marine expedition to Antarctica cruise Drake strait Erebus Siple iceberg pinguin whale tour to Antarctica

Think there are no unexplored places left in the 21st century? Think again. The Age of Discovery is happening right now. Siple Volcano in Antarctica — one of the last unconquered bastions on the planet. And we are going there.

But that's not all. We will also challenge the legendary Mount Erebus — a 3,794‑meter peak where fire and ice collide. It is the second‑highest volcano in Antarctica and the only active volcano on the continent with a persistent lava lake.

This is not just a trek. This is your chance to write your name into history — alongside Amundsen and Scott. We will have the unique opportunity to be not just passengers watching from the sidelines. We will become part of the crew that heads to the last virgin points on Earth. Side by side with those who know how to survive and win where the map ends — the famous explorer Fyodor Konyukhov and the legendary commander Daniil Gavrilov.

The world is looking for new heroes. You could be one of them.

A Russian expedition led by Thaddeus Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev on the sloops "Vostok" and "Mirny" discovered Antarctica on January 28, 1820.

We invite you to repeat the feat of the sailors and write your name in the history of exploration of the most mysterious sixth continent of the planet.

While Elon Musk swashbuckles the space, we washbuckle the ocean and explore the Earth space – Antarctica.
A trip to Antarctica is the choice of a Real Man. An event, the memories of which will stay with you for a lifetime!

SCHEDULE AND COST:
Dates: 10.01.2027 - 08.03.2027*

*The expedition schedule can be adjusted for weather conditions

Duration: 58 days

Number of participants: 20

Cost per person: 70 000 EUR

Early booking discount applies (when booking before August 10, 2026). Contact manager for further details

Route: 5,800 nautical miles


TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO ANTARCTICA

Day 1–11. January 10–20, 2027. SEA PASSAGE – 2000 MILES: FROM NEW ZEALAND TO MOUNT EREBUS (ANTARCTICA)

Leaving New Zealand behind, the expedition sets out across the vast expanses of the South Pacific Ocean, where the true Antarctic adventure begins. Over the following days at sea, you will travel through some of the most isolated waters on Earth, following in the footsteps of historic explorers such as James Cook and Roald Amundsen.
This remote route offers unprecedented opportunities to witness the sharp transition from a temperate to a polar climate, as seabirds — albatrosses and petrels — become more abundant than land-based species. These days at sea become a time of anticipation and learning, as discussions cover Antarctic geology, wildlife, and the fascinating history of polar exploration — all of which make this voyage so extraordinary.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: in a yacht cabin


Day 12–21. January 21–30, 2027. MOUNT EREBUS (ANTARCTICA)

Mount Erebus, rising 3,794 meters (12,448 feet), is not just a climb — it is a true battle with the elements, where fire and ice collide. This is no ordinary volcano; it is the second-highest peak in Antarctica and the only active volcano on the continent with a persistent lava lake — one of only four such lakes in the world. Imagine scrambling across glaciers as the ground trembles beneath your feet, steam hisses from ice towers, and the glow of molten lava reflects off the snow.
Discovered in 1841 and named after the Royal Navy ship Erebus, this mountain is a paradox — its icy slopes conceal a raging volcanic heart. The ascent requires technical ice navigation, glacier travel, and extreme cold-weather endurance. And when we finally reach the summit crater, we are greeted by the surreal sight of a churning lava lake — a reminder that this mountain is truly alive.
For mountaineers, Erebus represents an unparalleled challenge: a rare fusion of a polar expedition, high-altitude climbing, and the thrill of volcanic hazards.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: in a yacht cabin


Day 22–30. January 31 – February 8, 2027. SEA PASSAGE – 1500 MILES: FROM MOUNT EREBUS (ANTARCTICA) TO MOUNT SIPLE (ANTARCTICA)

As our vessel enters the legendary Ross Sea, we cross the threshold of Antarctica's most spectacular wilderness. This vast, ice-covered sea serves as the continent's natural gateway, where towering glaciers meet the Southern Ocean in a breathtaking collision of blue and white. Named after Sir James Clark Ross, who first charted these waters in 1841, the Ross Sea remains one of the last truly pristine marine ecosystems on Earth. Here the air becomes crisper, the light takes on an ethereal quality, and the silence is broken only by the crack of calving icebergs or the calls of Adélie penguins.
Massive tabular icebergs — some larger than cities — drift slowly through these waters, while 50‑meter ice cliffs of the Ross Ice Shelf rise above the southern horizon. This is where heroic explorers like Shackleton and Scott launched their historic journeys, and where today's visitors first experience the staggering majesty of Antarctica. Scientists consider these waters critical for climate change research, as the Ross Sea's blooming phytoplankton produces more oxygen than the Amazon rainforest.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: in a yacht cabin


Day 31–40. February 9–18, 2027. MOUNT SIPLE (ANTARCTICA)

