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Exped Antarctica

THE ULTIMATE ANTARCTIC ADVENTURE EXPEDITION 

This extraordinary polar journey combines expedition sea kayaking, snowshoeing and ski touring from the deck of a private expedition yacht, delivering a truly immersive exploration of the White Continent. Paddle among towering icebergs, traverse untouched snow-covered landscapes and experience raw, off-the-grid polar adventure far beyond the traditional Antarctica cruise experience. Designed exclusively for adventurous souls, this is the ultimate bucket-list endurance and exploration expedition to the last great frontier on Earth. 

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Enter

Dates

17 - 27 January 2028 (Sold Out)

January 2030

Duration

11 Days / 10 Nights

Distance

Various

Event Type

Expeditions Small Group

Highlights

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Private expedition yacht

10 nights accommodation & all meals included on a private expedition yacht.

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Kayak the famous Paradise Harbour

Complete an ultra kayak circumnavigation of Paradise Harbour, a stunning sheltered bay in the Peninsula known for its breathtaking glaciers and calm waters.

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Wildlife spotting

You'll be surrounded by thousands of penguins on the ice and swimming past you whilst you kayak, plus you'll experience incredible sightings of humpback whales.

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Skiing above the clouds

Multiple optional ski opportunities available, including a sensational objective of a ski from the summit of Jabet Peak.

Itinerary

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DAY ONE: FLY TO ANTARCTICA

Your Antarctica adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, gateway to Patagonia, where we board a specially chartered flight to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. From there, you’ll transfer directly to your private expedition yacht, your home for this extraordinary Antarctic journey.

After a safety briefing, settling into your cabin and meeting the crew, you’ll share your first meal together before sailing towards Yankee Harbour, with your first unforgettable views of Antarctica from the deck.

We recommend arriving in Punta Arenas the day before departure and arranging your own accommodation, with the option to join the group for a welcome drink and dinner before the adventure begins.

 

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DAY TWO: KAYAK/SKI FAMILIARISATION KIT CHECK

Wake up to your first full day in Antarctica, surrounded by towering ice, vast ocean and incredible wildlife. Today begins with a guided kayaking experience at Yankee Harbour, one of the Antarctic Peninsula’s most historic and wildlife-rich locations, offering the perfect introduction to polar exploration.

Sheltered by glaciers and snow-covered peaks, this stunning setting is ideal for acclimatising to the conditions, with the option to try an introductory Antarctic ski touring session for those wanting an extra challenge.

 

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DAY THREE: KAYAK/SKI TWO HUMMOCK ISLAND

Today, we aim to sail deeper into the Antarctic Peninsula towards Two Hummock Island, one of Antarctica’s most spectacular wildlife destinations. As with any true polar expedition, our route remains flexible, adapting to weather, sea and ice conditions to create the best possible experience.

The main adventure is a guided Antarctic sea kayaking expedition among icebergs, glaciers and incredible wildlife, with optional ski touring for those seeking an extra challenge. Later, we continue towards Enterprise Island and Foyn Harbour, home to the haunting wreck of the Governor, a partially submerged Norwegian whaling ship lost in 1915.

 

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DAY FOUR: KAYAK/SKI NANSEN ISLAND

Today’s objective is an extraordinary 35km guided sea kayaking expedition around Nansen Island, paddling through some of the most remote waters of the Antarctic Peninsula among glaciers, icebergs and dramatic polar scenery.

For those wanting an extra challenge, optional Antarctic ski touring offers breathtaking views from the island’s snow-covered slopes. After a full day of adventure, we’ll anchor in a sheltered Antarctic bay, surrounded by the remarkable silence of the White Continent.

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DAY FIVE: KAYAK/SKI RONGE ISLAND

This morning, we sail towards Cuverville Island, one of the Antarctic Peninsula’s most spectacular locations, surrounded by glaciers, dramatic peaks and thriving penguin colonies. Here, we’ll likely enjoy guided kayaking and optional ski touring around neighbouring Ronge Island, exploring pristine polar wilderness.

Later, we continue south to the iconic Paradise Harbour, with the voyage itself offering unforgettable wildlife encounters, towering ice formations, and the chance to spot humpback whales and seabirds from the deck of our private expedition yacht.

