Description
Join us and embark on a Marathon adventure like no other. Awaiting you an 11-day classic Antarctic expedition aboard a small ship offers an intimate and immersive experience of the White Continent's pristine landscapes and diverse wildlife, and topped off with the run of a lifetime -an Antarctic Marathon. This specially crafted itinerary was developed from a partnership between Terra Nova Expeditions and Alex Hennock of Far Corners Tours.
Our small ship expeditions, accommodating under 100 guests provide a more personalized experience with greater access to remote areas and flexible itineraries. Extra activities may include kayaking, camping on the continent, and engaging in citizen science projects. It's important to note that specific activities and landings are subject to weather and ice conditions.
We are proud to announce we have finalised the vessel for the trip, with the iconic Ocean Adventurer your home for the 11 day itinerary. This incredible vessel is extremeley fast, stable and a big upgrade at no additional cost for the Marathon Group. With 14 Expedition staff, better onboard facilites, a gym and a lot more room to move around, we are sure you will feel right at home onboard.
Day 1: Embarkation in Ushuaia
- Board your vessel in the afternoon, meet the expedition team, and set sail along the Beagle Channel, observing the scenic Mackinlay Pass.
Days 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage
- Navigate the Drake Passage, a significant waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
- Attend lectures on Antarctic wildlife, history, and geology presented by onboard experts.
- Spot seabirds like albatrosses and petrels, and anticipate the first glimpses of icebergs and the South Shetland Islands.
Days 4-8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula Exploration
- Conduct daily landings via Zodiac boats to explore penguin rookeries, research stations, and historical sites.
- Witness diverse wildlife, including Adélie, gentoo, and chinstrap penguins, as well as seals and whales.
- Navigate through breathtaking waterways such as the Gerlache Strait, Neumayer Channel, and Lemaire Channel.
- Potential visits include Deception Island's volcanic caldera and the largest of the South Shetland Islands, King George Island the current location we intend on doing our marathon!
Days 9-10: Return Voyage via the Drake Passage
- Begin the journey back, offering opportunities to reflect on the expedition, share experiences, and attend additional educational sessions.
Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
- Arrive back in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark, marking the end of the journey.
- Navigate the Drake Passage, a significant waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
- Attend lectures on Antarctic wildlife, history, and geology presented by onboard experts.
Spot seabirds like albatrosses and petrels, and anticipate the first glimpses of icebergs and the South Shetland Islands.
After arriving in the South Shetland Islands, our focus shifts to preparing for our marathon. With the final route to be confirmed, we hope to run the marathon on Day 4 of our trip.
The heart of the journey unfolds as you explore the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Each day brings a mix of landings, zodiac cruises, and optional adventure activities.
Highlights Include:
- Kayaking Among Icebergs: Paddle through serene waters dotted with icebergs, gliding past seals resting on floes and penguins diving in for a swim.
- Snowshoeing Adventures: Strap on snowshoes to explore pristine trails and reach panoramic viewpoints, offering unparalleled vistas of glaciers and peaks.
- Deception Island: Sail into the flooded caldera of this volcanic island, where steaming beaches contrast with icy cliffs.
- Penguin Colonies: Visit vast rookeries of Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie Penguins. Watch their quirky antics as they care for their chicks or brave the icy waters.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals lounging on ice or hunting in the water. Minke and humpback whales are often seen feeding nearby.
Scenic Highlights:
Navigate through some of Antarctica’s most iconic waterways, such as the Gerlache Strait, Neumayer Channel, and Lemaire Channel, where towering glaciers and steep cliffs create awe-inspiring scenery.
We continue our jounrey southward along the Antarctic coast, with frequent stops for landings and activities.
Every day on the Antarctic peninsula is an adventure, with new memories to take home. This time of year is especially active for whale, and we hope to spot many different types of whale during our time here on the Peninsula. Most abundant are the magestic humpbacks and shy minkes however we may be lucky and also see Fin Whales, Orcas and if very lucky the largest living creature on earth, the Blue Whale.
We turn once again, this time heading northward and taking a different route back to the drake passage, and take in our final few landings in the Antarctic.
As the expedition begins its return northward, there’s time for a final landing or zodiac cruise. Weather and ice permitting, explore locations such as Brown Bluff, where massive cliffs and an Adélie penguin colony await, or Paulet Island, home to historic sites and bustling wildlife.
Relive your adventures as you cross the Drake Passage, watching for seabirds and whales along the way. Participate in final lectures or workshops and enjoy a celebratory dinner with your shipmates as you reflect on the unforgettable journey.
- Arrive back in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark, marking the end of the journey.
Deposit Conditions
Please note special deposit terms apply for this tour.
$2000 USD deposit is refundable up until 26 of February 2026. On this date a further $2000 USD deposit is due, with the final balance due to be paid 95 days prior to departure.