to close the first chapter of the expedition.

Overnight at M/V Sea Spirit

Leaving the sheltered waters of the Beagle Channel behind, the M/V Sea Spirit turns south, and the open ocean stretches out in every direction. The Drake Passage has a reputation, and today you'll begin to understand why — this is wild, untamed water, and crossing it is one of the great experiences in expedition travel. Settle in, explore the ship, and let the journey take hold.

Main Activities:

• Watch from the observation decks as the islands of Tierra del Fuego fade into the distance and the open Drake comes into full view.

• Keep an eye out for humpback and fin whales surfacing alongside the ship as you head south.

• Spot the majestic wandering albatross and other subantarctic seabirds gliding effortlessly in the ship's wake.

• Attend the first of several onboard lectures and briefings from your expedition team, covering the history, ecology, and wildlife of Antarctica.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on board

Evening Notes: A great evening to get to know your fellow travelers, attend onboard presentations, and settle into the pace of life at sea.

Overnight at M/V Sea Spirit

By today, the Drake has become familiar, and Antarctica is close. The sea takes on a different quality this far south, and the first hints of ice on the horizon signal that you're approaching something truly extraordinary. Your expedition team keeps the energy high with final preparations and briefings as the South Shetland Islands come into view by evening.

Main Activities:

• Cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean where polar and subantarctic waters meet — a milestone moment on any Antarctic voyage.

• Continue scanning for whales and seabirds as wildlife activity increases the further south you travel.

• Complete biosecurity procedures with your expedition team; this is an important step in protecting Antarctica's fragile ecosystem before any shore landings.

• Attend final pre-arrival briefings and presentations to prepare for the days of exploration ahead.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on board

Evening Notes: With the South Shetland Islands potentially in sight by nightfall, the mood on board shifts into full expedition mode. Step out on deck and take it all in.

Overnight at M/V Sea Spirit

After two days at sea, the White Continent finally reveals itself. The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost reach of Antarctica, and your first landing here is one you won't forget — dramatic volcanic terrain, crystal-clear waters, and wildlife so abundant and unafraid it will stop you in your tracks. This is what the Drake was for.

Arrival & Accommodation: The M/V Sea Spirit enters the waters of the South Shetland Islands, where your expedition team will begin organizing the first Zodiac excursions of the voyage. Landing sites are selected based on conditions, and your expedition leader will brief the group before each outing.

Main Activities:

• Take your first Zodiac excursion ashore and set foot on the Antarctic continent for the first time.

• Encounter massive colonies of gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins going about their daily routines right alongside you.

• Watch for leopard seals, Weddell seals, and fur seals hauled out on rocks and ice floes near the shoreline.

• Explore landing sites of historical significance within the island chain, where the story of Antarctic exploration comes vividly to life.

• Optional sea kayaking for those who want to get even closer to the ice and wildlife. (Add-on)

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on board

Evening Notes: After your first full day on the ice, the evening is a great time to compare notes with fellow travelers, review photos, and attend a recap presentation by your expedition naturalists.

Overnight at M/V Sea Spirit

Today takes you further into one of Antarctica's most wildlife-rich environments. The South Shetland Islands are raw, elemental, and endlessly photogenic — glaciers spill into sheltered bays, icebergs drift through impossibly blue water, and penguin colonies stretch across the hillsides as far as you can see. Every Zodiac landing brings something new.

Main Activities:

• Explore additional landing sites in the South Shetland Islands, each with its own distinct character, wildlife populations, and scenery.

• Visit one of the Antarctic research bases operating in the islands, home to scientists from multiple nations studying this remarkable environment year-round.

• Join your expedition guides for hiking and hill climbing to gain a wider perspective over the ice fields, glacier faces, and surrounding channels below.

• Continue watching for humpback whales, orca, and minke whales feeding in the krill-rich waters surrounding the islands.

• Optional sea kayaking through sheltered coves alongside seals and penguins. (Add-on)

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on board

Evening Notes: Evenings on the ship offer a chance to decompress after a full day of exploration. Your naturalists host a recap session covering the wildlife and landscapes from the day's landings — a great way to deepen what you experienced on the ice.

Overnight at M/V Sea Spirit

Today, the scenery shifts into another register entirely. As the M/V Sea Spirit enters the Gerlache Strait, the Antarctic Peninsula rises on one side, and a procession of colossal icebergs drifts past on the other — towering, sculpted, impossibly blue at the waterline. This is the heart of the expedition, and the landscapes here are unlike anything else on the planet.

Main Activities:

• Cruise through the breathtaking Gerlache Strait, taking in sheer mountain faces, immense glaciers, and icebergs of every shape and scale from the ship's observation decks.

• Go ashore via Zodiac to explore the Peninsula's pristine coastline and encounter thriving penguin rookeries up close.

• Watch for humpback whales feeding in the nutrient-rich waters of the strait — sightings here are frequent and spectacular.

• Attend an onboard lecture on the Gerlache Strait's history and ecology, including the early explorers who first charted these waters in the late 1800s.

• Optional sea kayaking through the calm, iceberg-dotted waters of the strait. (Add-on)

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on board

Evening Notes: The Antarctic Peninsula is famous for its light — long golden hours that paint the glaciers in warm tones well into the evening. Step out on deck and take it in before dinner.

Overnight at M/V Sea Spirit

Some places in Antarctica have earned their nicknames honestly. The Lemaire Channel — known among expedition travelers as "Kodak Gap" — is one of the most photographed stretches of water on Earth, and when you see it, you'll understand why. Sheer mountain walls rise straight from the water on both sides, perfectly mirrored in the channel below. Today is one for the memory books.

