Red Sails in Antarctica Photography Expedition with Raymond Hoffmann - Fly/Fly tour

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Travel details

Dates

Time

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From: Punta Arenas, Chile

Description

Summary

Tour starts

Punta Arenas, Chile

Duration:

13 days

Ending place

Punta Arenas, Chile

Languages:

English

Difficulty:

Easy

Available:

January

Minimum age:

None

286 reviews

Description

Join us on an extraordinary journey aboard the Schooner Tolkien — a robust steel sailing vessel designed for navigating the world’s most remote and extreme regions. Built specifically for polar exploration in all weather conditions, her elegant red sails stand out dramatically against the white wilderness of Antarctica.

This is a fly/fly expedition: we have arranged a private charter flight so you can skip the Drake Passage entirely. No days lost at sea and no risk of seasickness — instead, you’ll fly directly from Punta Arenas to Bellingshausen Station. The flights are included in the tour price, ensuring maximum comfort and time spent where it truly matters: in Antarctica.

This exclusive photography expedition welcomes participants of all skill levels and provides a unique opportunity to capture Antarctica’s raw, untouched beauty. With only 19 guests on board, the Schooner Tolkien offers a truly intimate, personal atmosphere — a stark contrast to large cruise ships.

Equipped with Zodiacs, we’ll have complete flexibility for landings, wildlife encounters, and exploring ice formations up close. Throughout the voyage, you’ll receive hands-on instruction in the field, composition and workflow guidance, and group image critique sessions tailored to your interests.

Unlike large cruise ships tied to fixed schedules, we’ll remain flexible — allowing us to photograph during sunrise and sunset, when the light is at its most magical. No rushing, no crowds, and no “photographer-unfriendly” timetables. Instead of walking ashore with 100+ passengers, you’ll be part of a small group of photographers, ensuring space, time, and creative freedom.

Included

Roundtrip flight from Punta Arenas to King George island (worth $4000)

Accommodation in hotel in Punta Arenas on January 16 and January 27

Accommodation in cabins on board from January 17 to January 27 (twin cabins)

Shore landings and tours with the dinghy

Onboard meals, hot beverages

Photography guide

Fuel and all port dues

Professional sailing team

Activities

Whale Watching

Sight Seeing

Boat Trip

Bird watching

Photo Tours

Photo Workshop

Daily itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 - 16 January 2027

Upon your arrival in Punta Arenas, take some time to acclimate and enjoy a restful sleep after your lengthy flight. We will spend the night at our hotel, resting up for the adventures that lie ahead.

Day 2

Day 2 - 17 January 2027

Departure from Punta Arenas. Expedition starts from the Bellinsgausen polar station located on the Waterloo Island. Please be aware that the departure time for Antarctica can fluctuate due to various factors such as weather and runway conditions.

Day 3

Day 3 - 18 January 2027

The itinerary provided is a guideline. The order and timing of our stops are subject to change based on weather conditions. We will be venturing to Yankee Harbour and Halfmoon Island. The shores of Yankee Harbour are adorned with pebbles, designating it as a protected sanctuary for wildlife. It serves as the home to thriving colonies of gentoo penguins, elephant seals, and fur seals. As its name suggests, Halfmoon Island boasts a distinct crescent shape, with parts of its landscape enriched by Antarctic moss. This island offers encounters with elephant seals, gentoo and chinstrap penguins, as well as giant petrels, allowing for an immersive experience in the rich biodiversity of the Antarctic.

Day 4

Day 4 - 19 January 2026

We will spend the 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. In the early 20th century, it was the site of a whaling station, the remnants of which can still be explored today. On the outer side of the island lies Bailey Head, home to the largest colony of Antarctic penguins. This area's breathtaking beauty is matched by its challenging accessibility; a successful disembarkation here requires calm seas and an absence of wind, conditions we hope to encounter for a truly remarkable visit.

Day 5

Day 5 - 20 January 2027

Our journey will take us to the captivating Trinity Island, where we will navigate its bays, teeming with majestic icebergs. This remote island, part of the Palmer Archipelago off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, is a spectacle of untouched wilderness. As we explore by dinghy, we will have the unique opportunity to glide beneath the natural cliff arches, carved by millennia of wind and water, offering a breathtaking perspective of the island's rugged beauty. Trinity Island is not only a haven for stunning glacial landscapes but also a thriving habitat for wildlife. The surrounding waters are rich feeding grounds for various species of whales, while the shores and cliffs provide sanctuary for numerous seabirds, including petrels and penguins. The icebergs surrounding the island, with their myriad shapes and sizes, create a dynamic and ever-changing seascape, making for an unforgettable experience. This exploration allows us to witness the raw power of nature and the serene beauty of one of the planet's most remote locations. The experience of cruising around Trinity Island, enveloped by the silence of the Antarctic, punctuated only by the sounds of shifting ice and wildlife, is a profound reminder of the world's natural wonders. Read less

Day 6

Day 6 - 21 January 2027

At Enterprise, a location marked by the presence of a submerged shipwreck, we will anchor for the night, setting the stage for a day dedicated to whale watching. This area is renowned for its abundant marine life, providing us with the exceptional opportunity to observe one of nature's most spectacular displays: bubble net feeding. This remarkable behavior involves whales using their blowholes to create a circle of bubbles underwater, effectively trapping their prey, such as krill, within this 'bubble net.' Then, in a synchronized motion, the whales surge upwards to the surface, mouths open, to feast on the ensnared krill. Witnessing this collective hunting strategy is an awe-inspiring experience, showcasing the intelligence and cooperation of these magnificent marine mammals. This extraordinary spectacle is not just a highlight of our journey but a poignant reminder of the wonders that lie in the depths of our oceans.

