Sailing Antarctica

Unforgettable Expedition adventure aboard the SV Bark Europa!

Sailing Antarctica

Unforgettable Expedition adventure aboard the SV Bark Europa!

Sailing Antarctica

Unforgettable Expedition adventure aboard the SV Bark Europa!

Offers

Antarctica Travel

Sailing Expeditions

Overview

Ushuaia - Tierra del Fuego - Antarctica

Travel to Antarctica sailing with the Bark Europa

Antarctica travel route from Ushuaia and back

22-day Antarctica travel:
Ushuaia/ Argentina – Beagle Kanal – Drake-Passage – Antarctica – Ushuaia
Price: from 9,950 EUR/
                 13,200 EUR

57-day Sailing Trip (EX2-542):
Ushuaia/ Argentina - Drake-Passage - Antarctica - South Georgia - Tristan da Cunha - Walvis Bay/ Namibia
Price: from 18,730 EUR

Antarctica is one of the oldest continents on
our planet and among the last great wildernesses on earth.

Its fascinating beauty and biodiversity create indelible, unique impressions on this Antarctic travel expedition, the effects and experiences of which are very difficult to put into words.

Boat excursion during Antarctica travel between icebergs
Sailing ship Bark Europa in front of glaciers on Antarctica travel

Depending on conditions, your Antarctica travel will begin by exploring the northern areas of the Antarctic Peninsula, then journey to select locations where you can best experience the vast grandeur and incredible wildlife of the region; including whales, penguins, birds and seals.

Then you head further south (continuing as long as ice conditions allow) into areas rarely visited by humans.

Your Antarctica travel is lead by tour guides who know everything about this surreal world. They give interesting facts about the nature and wildlife and guide the passengers on their excursions.

On the Bark Europa they know from years of experience that three weeks is the minimum amount of time for your Antarctica travel adventure, in order for you to visit and enjoy those quiet and untouched places accessible only to vessels like Bark Europa, and to become truly immersed in this rare and marvellous place.

Antarctica travel - Wild life

The wild life experience during an Antarctica travel starts from day one on your arrival in Tierra Del Fuego.
Through the Beagle Channel, the Drakes Passage and Antarctica there is an amazing amount of unique wild life that you will see.

Whale watching during Antarctica travel by sailboat
Penguin watching during Antarctica travel by sailboat
Watching Seals during Antarctica travel
Watch dolphins on your Antarctica travels

Birds: Those of the South American continent, sea birds of the Drake and those special ones of Antarctica.
Penguines: Live in the waters of Tierra del Fuego, Magellenic, but the really large colonies are when we are in Antarctica itself, Gentoos, Chin strap and Adelie.
Seals: There are 2 types of seals which you will experience, those of the “Eared” species, which are sea lions and fur seals, and those of the true seal family which are the Weddle seals, Crab eaters and the infamous Leopard seal.
Whales: These can even be seen at times during summer in the Beagle Channel and around the Cape Horn area, however the larger number of whales are far more often seen when we are there in Antarctic waters, either on the edge of the peninsular or within the straights and bays around the Antarctic continent. Types: Humpbacks, Sei, Fin, Killer whales and very rare the Blue whales. When whales are either curious or feeding we can spend hours following and watching their behaviour.

Itinerary

Ushuaia - Tierra del Fuego - Antarctica

Travel to Antarctica sailing with the Bark Europa

Antarctica travel - Itinerary

Watch penguins on your Antarctica travels

1st day: Ushuaia
Whilst landing in Ushuaia you will see the fascinating beauty of the region with its many glaciers. It is highly recommended to arrive in Ushuaia a day before the start of your Antarctica travel. The crew welcomes you on the Bark Europa at five p.m. You find the ship at the pier "Puerto Comercial". After moving into your cabin, you and the other passengers will enjoy your first meal on board. Then the captain will inform you about the sailing plan for your Antarctic expedition.

2nd day: Beagle Channel - Bahia Nassau - Drake Passage
After a calm night in the harbour the Bark Europa heads into the Beagle Channel. On board the passengers get their first safety instructions. In the evening you can marvel at the impressive landscape of Tierra del Fuego.