 

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DAY SIX: PARADISE HARBOUR: THE BIG KAYAK

Today brings one of the defining adventures of the expedition as we explore the breathtaking Paradise Harbour, one of the Antarctic Peninsula’s most spectacular locations. Here, the main objective is an epic 50–60km ultra-distance sea kayaking challenge through pristine polar wilderness, with optional Antarctic ski touring for those seeking rewarding ascents and panoramic glacier views.

With near 24-hour daylight, there’s ample time to pursue ambitious adventure goals while encountering incredible wildlife, from penguins and seals to humpback whales, in one of the most remote and extraordinary environments on Earth.

 

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DAY SEVEN: ICEBERG GRAVEYARD

If conditions allow, we continue south to Pléneau Island, the famous Antarctic “iceberg graveyard,” where vast grounded icebergs create one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth. Here, enjoy an unforgettable sea kayaking experience weaving through towering ice formations, with optional ski touring on Mount Scott for those seeking adventure on land.

If our major objective at Paradise Harbour was delayed, we may instead take on an ambitious 50km ultra-distance kayak expedition around Booth Island and Pléneau Island, a true Antarctic expedition challenge in the heart of the White Continent.

 

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DAY EIGHT: PORT LOCKROY/JABET PEAK

Today begins with a scenic yacht transit to Port Lockroy, one of Antarctica’s most historic sites, where you’ll explore this beautifully preserved former British research station and its famously remote gift shop.

Later, the adventure continues with guided sea kayaking in the spectacular Neumayer Channel, with optional ski touring from Jabet Peak for those seeking a bigger challenge. Combining Antarctic history, wildlife and adventure, this is a true expedition highlight.

 

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DAY NINE: GLACIAL SNOWSHOE HALF MARATHON

Today brings one of the expedition’s most ambitious land adventures: a guided 20km Antarctic snowshoeing challenge on Anvers Island. Starting from Access Point, we rope up for an extraordinary journey across glaciers, ridgelines and untouched snowfields, climbing high above the Antarctic Peninsula for spectacular panoramic views.

This is true Antarctic expedition terrain, remote, demanding and rarely visited, combining endurance, teamwork and real exploration in one unforgettable mountain adventure.

 

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DAY TEN: ANTARCTICA MAINLAND

As our Antarctica expedition draws to a close, we begin sailing north along the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula, passing towering glaciers, ice-filled channels and dramatic polar landscapes. If conditions allow, there may be one final opportunity for sea kayaking or ski touring, offering a last taste of Antarctic adventure before our overnight return towards King George Island.

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DAY ELEVEN: FLY BACK TO REALITY

After a final breakfast onboard, we say farewell to the crew and transfer back to King George Island for our charter flight to Punta Arenas, Chile, marking the end of an unforgettable Antarctica expedition. Leaving the White Continent behind, you’ll return home with memories of extraordinary sea kayaking, ski touring and remote polar adventure in one of the most spectacular places on Earth.

 

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Abbi - Colour

Your Adventure Leader

Abbi

With more than a decade of expedition experience, Abbi is a highly qualified, multi-disciplined adventure professional who thrives in the world’s wildest places. An International Mountain Leader, Mountain Bike Guide, Bushcraft Instructor, Sea Kayak Leader, sailor and skydiver, she brings exceptional skill, calm leadership and serious expedition credibility to every adventure.

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FAQs

Is the route likely to change?

The very nature of adventure means that the unexpected can sometimes become part of the journey and that is all part of the experience. While we will always strive to deliver “Plan A”, there may be occasions where operational, safety, weather or environmental factors require us to adapt plans and implement contingency routes or alternative arrangements.

As with all Rat Race adventures, participant safety and overall event delivery remain our highest priorities. We therefore reserve the right to amend routes, itineraries or logistics where necessary, using the experience and judgement of our expedition team to make the best decisions on your behalf in changing conditions. Wherever possible, we will communicate any changes in advance. More often than not, these unexpected moments become part of the adventure itself adding to the stories, memories and unique character of the experience.

How do I enter?

Click 'Enter' and sign into your Rat Race account and follow the sign up procedure. If you need any assistance please drop the customer service team an email on events@ratrace.com

How old do I need to be?

Rat Race require you to be over 18 on the day of Registration for this adventure.

Can I transfer my entry?

