Antarctica feels unlike anywhere else on Earth. I’ve wanted to visit since I watched David Attenborough presenting a BBC show about leopard seals when I was just eight years old, and for me it represents the pinnacle of photographic and nature adventures. This trip will be my third visit, and I’m every bit as excited as my first.
Once again I will be joined by a host of amazing photographers. James Popsys, Mads Peter Iversen, Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove, Jack Lodge & Rachel Bigsby will all be onboard, and there will be others too.
We’ll be exploring Antarctica on the Greg Mortimer. A small and luxurious ship which will be home to around 100 of us for the voyage, and the team at AE Expeditions is focused on getting the most out of the days we have exploring the Peninsula.
We’ll be flying into the South Shetland islands to maximise our time around the ice, before sailing back across the Drake at the end of the expedition.
Alongside the voyage, landings and zodiac cruises we will have a full schedule of tutorials, inspirational talks and editing sessions as we navigate the ice, and we’ll have the chance to photograph many different types of penguin, seals, whales, and sea birds as well as the beautiful scenery and stations.
It truly is a trip of a lifetime, and I look forward to welcoming you onboard and shooting together.
- Nigel Danson
Antarctic Photography Expedition
Ft. Nigel Danson, James Popsys, Mads Peter Iversen and more.
Embark on a journey with AE Expeditions that fuels your passion for photography or videography, regardless of your skill level. All of our voyages offer an exceptional opportunity for expeditioners to capture some of the wildest and most pristine destinations in the world with expert guidance.
Whether you’re taking your first shots or you’re a seasoned photographer, the experience of learning from some of the best photographers will inspire you to elevate your photography to the next level.
On board this dedicated Photography expedition, you’ll have the privilege of learning from our accomplished Photography Guides and renowned Special Guest Photographers, who will provide captivating lectures, insightful presentations and invaluable tips to help you capture unforgettable moments in Antarctica like a professional.
Gain insights into camera setup, composition enhancement and craft refinement, regardless of your camera gear or smartphone, through personalised guidance both onboard and during onshore adventures.
Your home away from home will be the purpose-built small ship, the Greg Mortimer, featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW®, which allows it to cross oceans more comfortably and efficiently (while utilising less fuel!). It also boasts expansive observation decks to bring you closer to the environment – offering the perfect base camp for photographers.
Book today to secure your place on board and discover Antarctica through the lens of your camera.
Remember to quote Nigel Danson Antarctica Photography Voyage
 | Nigel DansonNigel Danson is a YouTube creator and landscape photographer. Being dyslexic, photography had a profound impact on Nigel’s early life, when he uncovered the joys of developing images in a makeshift darkroom. He discovered his love of light and how it could create infinite possibilities of what was otherwise a static landscape. Nigel’s philosophy is to seize the moment, to capture the essence of his experiences. He runs workshops all over the world to share his knowledge and passion for landscape photography. |
 | James PopsysJames Popsys is a British Outdoor Photographer and Youtuber who lives in Wales. Before YouTube he worked as a commercial conceptual photographer but being a firm believer that all the best stuff in life happens outdoors, he prefers to send his time in the field rather than in Photoshop these days. James is drawn to documenting nature but also the human impact on it, for better and for worse. |
 | Mads Peter IversenMads Peter Iversen, is a photographer living in Denmark. An educated schoolteacher with a master degree in educational philosophy, after trying out other photography genres, such as headshot photography and commercial videography with great success, he settled on fine art landscape pictures. Mads started out as a photographer in 2011 and his experience with video editing goes back to 2002. Mads finds inspiration all over the world but he’s especially drawn to the nordic, cold and harsh yet stunningly beautiful nature. |
 | Jeroen Van NieuwenhoveJeroen Van Nieuwenhove is a full-time Belgian Icelandic nature photographer working out of Reykjavík, Iceland. Being inspired by extremes, he has largely dedicated his photography to documenting the Arctic, with a special focus on volcanic eruptions & the Icelandic Highlands. Most recently, he received international attention for his dedication to documenting the Fagradalsfjall & Svartsengi volcanic eruptions in Iceland. With his work surrounding volcanoes, he focuses on showing the exceptional beauty within the chaos, whilst highlighting the creation within the destruction. Jeroen is also a self-published author and teaches photography through workshops & ebooks. |
 | Rachel BigsbyConsidered to be a leading wildlife photographer amongst her contemporaries, Rachel Bigsby specialises in seabirds natural artistry. She is a winner in five of the world’s most prestigious competitions as the winner of ‘Natural Artistry’ in Wildlife Photographer of the Year and the portfolio winner in Bird Photographer of the Year. She is also a Nikon creator, a published photographer by National Geographic, and a photographer for the RSPB and the National Trust. |
 | Jack LodgeJack Lodge is a professional landscape and nature photographer from Wimborne, Dorset in the South West of England, UK. Through his photography, Jack strives to capture the change of each season, documenting the ever changing landscape and nature around us. His photography varies from enchanting ancient woodlands in the heart of the Dorset countryside, to dramatic seascapes and snow-capped mountains in Italy and Norway. |
 | Dani ConnorDani Connor, a wildlife photographer with a special connection to squirrels, initially pursued a zoology degree, believing photography was out of reach. A trip to northern Sweden led to a captivating encounter with local red squirrels, deepening their passion. After a video of an orphaned baby squirrel went viral, Dani shifted focus to YouTube, sharing their journey of photographing wildlife and life among the squirrels in Sweden. |
 | Rhiannon LawlerRhiannon Lawler is a part-time professional photographer from Buckinghamshire, UK, with a passion for capturing wildlife, landscapes, and aerial views. Rhiannon’s “Polarhullar” spirit—an ache for the polar regions—fuels her exploration of remote, icy environments, where she finds unique perspectives and dramatic landscapes. |
 | Roman FoxRoman Fox is a photographer from London with a focus on travel and light. He doesn’t have a specific niche or subject but likes to shoot anything that catches his eye. He also runs a travel photography blog and YouTube channel. |
Antarctica | Credit: James Popsys
Antarctic Explorer: Through the Lens Itinerary Map
Antarctic Explorer: Through the Lens
Departing 1 February 2026 | 12 Days | Expedition
Early Antarctic explorers returned from their voyages to the deep south with tales of a magnificent, ice-covered land teeming with life, and you’ll have the opportunity to do the same AND capture it all on your camera.
