Antarctica
Antarctic All-Women’s Expedition:
Fly the Drake
Embark on an Antarctic adventure with like-minded women, sailing on a small-ship expedition vessel, the Sylvia Earle. This vessel pays tribute to Dr. Sylvia Earle, a female ambassador to conservation on the planet. We are proud to join this new voyage, designed by women, led by women, for women.
Observe the wildlife of Antarctica, with fuzzy penguin chicks learning to swim, leopard seals and orcas patrolling the waters, and families of whales preparing for migration. Enjoy a range of excursion options for all levels and interests, from leisurely walks to strenuous hikes, Zodiac cruises and additional water-based activities, such as kayaking and snorkeling.
Best of all, we will skip over the notoriously rough Drake Passage, which takes 48 hrs to sail in each direction. We will take charter flights between Chile and Antarctica—maximizing our time on the Peninsula!
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Wildlife
Explorer
Cruise
Luxury
Dates:
February 23rd-March 4th, 2027
trip Length:
9 NIGHTS / 10 DAYS
Max Group Size:
24 (min. booking requirement of 12 guests)
Accommodation
Double Occupancy
Demographic
Women (18+)
The Sylvia Earle
The Sylvia Earle is our base camp for adventure! Carrying a maximum of 130 expeditioners, we’ll experience the natural environment as much as possible in smaller, more intimate groups.
With a fully equipped Citizen Science Center enrich your knowledge and connection to the places we travel to onboard the Sylvia Earle.
- Two jacuzzis on the top outside deck
- Wellness centre, gym & sauna
- State-of-the-art lecture theater & science room
Sample Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Punta Arenas
Arrive in Punta Arenas, where you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to our hotel. We ask that you arrive no later than 2.00 pm so that you may attend our important briefing this evening.
Please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk in the lobby between 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm to collect your luggage cabin tags. Our team will confirm details regarding your embarkation day, answer any questions and provide you with information about where to dine or purchase last minute items.
Overlooking the Straits of Magellan, the city sits astride one of the world’s most historic trade routes. Today, Punta Arenas reflects a great blend of cultural backgrounds, from English sheep ranchers to Portuguese sailors. It remains an utterly fascinating testament to Chile’s rich history. Modern day Punta Arenas is home to many popular restaurants, and bars, offering a mix of local and international fare (meals at your own expense today).
At 7.00 pm this evening, meet your fellow expeditioners at a voyage briefing where we will reconfirm your transfer times for tomorrow, explain the procedures for your flight to King George Island and outline important IAATO regulations for visitors to Antarctica.
Highlights
- Welcome Dinner
- Meet Your Fellow Travelers
Day 2
Fly to King George Island, Embarkation
This morning we will be transferred to Punta Arenas airport for our charter flight to King George Island, Antarctica (weather permitting). The flight will take approximately one hour and forty-five minutes. On arrival into King George Island our expedition team is on hand to greet you and to prepare you for your Zodiac transfer to the vessel. You will have time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings.
Note: King George Island is located at the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula in the South Shetland Islands and is one of the most remote places on Earth. A clear sky with perfect visibility is required for safe take-off and landing. A contingency plan will be applied to your itinerary should your flights not proceed today. Your safety is our utmost priority. We apologize in advance for any delays caused due to this unpredictable situation. Please refer to Aurora’s terms and conditions for a more detailed explanation.
Highlights
- Flight to King George Island
- Safety Briefings
- Settle Into Your Cabins
Day 3-8
Antarctic Peninsula
It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever.
Once we arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ours to explore, and we have a host of choices available to us. Because we are so far south, we will experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish.
Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.
We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. You will want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favorite spots along the peninsula.
While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridge lines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. If you have chosen an optional activity, you will have the option to do that whenever conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters – conditions permitting!
In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales traveling or feeding. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve their way from summit to sea. Take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.
On board, you will find a range of areas to socialize or relax. We have a number of lounges, including our Glass Atrium Lounge and Observation Lounge. Our wellness centre houses our sauna (with a large window, so you can still enjoy the passing scenery), and offers treatments (book with reception). Across from our wellness centre you will find our gym with a range of equipment for your use. Perhaps you would like to take a dip in one of our jacuzzis on the back deck or enjoy a quiet moment in the library.
Highlights
- Western Antarctic Peninsula
- South Shetland Islands
- Twice Daily Zodiac Excursions
- Optional Polar Plunge
Included Activities
- Lectures on wildlife, our environment, history and destinations
- Marine Mammal Spotting
- Polar Plunge
- Scenic Cruising
- Trips Ashore
- Zodiac Cruising
Optional Activities
- Sea Kayaking ($1,030 per person)
- Snorkeling ($515 per person)
- Paddling ($480 per person)
- Scuba Diving ($1,095 per person)
Day 9
Fly King George Island to Punta Arenas
As we approach Frei Base on King George Island, it is time to farewell Antarctica and our amazing adventure before boarding our flight (approximately one hour and forty-five minutes) to Punta Arenas, Chile. There is time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and experienced.
We hope you become ambassadors for Antarctica telling your family, friends and colleagues about your journey to this magical place, advocating for its conservation and preservation so that they might one day visit the region to experience what you have been lucky to see and do here.
From Punta Arenas airport, you will be transferred to our group hotel for an overnight stay.
Note: King George Island is located at the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula in the South Shetland Islands and is one of the most remote places on Earth. A clear sky with perfect visibility is required for safe take-off and landing. We apologize in advance for any possible delays.
