Mondumo Antarctica 10 Days Small Ship Expedition
Our Antarctica 10 Days Small Ship Expedition breaks new ground for Mondumo in 2028.
Accompanied by Mondumo founder and guide Colin Mairs, experience the White Continent thoughtfully and respectfully. Begin in Ushuaia and set sail board the brand-new Magellan Discoverer, South America’s first hybrid-electric polar expedition vessel. Crossing the legendary Drake Passage watch for albatrosses and whales as you prepare for first sight of Antarctic ice. Attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations en route to the South Shetland Islands. Along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula make daily Zodiac landings with expert polar guides among penguins, seals, and sculpted blue ice. With a maximum of 96 guests aboard the Magellan Discoverer, this is not a typical cruise but an immersive expedition shaped by nature, flexibility, and learning. It’s not simply travel—it’s a rare opportunity to enter into a relationship with one of the most extraordinary places on Earth. Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime Mondumo Antarctica 10 Days Small Ship Expedition in March 2028!
Experience Highlights
$9,500 to $11,000 USD + Air
Dates
► March 17-26, 2028
Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
Friday, March 17, 2028
Embark the Magellan Discoverer
Our voyage begins in Ushuaia, at the southernmost tip of South America. Board our expedition vessel between 3 to 4pm, settle into your cabin or suite, and gather on deck as we cast off. Sail through the storied Beagle Channel, passing rugged peaks and quiet inlets, watching the last lights of town gradually fade behind us. There is a palpable shift as we turn south—toward open ocean, wider horizons, and the vast, white continent that awaits beyond the Drake Passage.
Days 2-3: Sailing The Open Sea
Saturday, March 18-Sunday, March 19, 2027
Crossing the Drake Passage
Sail south across the Drake Passage, as we transition from one continent to another. These two days at sea are a chance to partake in lectures and conversations led by our expedition team, deepening our understanding of Antarctic wildlife, exploration history, and climate science. Between sessions, enjoy time out on deck or in the glass-enclosed lounge looking out for albatrosses skimming the waves and whales breaching the surface. As we cross the Antarctic Convergence, the air cools, the sea shifts, and the first icebergs—and eventually Antarctic land—come into view.
Days 4-7: Exploring Antarctica
Monday, March 20-Thursday, March 23, 2028
Daily Shore Excursions by Zodiac Boat
These four days are dedicated to exploring the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. We sail through ice-filled fjords and among sculpted blue icebergs, accompanied by penguins, seals, seabirds, and—if we are fortunate—whales surfacing in quiet bays. With twelve Zodiac — sturdy inflatable expedition boats — and two shore excursions per day, we are privileged to be able to step ashore with expert polar guides and experience the landscape up close. Each day our captain and expedition team choose the best route and landing sites based on weather, wildlife, and ice conditions. We may visit places such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, or the dramatic Lemaire Channel. No two expeditions are ever the same and flexibility is part of the adventure. Between excursions, we gather for lectures, conversation, and reflection—sharing stories of the day as light shifts across the ice outside.
Days 8-9: Sailing back to South America
Friday, March 24-Saturday, March 25, 2028
Northbound crossing of the Drake Passage
We wave goodbye to the White Continent and begin our return to South America with a northbound crossing of the Drake Passage. Relax and take the time to watch for wildlife from the bridge or participate in the presentations offered on various Antarctic topics in the lounge. A time to reflect, contemplate and absord all we’ve witnessed—glaciers calving into silent bays, penguins moving in improbable abundance, the vastness of ice and sky stretching beyond the imagination.
Day 10: Arrive back in Ushuaia
Sunday, March 26, 2028
Breakfast and Bon Voyage!
Our scheduled arrival back in Ushuaia is the morning of this day. After one last breakfast on board, we say our fond farewells and disembark with an altered perspective of the southernmost continent. Flights from Ushuaia typically connect through Buenos Aires, and we recommend not booking anything earlier than a 16:00 departure from Ushuaia. Whether you continue with extended travels in South America or begin your journey home, the experience of Antarctica will linger with you as you go.
Itinerary specifics subject to change.
All details bound by Mondumo Terms and Conditions.
A Collaboration of Like-Minds
A ReUNION AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD
Mondumo embarks upon this expedition with three other like-minded small group tour companies, led by our personal friends and fellow tour guides. The other three companies are Dressler Detours, Imprint Tours, and Guided By. What do we all have in common? We all began our guiding careers leading tours for Rick Steves. There we learned not just the mechanics of travel, but the philosophy behind it: small groups, intentional pacing, curiosity over checklists, depth over speed. Those early years shaped us, and eventually the companies we built.
- Dressler Detours is run by Tanya and Christophe Dressler, both former Rick Steves guides, who specialised in Rick Steves tours in Italy and Germany respectively.
- Imprint Tours is lead by Reid Coen who led Rick Steves tours in Greece and all over Europe.
- Guided By has Rainer Metzger at the helm; he led multiple itineraries for Rick Steves and now arranges small group tours all around the world, many of them led by other Rick Steves guide colleagues.
- And Mondumo Tours — in case you don't already know — was started by Colin Mairs, who still leads Rick Steves tours in Scotland and has been Rick's personal tour guide in three TV shows about Scotland — all available via Rick's website and on YouTube!
You might say this four companies / five tour guides collaboration on this Antarctic experience is what adds the special sauce. You know you'll be sharing a ship with like-minded travelers from our various travel communities who "get" our shared ethos. A floating community of thoughtful, curious travelers who value meaningful connection as much as beautiful landscapes.
This is a rare Antarctic experience shaped by philosophy as much as logistics—a convergence of friendship, intention, and place at the most extraordinary classroom on Earth.
