Antarctica – Uncharted Islands of the Deep South

Overview
Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Ships
Optional Extras

Join us on a unique expedition to the heart of uncharted Antarctica, where maps fail and the horizon still holds secrets. On this extraordinary journey, we navigate the unexplored waters around Lazarev Bay and the mysterious Glinka Islands, a region where old aerial photographs (1939–1941) serve as reference for existing charts.

Based on previous expeditions, we know that the official maps do not match what we actually see: islands appear where the charts show nothing, and positions can be off by several kilometers. This sets the perfect stage for a true exploration voyage. One where we may even chart new islands that have remained hidden beneath ice or simply went undocumented.

Ice and daylight permitting, we will sail among icebergs in the “iceberg graveyard” of Lazarev Bay, aiming to push further south toward these mysterious uncharted islands. Two of them are of significant size and may, in fact, be entirely new to the world. With an extended itinerary of 14 days, we create time for real exploration: time to embrace the unknown.

An expedition in the truest sense of the word, a chance to rediscover the White Continent. Perhaps together, we’ll write a new chapter in the history of Antarctica.

Highlights

• On this extraordinary journey, we navigate the unexplored waters around Lazarev Bay and the mysterious Glinka Islands, a region where old aerial photographs (1939–1941) serve as reference for existing charts.

• Ice and daylight permitting, we will be aiming to push further south toward these mysterious uncharted islands.

Day 1: End of the world, start of a journey

Your voyage begins where the world drops off. Ushuaia, Argentina, reputed to be the southernmost city on the planet, is located on the far southern tip of South America. Starting in the afternoon, you embark from this small resort town on Tierra del Fuego, nicknamed “The End of the World,” and sail the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the remainder of the evening.
Day 2 - 3: Path of the polar explorers

Over the next two days on the Drake Passage, you enjoy some of the same experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first charted these regions: cool salt breezes, rolling seas, maybe even a fin whale spouting up sea spray. After passing the Antarctic Convergence – Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic seas – you are in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone.

Not only does the marine life change, the avian life changes too. Wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, light-mantled sooty albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels are a few of the birds you might see.
Day 4: Through the Pendleton Strait

Arriving at the Antarctic Peninsula near the Antarctic Circle. If sea ice conditions permit, you may continue through Pendleton Strait and attempt a landing at the rarely visited southern tip of Renaud Island. Here, you have the opportunity to encounter the first Adélie penguins of the voyage and enjoy spectacular views of icebergs in this surreal, snow-swept environment.

Later in the afternoon, we will continue our journey towards Adelaide Island and Marguerite Bay, crossing the Polar Circle. We will spend the night in the area of Crystal Sound, where the scenery is so captivating it may keep you awake into the early hours. This region also offers the chance to spot orcas, humpback whales, and minke whales.
Day 5 - 9: Into Marguerite Bay and sailing toward Lazarov Bay

We sail into the majestic Marguerite Bay, surrounded by ice-cloaked islands and soaring peaks. Wildlife sightings may include humpbacks, leopard seals, and possibly Adélie penguins. If ice allows, we may land at Pourquoi Pas or Horseshoe Island before continuing toward Lazarov Bay.

We navigate into Lazarov Bay and will explore this a remote area with its icebergs of all shapes and sizes dominate the landscape. Navigation is challenging, and if conditions are favorable, we’ll launch Zodiacs for a stunning ice cruise and prepare for deeper exploration. This is true expedition territory, raw, remote, and rarely visited.

Weather and ice permitting, we head even further south, aiming to reach islands never visited before. With every mile, we step deeper into the unknown, a voyage of discovery in the purest sense. In the evening, we begin repositioning northward, leaving behind the uncharted edges of Antarctica.
Day 10 - 11: The Gullet and Detaille Island

If conditions allow, we then sail through The Gullet, one of the most impressive narrow channels in Antarctic, with towering mountains either side, birds following the ship and playful penguins and seals frolicking in the water as we sail through this very special part of the journey. If ice conditions allow we will also carry out a landing or cruise in the afternoon.

We may make a landing at an abandoned British research station here, taking in the island’s lofty position and imposing glaciers scenery.
Day 12 - 14: Familiar seas, familiar friends

Your return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to you now, and you to them.
Day 15: There and back again

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. It’s now time to disembark in Ushuaia, but with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.
Please note:

All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per IAATO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with IAATO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed for our vessel is 10.5 knots.

2 windows (minimum) 1 double bed 1 single (sofa) bed Private shower & toilet Desk & chair Flatscreen TV Telephone & WiFi (supplemented) Refrigerator Coffee & tea maker Hair dryer Ample storage space

Ortelius

Ortelius

Vessel Type: Expediton

Length: 91m

Passenger Capacity: 108-123

Built / Refurbished : 1989 / 2015

Ortelius is a fully ice-strengthened Polar Class UL1 vessel built for demanding expeditions in one-year and multi-year sea ice. Originally constructed in 1989 for the Russian Academy of Science, its robust engineering and wide open-deck spaces make it well suited to deep-field exploration in the Arctic and Antarctica. The ship carries 108 passengers and operates with a substantial team of nautical crew, hotel staff, expedition leaders, and lecturers, supported by a fleet of ten Zodiacs for frequent shore landings and wildlife access. Interiors are functional and comfortable, offering standard hotel amenities alongside a lecture room and bar.

The vessel is designed for maximum time ashore and flexible routing, prioritising nature observation over traditional cruise programming. Some cabins may have partially obstructed views due to structural requirements, but the best vistas are always outside on deck or from the bridge. Ortelius offers stable performance, reliable ice navigation, and a straightforward, expedition-focused environment, making it a strong choice for travellers who want direct contact with polar landscapes without unnecessary embellishment.

Navigational workshop FREE

Select this activity if you’re interested in learning the history, theory, and practice of land and sea navigation. Topics covered include the use of sextants, chart positioning, and GPS functions, among others. All courses led by experienced expedition guides. No additional equipment needed.