Experience the awe-inspiring immensity of Antarctica, reducing your time on the high seas by flying across the Drake Passage in one direction.
Immerse yourself in the unimaginable beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula, where vast glaciers tumble into the sea, penguins are dwarfed by soaring peaks and humpback and minke whales feast on abundant krill. Zodiac cruise in secluded bays and quiet coves filled with brash ice, keep a close watch for the tail fluke of whales as they take a deep dive and find yourself surrounded by amongn the worlds greatest landscapes.
Highlights:
- Witness extraordinary wildlife including fledging penguin chicks.
- Photograph enormous glaciers and spectacularly shaped icebergs in various shades of blue.
- Observe skuas patrolling penguin colonies preying on vulnerable juveniles, and keep an eye out for passing whales, ice seals and porpoising penguins.
- Be trained by the world's best photographers and enjoy an even more intimate experience.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Punta Arenas
Arrive in Punta Arenas, where you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to our hotel. We ask that you arrive no later than 2.00 pm so that you may attend our important briefing this evening.
Please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk in the lobby between 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm to collect your luggage cabin tags. Our team will confirm details regarding your embarkation day, answer any questions and provide you with information about where to dine or purchase last minute items.
Overlooking the Straits of Magellan, the city sits astride one of the world's most historic trade routes. Today, Punta Arenas reflects a great blend of cultural backgrounds, from English sheep ranchers to Portuguese sailors. It remains an utterly fascinating testament to Chile's rich history. Modern day Punta Arenas is home to many popular restaurants, and bars, offering a mix of local and international fare (meals at your own expense today).
At 7.00 pm this evening, meet your fellow expeditioners at a voyage briefing where we will reconfirm your transfer times for tomorrow, explain the procedures for your flight to King George Island and outline important IAATO regulations for visitors to Antarctica.
Day 2: Embarkation
This morning we will be transferred to Punta Arenas airport for our charter flight to King George Island, Antarctica (weather permitting). The flight will take approximately one hour and forty-five minutes. On arrival into King George Island our expedition team is on hand to greet you and to prepare you for your Zodiac transfer to the vessel. You will have time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings.
Note: King George Island is located at the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula in the South Shetland Islands and is one of the most remote places on Earth. A clear sky with perfect visibility is required for safe take-off and landing. A contingency plan will be applied to your itinerary should your flights not proceed today. Your safety is our utmost priority. We apologise in advance for any delays caused due to this unpredictable situation. Please refer to our terms and conditions for a more detailed explanation.
Days 3-9 Antarctic Peninsula
It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever.
Once we arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ours to explore, and we have a host of choices available to us. Because we are so far south, we will experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish.
Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.
We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. You will want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula.
While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. Of course, keen polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions permitting!
In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding.
This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve their way from summit to sea. Take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.
Days 10-11: Drake Passage Crossing
Enjoy a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before we re-enter the Drake Passage for our return journey to South America.
With lectures and film presentations to complete our Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and experienced. We hope you become ambassadors for Antarctica telling your family, friends and colleagues about your journey to this magical place, advocating for its conservation and preservation so that they might one day visit the region to experience what you have been lucky to see and do here.
As we approach the tip of South America, our Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.
Day 12: Depart Ushuaia
During the early morning, we cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where we will be free to disembark around 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as we all continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature.
Upon disembarkation, for those continuing their travels in the region, transportation to the hotel will be arranged exclusively for guests who have booked their accommodations through Aurora or for those staying in downtown areas near the port. Expeditioners departing on flights prior to 12.30 pm will be directly transferred to Ushuaia Airport, those with flights after 12.30 pm will have the opportunity to explore Ushuaia before an afternoon airport transfer, and the transfer procedures and details will be communicated onboard before disembarkation.
Note: At the conclusion of the voyage, we do not recommend booking flights departing Ushuaia prior to 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation in case there are delays.
Note: In the spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea, pack-ice and other conditions beyond our control.
*View Terms & Conditions.
Inclusions
- All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
- One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Punta Arenas on Day 1.
- Charter flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island.
- Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
- All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage.
- Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner.
- Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
- All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
- Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
- Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
- One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
- Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
- Comprehensive pre-departure information.
- Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
- Wi-Fi*.
*Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable.
Exclusions
- International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Airport arrival or departure taxes.
- Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
- Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
- Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
- All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges.
Note: A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.
Adelie Penguins on Ice
Antarctica | Credit: Scott Portelli
Fur Seal and Penguin on a rock
Antarctica
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