Antarctica Under Red Sails
Fly in & Out Yachting Photography Expedition
January, 2026
January, 2026
Start: January, 2026, Punta-Arenas, Chile
End: January, 2026, Punta-Arenas, Chile
Guides: Dmitry Arkhipov, Mike Reyfman
Exact dates will come soon
End: January, 2026, Punta-Arenas, Chile
Guides: Dmitry Arkhipov, Mike Reyfman
Exact dates will come soon
Price from: 14900$ (Before February 25, 2025)
Round-trip flights from Punta Arenas to Antarctica are included
Round-trip flights from Punta Arenas to Antarctica are included
- A deposit of $5,000 USD is reqired at the time of booking.
- The balance is due October 25, 2025.
From a visual point of view, little has changed here over the past 80 years, but the logistics have changed a lot. Since the early 2000s, many travel companies have been organizing trips to Antarctica. The most popular type of Antarctic tourism today is an expeditionary sea cruise. There is at least one drawback to this kind of Antarctic tourism for the photographer - the huge number of people on board and as a result - on shore. Modern technologies, navigation, and communication systems are allowing traveling to Antarctica in smaller vessels and we are happy to offer you a such unique opportunity.
If you’re looking to experience one of the most untouched regions of the world in an intimate, unhurried way away from the crowds — we are pleased to offer this private-charter photographic expedition aboard the Schooner Elsi to you!
If you’re looking to experience one of the most untouched regions of the world in an intimate, unhurried way away from the crowds — we are pleased to offer this private-charter photographic expedition aboard the Schooner Elsi to you!
Exploring Antarctica on a schooner gives us an opportunity to choose the best spots and conditions for photography. Each day will be different! We can photograph icebergs and wildlife from the schooner and zodiacs, land at penguin colonies, and explore historic scientific bases and whaling sites. The flexibility allows us to take full advantage of whatever Antarctica offers, from enjoying incredible southern sunset on the shore to following a pod of bubble-feeding whales with Elsi. We can stop, enjoy and photograph every time we want. The crew and itinerary flexibility mean that when there is an opportunity – we go for it. We’ll also be able to push back the meal time if something interesting is going on onshore or in the water.
☛EXPEDITION FEATURE: RED SAILS & DRONES
For our trip, the schooner Elsi will sport a brand new set of red sails. Additionally, in some locations, we will have the opportunity to fly drones. No drones will be flown near wildlife, but just imagine how incredible the icebergs will look from the air, with their bright blue underwater parts visible and the beautiful red-sailed ship positioned in front of them! Flying a drone from a floating platform is not easy, but don’t worry if you have no experience flying from a "carrier." Our Chief Flight Instructor, Dmitry Arkhipov, successfully brings back "runaway" drones for our clients.
For our trip, the schooner Elsi will sport a brand new set of red sails. Additionally, in some locations, we will have the opportunity to fly drones. No drones will be flown near wildlife, but just imagine how incredible the icebergs will look from the air, with their bright blue underwater parts visible and the beautiful red-sailed ship positioned in front of them! Flying a drone from a floating platform is not easy, but don’t worry if you have no experience flying from a "carrier." Our Chief Flight Instructor, Dmitry Arkhipov, successfully brings back "runaway" drones for our clients.
☛EXPEDITION LOGISTICS: INCLUDED FLIGHTS OVER DRAKE PASSAGE
On this trip, we are not spending time crossing the Drake Passage. Instead, a round-trip flight to King George Island, which typically costs between $6,000 and $8,000, is included.
By flying over the Drake Passage, we maximize our time in Antarctica. This means ten full days immersed in the icy landscape, surrounded by icebergs, whales, and penguins. Even if there are a few snowy days, with ten days, you have a higher chance of witnessing spectacular high-latitude sunsets. This extended period spent entirely around the Antarctic Peninsula allows us to experience the true Antarctica, notice subtle changes, and observe the unique details of each penguin colony
On this trip, we are not spending time crossing the Drake Passage. Instead, a round-trip flight to King George Island, which typically costs between $6,000 and $8,000, is included.
By flying over the Drake Passage, we maximize our time in Antarctica. This means ten full days immersed in the icy landscape, surrounded by icebergs, whales, and penguins. Even if there are a few snowy days, with ten days, you have a higher chance of witnessing spectacular high-latitude sunsets. This extended period spent entirely around the Antarctic Peninsula allows us to experience the true Antarctica, notice subtle changes, and observe the unique details of each penguin colony
☛EXPEDITION FOCUS: BEST EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE PHOTOGRAPHING ANTARCTIC WILDLIFE AND LANDSCAPES
This expedition is dedicated to the specific needs and interests of photographers and is crafted to get the best experience possible photographing Antarctic wildlife and Landscapes. Vast Adélie, Chinstrap, and Gentoo penguin colonies will be at the top of our priority list. Other photogenic wildlife we expect to meet includes several species of seals such as Weddell, Crabeater, Fur, Elephant, and Leopard seals. There are also many interesting birds around including Giant Southern Petrels, South Polar Skuas, Antarctic Terns, Blue-eyed Shags, and others. Several species of whales frequent cold Antarctic waters and with some luck, we can witness the unique bubble-net feeding performance. Antarctica is one of the hot spots for photographing wildlife in a great landscape. The breathtaking snow-covered landscape combined with the abundance of wildlife will be among our main subjects.
