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A journey to Antarctica is almost like travelling to another world. The continent was a secret guarded by the stormy Southern Ocean till about 250 years ago. Situated around the South Pole, it is covered almost completely with snow and ice. It holds over 90% of the world’s ice. Icy mountains, with massive ice sheets and gorgeous glaciers, dominate the landscape. The waters are scattered with icebergs, some of them towering over the ship. This is a place of extremes – the coldest, driest, highest and windiest of all continents. And, a continent that has never had a permanent human settlement. No wonder Antarctica has held the explorer captive in its charm ever since its discovery!
There is a brief window every year, during the Antarctic summer when it becomes possible to travel to this wonderland. Temperatures get slightly warmer. The days are long enough to make darkness disappear. Many species of penguins are nesting at this time, and the rookeries become the centre of all activity. Drawn to the penguin activity, Leopard Seals start making an appearance close to these rookeries. And, the rich oceans draw mighty Whales from the north.
Darter Photography invites you on the 2025 edition of our photography tour to the White Continent. This December, we travel on a ship – the SH Vega- in collaboration with Swan Hellenic. This luxurious small ship is a great way to explore Antarctica. Come, experience the White Continent, and photograph the wonders at the end of the world!
Jump to ◆ Tour Highlights ◆ Tour Itinerary ◆ Our Ship ◆ Frequently Asked Questions ◆ Travel Information ◆ Tour Price ◆ Photography Mentor ◆ Sign Up
Tour Highlights
- Chartered flight to and fro Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and one-night accommodation in Buenos Aires
- Explore Antarctica – one of the most remote and least visited places on Earth – in the comfort of a brand-new small luxurious ship
- Witness the extreme landscapes of Antarctica that are continuously shaped by the elements – by sea, on foot and by air!
- See and photograph charismatic wildlife – Albatrosses, Penguins, Seals, Whales, Dolphins and much much more
- Understand more about the ecology, geology and short history of this continent during your time on the ship
- Learn and explore wildlife and landscape photography under the mentorship of Darter’s Wildlife Photography Experts
- Get your photographs reviewed periodically on the tour to understand your photography strengths and what you could improve upon
- Experience the journey to the White Continent, memories (and photographs) of which you will cherish for a lifetime
Tour Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, transfer to a pre-tour hotel and take well-deserved rest after long flights.
- Day 2: Today we will take a chartered flight to Ushuaia and directly go on the ship SH Vega and embarkation will be in the late afternoon. After checking into your cabins of the ship, say goodbye to South America as you sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America.
- Day 3 to Day 4: As the ship cruises through the open seas of the Drake Passage, we spend the days learning more about Antarctica and its unique geology and ecosystems. We’ll also have photography sessions to prepare ourselves for the next few days of photography. Of course, we get interrupted from time to time as Albatrosses and other pelagic birds fly alongside our ship.
- Day 5 to Day 8: The sight of the first icebergs brings about an air of excitement on the ship. We get our first glimpse of the stark and beautiful Antarctic landscape as the South Shetland Islands come into view shortly after. Very soon, it is time for our first landing to explore the landscape. As we admire the most remote landscapes on the planet, penguins surround us very soon. And the cameras can’t stop clicking away! Over the next few days, we make multiple trips out from the ship on Zodiacs to experience the Seventh Continent and the Islands around it. Brilliant blue icebergs, stunning landscapes and amazing wildlife – penguins, sheathbills, skuas, seals and whales – keep us fully occupied.
- Day 9 to Day 10: The journey back takes us back on the Drake Passage, as we spend the days reviewing photographs and learning more about what we’ve witnessed.
- Day 11: The journey of a lifetime comes to an end as we disembark at Ushuaia and take a chartered flight to Buenos Aires.
Please note that the itinerary above is subject to fair weather and other factors. Darter Photography reserves the right to make changes to the above itinerary at any point of time. Also, please note that photographs in the slideshow are indicative and dependent on various external factors.
SH Vega – Our Ship
Named after the first ship to cross the Arctic Northeast Passage, SH Vega was designed to journey to faraway places and remote polar regions in style and comfort. This 5-star expedition ship incorporates an elegant Scandi design with the latest in cruising technology and has a PC5 ice-strengthened hull and extra-large stabilizers, to make your journey as smooth as possible.
Built-in Finland’s famous Helsinki Shipyard, SH Vega was made for wonderful cruising experiences. Welcoming spaces to relax on board, unobstructed views throughout the ship, and world-class restaurants, staterooms and amenities mean sailing on SH Vega is always a pleasure.
We have blocked Balcony Staterooms on Deck 5 for this tour. These rooms measure 25m2 (269ft2) – including a 5m2 (54ft2) private balcony. They feature two single beds or a double bed, a bedroom with a living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.
If you would like to upgrade your room, please write to us for options. There is limited availability of cabins on the ship at the moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
This tour is for photographers and travellers who want to explore the White Continent of Antarctica. Note that the participants are not required to be experts in photography or carry professional equipment. Beginners, as well as serious photographers benefit through our personalized attention to photography sessions and on-field assistance. Non-photographers interested in exploring the White Continent of Antarctica are welcome too.
How do we tackle the extreme cold weather?
December is summer in Antarctica. Temperatures are normally around freezing, but the weather here can be quite unpredictable. Darter Photography will advise you on the warm gear and photography equipment that you’ll need to carry on the tour. In addition, you’ll receive a complimentary Parka and Gum Boots (on loan) from Swan Hellenic that’ll keep you warm on the tour.