3rd - 5th day: Drake Passage
Today you sail through the Drake Passage, passing Bahia Nassau and the famous Cape Horn. While sailing through the Drake Passage your participation is required. At the stormy Cape you will be accompanied by Cape petrels, White-chinned petrels and Albatrosses. After passing the Antarctic Convergence Zone the water temperatur falls from 5° to 1° Celsius. The water becomes green and rich in different species.

6th day: Barrientos Island
Today is your first Antarctica travel excursion. The Bark Europa anchors at the Barrientos Island, an Island of the Aitcho Archipelago. The ship is surrounded by penguins and at the beach you can observe gentoo and chinstrap penguins. Further more you can spot elephant seals and giant petrels.

7th day: Yankee Harbour oder Hannah Point
With a little bit of luck you will be able to spot a humpback whale today. If there is enough time, the bark Europa will be sailing to the famous Edinburgh Hill. This basalt rock was created by a volcanic eruption and sticks out in the middle of the sea. Depending on the weather and the surrounding conditions you visit either Yankee Harbour or Hannah Point. Yankee Harbour is a safe harbor on Greenwich Island. In the past, it was a very popular spot for seal hunters who made it a basecamp during their hunting parties. In addition, the area is well known for its colony of Gentoo penguins consisting of approximately 4.000 breeding pairs. Hannah Point is located on the southern shore of Livingston Island. Its gravel beaches and sandy slopes are the habitat for a lot of different plants and wildlife that can be observed, for example elephant seals, nesting penguins, king cormorants, giant petrels and whales.

8th day: Pendulum Cove/ Deception Island
Further to the south there is the ring-shaped Deception Island. The Bark Europa sails through the narrow passage by the name “Neptune’s Bellows” right into the island’s impressive crater. At Pendulum Cave, a former bay used by whalers, you can experience the unique features of the island during an excursion or, in case of good weather, have a bath in one of the warm springs at the beach. In former times, there was a whaling station on the island. Later this protected bay made a base camp for explorers, but was destroyed by volcanic activities in 1970. Furthermore it is possible to visit the biggest colony of chinstrap penguins of the antarctic peninsula at Bailey’s Head.

9th day: Trinity Island
Today you will cast the anchor between Spert Island and Trinity Island. By dinghy you explore the impressive and amazing icescape and enjoy the play of colours and the turquoise water that make this world seem somehow surreal.

10th day: Enterprise or Cuverville Island
At Enterprise Island you might be lucky to spot some whales on your Antarctica travels, or you can visit Governoren Harbour. This town was named after the whaler who went by the same name and who was shipwrecked here. Today the wreck of his ship serves as a nesting site for seabirds. Alternatively you sail on up to Cuverville Island, which is characterized by its glaciers and steep cliffs. It is populated by a variety of seafowl. The island gives a splendid view of the Errera Channel and the Gerlache Strait.

11th day: Paradise Harbour or Neko Harbour
On the 11th day of your trip to Antarctica you experience the impressive force of the ice. You will be surrounded by glaciers and ice walls towering out of the water. You will hear the crackling and tearing of the ice and see icy rocks collapsing into the water.

Sunset views during Antarctica travel

12th / 13th day: Argentine Islands
Today on your Antarctica travel you will pass the Lemaire Channel, also called the Kodak Gap, where you will be surrounded by cliffs up to 1.000m high. The ship will be sailing through the narrow Penola Strait and, depending on the condition of the ice, come to pass Penola to reach the Archipelago in the early evening. Your captain will navigate the Bark Europa through a maze of ice and islands to a fitting anchorage. In the afternoon you will visit the Ukrainian research station Wernadsky, which is populated by 10-15 people and receives supplies only twice a year. A research assistant will guide the passengers through the station, which has a pub and a sauna, and will talk about the scientific work and everyday life at the station.

13th day: Petermann Island
Some hours after leaving the Argentine Islands you will reach Petermann Island, where you will be able to observe breeding Adélie penguins for the first time.

14th. day: Port Lockroy
You will cast the anchor at one of the most beautiful spots of Antarctica with an awesome view on the Fife mountain chain. There you will visit Port Lockroy, a natural port of the British Antarctic Territory, where you find both a museum and the only Antarctic post office. The island serves as a nesting site for Gentoo penguins, who often build their nests right on the walkways or on the door mat of the post office. At Jougla Point you are able to visit a complete reproduction of a whale skeleton.

