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Master Expedition Route · 21 days 1 upcoming departure

South Atlantic Cruise: from South Africa to Antarctica

Swan Hellenic · 21 days · Cape Town → Ushuaia

South Atlantic Cruise: from South Africa to Antarctica — Key Facts At a Glance
Operator Swan Hellenic
Available departures 1
Typical duration 21 days · Cape Town → Ushuaia
Price range (per person, USD) $16,210 – $32,391 Operator quotes in EUR (€14,500 – €28,975)
ships SH Diana
Prices last verified 48-hour verification methodology

Upcoming departures — South Atlantic Cruise: from South Africa to Antarctica

Departure Ship Duration Availability From Action
Oct 29, 2027 – Nov 18, 2027 Best price SH Diana · 192 guests 21 days Available
$16,210 €14,500

Day by day

Route 7 waypoints

Itinerary and landing sites are indicative and subject to change based on weather, sea ice, and wildlife conditions.

Daily schedule
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

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

Ships operating this itinerary

SH Diana

SH Diana

192 guests 2-group rotation Ice class: PC6 Polar Class 6: Summer/autumn operation in medium first-year ice; premier modern polar standard. Built 2023
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Visited Regions

5
Polar destination guide
Cyprus · Cultural Expedition

Swan Hellenic

Swan Hellenic operates dedicated polar expedition voyages to Antarctica with experienced expedition teams.

IAATO Member 3 ships 12 itineraries
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Wildlife on this route

Penguins

Emperor Penguins

The world's largest penguin breeds only in Antarctica's brutal winter. A rare and unforgettable sight.

Penguins

Gentoo Penguin

A stocky, orange-billed penguin of the genus Pygoscelis, closest kin to the Adélie and Chinstrap. Its loud, trumpeting call, delivered with head thrown back, carries across the shoreline colonies where expedition landings are made.

Whales & Dolphins

Humpback Whale

A 14–17 metre baleen whale known for breaching and long pectoral fins, often seen feeding on krill in loose groups along the ice edge.

Whales & Dolphins

Orca

Black and white apex predator instantly recognizable by its pale eye patches, the orca is the largest of the dolphins and one of the ocean's most capable hunters. Sightings often involve a tight-knit family pod working the ice edge together.