South Atlantic Cruise: from South Africa to Antarctica

Cape Town→Ushuaia

23.10.26 - 12.11.26

Not open for booking

This voyage is not available to book

This departure is not on sale on our website — it may be a private charter, a partner programme or a technical sailing. The itinerary below is shown for reference. Our open departures are listed further down.

D2826102320SH DIANA

Ports5

Countries5

Nights20

Embark on an extraordinary journey with a South Atlantic luxury cruise from South Africa to Antarctica. Starting from the vibrant city of Cape Town, the voyage takes you on an adventure to the world’s most remote islands including Tristan da Cunha, with its unique wildlife, and culminates on the awe-inspiring Antarctic Peninsula. This experience ends in the quaint city of Ushuaia, offering an unforgettable experience from start to finish

Day-by-Day Itinerary

During this voyage, you will encounter some of the most remote and remarkable places on Earth. Begin in vibrant Cape Town, then sail to the incomparable Tristan da Cunha, considered the most isolated inhabited archipelago in the world. The voyage culminates in the Antarctic Peninsula, where towering glaciers and abundant wildlife offers a truly unique glimpse into the White Continent. Throughout the journey, a rich variety of experiences awaits. Relax on days at sea with insightful lectures and photography workshops. Near Tristan da Cunha, embark on thrilling Zodiac cruises to observe rare seabirds and marine life in pristine environments. In Antarctica, an optional kayaking excursion offers an intimate encounter with glistening icebergs and icy waters teeming with seals and penguins

NOTE: This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

Overview

Day 1

Cape Town

Between mountains and the ocean, Cape Town is a vibrant, multicultural city with a lively waterfront featuring seafood restaurants, shopping and attractions. A cable car transports visitors to distinctive Table Mountain with sweeping views. Boats head to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.Boulders Beach is home to African penguins, and world-class Stellenbosch vineyards offer wine tastings amid Cape Dutch architecture

Days 2-5

Day at sea

Days at sea are rarely idle on an expedition voyage. Scan the horizon from the open deck — albatrosses tracking the ship's wake, a blow in the distance, ice on the edge of visibility. Between landings, the ocean itself becomes part of the itinerary. Head inside when you're ready: sauna, gym, hot tub, or a talk from the expedition team on what lies ahead

Day 6

Tristan Da Cunha

Seabirds outnumber humans on this remote British outpost in the middle of the southern Atlantic. Millions of species like the rare yellow-nosed albatross, skuas, terns and petrels, including the endangered Tristan albatross, inhabit the bluffs. Northern rockhopper penguins breed on the beaches, while upwellings attract whales and dolphins. Fur seals also haul out on the island teeming with avian life

Days 7-10

Day at sea

Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable experts

Days 11-12

South Georgia

Often called the 'Galapagos of the Poles,' South Georgia has a number of landing sites with tens of thousands of King Penguins and gentoo penguins, making up some of the largest populations in the world alongside harrumphing elephant seals. Among its remarkable sites is Grytviken, the historic whaling station where legendary British explorer Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922) is laid to rest

Days 13-14

Day at sea

On some days at sea guests are welcome to visit the bridge and see how the ship is navigated through ice, read the instruments, and talk with the officers on watch. Days at sea are also when the expedition team runs their best talks: deeper dives into the wildlife, history, and science of the region you're crossing. Or simply find a quiet corner and watch the Southern Ocean go by

Days 15-18

Antarctic Peninsula

Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent live their Antarctica dream. It's the most accessible part, with scientific bases and incredible scenery, like the photogenic Lemaire Channel. Expedition activities might include Mikkelsen Harbour, where among gentoo penguins, snowy sheathbills and skuas, Antarctic Weddell seals haul out

Activities:

Optional

Interested in Snowshoeing in Antarctica

Snowshoeing in Antarctica offers an incredible way to explore the pristine, icy landscapes and experience the vast wilderness of the polar region. It allows adventurers to traverse deep snow and enjoy unique views of dramatic glaciers, icebergs, and diverse wildlife in a quiet, immersive setting. Expert guides will lead the way, ensuring a safe and memorable experience. Please note that snowshoeing depends on weather conditions, and snow levels may vary by season and location. Please note: this and other optional excursions are available for an additional charge.

Days 19-20

Day at sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers

Day 21

Ushuaia

Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range, Ushuaia’s colourful streets and mismatched buildings cascade from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. As one of the world’s southernmost cities, Ushuaia carries its ‘end of the world’ reputation well. The moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help. Board your boutique ship before departing for your journey through one of the most captivating wilderness regions of the world

Expedition Highlights

A once-in-a-lifetime journey—exploring pristine ice landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, and the raw beauty of Earth's last great wilderness aboard our boutique expedition ship.

Tristan da Cunha

Here, seabirds vastly outnumber human inhabitants. Millions of them, including the endangered Tristan albatross, grace the skies and dramatic coastal bluffs of this extraordinarily remote outpost. You can also spot whales and dolphins, as well as fur seals.

Ushuaia

The World’s Southernmost City

Known as the “End of the World,” Ushuaia offers a unique blend of frontier spirit, colorful history, and breathtaking scenery.

Lautaro Island, Antarctica

Whales in the wild

Marvel at the sight of whales fluking gracefully in the icy waters.

Drake Passage

Sail the Drake Passage, following in the wake of explorers across one of the world’s most legendary sea crossings, where the meeting of oceans creates a dynamic seascape alive with seabirds and the promise of Antarctica ahead.

Antarctic Peninsula

Penguin colonies

Meet Adélie, Gentoo and Chinstrap penguin colonies up close.

Citizen Science Workshops

During your trip, join Swan Hellenics Citizen Science programs and contribute to real-world environmental research.

Antarctic Peninsula

Expert-led Talks

Learn more about this isolated polar region from our onboard team of experts.

Antarctic Peninsula

Albatross all around

Spot majestic albatross as they soar alongside the ship across the ocean.

South Georgia

Combine the Antarctic Peninsula with South Georgia and the remote islands of the South Atlantic. This is the big-story itinerary, with legendary expedition history and some of the densest wildlife encounters in the Southern Ocean.