If you find yourself unable to join us on the start line of this event, you are able to transfer your entry into an event credit voucher once for use on a new entry into an event of your choice. Transfers must be requested within the qualifying transfer window to be accepted and processed. Credit vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Credit vouchers are exempt from the transfer process. To find out more information and how to submit a request, view of full transfer policy HERE 

This adventure has a significant, early upfront cost for Rat Race to secure the vessel and staff, as such the transfer window for this event will close 12 MONTHS before the departure date of your Exped Antarctica trip.

Can I fundraise for charity?

You are very welcome to fundraise for any charity close to your heart while taking part in the event. Please note, however, that our Charity Refund Offer applies exclusively to participants fundraising for Children with Cancer UK.

Can I volunteer?

You can view our current volunteer positions here

What is Refund Protect?

Add Refund Protect to your booking during purchase and receive a full refund of your entry fee if you are unable to attend the event due to a qualifying unforeseen circumstance. PLEASE NOTE this protection is with our 3rd party partner Refund Protect and NOT Rat Race. In the event you make a refund application this is administered by the Refund Protect customer service team, Rat Race are not privy to the application and cannot intervene on your behalf to influence the outcome determined by their team.

To add Refund Protect (administered by a 3rd party) to your Rat Race booking simply select this option when presented during the entry process. Refund Protect cannot be added retrospectively. Rat Race will then send you name and booking details to Refund Protect in order to protect your transaction with them. If you opt to pay in instalments and transfer your entry before the entry cost is full paid you will be liable to ensure the cost of Refund Protect has been fully covered. This total amount will be deducted from any Rat Race credit due through the transfer process or you will be invoiced by Rat Race for the outstanding amount as Rat Race have paid this on your behalf to Refund Protect at point of entry. 

Do I need insurance?

Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory for this event and must cover both general travel and participation in the outdoor endurance activities included within the itinerary. You will also require Evacuation Insurance, which covers emergency extraction and onward medical transport by helicopter or similar should urgent assistance be required in this remote environment.

We strongly recommend arranging your insurance as soon as you enter the event and booking flexible flight options where possible to allow for any unexpected changes. Please ensure your chosen policy specifically covers the activities you will be undertaking during the expedition. There are a number of specialist adventure travel insurers available, including Mann Broadbent.

What kit do I need?

Kit List 

This is our planned kit list for Antarctica, additional items may be added but these will be communicated to you in our pre-event information guide 6 months prior. There are many rental companies that exist out there for you to rent some of the specialist equipment below, if you are UK based we recommend Outdoor Hire all kit is per person and cannot be shared.  

The kit lists are split by discipline, the activities are all optional so if you do not wish to kayak you do not need to bring that equipment and vice versa for skiing etc. If you have any questions about kit or would like to be sent some links to examples that would be suitable online please email the team on events@ratrace.com and we will be happy to help. 

 

GENERAL CLOTHING 

  • Wool or synthetic socks 

  • Liner socks 

  • Long underwear top – synthetic or wool 

  • Light fleece or wool sweater 

  • Wind shell jacket

  • Waterproof breathable jacket 

  • Warm insulated jacket – down or synthetic

  •  Long underwear bottoms – synthetic or wool 

  • Multipurpose stretch wind stopper trousers 

  • Waterproof breathable trousers

  • Warm hat – wool or synthetic

  • Brimmed cap for sun protection

  • Face warmer – scarf, neck tube or balaclava

  •  Light gloves – wool, synthetic or leather

  •  Insulated gloves or mitts with waterproof outer shell 

  • Spare gloves or mitts 

  • Insulated Trousers are nice for sitting on deck 

 

KAYAK EQUIPMENT  

  • Dry suit

  • Neoprene mittens

  • Insulated undersuit 

  • Shoe with a hard sole to wear over the dry suit. Make sure they are large enough to fit the dry suit bottom and the thick socks. Having circulation to your feet is essential. For example – Marine dry suit boots Or – Hard wearing trainers.

  • Poggies – these are provided but having your own that fit would be beneficial. 

 

SNOWSHOE EQUIPMENT 

  • Snowshoeseg MSR EVO trail This example is designed as. Lightweight snowshoe but NOT as a running snowshoe. 

