South Atlantic Expedition
to Africa
South Atlantic Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula aboard SH Diana — the state-of-the-art expedition yacht redefining modern polar exploration.
Ushuaia & Tierra del Fuego
Start your journey in Ushuaia — the southernmost city in the world, gateway to Antarctica.
Transatlantic Expedition
A transatlantic expedition across 3 continents and 2 oceans aboard a high ice-class vessel.
Magic of the Ocean
Experience the dramatic transition from polar ice to subtropical warmth.
Five Penguin Species
Encounter at least five penguin species; a unique chance to see northern rockhopper penguins and sea lions.
South Georgia
Immerse yourself in the world of South Georgia — a true celebration of wildlife.
Swimming in the Southern Ocean
Take a polar plunge in the Southern Ocean (water temperature ~ −2…+10 °C).
Kayaking Among Icebergs
Guided kayaking among icebergs in Antarctic waters.
Polar Autumn
Experience the changing seasons as you journey from Antarctic autumn to African summer.
Stories of Great Explorers
Lectures on the history of polar explorers: Shackleton, Amundsen, and others.
Tristan da Cunha
Sunrise off the coast of Tristan da Cunha — one of the most remote islands on Earth.
Creativity & Inspiration
Creative workshops onboard: photography, painting, arts.
Cape Town Arrival
Arrive in Cape Town — one of the world's most beautiful cities with Table Mountain and vibrant culture.
Ushuaia - Cape Town
From
Dates
March 5 — March 25, 2026
Duration
20 nights
Ship
SH Diana
Your expedition grand voyage begins in Ushuaia, the most southern city on earth before crossing the infamous Drake Passage as you head to the Antarctic Peninsula. Sit back and relax before taking in the sights of South Georgia, and visiting unforgettable beaches crammed with penguins. You'll continue on to visit some of the world's most remote islands, including Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island.
Sailing across two oceans aboard our newest boutique ice-class ship, SH Diana, we'll be searching for seabirds, penguins, seals, sea lions, dolphins, and whales. We'll end our cruise in Cape Town, a perfect setting for reminiscing on this unforgettable transatlantic voyage.
Ushuaia, Argentina
Set between the Andes and the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world — a frontier of adventure and discovery. Here, the spirit of exploration thrives, marking the end of one journey and the beginning of another.
Antarctica
A realm of ice and silence, Antarctica defies imagination. Endless white horizons, sculpted icebergs, and vast colonies of penguins create a landscape of awe and purity — the last great wilderness on Earth.
South Georgia
South Georgia is a remote, nearly inaccessible island in the southern Atlantic, renowned for its towering glaciers and thriving wildlife. Despite its isolation, it's home to thousands of penguins and seals — left behind by early 20th-century whalers. A true haven for untouched polar exploration.
Tristan Da Cunha
The world's most remote inhabited archipelago, Tristan da Cunha rises from the South Atlantic like a volcanic mirage. Its rugged cliffs, vast seabird colonies, and tight-knit island community offer a glimpse of life at the edge of the world.
Cape Town
At the southern tip of Africa, Cape Town captivates with its dramatic meeting of ocean and mountain. From the slopes of Table Mountain to the lively waterfront, it's a city where nature and culture intertwine — the perfect start to a grand oceanic journey.
Expedition Highlights
A transatlantic expedition across 3 continents and 2 oceans aboard our boutique ice class ship, SH Diana.
Antarctica
The world's 7th continent, dramatic glaciers & incredible diverse wildlife
South Georgia
Unparalleled wildlife and glacier filled landscapes, filled with polar exploration history
Tristan da Cunha
One of the most remote islands in the world inhabited by Tristan Albatross, Rockhopper penguins and Tristan thrush
Cape Town
Your journey begins in this modern cosmopolitan city in South Africa beneath the imposing Table Mountain
Expedition Highlights
A transatlantic expedition across 3 continents and 2 oceans aboard our boutique ice class ship, SH Diana.
