Antarctica Yacht Charter
An Antarctica Yacht Charter takes you to one of the world’s most fascinating destinations to visit by luxury expedition yacht. You will see humpback whales, leopard seals, orcas, herds of penguins, and icebergs of every shade of blue. It is like it was taken right out of National Geographic!
Fly into South America and depart on your private yacht charter from either Ushuaia in Argentina or Punta Arenas in Chile. Sail through the Drake Passage to the Shetland Islands at the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, a voyage of over 600 miles. You can also skip the long sail altogether and join your yacht charter in Antarctica, flying directly to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands.
Once you have arrived at the Antarctic Peninsula, you will explore stunning places like Volcanic Deception Island and the famous Port Lockroy. Look forward to zodiac tours, sea kayaking, wild shore excursions, helicopter tours, and, for the brave, even deep-sea diving.
Charter to the End of the World
“Being on a dead, silent, drifting vessel surrounded by bubble-net-feeding Humpback Whales is an experience that I will never forget. Watching Orcas hunt their unlucky prey, drifting past Leopard Seals lounging on ice flows, and just the pure beauty and uniqueness of each and every iceberg are all amazing experiences.”
Yacht Skipper & Conservationist Simon Pamor MSc, Owner of Effective Conservation Outcomes
Experiences You will Remember for Life
Scuba Diving
“The diversity in Antarctic waters is incredible. There are no other dive sites like it. From the moment you step into the icy water, you will come across breathtaking ice structures, magical light reflecting from above, an abundance of marine wildlife and a vast wilderness to explore.”
Scuba diving in Antarctica is not for beginners. Inexperienced divers are a danger to both themselves and those around them.
Wildlife Photography
Antarctica is a dream for wildlife photography: emperor and Adélie penguins, seal pups, humpback and minke whales, and soaring skuas. You can also capture dramatic icebergs, calving glaciers, and golden-hour light—often from zodiacs close to the action.
Zodiac Exploration
These small, nimble boats get you up close to icebergs, wildlife, and untouched landscapes. You’ll navigate through ice-choked waters, experiencing the continent’s raw beauty at sea level. It’s intimate, exhilarating, and the best way to explore remote areas inaccessible by larger ships.
Sea Kayaking
“The sounds you will start to notice will amaze you…chattering penguins, the melodic tinkle of water melting off icebergs, creaks and groans from glaciers and ice fields…there’s a whole side to Antarctica that many miss by not slowing down.” Yacht Skipper & Conservationist Simon Pamor MSc.
Submersibles
Mini-submersibles are becoming increasingly popular on expedition yachts in Antarctica as people seek more experiences that bring them up close to the incredible wildlife of the Arctic. Luxury submersibles can dive to extremely low depths of up to 7,500 feet (2,200 meters). They give you access to wildlife far beyond what scuba diving allows and eliminate the need to decompress between dives. This is even a great option for Superyacht guests who don’t have a diving license, as each sub has a pilot.
Ice Climbing
Want to get on top of an iceberg? Ice climbing is an adrenaline-pumping adventure where you scale ice formations such as icebergs and glaciers using specialized equipment like ice axes and crampons for grip. Climbers use ropes for safety and wear protective gear to navigate frozen landscapes.
Top Yachts for Charter in Antarctica
Best Destinations
Follow in the Footsteps of Our Great Explorers
“We had seen God in His splendors, heard the text that Nature renders. We had reached the naked soul of man.”
― Ernest Shackleton, Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage
Port Lockroy
Port Lockroy is a must-visit on an Antarctic yacht charter, famous for its historical significance (Home to Base A, established in 1944 as part of a British Secret mission during World War II) and its old research station (closed in 1962), which has now been turned into a museum. Port Lockroy is also home to a large colony of Gentoo penguins, attracting researchers who come to study the impact of tourism on wildlife.
When you are here, do not miss the opportunity to send a postcard to your family or friends from the world’s southernmost post office!
Enterprise Island
This is a unique anchorage where you tie up alongside a sunken hulk of an old whaling ship (The Guvernøren —a ship that was deliberately run aground after a fire broke out).
This area has stunning scenery and is the perfect spot for a zodiac tour or sea kayak. From the water, you can spot old whaling relics, such as old small support vessels and shore tie-off points.
Hovgaard Island
Also known as Florence Island, this is a tiny anchorage with a very complex entry. The captain needs to reverse the yacht in and around a rock in a very narrow channel, drop the anchor as they are reversing and turning, and then 4 shore lines must be run to keep the vessel secure. Once in, you are tucked away in a perfect keyhole with a jaw-dropping backdrop of stunning mountains and snowy Islands. Zodiac tours introduce you to Penguins, Leopard Seals, Sea-birds, Humpback Whales, and Orca (But to be fair, you are almost certain to encounter these animals all over the Peninsula!)
Deception Island
Volcanic Deception Island offers a very different landscape from the rest of the peninsula due to its volcanic (still active) history. The entrance through the narrow Neptunes Bellow’s is jaw-dropping, and once in, there are old relics to explore. Our favorite anchorage is a small cove in the Northwest with a narrow entrance.
These are just some of the countless amazing destinations on the Antarctic Peninsula. Other prime locations include South Georgia Island, a great place to witness Elephant Seals; Neko Harbor, known for its dramatic glaciers and frequent calving ice; the Lemaire Channel, with its narrow passageway flanked by steep cliffs, a favorite for photographers, and many more.