15th day: Dorian Bay
Near Port Lockroy lies Dorian Bay. The plateau glacier in between those paces was used as an airfield for small planes in the past. A walk in Dorian Bay makes you experience the unique view, and you can find both Gentoo penguins and Weddell seals. In the afternoon the Bark Europa will set sails through the Schollaert Channel to reach the Melchior Islands. You may get lucky and see Orcas with their pups during that trip.

16th day: Melchior Islands
Today holds the last of your zodiac trips during your Antactic expedition, which lets you discover the environment of the Melchior Islands by dinghy. Around noon you will begin your journey home, where you will pass Anvers Island and Mount Francais while headed towards South America.

17th - 19th day: Drake Passage
During the next days the Bark Europa travels through the Drake Passage again. On its way, it is accompanied by seafowl and dolphins.

20th day: Cape Horn and Tierra del Fuego
While crossing the Drake Passage, the ship passes Diego Ramirez Island and sails towards Cape Horn. On its way to the Beagle Channel you can admire the impressing waves breaking on the rocks of Cape Horn. Both the Islands and the fjords you see are becoming greener and greener again.

21st day: Ushuaia
While travelling the last miles of the Beagle Channel, it’s your last opportunity to breathe some fresh sea air on your Antarctica travel. Right before arriving in Ushuaia the ship passes the “Islas de Lobos”. With a binocular you can observe a variety of seafowl. Within sight of Ushaia, it is time to finally time to pack your bag again.

22nd day: Ushuaia
On the 22nd day you and your fellow sailors enjoy the last breakfast aboard the Bark Europa. You say goodbye to the ship, its crew and the other travelers and start your journey home after this great adventure.

Ship & Cabin Details

Ushuaia - Tierra del Fuego - Antarctica

Travel to Antarctica sailing with the Bark Europa

The Bark Europa is a training ship. Thus, the passengers of the trip are considered a part of the crew and therefore receive detailed safety instructions. Depending on your interest and condition, you will be assigned on board. The permanent crew will be there to help and advise you. For example, you can assist with navigation, set sails, steer the ship or support the crew on watch. Sailing experience is not required. Your assistance is also required when crossing the Drake Passage. You will quickly understand that teamwork is the key to a unique sailing adventure. The barque Europa also invites its passengers to relax. The ship is ideally equipped for longer sea voyages. It has a library, a lounge, a poker area and a recreation room, the deckhouse. In addition, there is a DVD and CD player and radio on board. The majority of the crew is Dutch, but English is predominantly spoken on board.

Cabin Facilities

On board of the Bark Europa there are four 2-person cabins, four 4-person cabins and four 6-person cabins. Each bunk has a blanket and bedlinen. Own bedrolls are therefore not necessary. Towels are also provided. All cabins have their private bathroom and WC. 

[Translate to Slowtravel experience:] Bark Europa Kabine
[Translate to Slowtravel experience:] Bark Europa Kabine
[Translate to Slowtravel experience:] Bark Europa Bar
[Translate to Slowtravel experience:] Bark Europa vor der Küste
[Translate to Slowtravel experience:] Segel einholen auf der Bark Europa
Dates & Booking

Ushuaia - Tierra del Fuego - Antarctica

Travel to Antarctica sailing with the Bark Europa

incl. atmosfair CO2 compensation (23 €/to CO2)
* Please note that the above travel fees do not include landing fees/tourist visas, which will be charged separately.
Dates Route Price from Route-Nr.
12/15/2024-01/05/2025 Sailing Expedition Antarctica 2: Ushuaia/ Argentina - Antarctica - Ushuaia 9,950 € EX02-455G
01/07/2025-01/28/2025 Sailing Expedition Antarctica 3: Ushuaia/ Argentina - Antarctica - Ushuaia 13,200 € EX02-555A
01/30/2025-02/20/2025 Sailing Expedition Antarctica 4: Ushuaia/ Argentina - Antarctica - Ushuaia 13,200 € EX02-555B
02/24/2025-04/21/2025 Sailing Expedition: Ushuaia/ Argentina - Antarctica - South Georgia - Tristan da Cunha - Walvis Bay/ Namibia 18,730 € EX02-545C

