Antarctica
East Antártica
Antarctica
Antarctica
A 29-day Theme Expedition aboard the luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot, sailing from Australia to South Africa. Explore the remote regions of East Antarctica (Adélie Land, Wilkes Land), search for the Magnetic South Pole, and discover the UNESCO World Heritage French Southern Lands. The voyage features Photo Ambassador Ian Dawson.
Duration: 29 days / 28 nights
Starts: Hobart, Tasmania
Ends: Cape Town, South Africa
Language: English speaking voyage
The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.
Ship Cruise More info about this activity
Not only we travel from one point to another and find our shelter on board the ship we chose. We also enjoy from incredible scenery, landscapes and interactions that only our noble vessel can provide.
Everyday the Bridge Team navigates the ship to position ourselves on the best posible spots, looking for unique opportunities.
Many times, this includes sainig through narrow passages, on the vicinity of glaciers or entering bays and fjords only approachable from the ship.
Enjoy this incredible places from the comfort of the common areas on board, open decks or your own private balcony!
Shore Excursion More info about this activity
Shore excursions are the backbone of almost all itineraries, with most ships making landfall at least once every day once they reach their destination. The weather plays a huge role in your daily itinerary, although given the sheer array of fantastic landing sites all over there are plenty of options your Captain and Expedition Leader can choose from. On-shore excursions allow you to visit scientific research stations, communities, prominent wildlife colonies and take hikes to elevated viewing points for fantastic photography.
Zodiac cruising More info about this activity
On board the Zodiac you will discover a world of possibilities; accessing the most exclusive landing sites, cruising the coast in search of wildlife or simply enjoying a tour in the calm of the polar regions in search of marine wildlife or bird colonies.
The blue ice an its intimate presence is experienced at its best on zodiac tours.
It is not uncommon to meet curious seals, or humpback whales feeding.
Enrichment Program More info about this activity
Expedition cruising must be one of the most incredible ways of travelling. Not only for the amazing places you visit and the unforgetable wildlife but for the wildlife, the sensory overload and the unimaginable memories.
But all of this needs a context in order to understand where you are and what you are experiencing.
On board your expedition vessell you will find a group of experts, naturalists, zodiac drivers and guides that that will translate the language of nature for you, telling you the stories of the places you are visiting, reviewing the historical, biological, ecological and geological aspects of your trips.
You will experience first hand what surrounds you and arrive back home wiser and loaded with new knowledge.
Citizen Science More info about this activity
There’s important work being done every day, at some of the most renowned climate research facilities around the world, to record and study the incredible changes happening in remote places like Antarctica and th Arctic. As you might imagine, gathering critical on-site data on a regular basis would be a virtually impossible task for these groups. So we do it for them, in partnership with different research facilities.
If you’d like to get a first-hand look at how climate change is impacting our birds, sea life, glaciers, oceans, and weather patterns, and help scientists better understand our evolving planet, you’re welcome to join our Citizen Science program. And don’t let the word “science” scare you. We make it informative, interactive, and fun.
Snow Shoeing More info about this activity
This popular alpine activity is easy to learn. No experience is necessary – all you need is a willingness to try. All training is provided and our team of guides will have you trained and ready to go in no more than half an hour.
Participants should be confident in their footing and have an average level of fitness – outings may be up to three hours in duration. Those who enjoy hiking trails or taking long walks at home will possess enough fitness to enjoy this activity. As with any other activity, you will get more enjoyment out of it with some preparation in advance, such as long walks with uphill sections or bike riding.
In Antarctica, the longest hike can be 2-3 hours long, while in the Arctic it can be a full day tour.
Kayaking More info about this activity
The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica or the Arctic is guaranteed to stir your soul.
Sea kayaking is one of the highlights for any Polar Traveller, providing ice and weather conditions are assessed as safe by your Expedition Team.
This activity requires previous kayaking experience.
Hiking More info about this activity
Hiking options include very easy beach hikes (good for photographers who need time for photography), easier short hikes, medium-difficulty extended hikes, and more challenging long hikes.