I am not a keen photographer. But I want to visit Antarctica with your group. Can I still join?
Yes. If you are interested in exploring the pristine landscapes of Antarctica and viewing rare wildlife, you are welcome to join this tour. On this expedition, we offer non-photographer pricing. Please write to us for details and terms.
Can I bring my non-photographer partner with me?
Yes, you can. Your partner will experience the White Continent of Antarctica and enjoy the journey with the group. On this expedition, we offer non-photographer pricing. Please write to us for details and terms.
What photography guidance is provided on the tour?
Antarctica offers almost unlimited opportunities for photography – both wildlife and landscape. Your mentor from Darter Photography will coordinate with you before the tour to choose the appropriate photography gear. During the tour, he will guide you about the techniques and tips to photographing the landscapes of the White Continent and the wildlife there. He will also review your photographs periodically to ensure that you make the best of the journey.
Travel Information
Travel between your city of origin and Buenos Aires is not included in this tour. Please note the following while planning your travel to Buenos Aires.
Day 1: Arrival in Buenos Aires
Arrive in Buenos Aires, transfer to a pre-tour hotel and take well-deserved rest after long flights.
Day 2: Embarkation
We will be taking a chartered flight to Ushuaia from Buenos Aires and embarkation will be in the afternoon.
Day 11: Flying out of Ushuaia
We will be taking a chartered flight to Buenos Aires from Ushuaia, we will communicate the timing of arrival in Buenos Aires well in advance so you can your onward flights.
Visa and Vaccinations
Argentina Visa: Indian citizens need a Visa for Argentina. Allow at least 4 weeks for the Visa process as you’ll need to attend a personal interview at their consulate in Delhi or Mumbai. More details on the Argentina Visa can be accessed here If you have a valid US visa, an Electronic Travel Authorization can be obtained online.
Yellow Fever Vaccine is required for travel to Argentina from India. This is administered in all major cities with different schedules. Ensure you take the vaccination at least 2 weeks before you travel.
Tour Price
The tour price is USD$ 11,250, plus taxes as applicable.
The price includes
- Balcony Staterooms on Deck 5 for Swan Hellenic’s Antarctic Wonders program on Dec 09-19, 2025
- Charter flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia (on Dec 10) and back (on Dec 19)
- One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires, with breakfast
- Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port and to the hotel (where included)
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
- All shore landings as per the daily program
- Photography sessions, field guidance and regular reviews by Darter Photography mentor
- Formal and informal presentations by the Swan Hellenic Team and guest speakers as scheduled
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible.)
- Branded expedition parka, waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle.
- A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
- All luggage handling aboard the ship
- Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Please refer to Swan Hellenic’s What’s Included Page for more details.
The cost does not include
- 5% GST for Indian nationals only
- Tax Collected at Source (TCS) for Indian nationals only. The Govt of India mandates TCS to be collected on all international travel bookings. The TCS amount will be remitted to your PAN account at the end of the financial quarter.
- International or internal flights unless specified
- Airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified
- Meals other than those specified in the pre-departure information
- Visa and passport fees
- Travel insurance
- Paid adventure options and all personal expenses
- Tobacco, alcoholic or special beverages
- Miscellaneous extras
- Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
- Medical care
- Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
- Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
- Additional overnight accommodation
- Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
- Anything not specified in the Includes list above
Please note that the above is subject to favourable weather and other conditions. In case of any obstacles, we will do our best to make alternate plans. The cost of the tour or any part of it will not be refunded in the event of unfavourable conditions during the tour days.
Cancellation Policy
- Loss of deposit for cancellations 120 days or earlier before the start of the tour.
- 50% of tour fee is charged as cancellation fees for cancellations between 119 days and 90 days before the start of a tour.
- 80% of tour fee is charged as cancellation fees for cancellations between 89 days and 61 days before the start of a tour.
- No refund for cancellation within 60 days of the tour start date or for a no-show.
Photography Mentor: Manish Lakhani
Few people can boast of having travelled the high Himalayas as extensively as Manish. For more than 20 years, he has explored these mountains on foot, by bicycle, and on two and four-wheels—often forging his own path. A versatile photographer, he has a rich history of creating stunning images of culture, heritage, and landscapes.
He is a Sony Artisan (Ambassador) in India for the mirrorless camera system and a Skylum Global Brand Ambassador for Asia. His works have been regularly featured in magazines and books across the world, with contributions to Adobe, BBC, WWF, CNN, Lonely Planet, and many others.
An avid cyclist, he undertook an incredible solo bicycling journey, covering 15,000 kilometres across India. Along the way, he travelled through multiple states, met people from diverse backgrounds, immersed himself in different cultures, and captured breathtaking photographs. Since then, he has led numerous expeditions to the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas and remote areas of Northeast India.
For many years, he has been exploring and leading photography trips to Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Iceland, and other remote destinations.
A passionate mentor, Manish has been guiding photography enthusiasts for several years. He is widely recognized for his infectious energy, deep knowledge of the terrain, expert expedition planning, and, of course, his keen photographic eye.
You can follow him on Instagram,Facebook and on his website.
Sign Up
To sign up for the tour, please fill in the form below. You may also email us at photography@darter.in or call Shreeram (+91 97400 83260) / Manish (+91 99988 66669).
Early Booking Offer: If you register with a 30% down-payment before March 25th, we have a special offer on the tour price for you. To sign up for the tour or if you have any questions for us, please write to us at photography@darter.in .