Mount Siple is one of the last unconquered peaks on the planet. To this day, it remains unclimbed — offering a unique opportunity to write your name forever into the history of geographical discovery.
Why is this so important? Because we are faced with a rare example of a major summit that still stands outside the annals of mountaineering. In an era when most of the world's high peaks already boast dozens of routes and repeats, this mountain has not a single recorded human ascent. This makes it not just a geographical feature, but a potential point of genuine first ascent in the 21st century.
The height of Mount Siple is approximately 3,110 meters (10,203 feet) above sea level. By type, it is a large shield volcano, with a base diameter of tens of kilometers. The summit is completely covered by an ice dome, and the crater is hidden beneath snow and ice. The volcano itself is considered potentially dormant.
The climatic conditions of the region are extreme. In summer, temperatures here range from −15°C to −30°C (5°F to −22°F); in winter they drop significantly lower. Catabatic winds with speeds of 25–40 meters per second (56–89 mph) are frequent. There is a high probability of storms and long periods of zero visibility. Depending on the season, either polar night or polar day prevails.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: in a yacht cabin


Day 41–45. February 19–23, 2027. SEA PASSAGE – 800 MILES: MOUNT SIPLE (ANTARCTICA) – PETER I ISLAND (ANTARCTICA)

Sailing across the Bellingshausen Sea transports us into a fairytale Antarctic landscape. This remote maritime realm, named after the Russian explorer who first sighted the Antarctic mainland in 1820, serves as a dynamic ice factory, where glaciers from the Antarctic Peninsula calve massive icebergs that begin their slow drift northward. In summer, the nutrient‑rich sea teems with life, attracting enormous swarms of krill, which in turn support vast populations of whales, seals, and seabirds.
Humpback whales often breach between floating ice platforms, crabeater seals rest on passing ice floes, and gentoo penguins dart through the frigid waters. Climatologists closely monitor this region as a bellwether of polar change, where warming waters meet the frozen edge of the continent. The ever‑shifting mosaic of sea ice and icebergs in the Bellingshausen Sea creates a true photographer's paradise: sunlight refracting through ice crystals paints the landscape in surreal shades of blue and white.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: in a yacht cabin


Day 46–47. February 24–25, 2027. PETER I ISLAND (ANTARCTICA)

This remote Norwegian territory, rising from the Southern Ocean, remains one of the least visited places on Earth. The ice‑covered volcano, 1,640 meters (5,381 feet) high, towers above cliffs lashed by relentless seas, accessible only during rare periods of calm. Fewer than 200 people have ever set foot on its black volcanic shores, where steaming fumaroles pierce glacial fields and leopard seals patrol waters choked with icebergs. The island's absolute isolation preserves an untouched ecosystem: snow petrels nest on its cliffs, while orcas hunt in the surrounding depths.

Why is landing on Peter I Island so important?
First and foremost — historical continuity. This is the very point discovered by a Russian expedition back in 1821. Landing on the island becomes a symbolic continuation of that story, begun by our pioneers nearly two centuries ago.
Moreover, the island remains one of the least visited territories in Antarctica, and few travellers can boast of having set foot on this land. From a geographical perspective, we are facing a unique subject for any documentary project: an isolated volcanic island lost in the open Southern Ocean.
But the main thing is the symbol of return. A modern Russian expedition returns to a point first charted almost 200 years ago. Peter I Island is not just a set of coordinates. It is a living link between the Age of Great Maritime Discoveries and modern polar expeditions.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: in a yacht cabin


Day 48–52. February 26 – March 2, 2027. SEA PASSAGE – 900 MILES: PETER I ISLAND (ANTARCTICA) – SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS (ANTARCTICA)

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: in a yacht cabin


Day 53–54. March 3–4, 2027. SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS (ANTARCTICA)

Each summer, this rugged archipelago teems with life — vast colonies of penguins, roaring elephant seals, and patrolling leopard seals. Sheltered bays attract humpback whales to feed, while historic research stations are scattered across the windswept landscape. Thanks to its accessible location and incredible biodiversity, these islands serve as the perfect introduction to the wild wonders of Antarctica — where glaciers meet volcanic shores inhabited by Antarctic penguins.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: in a yacht cabin


Day 55–58. March 5–8, 2027. SEA PASSAGE – 600 MILES: SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS (ANTARCTICA) – USHUAIA (ARGENTINA)

Prepare for the most iconic sea crossing in the world. The Drake Passage churns with untamed fury, where towering waves and relentless winds test even the most seasoned adventurers. This legendary stretch — known as the "Gateway to Antarctica" — separates continents with incredible force.
Yet beneath the thrill lies unparalleled beauty: albatross soaring over endless swells, whales surfacing in the mist.
Ushuaia, Argentina — officially the southernmost city on Earth — will be your final expedition stop, but it will inspire you once again to explore. This rugged port town, surrounded by the jagged Martial Mountains and the icy waters of the Beagle Channel, exudes a frontier energy.
Once a penal colony, now a launchpad for polar expeditions, Ushuaia wears its history in colorful wooden boardwalks and seafaring lore. Here you can dock alongside expedition vessels, savor king crab stew in waterfront taverns, and breathe the crisp Patagonian air.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: in a yacht cabin

Difficulty Level
  • This is a real two-month autonomous expedition of high level of complexity
  • Good physical condition is require
  • No special skills are required for climbing
  • Safety precautions are covered by an experienced guide

** Please do not purchase tickets without our confirmation. We recommend to take refundable ticket in case of possible delays.