This 29-day Theme Expedition is an extraordinary half-circumnavigation from Hobart, Tasmania, to Cape Town, South Africa, aboard the luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot. The voyage explores the rarely-visited and extreme regions of East Antarctica, following the paths of explorers like Mawson and Wilkes. The core focus is deep polar exploration, including attempting to reach the Magnetic South Pole—a moving point of geological significance—and sailing along the Shackleton Ice Shelf and Queen Mary Land.
The expedition visits French Southern and Antarctic Lands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which are sanctuaries of biodiversity and unique terrain for scientific research. Throughout the journey, guests can expect to see abundant wildlife, including Adélie and emperor penguins, leopard seals, whales, and orcas. Photo Ambassador Ian Dawson offers expert guidance for guests to capture the vast icy expanses and powerful fragility of the Southern Continent. The itinerary is interspersed with multiple days at sea aboard the Le Commandant Charcot, utilizing its scientific equipment and featuring onboard lectures and discussions.
Highlights:
Explore the remote East Antarctic regions, including Adélie Land, Wilkes Land, and Queen Mary Land.
Attempt to reach the volatile Magnetic South Pole.
Discover the UNESCO World Heritage French Southern and Antarctic Lands, with its gigantic king penguin and elephant seal colonies.
Sail aboard the Le Commandant Charcot along the majestic Shackleton Ice Shelf.
Expert guidance provided by Photo Ambassador Ian Dawson.
Day 1: Hobart, Tasmania Embarkation in the Tasmanian Capital Hobart is the Tasmanian capital and Australia's second-oldest city, located at the mouth of the Derwent River. The picturesque waterfront is bordered by 19th-century warehouses, and attractions include the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). Embarkation is from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with departure at 6:00 PM.
Days 2-5: At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot Luxury Polar Sailing and Scientific Research Spend exceptional moments sailing aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first luxury polar exploration vessel. Take advantage of the on-board lectures and opportunities for discussion with specialists to learn more about the poles. Participate in furthering scientific research with PONANT.
Days 6-7: Adélie Land French Claimed Lands and Extreme Climate Explore Adélie Land, covering around 400,000 km2 and claimed by France in Antarctica. Visit Dumont-d’Urville station on Petrel Island. Be among the rare people to discover this unique place, characterized by its very low temperatures, violent winds, and thick ice floe. Share the Antarctic desert with Adélie penguins, seals, orcas, and emperor penguins in winter.
Day 8: Magnetic South Pole Search for the Moving Convergence Point Set off in search of the Magnetic South Pole, the convergence point for the field lines of the Earth's magnetic field. Try to get closer to it and, if luck allows it, attempt to reach it!. This pole moves over time, linked to the Earth's outer core.
Days 9-10: Adélie Land Southern Continent’s Powerful Fragility A second opportunity to explore the unique landscape of Adélie Land, where you will be captivated by the polar silence and the ice reflecting the rays of the sun. Experience the Southern Continent’s powerful fragility amid the Adélie penguins, seals, and orcas.
Days 11-12: Wilkes Land Following Charles Wilkes and Antarctic Tundra Follow in the footsteps of the American explorer Charles Wilkes. This isolated land is a mine of information for scientists, where only moss and lichen have managed to adapt, forming the tundra. Admire the icy mountains, vast glaciers, and icebergs drifting silently.
Day 13: Sailing along Shackleton Ice Shelf Fantastic Spectacle and Icy Expanses During this unique navigation, suspended in time, admire the fantastic spectacle of the Shackleton Ice Shelf. The vast icy expanses of the Antarctic will unfold before your astonished eyes. Observe whales, seals, and penguins that prosper in these waters.
Days 14-16: Queen Mary Land Ice Sculptures and Mawson’s Discovery Admire the captivating landscapes of Queen Mary Land, discovered in 1912 during Douglas Mawson’s Antarctic expedition. Mountains of ice rise like giant sculptures, and glaciers wind their way like rivers of glass. Colonies of emperor penguins gather on the shores, and leopard seals bask on the ice floe.