Day 7

Day 7 - 22 January 2027

In Orne Harbour, we find ourselves amidst the stunning habitat of the Gentoo penguin colony and blue-eyed shags. Our adventure here includes a hike up the hill, providing us with a vantage point to observe whales and seals in their natural setting. From this elevated perspective, we'll also be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the bay, dotted with majestic icebergs. Our journey continues with visits to Cuverville Island Bay and Neko Harbour. Cuverville Island, characterized by its towering cliffs, hosts a bay that is a spectacular sight, filled with icebergs that glisten in the sunlight. The island is home to a lively colony of Papua penguins, and its coastal waters are a haven for seals, often seen basking on the ice floes. This spot offers a unique glimpse into the thriving ecosystem of Antarctica. At Neko Harbour, we'll encounter the awe-inspiring sight of a gigantic glacier. Here, we can witness the dramatic process of ice calving, where chunks of ice break off the glacier and crash into the water below, creating a thunderous roar and sending huge waves rippling through the bay. This powerful display of nature's force provides a humbling and unforgettable experience, highlighting the dynamic and ever-changing Antarctic landscape.

Day 8

Day 8 - 23 January 2027

The Lemaire Channel, a striking passage that weaves between Booth Island and the Antarctic Peninsula, offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of polar beauty. At its narrowest, the channel measures just 300 meters across, creating a dramatic corridor flanked by sheer cliffs that soar up to 400 meters directly from the water's edge. Navigating through this channel is a highlight of any Antarctic voyage, providing unparalleled close-up views of the continent's stark and majestic landscape. The waters here are frequented by orcas and humpback whales, adding to the sense of wonder and anticipation as we make our way through.

Day 9

Day 9 - 24 January 2027

Not far from the Academic Vernadsky Station, the Yalour Islands emerge as a cluster of low, rocky outcrops amidst the icy expanse. This area stands out as one of the few locations on the Antarctic Peninsula where a thriving colony of Adélie penguins can be found. The islands are encircled by a mesmerizing array of icebergs and ice floes, upon which seals are often seen lounging. The juxtaposition of the lively wildlife against the serene backdrop of ice and rock creates a truly enchanting spectacle, highlighting the raw beauty and biodiversity of the Antarctic region.

Day 10

Day 10 - 25 January 2027

We've scheduled this additional day as a buffer to account for potential weather-related disruptions. Given the unpredictable nature of Antarctic weather, having a contingency day ensures we can adapt our plans without compromising the overall experience.

Day 11

Day 11 - 26 January 2027

Now is the moment to dispatch postcards from the iconic Port Lockroy station, an activity that blends adventure with a touch of tradition. Originally established as a whaling factory in the early 20th century, this site has undergone significant transformations. It evolved into a British Antarctic Exploration Centre before being repurposed in 1996 as both a museum and the southernmost post office on the globe. Open exclusively during the tourist season from November to March, Port Lockroy offers visitors a unique opportunity to send postcards or letters from an extraordinary location, creating lasting memories of their Antarctic expedition. Additionally, the station houses a selection of souvenirs, and for convenience, card payments are accepted. Following this memorable experience, we'll make our way back to the Bellingshausen Station to prepare for our departure to Punta Arenas. This transition from one of the most remote outposts back to civilization marks the conclusion of an unforgettable journey through the Antarctic's breathtaking landscapes and historical sites.

Day 12

Day 12 - 27 January 2027

Today, we journey back to Punta Arenas, where we’ll spend our final night before concluding our adventure.

Day 13

Day 13 - 28 January 2027

Check out of the hotel in Punta Arenas. We recommend scheduling your departure flight no earlier than January 19 and ensuring it is a refundable ticket with flexible date changes, as flights from Antarctica may be delayed, potentially resulting in a later arrival in Punta Arenas than expected.

Guides

Raymond Hoffmann

English, German, Icelandic

Raymond is an award-winning photographer with a worldwide reputation. Known for his magnificent landscape photos, his career took off in 2011, when he was voted as ‘Best Nature Photographer’ by one of Europe’s largest online photo communities.

One of his photos was even elected as one of the best photos in the 10 years history of the organization. Raymond’s work has featured in various publications, from books to newspapers and magazines, and he actively takes on assignments for publishers and advertising agencies.

These days he works as a nature photographer, mostly leading expert tours across the stunning nordic nations. He is an ambassador for the Lucroit filter system, and has won awards in a range of international photography contests.