Antarctica
The world's 7th continent, dramatic glaciers & incredible diverse wildlife
South Georgia
Unparalleled wildlife and glacier filled landscapes, filled with polar exploration history
Tristan da Cunha
One of the most remote islands in the world inhabited by Tristan Albatross, Rockhopper penguins and Tristan thrush
Cape Town
Your journey begins in this modern cosmopolitan city in South Africa beneath the imposing Table Mountain
Expedition Itinerary
20 nights of an unforgettable specialised journey across three continents and two oceans.
Day 0-1
Buenos Aires & Ushuaia
The day before you set sail aboard SH Diana, you'll arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina's vibrant capital. You'll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your 5 star hotel. If you arrive early you'll have the evening at leisure to enjoy a few drinks, dinner and take in a show. The real adventure begins as you'll be picked up and transferred to the airport for your charter flight down to Ushuaia. On arrival, you'll be transferred to SH Diana, ready to set sail through the Beagle Channel.
- •Accommodation in a 5 star hotel in Buenos Aires
- •Transfer from the airport to your hotel
- •City sightseeing at your leisure
- •Charter flight to Ushuaia
- •Transfer to SH Diana
Days 2-3
At sea crossing the Drake Passage
Considered a rite of passage following in the footsteps of explorers of old, you'll be crossing the Drake Passage. The next few days at sea gives you the perfect time to get to know SH Diana, her crew and your fellow explorers.
- •Seabird watching
- •Lectures on the history of polar expeditions
- •Discussions with experts
- •Fine dining in our restaurants
Days 4-6
Antarctic Peninsula Wonders
Cruise among towering icebergs, glaciers, and snow-covered peaks for once-in-a-lifetime scenery. Extraordinary Wildlife Encounters – Spot various whales, penguins, and millions of seabirds across the South Atlantic and Antarctic. With a maximum of 192 guests, we aim for 2 landings a day, depending on weather conditions and availability, we'll visit dramatic, seldom-seen locations such as the Danger Islands, Paulet Island, Brown Bluff, and volcanic Deception Island.
- •Zodiac cruises through the icy waters
- •Observing Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins
- •Hikes to panoramic viewpoints
- •Optional kayaking excursions
- •Polar plunge
Days 7-8
Back at sea
Rest and enjoy the ocean. Relax with a spa treatment, head to the gym, or relax in the observation lounge over a boardgame or game of cards, or listen to one of our expert lecturers over a glass of wine. Over these days, there'll be the opportunity to visit the bridge and enjoy the panoramic view from the top deck, whilst keeping a look out for passing wildlife as we head towards South Georgia.
- •Visit the spa and gym
- •Meet the officers during a bridge visit
- •Relax in the Observation Lounge
- •Enjoy afternoon tea in the Club Lounge
Days 9-11
South Georgia
Welcome to South Georgia, renowned for its towering glaciers, thriving wildlife and dramatic history of past explorers. We'll visit Grytviken, home to South Georgia's old whaling station and the resting place of legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Wildlife Spectacle in South Georgia – Witness vast colonies of king penguins, elephant seals, and fur seals at places like St. Andrews Bay and Gold Harbour. Follow in Shackleton's Footsteps – Trace the routes of heroic age explorers through iconic sites like Elephant Island.
- •Landing at Grytviken Bay
- •Visit to Ernest Shackleton's grave
- •Observing vast colonies of King Penguins
- •Zodiac cruises along the coast
Days 12-15
At sea
Over the next couple of days, recharge batteries as we head to Tristan da Cunha. Make use of the wellness area, sauna, steam room swimming pool and hot tub, or head to the library or Club Lounge with your favourite book. Our expedition team and esteemed guest lecturers will provide an insight on marine biology, geology, history of exploration, and indigenous cultures. As we sail towards Tristan da Cunha, keep an eye out for seabirds and marine mammals from open decks or whilst relaxing in lounges or your stateroom.
- •Visit the spa and gym
- •Meet the officers during a bridge visit
- •Relax in the Observation Lounge
- •Enjoy afternoon tea in the Club Lounge
Day 16
Tristan da Cunha
Step ashore at the world's most isolated inhabited archipelago, a destination very few explorers ever reach. Rare Atlantic yellow-nosed albatrosses, skuas, northern rockhopper penguins, sea lions, and seals. A unique, isolated ecosystem found nowhere else in the world.
