Antarctica

Places of interest New to charter? FAQs The Burgess difference

Antarctica yacht charter

An Antarctic yacht expedition gives you the opportunity to explore the world’s last genuine wilderness. Owned by no-one, it’s the coldest, windiest place on earth and the most hostile to life – indeed there are no land mammals and no trees. It is for these reasons that it’s so unique. Antarctica offers scenic, historical, scientific and environmental wonders impossible to experience anywhere else in the world, as well as extraordinarily abundant marine life drawn here by the nutrient-rich waters.

It’s home to around 90 percent of the world’s fresh water in ice sheets 1.9km (1.2 miles) thick that cover the continent. It also attracts scientific bases of many flags, drawn here to study this increasingly fragile environment. In an ever-changing world, Antarctica has remained frozen in time so far. Whether you’re on a superyacht Antarctica adventure or a private Antarctica yacht expedition, this is a charter you will never forget.

Best time to visit

November - March
Getting there

Punta Arenas International Airport

Reasons to visit

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Unforgettable marine life encounters

When to visit Antarctica?

Month by month

Explore Antarctica with a Burgess yacht charter

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Burgess guide to exploring Antarctica

The best to offer

Explore Antarctica

Landings

A series of switchbacks in the snow lead you to the ridge at Orne Harbor to admire the magnificent landscape. The fjord-like Errera Channel is visible on one side. And a glacier slide down the hill tempts you to feel like a kid again.

Tender cruises

Jump into the tenders to explore rocky coasts and deep ice-strewn waters. Your guide might share their favourite hidden cove, or with care, draw the Zodiac near Antarctica’s apex predator dozing on an ice floe.

Paddling

Kayaking or heading out on a SUP in the Antarctic ice is next level. While Antarctica’s silence is stunningly vast, the sibilance of the ice - the sound of ancient gasses escaping from the melting bits - is a new music to experience. If you’re lucky, penguins porpoising home after feeding at sea will pass by as you paddle.

Polar plunge

Brave the freezing Antarctic temperatures with a quick plunge for an Antarctic rite of passage. An invigorating dip in the world’s coldest seas will leave you refreshed, grateful for your yacht’s sauna, and with a glow that feels triumphant.

Skiing and mountaineering

Take off from the yacht, land on virgin summits and speed down untouched slopes for the most exhilarating off-piste skiing in the world. Antarctica’s black granitic mountains rise straight from the sea to some 9,000 ft. Many have never been climbed so you and your guide can be the first.

Heli-sightseeing

Soar over Deception Island, the home of an extinct caldera, or Paradise Bay, where floating icebergs are a playground for whales, perhaps spotting remote colonies of penguins from above. Cruise over the azure lakes and crevasses dotting the icecap’s surface; and feel dwarfed by immense tabular icebergs.

Exploring in a submersible

Visiting the deep in a submersible is dry, comfortable, and astonishing, as it reveals the surprising colour and diversity of the virtually unknown polar undersea. Revel too in the sophisticated tech that makes undersea exploring simple and assured.

Polar diving

If you have the necessary credentials, you can suit up for a polar dive with the yacht’s Polar Dive Master. Discover the world beneath your yacht, and under the ice.

Port Lockroy

The 'Penguin Post Office' is staffed for four months of the year to study the penguins. The perfect anchorage point for anyone sailing Antarctica, there is a museum and a shop, and you can send an appropriately postmarked postcard from here too.

Goudier Island

Vernadsky Station

This Ukrainian scientific research station was originally owned by the Brits and it’s where scientists discovered the hole in the ozone layer. Research goes on here all year round. Guests on an Antarctic yacht charter can tour the station and enjoy a drink in the southern-most bar in the world.

Galindez Island

Lemaire Channel

Nicknamed ‘Kodak Gap’ by some, it is one of the top tourist destinations on an Antarctic yacht expedition. Steep cliffs hem in the iceberg-filled passage, which is 11km long and just 1,600m wide at its narrowest. There is excellent sea life here and stunning views. You need an ice-breaker some of the time to manage this.

Booth Island

Whaler’s Bay

A remarkably bleak area, the landscape is almost lunar. Totally different from anything seen on the rest of your private yacht charter in Antarctica. It is an active volcano so you can walk up and around to explore.

Deception Island

Cuverville Island

Another must see during your luxury yacht charter in Antarctica, anchor here to see Gentoo penguins up close. You’ll find yourself spending hours just staring at them.

New to charter?

Whether you are looking for a 70m motor private yacht to cruise the Caribbean or have your heart set on an adrenaline-fuelled sailing experience, we are on hand to guide you every step of the way.

Frequently asked questions

I’ve never chartered before, where do I start?

To get started, one of our brokers will ask you questions, like how many people you want to bring aboard, whether you know where you want to go and what you want to do. From sailing to motor, catamaran to explorer – we’ll shortlist yachts of a style, size and capability that match your preferences and suggest bucket-list cruising grounds.

How many guests can be on board?

The majority of yachts can cruise with 8-12 guests, depending on their length. For bigger parties, some yachts built to the Passenger Yacht Code (PYC) can carry up to 36 guests – these yachts are usually above 80m (260ft) long. For events, yachts can have more people on board provided they stay in port.

Why do I need a charter broker? Why can’t I book direct?

Planning the perfect charter requires specialist knowledge, trusted contacts on board and on the ground, as well as first-hand knowledge of yachts, crews and locations, as well as legal contracts and local regulations to build an experience that suits you perfectly. Another reason to choose a broker is that sometimes there can be unforeseen issues with yachts or destinations and having an experienced broker to protect your interests and build a plan B is hugely reassuring.

Creating the unforgettable is what we do at Burgess. It’s what our knowledge, experience and passion are all about. We take all the hassle out of the planning so you can just turn up and have the best holiday ever.

I have a few allergies, how can I let the yacht know about these and also about my preferences?

A few weeks before your charter starts, we’ll send you a detailed questionnaire that lets us know the preferences and special requirements of everyone in your party. It will cover dietary and medical requirements, allergies and any special requests, birthdays or entertainment, for instance. This helps us and the crew of your yacht make sure your charter will be everything you hope it will be.

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Discover the Burgess difference

Charter a luxury yacht with Burgess. We are trusted for our expertise, and it is the first-hand insights of our charter brokers that raise the bar. Our collective knowledge serves to make your superyacht charter experience exceptional. Explore our stunning collection of luxury yachts for rent or hire and speak to our experts about chartering a private yacht to your dream destination.

Privileged access to the world’s finest charter yachts

Every charter yacht in the Burgess fleet is unique, from interior design and on board facilities, to watertoys and impeccable service. We rigorously inspect every yacht to ensure that when you find your ideal match, it exceeds every expectation.

A wealth of knowledge to enhance your experience

A superyacht charter offers life-affirming adventure and little can compare to a tailor-made experience orchestrated by your Burgess broker. By accommodating both your preferences and requirements, no detail is left to chance.

Personalised service that goes above and beyond

Burgess charter brokers are involved well beyond the booking stage. We share our intelligence on the best itineraries to suit you, organise private jet transfers, on board celebrations, luxury boat hire, restaurant bookings, spa treatments, fitness instruction and more.

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