Days 17-19: At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot Discussion and Scientific Discovery Spend time aboard Le Commandant Charcot. Use the lectures and discussions with specialists to learn more about the poles and participate in furthering scientific research with PONANT.
Days 20-21: French Southern and Antarctic Lands UNESCO World Heritage and Biodiversity Sanctuary Explore these volcanic lands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which encompass the largest emerged lands in the southern Indian Ocean. These sanctuaries of biodiversity are unique terrain for scientific research. Majestic icebergs, king penguins, and elephant seals populate the beaches.
Day 22: At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot Polar Exploration and Comfort A day at sea aboard the Le Commandant Charcot, offering luxurious comfort specially designed for polar exploration.
Day 23: French Southern and Antarctic Lands Exploration of Kerguelen and Crozet Archipelagos A second opportunity to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, following in the wake of great European explorers like James Cook.
Days 24-28: At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot Final Polar Sailing and Reflection Spend the final days sailing aboard the Le Commandant Charcot, reflecting on the journey and utilizing the on-board scientific equipment.
Day 29: Cape Town Disembarkation in South Africa Arrive in Cape Town, a dynamic, cosmopolitan city located in the heart of one of the most beautiful bays in the world, dominated by Table Mountain. Disembarkation is at 8:00 AM.
Day 1: Hobart, Tasmania Embarkation in the Tasmanian Capital Hobart is the Tasmanian capital and Australia's second-oldest city, located at the mouth of the Derwent River. The picturesque waterfront is bordered by 19th-century warehouses, and attractions include the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). Embarkation is from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with departure at 6:00 PM.
Days 2-5: At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot Luxury Polar Sailing and Scientific Research Spend exceptional moments sailing aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first luxury polar exploration vessel. Take advantage of the on-board lectures and opportunities for discussion with specialists to learn more about the poles. Participate in furthering scientific research with PONANT.
Days 6-7: Adélie Land French Claimed Lands and Extreme Climate Explore Adélie Land, covering around 400,000 km2 and claimed by France in Antarctica. Visit Dumont-d’Urville station on Petrel Island. Be among the rare people to discover this unique place, characterized by its very low temperatures, violent winds, and thick ice floe. Share the Antarctic desert with Adélie penguins, seals, orcas, and emperor penguins in winter.
Day 8: Magnetic South Pole Search for the Moving Convergence Point Set off in search of the Magnetic South Pole, the convergence point for the field lines of the Earth's magnetic field. Try to get closer to it and, if luck allows it, attempt to reach it!. This pole moves over time, linked to the Earth's outer core.
Days 9-10: Adélie Land Southern Continent’s Powerful Fragility A second opportunity to explore the unique landscape of Adélie Land, where you will be captivated by the polar silence and the ice reflecting the rays of the sun. Experience the Southern Continent’s powerful fragility amid the Adélie penguins, seals, and orcas.
Days 11-12: Wilkes Land Following Charles Wilkes and Antarctic Tundra Follow in the footsteps of the American explorer Charles Wilkes. This isolated land is a mine of information for scientists, where only moss and lichen have managed to adapt, forming the tundra. Admire the icy mountains, vast glaciers, and icebergs drifting silently.
Day 13: Sailing along Shackleton Ice Shelf Fantastic Spectacle and Icy Expanses During this unique navigation, suspended in time, admire the fantastic spectacle of the Shackleton Ice Shelf. The vast icy expanses of the Antarctic will unfold before your astonished eyes. Observe whales, seals, and penguins that prosper in these waters.
Days 14-16: Queen Mary Land Ice Sculptures and Mawson’s Discovery Admire the captivating landscapes of Queen Mary Land, discovered in 1912 during Douglas Mawson’s Antarctic expedition. Mountains of ice rise like giant sculptures, and glaciers wind their way like rivers of glass. Colonies of emperor penguins gather on the shores, and leopard seals bask on the ice floe.
