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

Enquire today

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 snow switchbacks leads you to the ridge at Orne Harbor, where you'll admire the magnificent Antarctic landscape. On one side lies the fjord-like Errera Channel, while on the other, a natural glacier slide tempts you to feel like a kid again.

Rongé Island

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.

Lavoisier Island

Paddling

Kayaking or heading out on a SUP in the Antarctic ice is next level. While Antarctica’s silence is stunningly vast, the sibilant crackle of melting ice – ancient gases escaping into the air – creates a new kind of music. If you're lucky, penguins porpoising home after feeding at sea may pass by as you paddle.

Astrolabe Island

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.

King George Island

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 granite mountains rise straight from the sea to over 9,000ft. Many have never been climbed, meaning you and your guide could be the first.

Alexander Island

Heli-sightseeing

Soar over Deception Island, the home of an extinct caldera, or Paradise Bay, where floating icebergs are a playground for whales. From above, spot remote colonies of penguins and cruise over a frozen landscape of azure meltwater lakes, deep crevasses, and immense tabular icebergs that make everything else feel small.

Deception Island

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.

Greenwich Island

Polar diving

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

James Ross Island

Port Lockroy

Staffed for just four months each year, the ‘Penguin Post Office’ is both a research station and a charming stop for Antarctic sailors. Drop anchor nearby to explore the museum, browse the shop, and send a postcard with an official Antarctic postmark.

Goudier Island

Vernadsky Station

This Ukrainian scientific research station was originally owned by the Brits and is where scientists discovered the hole in the ozone layer. Research goes on here all year round, and 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’, 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. Rich in sea life and dramatic views, it may require an icebreaker at certain times of year.

Booth Island

Whaler’s Bay

Remarkably stark and almost lunar in appearance, this landscape stands in sharp contrast to the rest of your Antarctic yacht charter. Set atop an active volcano, it invites exploration – hike up and around the caldera for a truly otherworldly experience.

Deception Island

Cuverville Island

Another must see during your luxury yacht charter in Antarctica, anchor here to see Gentoo penguins up close. You may find yourself losing track of time, simply watching their charming antics up close.

Cuverville Island

New to charter?

Whether you are looking for a 70m motor private yacht to cruise St Lucia or have your heart set on a fun-filled Grecian sailing charter, 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. Trusted for our expertise, our first-hand insights, extraordinary selection of luxury superyachts, and expansive international network of on board and onshore contacts come together to deliver a seamless and unforgettable experience. 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 wellness. 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 an unparalleled sense of freedom and adventure, with every aspect meticulously tailored by your Burgess broker to suit you. By accommodating both your preferences and requirements, no detail is left to chance.

Personalised service that goes above and beyond

Burgess brokers do far more than just booking – from private jet transfers to bespoke itineraries. We handle every element of your yacht charter holiday, using our long-standing experience to offer a seamless experience from start to finish.

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