Sailing trip Bark Europa - Specific Notes

To confirm a booking:

  • 30% of payment will be required at time of booking
  • 50% six months prior to departure
  • 20% 45 days prior to departure

Included in the price:

  • Accommodation within the booked cabin.
  • Food and beverages (coffee and tea).
  • Linen: Synthetic duvet and cover, pillow, pillow case and towel.
  • All port entry, exit and landing fees whilst on board.
  • Washing machine (utilisation limited).
  • Use of communication equipment, satellite phone and email (does not include transmission costs: please see communications agreement).
  • 220v AC for charging electronics (such as computer, cell phone, camera, iPod, etc.)  please check your owner’s manual for specifics.
  • Diesel and consumables for yacht and inflatable zodiac operations.
  • CO2-Offset via atmosfair.

Not included:

  • Landing fees, i.e. South Georgia and Falkland Islands
  • Rubber Boots, sailing and shore hiking boots, clothing (water- and wind resistant): thermals, mid layers, gloves and hats.
  • Sleeping bag if required for shore activities.
  • Specific food for onshore expeditions, beverages from the bar.
  • Personal medical supplies.
  • Binoculars, photo and video camera.
  • Transmission costs for satellite phone calls and email connections (see communication agreement).
  • Travel costs to and from port of departure and arrival, travel insurance for remote areas, travel cancelation insurance.

To book your Sailing Expedtion with the Bark Europa, please send back the following documents (see the links for the pdf-files) filled-out and signed by email:

  • Booking Form: Only booking forms that are completely filled in and include the health statement can be processed to complete booking.
  • Passport: send us a copy of your passport valid at least six months counting from voyage commencement.

After receiving your booking forms, we will send you the booking confirmation and invoice whereupon a deposit of 1/3 is due. The second third is payable until 3 months prior departure and the last third until 1.5 months prior departure. Landing fees or costs for tourist are not included in the travel fare. If you pay from outside the EURO-zone, paying by credit card might be the cheapest option. But still we have to charge a non-refundable credit card fee of 2.5%.
Voyage fees are excluding landing fees and tourist visa where applicable.

Falklands/ Las Malvinas & South Georgia
If you have booked a voyage with visits of Falklands/ Las Malvinas and/or South Georgia you will receive a seperate invoice for the landingfees. These invoices are based on an estimation of the landings ashore and will reduce the amount of cash that you will need to bring for your expenses on board. Differences in the fees, when for example we will have more landings, will be added to your bar bill on board.


For further details we refer to:


Besides to those please read the following leaflets and explanatory notes referring our behaviour at the Antarctica, how to protect the environment and reduce our ecolocical footprint:


You will travel on a modern Sailing Vessel. Please keep in mind, that safety first is the highest priority for all sailors on board. For this reason the exact route cannot be predicted and has to be adjusted by the captain/ skipper continuously according to the conditions - for the well-being of the whole team.

Notes

Weather and ice conditions are a constant changing parameter, and are an integral part of travelling in the South. Depending on the conditions at the time, the itinerary may be adapted accordingly to maximise the experience for everyone on board and to ensure the safety of the vessel and personnel.

The Agency 'SLOWTRAVEL experience' is not the organizer, rather the agent of this travel. Therefore the Terms & Conditions of the Shipping Company are applicable.

For further informations please do not hesitate to contact us. Changes and errors excepted!

FAQ

Ushuaia - Tierra del Fuego - Antarctica

Travel to Antarctica sailing with the Bark Europa

Physical fitness and good health are essential when embarking on a voyage aboard a sailing vessel, especially in remote areas where medical assistance is limited. Safety is our top priority. Along with the health declaration in the booking form, we require sailors aged 65 and older to provide a medical statement signed by their doctor. You can find the form here.

There is no internet access on board, offering you the chance to disconnect from the digital world and fully engage in the sailing experience. However, if you'd like to stay in touch with loved ones, you can send and receive small emails for a fee. In case of emergencies, a designated contact back home will have access to the captain's phone number.