Main Activities:

• Navigate the stunning Lemaire Channel, one of Antarctica's most iconic and photogenic passages, flanked by towering cliffs and glacier faces that reflect in the still water below.

• Explore the sheltered waters of Andvord Bay by Zodiac, where dramatic mountain scenery, dense sea ice, and abundant marine wildlife create one of the expedition's most memorable settings.

• Observe crabeater and leopard seals resting on ice floes throughout the bay — often close enough to photograph in remarkable detail.

• Continue watching for humpback and minke whales actively feeding in the rich waters of the Peninsula.

• Optional overnight camping ashore for those who want the extraordinary experience of spending a night surrounded by untamed Antarctic wilderness. (Add-on)

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on board

Evening Notes: After a day of some of the most dramatic scenery on the voyage, the evening mood on board tends to be reflective and celebratory. A great night to linger over dinner and share the day's highlights with your fellow travelers.

Overnight at M/V Sea Spirit

Your last full day on the Antarctic Peninsula is one to savor. Cierva Cove is one of the region's true hidden gems — a sheltered inlet ringed by glaciers and towering peaks, with waters so calm they reflect the ice and sky like a mirror. There's no better place to close out your time on the White Continent than here, fully present in one of the most remote and beautiful environments on Earth.

Main Activities:

• Explore the spectacular Cierva Cove by Zodiac, drifting through pristine ice-filled waters surrounded by glacier walls and abundant wildlife.

• Make final shore landings on the Antarctic Peninsula, taking time to absorb the landscape and reflect on the week of exploration behind you.

• Watch for orca and humpback whales in the cove's rich, sheltered waters — late-season conditions often bring exceptional wildlife activity.

• Join your expedition guides for a final hiking excursion on the Peninsula, with sweeping views over the cove and surrounding ice fields.

• Optional sea kayaking through the glassy waters of the cove for a final paddle in Antarctica. (Add-on)

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on board

Evening Notes: As the ship turns north toward the Drake Passage this evening, take one last look at the Antarctic horizon. Your expedition team hosts a special recap session to close out the Peninsula portion of the voyage — a fitting send-off to the White Continent.

Overnight at M/V Sea Spirit

The White Continent grows smaller in the ship's wake as the M/V Sea Spirit turns north and the Drake Passage opens up ahead once more. The adventure isn't over yet — the return crossing brings its own rhythm, its own wildlife, and a welcome chance to exhale and reflect on everything you've experienced over the past week on the ice.

Main Activities:

• Scan the open ocean for humpback, fin, and minke whales as the ship heads north through the Drake's wildlife-rich waters.

• Watch the wandering albatross and giant petrels glide effortlessly alongside the ship — a constant and spectacular companion on both crossings.

• Attend recap lectures and presentations from your expedition naturalists, reviewing the wildlife, geology, and highlights of the Peninsula.

• Begin reviewing and organizing your photos with fellow travelers — your expedition photographer will also be sharing images from the voyage.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on board

Evening Notes: The evenings on the return Drake crossing take on a celebratory quality. Swap stories with your fellow travelers, revisit the week's highlights, and enjoy the well-earned satisfaction of having crossed one of the world's great bodies of water — twice.

Overnight at M/V Sea Spirit

The Drake Passage makes way for calmer waters today as the M/V Sea Spirit crosses back into the Beagle Channel and the green hills of Tierra del Fuego come into view. After days surrounded by ice and open ocean, the sight of land feels both welcome and bittersweet. Tonight the ship comes alive with celebration — a proper send-off for an extraordinary voyage.

Main Activities:

• Watch from the deck as the rugged coastline of Tierra del Fuego reappears on the horizon and the ship enters the sheltered waters of the Beagle Channel.

• Attend the end-of-voyage slideshow, a stunning visual recap of the expedition put together by your onboard photographer — a highlight of every crossing home.

• Celebrate the journey at the Captain's Farewell Cocktail, raising a glass with your fellow travelers and the expedition team who made it all possible.

• Take time to pack, settle any onboard accounts, and prepare for disembarkation tomorrow morning in Ushuaia.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on board

Evening Notes: A night of smooth sailing through the Beagle Channel as Ushuaia draws near. Linger over the farewell dinner, exchange contact details with fellow travelers, and let the full weight of the experience settle in.

Overnight at M/V Sea Spirit

The M/V Sea Spirit arrives back in Ushuaia on the final morning of an unforgettable expedition. After 11 nights at sea and days spent exploring one of the most extraordinary environments on Earth, disembarkation comes with a full heart and no shortage of memories. The world looks a little different now — and that's exactly the point.

Arrival & Accommodation: Disembarkation typically takes place between 8:00 and 9:00 AM following breakfast on board. A group transfer will be provided to Ushuaia Airport or to the city center for those who wish to spend additional time in town before their flight home.

Main Activities:

• Enjoy a final breakfast aboard the M/V Sea Spirit before disembarking in Ushuaia.

• Take a group transfer to Ushuaia Airport or the city center, whichever you prefer.

• Explore Ushuaia for a few final hours if your flight allows — the waterfront, local shops, and restaurants along Avenida San Martín are well worth a last visit.

Meals: Breakfast is included on board

A Note on Return Flights: We recommend booking your return flight from Ushuaia no earlier than 12:00 noon to allow for a comfortable disembarkation and transfer to the airport.

On behalf of Walker Wellness Retreats, thank you for joining us on this incredible journey to the White Continent. We hope it leaves you with a profound sense of wonder — and perhaps already looking ahead to your next great adventure.