WILDLIFE Some of What You Can Expect to See on Your Antarctica Yacht Charter
Everyone is going to see and observe different things and have different experiences. On some trips, you might see more Orca hunts and breaching Humpback Whales than you could possibly have imagined, and on other trips, you may not. Don’t compare your yacht charter to others, but appreciate that you are experiencing a truly unique experience.
Humpback Whales
Leopard Seals
Penguins
Orca
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Antarctica?
You have two options: Your first option is to fly directly to the Antarctic Peninsula, arriving at Teniente R. Marsh Airport, located on King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, and meet your charter there. Or you can make the approximately 600-mile-long passage from South America. Note that there are options for sailing in and flying out or the other way around.
If you want to make the passage there; most yacht charters to Antarctica depart from Ushuaia in Argentina, often referred to as the “Gateway to Antarctica,” or Punta Arenas in Chile. It is also in Punta Arena that you will depart from if you decide to fly.
When is the best time to visit Antarctica on a yacht charter?
Antarctica’s travel season runs from November to March.
- November: Fresh snow and early breeding activity
- December–January: Peak wildlife and the longest daylight
- February–March: Prime whale watching and late-season scenery
The best month depends on whether you’re focused on photography, skiing, marine life, or exploration depth.
How much does a yacht charter in Antarctica cost?
An Antarctica yacht charter is one of the most premium charter experiences in the world. As a rough guide, we recommend budgeting from ~USD 250,000/week + expenses for smaller expedition yachts, and USD 750,000–2,200,000+/week + expenses for top-end luxury expedition yachts.
On top of the charter fee, we recommend planning for an APA (typically 30–40%). This is a prepaid onboard expense fund managed by the captain for the trip; unused funds are refunded at the end with a full breakdown.
The APA typically covers:
- Fuel (route, ice, generators, zodiac ops)
- Port fees & clearance (dockage, agents, customs/immigration)
- Permits & compliance costs (required authorizations/planning)
- Expedition team & equipment (if not included in the base)
- Crew gratuity (customary)
Will I be able to see the southern lights?
The Aurora Australis is best viewed during the Antarctic winter months due to the prolonged darkness and clearer skies. During the charter season, which coincides with the Antarctic summer, the chances of seeing the Southern Lights decrease significantly. During these months, you have almost 24 hours of daylight, making it very difficult to observe the auroras. If seeing the Southern Lights is a significant goal for your trip, consider scheduling your yacht charter during the very beginning or end of the charter season when the nights are a little longer.
What should I know before going?
You are on your way to one of the world’s most rural and harsh areas, so proper preparation is essential. But don’t worry; we will tell you everything you need to know for your Antarctica yacht charter. Our top advice is to listen to your captain at all times! From what to pack (yes, you do need a second pair of dry gloves!) to how to go about observing wildlife (stay quiet and leave them their distance!), your captain is the expert here – use their knowledge to your advantage!
The Antarctic is a wild place. Even if we are lucky enough to visit these areas with a touch of luxury, there will be aspects of your trip that are out of the control of your guides, crew, and captain. The weather is all mighty down there, and she dictates the schedule and itinerary of your yacht charter. Let go and enjoy being at her mercy. There’s no bad weather, just different experiences.
What about crowds from larger cruise ships?
Some “headline” sites can be busier at peak times—places like Port Lockroy, King George Island, major penguin colonies, and scenic pinch points like the Lemaire Channel. The good news is that visitation is generally coordinated through IAATO-style scheduling and site protocols, which helps stagger landings and manage numbers. We recommend planning your itinerary with flexibility (timing, alternate landing sites, and route options) so your yacht can often visit popular spots outside the busiest windows.
How does an Antarctica yacht charter impact the environment and wildlife?
Antarctica is tightly regulated, and the biggest risk is disturbing wildlife or introducing non-native material. We recommend choosing an expedition yacht and crew that follow Antarctic visitor guidelines and wildlife-distance protocols, use strict biosecurity cleaning, and plan landings to keep sites quiet and uncrowded. If animals change behavior (pause feeding, move away, vocalize, or block access to the water), we recommend stopping, increasing distance, and letting wildlife pass first.
The Most Fascinating Charter Destination on Earth
Interview with Conservationist & Yacht Skipper Simon Pamor
Something I absolutely recommend is finding somewhere quiet and just stopping and listening (either when you are on the water or on land). The sounds you will start to notice will amaze you…chattering penguins, the melodic tinkle of water melting off icebergs, creaks and groans from glaciers and ice fields…there’s a whole side to Antarctica that many miss by not slowing down.
JC
John C.
May 24 2024
DMA was amazing. This was my second time using them and they did not disappoint, they exceeded my expectations. Sarah Klische was incredible. Her knowledge and connections were priceless.
BH
Beth Hecimovich
Jan 05, 2024
Daniel and Martina were outstanding and helped us execute the trip of a lifetime! Very responsive and available to assist with anything and everything. They made sure that every detail was addressed and that our family was treated well. We have worked with other Charter Brokers in the past and DMA Yachting service and knowledge was far superior. Highly recommend.
S
Skye
Jan 08, 2024
Chris was incredibly helpful in our first charter experience every step of the way. He helped us select the right boat, walked us through all the options available to us and helped ensure that we had an incredibly memorable experience. Thank you to the entire team for making our New Years celebration once in a lifetime! We are already looking forward to planning our next charter through DMA.
Our Team
Meet our expert brokers, dedicated professionals providing personalized service to craft your ideal yacht charter experience in Antarctica.
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