This expedition is dedicated to the specific needs and interests of photographers and is crafted to get the best experience possible photographing Antarctic wildlife and Landscapes. Vast Adélie, Chinstrap, and Gentoo penguin colonies will be at the top of our priority list. Other photogenic wildlife we expect to meet includes several species of seals such as Weddell, Crabeater, Fur, Elephant, and Leopard seals. There are also many interesting birds around including Giant Southern Petrels, South Polar Skuas, Antarctic Terns, Blue-eyed Shags, and others. Several species of whales frequent cold Antarctic waters and with some luck, we can witness the unique bubble-net feeding performance. Antarctica is one of the hot spots for photographing wildlife in a great landscape. The breathtaking snow-covered landscape combined with the abundance of wildlife will be among our main subjects.
☛EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS:
- Vast Adelie, Chinstrap, and Gentoo penguin colonies. Giant petrels and albatroses. Seals and whales. Powerful glaciers, dramatic mountains, and giant icebergs.
- Towering peaks and glaciers, majestic straits, prolific wildlife, abstract icebergs, and amazing light.
- A very small group of just fefteen guests, on a comfortable vessel that can get into locations that bigger ships can’t reach.
- Beautiful extended hours of twilight for photography.
- Incredible freedom to experience Antarctica in an intimate way as the vessel’s size means we can maneuver into small coves and passages.
- The crew and itinerary flexibility mean that when there is an opportunity – we go for it.
- Luxury to spend as much time on land as you want, not rushed by any rigid schedules.
- Hand-on instructions and guidance by award-winning photographers and polar addicts Mike Reyfman and Dmitry Arkhipov.
- Leading a small group, guides will be able to work with each client individually to make sure everyone brings home an exceptional Antarctic portfolio!
- Guides will be happy to do a personal image critique upon request.
Expedition Itinerary
Day 1 |
Day 1 |
- We recommend arriving in Punta Arenas a day before our charter flight to King George Island. This will give you time to rest after your long journey and adjust to the new time zone.
- In the evening, we will meet for dinner to get to know each other. During the dinner guides will outline the exciting plans for our Antarctic expedition.
- Following the dinner, we will spend the night at our hotel, resting up for the adventures that lie ahead. A hotel stay is included.
Day 2 |
- Today we fly to Antarctica! The flight time is approximately 2 hours.
- Please be aware that the departure time for Antarctica can fluctuate due to various factors such as weather and runway conditions. You will be provided with the exact time on the day of departure.
- Our expedition begins on King George Island, where we will see our first penguins, photograph the southernmost church on Earth, and board our beautiful Schooner Elsi, to start our Antarctic journey.
Days 3-11 |
- Unlike regular Antarctic cruises, our time is not spent crossing the Drake Passage. Instead, we will spend our days exploring the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. The itinerary provided below is a guideline. We are not splitting it by particular dates as the order and timing of our stops are subject to change based on weather conditions.
- At the South Shetland Islands, we plan to visit Half Moon Island and Yankee Harbour (Greenwich Island). We will spend a night within the unique setting of a flooded caldera on Deception Island, an active volcano. The island's horseshoe shape provides an exceptional natural harbor, offering shelter against extreme weather conditions.
- After crossing the Bransfield Strait to the Antarctic Peninsula, we will look for whales and seals, visit penguin colonies, observe nesting sites of blue-eyed shags, and take zodiac rides to photograph icebergs and the beautiful red sails of our mother ship.
- We plan to visit Orne Harbor, home to a Gentoo penguin colony and blue-eyed shags. We will hike up the hill to watch whales and seals from above and to see the panorama of the nearby islands and the bay with icebergs.
- We plan to visit Orne Harbor, home to a Gentoo penguin colony and blue-eyed shags. We will hike up the hill to watch whales and seals from above and to see the panorama of the nearby islands and the bay with icebergs.
- We will stop at Cuverville Island—a cliffy island with a bay filled with icebergs. A playful colony of Gentoo penguins lives here, and in the coastal waters, you can easily spot seals enjoying themselves on the ice floes.
- At Neko Harbor, we will observe a gigantic glacier with ice chunks calving off and falling into the water, making a roaring sound and huge waves.
- Sailing through the Lemaire Channel, which separates Booth Island from the Antarctic Peninsula, is one of the most memorable moments of the Antarctic expedition. The narrowest part of the channel is only 300 meters wide, with sheer cliffs up to 400 meters high rising on both sides of the vessel.
- Pleneau Bay, just south of the Lemaire Channel, separates Hovgaard Island from the Antarctic Peninsula. Best known as the "Iceberg Graveyard," it is where large tabular icebergs and older, rolled icebergs are stacked aground. Many of these icebergs have originated from as far south as the Ross Ice Shelf.
- Time and weather permitting, we will spend an evening in the proximity of Booth Island to witness one of the best sunset views in Antarctica.