No prior sailing experience is necessary to join. As part of the voyage crew, you'll receive training from Bark EUROPA’s permanent crew, who will teach you everything you need to know along the way. Everyone is encouraged to take part in activities such as steering, setting sails, assisting with maneuvers, navigation, weather observations, and furling the sails. The crew will provide theory training and hands-on instruction throughout the journey in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere—true to the Dutch style, without yelling, whistles, or uniforms.

On board the Bark EUROPA, we offer 11 cabins for the voyage crew, including three 2-person cabins, four 4-person cabins, and four 6-person cabins. The ship has a variety of common areas, such as the library, lounge, poker corner, and deckhouse, making it well-suited for ocean crossings and longer voyages. Whether you want to enjoy quiet time reading or writing in your logbook in the aft library, or prefer to participate in the lively social atmosphere of the deckhouse, there’s a space for everyone. In the deckhouse, you’ll also find the ship's bar, where you can share a glass of wine with fellow crew members, play board or card games, or engage in good conversation. Below deck, the lounge serves as the breakfast area and a space for lectures and movie screenings led by the guides.

Life on board the EUROPA is shaped by the changing weather and the watch system, making each day unique. A typical day might be like this: You’re woken up at 4 a.m. by the previous watch—it’s your turn to join your watchmates. After checking the weather and suiting up in your sailing gear, you head outside to take turns keeping lookout, steering, and helping the crew with sail handling. After your 4-hour shift, you wake the next watch and enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by the cook, with fresh bread, yogurt, granola, and fruit.

With some free time after breakfast, you can catch up on sleep, relax on deck, chat with fellow travelers, or assist the crew with ship maintenance. After lunch, it’s back to watch duty, where the weather and course may have shifted, requiring you to hoist or lower sails. In the evening, after dinner, you can either grab a nap or unwind with a drink—it’s up to you. 

Aboard the Bark EUROPA, we encourage you to embrace the adventure by participating in the watch system and helping to navigate the ship. As a sail training vessel, involvement in these activities is an essential part of the experience. You'll take turns standing watch, steering, and assisting with sail handling under the guidance of our experienced crew. It’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the voyage, learn new skills, and actively contribute to the journey alongside your fellow sailors.

While your participation is necessary to enhance your experience, there is also plenty of time to relax and enjoy the voyage—whether you prefer spending time on deck, socializing with other travelers, observing the crew, or simply taking in the stunning views.

English is the primary language spoken on board. To ensure you can follow all safety instructions and communicate effectively with your fellow crewmates, a good understanding of English is required. This will help you fully enjoy and engage in the overall experience!

The galley of the Bark Europa is always busy preparing delicious meals to keep everyone full and satisfied. The experienced chef and his assistant take care of all meals on board and surprise the crew with a variety of dishes prepared with local ingredients from the ports they visit. They offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. When you book your trip, you can specify your preferred meals so that everything is arranged in advance. 

One vegetarian meal (no fish and no meat) and one non-vegetarian meal will be prepared each day. When booking, you choose one of these two options for your entire trip so that we can organize the right meals for your sailing expedition. We cannot cater to a vegan diet.

On most trips we do not have the opportunity to re-stock during the adventure, all shopping has to be done before departure. Therefore, the chefs need to have an overview of the number of vegetarians and non-vegetarians on board and should be aware of possible food allergies.

The barque EUROPA has been sailing the world's oceans regularly since 2000 and has earned a reputation as a true sailing ship. Her voyages take her to remote islands and cities around the globe and offer you the opportunity to accompany her on long crossings.

We recommend around €10 per day. This may vary depending on your personal spending habits and the nature of your trip. On trips with a lot of sailing you may spend less time at the bar! Your cash bill will accumulate during the trip and can be settled in either Euros or US Dollars at the end of the trip.

Space on the ship and in the cabins is limited. You have a drawer and a small closet to store all your belongings, so pack thoughtfully and sensibly, prioritizing the important things. Here you can find our recommended, tried and tested packing list.

Disembarkation takes place in the morning, and although we do our best to be back at the time we have planned, the Bark Europa is a sailing ship that depends on wind and weather. We recommend flying in the late afternoon or evening of the day of disembarkation. Or instead of ending your wonderful adventure rather abruptly, you could always stay in port for another day and explore your new surroundings.

mail@slowtravel-experience.com