Accommodation: To be advised
Highlights
- Flight to Punta Arenas
Day 10
Depart Punta Arenas
After breakfast, bid a fond farewell to your fellow travellers as we continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature (breakfast included). A transfer to the airport is included in the voyage fare.
Note: Should your flight not proceed due to local conditions; you will remain on the ship until it is deemed achievable to return to Punta Arenas. Refer to our terms and conditions for further details.
Highlights
- Departure
Available Staterooms
Our group will all be together on Deck 6! We have three categories of cabins of different sizes and prices. Each stateroom features two twin beds, floor to ceiling windows, a private balcony and ensuite bathroom.
Balcony Stateroom Superior (Shared) • Twin Beds
Stateroom and balcony combined size: 314.3ft² – 378.9ft²
Twin beds // Private balcony // Desk area
Balcony Stateroom Category A (Shared) • Twin Beds
Stateroom and balcony combined size: 226ft² – 301.4ft²
Twin beds // Private balcony // Desk area
Balcony Stateroom Category C (Shared) • Twin Beds
Stateroom and balcony combined size: 180.8ft² – 232.5ft²
Twin beds // Private balcony // Desk area
Accommodation
- Balcony Stateroom Superior
(ONLY 1 CABIN LEFT!)
$32,695* $26,940 per person - Balcony Stateroom Category A
(ONLY 3 CABINS LEFT!)
$28,995* $24,645 per person Balcony Stateroom Category C(SOLD OUT!)
$25,595* $21,755 per person*Exclusive discount of 15% OFF with TBA Escapes!
DISCLOSURE: Itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather or other factors outside of our control. Keep in mind that every activity is optional and you can opt-out of activities you aren’t comfortable with. Note: King George Island is located at the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula in the South Shetland Islands and is one of the most remote places on Earth. A clear sky with perfect visibility is required for safe take-off and landing. A contingency plan will be applied to your itinerary should your flights not proceed as planned. Your safety is our utmost priority. We apologize in advance for any delays caused due to this unpredictable situation. Please refer to Aurora’s terms and conditions for a more detailed explanation. For more information on the TBA Escapes health and safety procedures, visit our FAQ.
Meet Your Hosts
Kiersten (aka "Kiki") The Blonde Abroad
KMeet Kiki, founder of The Blonde Abroad and TBA Escapes, named by Forbes as one of the Top 10 Travel Influencers in the world. With over a decade of experience in the travel industry, Kiki is a seasoned globetrotter and a passionate advocate for transformative travel and women’s empowerment.
“Setting foot on Antarctica—my seventh and final continent—will be a dream realized. But what will make it truly unforgettable is forming new friendships WITH YOU at the edge of the world!” – Kiki
Caity Shearer
CMeet Cape Town local, Caity. She has been “Head Escape Artist” for TBA Escapes since 2018. She is a seasoned globetrotter and logistics powerhouse who brings unmatched expertise to every TBA Escapes journey. From curating immersive itineraries across the globe to managing on-the-ground operations with precision and care, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring each trip runs seamlessly.
“Hosting our all-female expedition to Antarctica will be an absolute honor—and a dream come true. I can already feel the energy of an incredible group of women coming together to explore one of the most remote, awe-inspiring places on Earth.” — Caity
Guest Testimonials
Nicki P., Galapagos
“This was my second tour with TBA Escapes and it far exceeded my expectations. Caity and Kiki took care of every detail and partnered with an amazing eco yacht line (Ecoventura) that defined luxury cruise – outstanding accommodations, impeccable service, delicious cuisine, and unreal vistas. We had 2 Naturalist guides that presented the pristine beauty and wildlife of the Galapagos Islands perfectly as we explored each destination. The pace of the tour was just right with a mix of nature excursions and educational activities. This was a bucket-list trip that I will never forget and am privileged to have shared with other like-minded women!”
Dimpy M., VIP Alumni
“I have been on 4 TBA Escapes tours (SA, Morocco, Jordan & Egypt) and they have all been amazing & exceptional experiences. I love how the tours are curated and offer a good mix of history and fun! Everything is so well planned from the accommodations, restaurants and tour activities. The tour host and local guides have all been amazing and I’m grateful to have formed special bonds with each of them and to call them my friends. I have met some wonderful ladies on these tours who share my passion for travel and adventure. I look forward to seeing which tours will be offered in the future by TBA and can’t wait!”
Nikki D., Morocco
“A huge thank you to TBA for such a wonderful, well-organized tour. From incredible accommodations and local immersions to fun activities and knowledgeable guides, this trip to Morocco was a standout trip that I won’t soon forget. Our host + guide were incredible at navigating any outside challenges that popped up and handled everything from start to finish with professionalism and fun. I can’t wait to take another tour with TBA – thank you for a phenomenal trip!!!”
Inclusions
- All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary
- Two night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Punta Arenas on Day 1 and Day 9
- Return charter flight between Punta Arenas and King George Island
- Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service
- All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage
- Soft drinks and juices throughout all meals
- Beer and house wine with dinner
- Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
- All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
- Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team
- Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation)
- One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket
- Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage
- Comprehensive pre-departure information
- Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
- Wi-Fi (Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable)
Exclusions
- International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary
- Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary
- Travel Insurance (Required), or Emergency Evacuation Charges
- Gratuities for Crew $400 (Required)
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges
- Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary
- Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges
- All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages (outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges
Payment Info
From $21,755
9 Nights / 10 DaysIncludes $2500 Non-Refundable Deposit
Only 24 Spots Available
Min. Booking Requirement of 12 guests