Expedition (small ship cruising to ‘adventure’ destinations) is growing rapidly – in these places, it’s all about the destinations that are ‘hard to get to except by ship’!
Your ship is essentially a floating expedition base for shore excursions by zodiac, but a great ship will certainly enhance the experience.
Popular destinations include Antarctica, Alaska, Spitsbergen, Arctic Canada, Greenland & Iceland, the Galapagos, Kamchatka, Melanesia & Papua New Guinea, the Kimberley and Patagonia.
Antarctica has a good range of small ship cruises with most offering a variety of activities including sea kayaking, camping on the ice and even diving. Do see our Polar pages covering Antarctica and the Arctic.
Alaska is a magnificent destination and without doubt the best way to see the delights of the Inside Passage is on a small ship. You get up close and personal with the wildlife and the scenery.
The Ushuaia to Punta Arenas is a fabulous adventure cruise. Sail through the Magellan Strait and the Beagle Channel between the Chilean city of Punta Arenas and the Argentine city of Ushuaia. Watch penguins, listen to expedition lectures and gaze at the amazing glaciers.
Related experiences
Wildlife and Forests of Alaska
Discover Alaska’s stunning landscapes and the incredible wildlife they contain. Board Le Soléal for a 13-day expedition cruise from Seward to Vancouver, for a journey to the heart of wild and unspoiled natural environments. In Prince William Sound, in the … Continue reading
Galápagos — West & Central Islands aboard the Monserrat
On this cruise you’ll view the Galápagos from the deck of the comfortable Monserrat as she cuts through blue waters bound for another island paradise loaded with natural splendour. You’ll get up-close and personal with aquatic wildlife like sea lions … Continue reading
Ultimate Glacier and Fjord Adventure
Immense forces of nature buffer Alaska from outside influences. It is a world where ravens, eagles, bears and salmon still exercise eminent domain. Where a mile-long glacier shimmers under a timeless sky. Rustic villages dot the landscape, providing you a … Continue reading
Galápagos Islands aboard the Monserrat
There’s simply no better place to appreciate the magic of this precious little blue planet of ours than the Galápagos Islands. Join us aboard the roomy Monserrat for a mind-expanding cruising adventure through the archipelago’s central, southern and eastern islands. … Continue reading
Frozen Frontier
Starting from Ushuaia, the world’s most southerly city, set sail across the infamous Drake Passage to the wild and untamed Frozen Frontier of Antarctica. Breathtaking scenery awaits you – snow-capped mountain ranges, ice-filled channels, immense yet beautifully-shaped icebergs and spectacular … Continue reading
Shackleton’s Antarctica
In this exclusive charter, unique to Chimu Adventures, we will be trailing in the wake of the legendary polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, who led three expeditions to the Antarctic and has become well known for his formidable rescue effort … Continue reading
Antarctic Express – Fly the Drake (Sea Adventurer)
Fly across the Drake Passage to South Shetland and set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula This journey takes you to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations: Antarctica. Skip the often turbulent Drake Passage with return flights from Punta Arenas … Continue reading
Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands & South Georgia
In Ian’s view this is the greatest cruise journey in the world. Spectacular glacial scenery, an almost surreal profusion of wildlife and a real sense of adventure. Using Zodiacs you will go ashore at least twice a day to experience … Continue reading
Classic Antarctica
This Antarctic travel journey is the classic itinerary to the beautiful Antarctic Peninsula. It delivers everything you want: the huge tabular icebergs, hillsides covered with Gentoo, Adelie or Chinstrap penguins, whales and abundant marine life, a passage through the famed … Continue reading
Spitsbergen Explorer
If there is such a thing as a “classic Arctic” expedition, this is it. You’ll get all the best of Spitsbergen, by exploring the western edge of the island and venturing to some outlying northern areas home to polar bears … Continue reading