*** The program may be adjusted for weather conditions.
EXPEDITION TEAM
  • Daniil Gavrilov
    RUSARC Commander
    RUSARC Commander is not just a captain. He is a man who has repeatedly written his name into the history of polar exploration, breaking icy stereotypes and setting world‑class records.

    Daniil Gavrilov is a legend of Russian yachting, twice laureate of the "Yachtsman of the Year" award in the category "Longest Sport Voyage." His name already stands alongside the greatest polar explorers of our time.

    What lies behind the Commander?
    - World record on the yacht "Pyotr I" — the first circumnavigation of the Arctic in a single season in maritime history, without an icebreaker.
    - Organizer of the northernmost regatta "90th Parallel in the Arctic to Franz Josef Land" — where others dare not raise their sails, he charts the routes.
    - Twice laureate of the "Yachtsman of the Year" award.
  • Fyodor Filipovich Konyukhov
    Soviet and Russian traveler, writer, artist, priest
    He has completed five solo circumnavigations and crossed the Atlantic Ocean 18 times.

    He was the first person in the world to accomplish the Adventurers Grand Slam: the North Pole (1988), the South Pole (1996), and the Seven Summits, including Everest (1992–1997). He is a recipient of the national Crystal Compass award and holds multiple Guinness World Records.

    He was the first in Russia to reach the North and South Poles solo on skis, the first to complete a solo circumnavigation, the first to conquer the Seven Summits, the first to cross an ocean in a rowboat, and the first to fly around the world in a hot air balloon.
Expedition vessel «Sedna IV»
A sailing boat used for scientific expeditions and documentaries
  • Length: 51 meters
  • Beam: 7.96 meters
  • Draft: 4.21 meters
  • Capacity: up to 30 guests
  • Hull and superstructure: steel
  • Engine: Deutz AG
  • Fuel capacity: 78,000 liters

Construction history:
The vessel was built in 1957 by Abeking & Rasmussen in Germany. In 1992, it was converted into a sailing vessel.
THE TEAM
  • 15 years of experience and more than 150 expeditions in high latitudes of the Arctic and Antarctica

  • World record on Peter I: the first circumnavigation in a single summer without icebreaker assistance

  • Organizer of the northernmost regatta 80 Parallel (sailing to Franz Josef Land)

  • Two Yachtsman of the Year awards in the Best Long-Distance Expedition nomination

  • Expeditions to Franz Josef Land, to the Spitsbergen Archipelago, Island, Greenland, the Antarctic Peninsula, the Kerguelen Archipelago, the Heard and McDonald Islands, etc
Cost includes:
  • all transportation along the route
  • accommodation
  • 3 meals per day
  • professional guide service
  • fuel surcharge

Cost excludes (additionally paid):

  • international flight tickets from your city to New Zealand and back from Ushuaia to your city
  • personal medical insurance
  • satellite connection
  • other personal expenses

To take with:

ATTENTION! The air temperature here ranges from 0 to +5 C. On the water and with the wind, the air temperature is felt much lower than it actually is. The weather will be very changeable. Strong winds, high waves and rain and snow precipitation are expected.

  • Warm fleece and thermal underwear.
  • Thermosocks (several pairs).
  • Rubber high boots with a warm inner insert for walking on the shore.
  • Shoes for walking inside the yacht (sneakers).
  • Parka, raincoat, pants and things made of waterproof materials.
  • Gloves (preferably 2 pairs).
  • Hat (preferably 2).
  • Sunglasses (with a rope so as not to lose it in the sea).
  • Personal hygiene items, towel.
  • Hand cream, face cream and sunscreen.
  • Waterproof cases for photographic equipment.
  • Personal first aid kit with individual medicines.

(!) Things must be packed in soft bags and backpacks

The authors of the photos used:
Dmitry Kokh, Vadim Balakin, Deepak Kamath, Alex Kuzmitsky, Stas Zakharov, Max Pankov

Why with MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS?
  • UNIQUENESS
    We find the most astonishing places on Earth and speed up to reach them. Our motto is to go ahead of road roller, touch the unique and unknown, before it disappears.
  • ADVENTURISM
    Wherever we go, we look for challenging activities and adventures, filling the journey with absolutely different spirit and emotions. That is why people join us over and over again.
  • SAFETY
    In our trips we pay special attention to safety. All our travels are based on personal experience, equipped with the best gear, involving proved providers and experienced local guides who perfectly know local features.
  • EXPERIENCE
    We have a unique experience of the most offbeat expeditions and ascents, deep knowledge of countries and peoples, and are ready to share it with you.
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