Days 17-19: At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot Discussion and Scientific Discovery Spend time aboard Le Commandant Charcot. Use the lectures and discussions with specialists to learn more about the poles and participate in furthering scientific research with PONANT.
Days 20-21: French Southern and Antarctic Lands UNESCO World Heritage and Biodiversity Sanctuary Explore these volcanic lands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which encompass the largest emerged lands in the southern Indian Ocean. These sanctuaries of biodiversity are unique terrain for scientific research. Majestic icebergs, king penguins, and elephant seals populate the beaches.
Day 22: At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot Polar Exploration and Comfort A day at sea aboard the Le Commandant Charcot, offering luxurious comfort specially designed for polar exploration.
Day 23: French Southern and Antarctic Lands Exploration of Kerguelen and Crozet Archipelagos A second opportunity to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, following in the wake of great European explorers like James Cook.
Days 24-28: At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot Final Polar Sailing and Reflection Spend the final days sailing aboard the Le Commandant Charcot, reflecting on the journey and utilizing the on-board scientific equipment.
Day 29: Cape Town Disembarkation in South Africa Arrive in Cape Town, a dynamic, cosmopolitan city located in the heart of one of the most beautiful bays in the world, dominated by Table Mountain. Disembarkation is at 8:00 AM.
INCLUSIONS
Full board from arrival to departure day
High-end gastronomy in all restaurants
All beverages in restaurants, bars, and minibars. All drinks are included¹ (a selection of champagnes, wines and spirits, beers, cocktails, water, soft drinks, hot beverages)
24-hour room service
Butler service for certain suites²
Unlimited internet access onboard
Evening events, shows, and other entertainment
Access to the fitness area and hammam or sauna, depending on the ship
All port and security charges
One included activity per person, per day, and per port, supervised by naturalist guides (hiking, Zodiac outings, etc.)
Exclusive stopovers with limited or no infrastructure will be offered for self-exploration. Passengers will thus be free to explore the area and enjoy independent activities.
Lectures by our naturalist guides or destination experts (excluding Sea Voyages)
Non-motorized water sports (excluding diving), such as kayaking on the Le Commandant Charcot or stand-up paddleboarding depending on the ship, subject to weather and safety conditions, local authorizations, and the Captain's approval
National park and protected area fees
Accompaniment by a team of naturalist guides; on land or, depending on the destination, during Zodiac outings and/or landings
¹Excluding premium à la carte beverages.
²Butler service is available for the following suites: Owner’s Suite, Duplex Suites, Privilege Suites, and Prestige Suites; Le Paul Gauguin: Owner’s Suites, Grand Suites, Veranda A Suites, and Veranda B Cabins.
The itinerary may be modified depending on weather conditions, port authorizations, and applicable government regulations. Landings, activities, and wildlife encounters are provided for information purposes only and cannot be guaranteed. Activities may change depending on weather conditions and navigation opportunities (see each activity’s description for more details).
EXCLUSIONS
Anything mentioned in the programme.
Personal expenses.