  • B2 Boots to wear with snowshoes, need to fit with the boot crampons

  • Poles

  • Boot crampons

  • Lightweight ice axe

SNOW SAFETY EQUIPMENT

  • Avalanche beacon with good batteries (and spares)

  • Shovel 

  • Probe (2.4m or longer preferred) 

GLACIER GEAR

  • Harness – fitted for over your ski clothing

  • Locking carabiners (x2) 

  • Non-locking carabiners (x2)

  • Prussik cord – 5m x 6mm 

  • Sewn sling – 120cm 

SKI EQUIPMENT

  • Touring skis 

  • Touring boots 

  • Skins 

  • Ski crampons 

  • Ski poles  

  • Lightweight ice axe

 

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT 

  • Backpack (30-40 litres)

  • Sunglasses (both orange and dark lenses help a lot for travel in all conditions) 

  • Goggles (orange or rose lenses) 

  • Sunscreen and lip cream (SPF 30+) 

  • Insulated water bottle or thermos (1-2 L) 

  • Lunch bag or container 

  • Personal blister kit. Be sure to pre-tape problem spots on your feet, prevention is the best medicine! 

  • Pocket knife (optional) 

  • Camera (optional) 

  • Binoculars (optional) 

  • Utility cord for hanging stuff to dry (very helpful for hanging personal items in your cabin) 

 

ON THE SAILING BOAT 

  •  Small soft-sided duffle bag (up to 70 L) to contain your clothes in your berth 

  • Shoes 

  • Insulated boots for shore excursions 

  • Comfortable and warm clothing 

  • Personal medications and toiletries (including small-sized soap and shampoo) 

  • Ear plugs 

  • Reading material 

  • Chargers & adapters for electronic devices (normal AC power is available as 220V Euro plug) 

How do the split disciplines work? Can I kayak, ski and snowshoe?

You can do all 3 but you do not need to do all 3. Owing to the very unique way in which we have resourced the trip, we have expert guides embarked with us for skiing and kayaking (and snowshoeing), who can take split groups at the same time. So if you wish to mix it up and ski some days and paddle on others, that is fine. Or if you just want to paddle all days, that is all fine. Similarly, the snowshoeing day is optional and the alternative if you do not wish to do that, is to go paddling. 

What if I cannot ski?

Don’t worry. You do not need to be a skier to come on this trip. This option is there for those who wish and can ski; but you do not need to be able to ski. If you are planning to ski, you must be competent and confident in backcountry glaciated terrain and have good experience of ski touring. You must bring your own ski equipment, there is no hire option available. 

How big is the boat? Is it like a cruise ship?

The boat is a specially designed Polar sailing yacht. It is around 120ft long, which makes it a big sailing boat (it also has an engine). But it is far smaller and much more charming and personable) than even a small cruise ship. This means it can get in close to many many anchorages where the larger Polar cruise ships simply cannot go. The Antarctic operating rules for ships also limit those larger craft to 3 hour intervals at anchor in some locations. In our boat, we are not subject to those restrictions, providing us a far more intimate experience and absolutely unfettered access to the best spots; across the whole trip. 

What kayaking experience do I need?

We will expect you to have some basic sea kayak experience, you should know how to perform and emergency bail out of an upturned kayak and be able to assist others if they have capsized. These are all skills easily learned and obtained by a few lessons with a local kayak operation. In the 12 months before our Exped we will organise some UK based kayak skill days where you can meet your fellow boatmates and enjoy a weekend of sea kayaking.  

Medical & Safety Info

Rat Race is audited and accredited to the prestigious BS8848 expedition safety standard, with robust emergency protocols and response systems in place across all adventures. Participant and staff safety is our highest priority. Every trip is supported by detailed in-country risk assessments, qualified staff with adventure-specific competencies, high-level first aid capability, and 24/7 medical and emergency response support. In the event of an incident, our teams are trained to deliver immediate, life saving care, coordinate evacuation where needed, and follow comprehensive medical procedures. We’ll also advise you on the required travel insurance for your trip and request proof of cover before departure.

Pricing

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​* Once you sign up, Rat Race will set up a recurring monthly payment via Stripe. If a payment fails, you’ll receive reminders from Stripe and our team. After three failed contact attempts and no payment, your entry will be cancelled with no refund or transfer eligibility.

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