More Details
Route
Expedition starts and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina.
See FAQs below for details on flights into Ushuaia and booking a pre-departure hotel stay.
dates & prices
Antarctica 10 Days Small Ship Expedition
March 17-26, 2028 (Fr-Su)
- Guaranteed Departure 
Grand Veranda Suite $11,000 USD per person - one suite left
Veranda Deluxe Cabin $9,500 USD per person
WHAT'S INCLUDED
This small ship expedition is designed for intrepid travellers and includes the services a dedicated team of seasoned polar guides, scientists, and expedition leaders; access to twelve Zodiac sturdy inflatable expedition boats for twice daily landings; four full days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula; a floating community of intellectually curious, like-minded travelers; all cabins and suites with private balconies opening directly to Antarctic air and endless horizon; cabin/suite interiors that are warm, modern, and refined without feeling removed from the environment outside; facilities of the ship includes a fitness center, a sauna, wet lab for onboard learning, library and lecture rooms, a panoramic observation lounge
The price covers: accommodation in comfortable and well-appointed cabin or suite; all meals including beer, wine and soft drinks; and ALL TIPS/GRATUITIES for crew onboard the ship. You do not need to tip whilst on board or when disembarking.
Tour prices are per person and listed in US dollars. The twin price applies to guests sharing either a twin room (two beds in one room) or a double room (one large bed).
Accommodation
9 nights aboard our floating basecamp - the Magellan Discoverer.
There are two room types available:
- The Grand Veranda Suite is the premier suite onboard and can be configured as a double (king size bed) or twin (two twin beds). Measuring 409 ft² / 38 m², your suite features a private balcony, living area with sofa bed, walk-in closet, desk & chair, fridge, safe, coffee maker, TV, en suite bathroom with shower.
- The Veranda Deluxe Cabin can be configured as a double (king size bed) or twin (two twin beds) and measures 280 ft² / 26 m². Your cabin features a private balcony, desk & chair, bench & coffee table, closets, fridge, coffee maker, safe, TV, en suite bathroom with shower.
Grand Veranda Suite
Veranda Deluxe Cabin
Solo Travellers
Due to the ship’s cabin configuration, single-occupancy cabins are not available on this expedition.
If you are travelling solo and are open to sharing a cabin, please click the Book Now button to register your interest in a same-gender Veranda Deluxe Cabin share.
If two same-gender solo travellers register interest, we will connect you so you can discuss arrangements and confirm whether you would like to proceed with sharing.
activity level
This tour involves moderate physical activity, including climbing in and out of zodiac boats and excursions to land with uneven and snowy terrain. Participants should be in good health and capable of handling such activities.
Frequently asked questions
Visa Requirements:
Q: How do I obtain a visa for Argentina?
A: Canadian and US citizens do not require a visitor visa prior to arrival in Argentina. They are issued upon arrival at no cost.
Registration and Deposit
Q: What should I expect after registering and paying the deposit for the tour?
A: You will receive a confirmation email welcoming you to the tour. This email will include a link to a Manage Booking page where you can view all your trip details, your deposit receipt, payment schedule, and information for purchasing travel insurance through Trawick International. We STRONGLY recommend purchasing trip insurance. You'll receive your reservation and passenger number from Antartica21 closer to the trip departure.
Flight Information
Q: Are flights included?
A: International Flights to/from the cruise are NOT included.
Q: What airport do I use to join/depart the tour?
A: The cruise begins/ends in Ushuaia, Argentina (USH).
Q: When should I arrive for my cruise departure on March 17, 2028?
A: Boarding is from 15:00-16:00 on March 17, 2028. Antarctica 21: "When scheduling flights in conjunction with our sea voyages, we strongly recommend avoiding tight flight connections."
Q: Should I arrive early for the tour?
A: When you arrive is entirely up to you. Most Mondumo travelers arrive 1 day early.
Q: How early in the day can I book my departure flight on March 26, 2028?
A: Antarctica 21 recommends not booking your departure flight from Ushuaia earlier than late afternoon.
Antarctica 21: "When scheduling flights in conjunction with our sea voyages, we strongly recommend avoiding tight flight connections. We also recommend booking a flexible airfare in case unfavorable weather conditions delay the return voyage from Antarctica."
Q: Does Mondumo provide or arrange airport transfers?
A: No, airport transfers are the traveler's responsibility to arrange.
Q: Does Imprint provide advice about airlines, routing, or booking?
A: No, Imprint does not provide these services.
Q: When should I book my flight?
A: This tour is a guaranteed departure as we are chartering the entire ship. You can book your flights as soon as you like.
Pre-Departure Information
Q: What should I do to prepare for the tour?
A: Antarctica 21 will provide very thorough documentation of any and all pre-tour needs and preparations. Meanwhile, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the tour end date and has two clean pages for visa stamps.
Pre- and Post-Tour Hotels
Q: Since Mondumo is unable to assist with pre- and post-tour hotel bookings, how do I book non-tour hotel nights?
A: For pre-or post-cruise hotel nights in Ushuaia, we recommend Hotel Fueguino
Health and Safety
Q: What health precautions should I take?
A: Visit the CDC website or your local travel medicine clinic for suggested inoculations for Argentina. We cannot advise on inoculations due to liability concerns. This tour involves moderate physical activity, including climbing in and out of zodiac boats and excursions to land with uneven and snowy terrain. Participants should be in good health and capable of handling such activities.
Travel Insurance
Q: Why is travel insurance important?
A: Travel insurance protects your investment against unforeseen events like flight delays, baggage loss, or sudden illness. We recommend Trawick International.