A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A panoramic sliding bay window
A 5 m² glazed private balcony
Minibar
Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
Bose Bluetooth speaker
Individually-controlled air conditioning
Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
Dressing room with shelves and closet
110V American / 220V European
Dressing table and hairdryer
Direct line telephone
Three ADA staterooms
24-hour room service
Electronic safe
Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
Inclusive Wifi internet
Size 215 ft²
Guests 2
A 53 ft² glazed private balcony balcony
Panoramic sliding window
One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
Bathroom with shower
Minibar
Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
Bose Bluetooth speaker
Individually-controlled air conditioning
Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
Dressing room with shelves and closet
110V American / 220V European
Dressing table and hairdryer
Direct line telephone
Three ADA staterooms
24-hour room service
Electronic safe
Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
Inclusive Wifi internet
Size 215 ft²
Guests 2
A 53 ft² glazed private balcony balcony
Panoramic sliding window
Lounge area with chaise lounge and two armchairs
One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
Bathroom with shower
Minibar
Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
Bose Bluetooth speaker
Individually-controlled air conditioning
Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
Dressing room with shelves and closet
110V American / 220V European
Dressing table and hairdryer
Direct line telephone
Three ADA staterooms
24-hour room service
Electronic safe
Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
Inclusive Wifi internet
Size 301 ft²
Guests 2
A 107 ft² glazed private balcony balcony
Two bathrooms with shower
Two sliding panoramic windows
Living room with sofa, armchair, TV, and courtesy sliding door
One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
Minibar
Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
Bose Bluetooth speaker
Individually-controlled air conditioning
Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
Dressing room with shelves and closet
110V American / 220V European
Dressing table and hairdryer
Direct line telephone
Three ADA staterooms
24-hour room service
Electronic safe
Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
Inclusive Wifi internet
Size 430 ft²
Guests 4
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
Butler service
A fruit basket every day
A lounge area with chaise longue and second TV
A Samsung tablet connected to Wifi
A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
A panoramic sliding bay window
A 5 m² glazed private balcony
Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars
Minibar
Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
Bose Bluetooth speaker
Individually-controlled air conditioning
Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
Dressing room with shelves and closet
110V American / 220V European
Dressing table and hairdryer
Direct line telephone
Three ADA staterooms
24-hour room service
Electronic safe
Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
Inclusive Wifi internet
Size 452 ft²
Guests 3
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
Butler service
A fruit basket every day
A lounge with sofa bed, armchair, and sliding courtesy door
A Samsung tablet connected to Wifi
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
Two panoramic sliding doors and rectangular porthole
A 12.5 m² glazed private balcony
Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars
Minibar
Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
Bose Bluetooth speaker
Individually-controlled air conditioning
Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
Dressing room with shelves and closet
110V American / 220V European
Dressing table and hairdryer
Direct line telephone
Three ADA staterooms
24-hour room service
Electronic safe
Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
Inclusive Wifi internet
Size 516 ft²
Guests 4
Private return transfer
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
Butler service
A fruit basket every day
A lounge with armchairs, sofa bed, steam fireplace and TV
A dining room with a 6-seater table
A minibar with RIEDEL crystal glasses
A Samsung tablet connected to Wi-Fi
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and TV
A bathroom with shower and balneo bathtub
Five panoramic windows and a glazed panoramic swing door
A private 26 m² terrace: outdoor lounge with sofa and armchairs, jacuzzi
Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars
Minibar
Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
Bose Bluetooth speaker
Individually-controlled air conditioning
Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
Dressing room with shelves and closet
110V American / 220V European
Dressing table and hairdryer
Direct line telephone
Three ADA staterooms
24-hour room service
Electronic safe
Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
Inclusive Wifi internet
Size 1011 ft²
Guests 4
Private return transfer
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
Butler service
A fruit basket every day
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A living room with armchairs, two sofa beds, steam fireplace, and second TV
A desk and bookcase
A Samsung tablet connected to Wifi
A dining room with a 6-seater table
A minibar with RIEDEL crystal glasses
A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
A one-hour spa treatments per person (for 2 people) in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer
A private 186 m² terrace: outdoor lounge with deckchairs, hot tub, two sofas, and dining table
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars
A Swarovski Optik ST VISTA telescope
Minibar
Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
Bose Bluetooth speaker
Individually-controlled air conditioning
Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
Dressing room with shelves and closet
110V American / 220V European
Dressing table and hairdryer
Direct line telephone
Three ADA staterooms
24-hour room service
Electronic safe
Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
Inclusive Wifi internet
Size 1237 ft²
Guests 6
* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.
East Antártica TRIPS
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THE POLAR TRAVEL COMPANY LLC
USA
8175 NW 12 ST #120, Doral, FL 33126
Miami - Dade, Florida
Tel: +1 (786) 321-5654
WhatsApp: +1 (786) 705-2241
Email:
travel@thepolartravelcompany.com
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