Bespoke sailing expeditions in Antarctica

Icebird Expeditions offers exclusive small-group sailing adventures to Antarctica, designed for those seeking freedom, flexibility, and authentic exploration. Unlike traditional cruises, our expeditions are handcrafted for adventurers who want to ski untouched peaks, kayak among icebergs, or capture the raw beauty of the polar wilderness through photography. Led by expert guides aboard a custom expedition yacht, each journey is tailored to your interests —whether you're chasing light, solitude, or the thrill of discovery. Experience Antarctica on your terms, far from the crowds, and closer to nature.

Who Are We?

Upcoming Expeditions

Cruise, Sail, Kayak expedition

Sail and Ski Antarctica

Wildlife and Landscape Photography

Start preparing for 2026-2027 expeditions.

Now you can join — or design — your own 25–30 day true Antarctic expedition on Icebird. Or cruise to and from Antarctica on a ship and join a shorter Icebird expedition once you arrive. Two ways to reach the ice. Two ways to experience Antarctica.

The "Expedition" Option

If crowds aren’t your thing and you live for real adventure—skiing, kayaking, sailing, or photography—this is your Antarctica.

For over two decades, Icebird Expeditions has taken the world’s most adventurous travellers south on our expedition yacht Icebird. Skiers, mountaineers, climbers, kayakers, photographers—we take them where the big ships can’t go.

You’re not just along for the ride. You’re part of the crew. And together, we explore a side of Antarctica the cruise ships will never see.

The "Adventure" Option

If you want to travel to Antarctica in the comfort of a modern expedition cruise ship—but still crave the raw, elemental experience of the early explorers—this is your perfect option.

For the first time in Antarctic travel, you can cruise south aboard a luxury expedition vessel and then transfer to a true expedition yacht. From there, you’ll sail through one of the wildest places on Earth, far from the crowds and close to the elements.

This Cruise + Sail experience has never been offered in Antarctica before.

Beginning in 2026, Icebird Expeditions and Terra Nova Expeditions have partnered to offer this unique opportunity to a very limited number of adventurous travellers.

Expedition Dates

View from a boat in icy waters with snow-covered mountains in the background and a partly cloudy sky.

A woman in climbing gear standing in front of an ice cave with icicles, smiling and holding an ice axe and ski poles.

Group of people celebrating around a table with drinks, smiling and having a good time in a boat or enclosed space

Three people standing on the top of a boat, raising their arms in victory, with a cloudy sky and rain falling.

A person inside a red tent on snow with a snowy mountain in the background, preparing a hot drink using a portable stove.

A boat floating on calm water with snow-covered mountains and glaciers in the background under a bright sun.

Snow-covered mountains with a glacier, a partially frozen body of water, and a sailboat near the shoreline during sunset.

Group of people enjoying a meal on a boat in icy waters surrounded by glaciers.

A compact wooden interior of a boat or yacht cabin with bunk beds, a small bathroom with a door, a framed picture, a rug, and personal items.

A person adjusting sails on a sailboat with white sails, black flag with a white circle, and a view of the ocean and cloudy sky in the background.

A person on a sailboat adjusting equipment with a dark stormy sky, rainbow, and open water in the background.

A man in sunglasses and a yellow and red life jacket kayaking in icy water with icebergs in the background.

Two people in a kayak paddling near an iceberg in icy waters.

A group of five people sitting around a table in a cozy room at night, with wine bottles and glasses, engaging in conversation.

A group of penguins standing on an icy surface near the water, with one penguin jumping into the water.

A seals lying on snow with its head tilted upward and eyes closed, surrounded by a snowy landscape.

A large group of penguins on a mountainous terrain near water, with snow-covered peaks and a colorful sunset sky in the background.

A person skiing on snow-covered mountain terrain with snow-capped mountains in the background.

Kayakers paddling near a snowy mountain and icy water with reflections.

A kayak on icy Antarctic waters with towering snow-covered mountains in the background and ice floating on the dark blue ocean.

An orca pushing its head out of the water facing a seal on an ice floe, with glaciers and rocky mountain in the background.

A red boat named Icebird moored on a snowy and icy landscape, with people preparing equipment, skis, and kayaks for an expedition in the Antarctic region, with ice cliffs and a penguin in the foreground.

A sailboat with a red hull sailing near large icebergs and snow-covered mountains in the background, in a cold polar region.

Two people climbing a snowy mountain with gear, one in the foreground wearing goggles and a helmet, the other in the background, both using ice axes.

A boat sailing near a large iceberg in the ocean, viewed from above.

A red sailboat named 'Icebird' sailing in icy waters with snow-covered mountains in the background, and two people on board.

News

In 2026–2027, Icebird Expeditions and Terra Nova Expeditions are creating a world‑first Antarctic experience.

Icebird is now partnering with Terra Nova for new cruise sail adventures. For the first time, travellers can choose between two completely different ways of reaching the White Continent: a large expedition vessel or a true expedition yacht.

This partnership gives every guest the freedom to design their own style of adventure:

Comfort or raw adventure
Luxury or deep immersion in nature
Effortless exploration or extreme challenge
Ski mountaineering, kayaking, or wilderness photography

No other operator offers this level of choice, flexibility, and personalisation in Antarctica.

Now you have two extraordinary ways to experience Antarctica.

Choose a true 25–30 day expedition, sailing entirely on our expedition yacht Icebird. Or cruise south on a comfortable expedition ship and transfer to an expedition yacht once you arrive—giving you the best of both worlds.

These unique options open up completely new ways to explore the most pristine place on the planet.

Unique, personalised Antarctic expeditions — now with cruise‑ship options..

Learn More

Gone With The Wynns

In 2026, explorers and modern-day documentarians Jason and Nikki Wynn will hop aboard Icebird for the Antarctic trip of a lifetime.

They will be documenting every step of the way on their popular YouTube channel, so stay tuned!

Visit their YouTube channel

Featured In

How to join one of our expeditions or create your own?

Speak directly with the people who lead our expeditions.

Because our groups are small and personalised, we take the time to talk with you one‑on‑one and answer every question you may have. You’ll be speaking with the same expedition leaders who guide our journeys south.

Share your details with us and we’ll arrange a time to discuss your options — at a moment that suits you.

A woman in a white sweater and sunglasses stands on snow and ice, holding a rope attached to a red boat named 'Icebird' surrounded by icy landscape with snow-covered mountains and blue sky.