- One day before our return flight, we'll cross the Bransfield Strait from the Antarctic Peninsula back to the South Shetland Islands and explore some new places. Weather and time permitting, we will visit Livingston Island. Its coastlines are characterized by ice cliffs, coves, and rocky beaches, and most of its interior is covered in an ice cap interrupted by plateaus, ice domes, valley glaciers, and ash layers from nearby Deception Island’s active volcano. Antarctic terns, southern elephant seals, fur seals, and Gentoo penguins can be spotted here.
Day 12 |
After the end of the Antarctic expedition, we invite you on a Photo tour to Chile and Bolivia.
- After disembarking at King George Island, we will board our flight to Punta Arenas.
- Once back in Punta Arenas, reflect on the amazing journey of discovery we have just completed and say goodbye to fellow travelers.
- We recommend planning your return flights home with spare time due to unpredictable weather at King George Island.
After the end of the Antarctic expedition, we invite you on a Photo tour to Chile and Bolivia.
Suggested Expedition Route
We built this itinerary trying to make our expedition the most effective. We have favorite places on the Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, and always try to visit them. Nevertheless, the route depends not only on our desires but also on the current weather and ice situation. We will take advantage of weather and light to maximize our photographic opportunities at all times.
Your photography leaders have ultimate knowledge of the best landing spots, animal and bird behavior, and shooting in different, at times challenging Antarctic weather conditions. We will be permanently working with the captain to optimize our route and grab the best opportunities Antarctica will offer.
Your photography leaders have ultimate knowledge of the best landing spots, animal and bird behavior, and shooting in different, at times challenging Antarctic weather conditions. We will be permanently working with the captain to optimize our route and grab the best opportunities Antarctica will offer.
Expedition Schooner Elsi
The two-masted schooner Elsi was built in 1986 by the German shipyard Blumenthaler Werft as a training expedition ship. In 2013, an extensive reconstruction and equipment of the sailboat was carried out for operation in the high latitudes of the Arctic and Antarctic. Subsequently, the schooner was used in medical humanitarian expeditions to remote corners of the world.
On board is a professional crew of five with extensive experience in sailing icy waters: Captain, First Mate, two sailors, and talented cook.
On board is a professional crew of five with extensive experience in sailing icy waters: Captain, First Mate, two sailors, and talented cook.
1 - Captain's cabin
2,3,4 - Extra comfort double cabins
5 - Quadruple cabin (for crew)
6,7,8 - Triple cabins
2,3,4 - Extra comfort double cabins
5 - Quadruple cabin (for crew)
6,7,8 - Triple cabins
9,10,11 - Heads and showers
12 - Galley
13 - Recreation area
14 - Double cabin
12 - Galley
13 - Recreation area
14 - Double cabin
Cabins & Prices
TRIPLE CABINS 1, 2 & 3 | $15900 $14,900 (before February 25, 2025)
Two lower and two upper berths. Shared Bathroom.
This cabin can accommodate four people, but we have limited occupancy to three guests for added comfort.
EXTRA CONFORT TWIN/DOUBLE CABINS 4, 5 & 6 | $16900 $15,900 (before February 25, 2025)
One lower (twin) and one upper (single) berths. Shared Bathroom.
Prices quoted per person in US$, are based on twin and triple share. If you wish to have your own private cabin, you can book a twin cabin as a single. The single occupancy supplement is 100% of the twin share price. No single accommodation available in the triple cabin.
TRIPLE CABINS 1, 2 & 3 | $15900 $14,900 (before February 25, 2025)
Two lower and two upper berths. Shared Bathroom.
This cabin can accommodate four people, but we have limited occupancy to three guests for added comfort.
EXTRA CONFORT TWIN/DOUBLE CABINS 4, 5 & 6 | $16900 $15,900 (before February 25, 2025)
One lower (twin) and one upper (single) berths. Shared Bathroom.
Prices quoted per person in US$, are based on twin and triple share. If you wish to have your own private cabin, you can book a twin cabin as a single. The single occupancy supplement is 100% of the twin share price. No single accommodation available in the triple cabin.
THE PRICE INCLUDES
- Accommdation in Punta Arenas on day 1;
- Transfer from hotel to airport;
- Yacht charter for 10 days;
- Leadership and in-field instruction by an experienced Photography Guides;
- Portfolio reviews during the expedition;
- Services of a professional crew;
- All meals on board;
- Soft drinks;
- Vine for dinner;
- Fuel according to the route;
- Port dues and all necessary taxes;
- Life jackets (PSP), automatic type, with a harness;
- Accommodation in a comfortable heated cabin;
- Bed linen and towels
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Flights to/from home to Punta Arenas;
- Meals in Punta Arenas before and after the trip;
- Alcoholic beverages;
- Insurance (mandatory): medical, evacuation, travel;
- Passport/visa fees (if required);
- Starlink broadband internet;
- Phone calls via Iridium satellite service
If you are excited by the idea of photographing the dramatic landscape and wildlife of Antarctica with a very small group of just fefteen photographers - now is the time to book your spot! Please fill out the registration form and we will send you payment instructions if the desired spot is available. Places are limited and once they are spoken for that's it!
REGISTRATION FORM