- •Landing on the island (weather permitting)
- •Observing northern rockhopper penguins
- •Encountering sea lions and seals
- •Watching yellow-nosed albatrosses
Days 17-20
At sea crossing the Atlantic Ocean
It's the perfect time to socialize with the Swan Hellenic team and your new friends as you reflect on the expedition voyage. Take in the views, listen to new lectures and make the most of your time with the expedition team. Dine a la carte in the Swan Hellenic restaurants with new friends or relax in your stateroom with a movie and room service.
- •Seabird watching
- •Discussions with experts
- •Visit the bridge for the final time
- •Presentation of guest photos & voyage video
- •Certificate ceremony
- •Sharing impressions
- •Farewell gala dinner
Day 21
Cape Town
The city is a cultural hub of South Africa: Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope, historic city centre, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, National Botanical Garden.
- •Disembarkation
- •Transfer to airport
Itinerary changes and surprising experiences are part of expedition life as we take you to the furthest more remote regions of the world. The day by day plan and experiences are given as a guide with the actual itinerary depending on weather, ice conditions and guidance of the captain and expedition leader.
What's Included
Transport & Accommodation
- Charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
- Group return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel
- One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel
- Your selected stateroom
Dining & Beverages
- All meals onboard
- Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise
- 24-hour room service
Expedition Activities
- Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers
- One selected shore excursion per port of call
- All expedition landings
Onboard Amenities
- Entry level WI-FI (upgraded packages available)
- Gym, sauna, pool
- 24/7 self service laundry
Expedition Equipment
- Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle, yours to keep
- In polar regions: branded parka, yours to keep and use of rubber boots
Additional Services
- Memory package of your voyage
- Onboard gratuities & port taxes
What's Included
Transport & Accommodation
- Charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
- Group return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel
- One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel
- Your selected stateroom
Dining & Beverages
- All meals onboard
- Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise
- 24-hour room service
Expedition Activities
- Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers
- One selected shore excursion per port of call
- All expedition landings
Onboard Amenities
- Entry level WI-FI (upgraded packages available)
- Gym, sauna, pool
- 24/7 self service laundry
Expedition Equipment
- Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle, yours to keep
- In polar regions: branded parka, yours to keep and use of rubber boots
Additional Services
- Memory package of your voyage
- Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Wildlife
Meet king penguins, wandering albatrosses with wingspans up to 4 meters, and majestic whales in their natural habitat
Penguins
5 different species, including king and northern rockhopper penguins
Whales
Observe majestic whales in coastal waters
Albatrosses
Wandering albatrosses with wingspans up to 4 meters
Wildlife
Meet king penguins, wandering albatrosses with wingspans up to 4 meters, and majestic whales in their natural habitat
Penguins
5 different species, including king and northern rockhopper penguins
Whales
Observe majestic whales in coastal waters
Albatrosses
Wandering albatrosses with wingspans up to 4 meters
Discover Swan Hellenic
Boutique luxury expedition cruises designed for those who seek meaning beyond the horizon.
See What Others Don't
Swan Hellenic specialises in cultural expedition cruises, offering immersive journeys to remote and historic destinations. Their fleet of elegant, ice-class ships, featuring Scandinavian design, provides luxurious accommodations and expert-led experiences. With a focus on unique itineraries and high staff-to-guest ratios, Swan Hellenic delivers enriching adventures for discerning travelers.
Here, luxury is not excess, but the art of seeing deeper.
Best in Cruise
Cruise Critic 2024
Excursion & Collaboration Winner
Sailawaze 2025
Discover Swan Hellenic
Boutique luxury expedition cruises designed for those who seek meaning beyond the horizon.
See What Others Don't
Swan Hellenic specialises in cultural expedition cruises, offering immersive journeys to remote and historic destinations. Their fleet of elegant, ice-class ships, featuring Scandinavian design, provides luxurious accommodations and expert-led experiences. With a focus on unique itineraries and high staff-to-guest ratios, Swan Hellenic delivers enriching adventures for discerning travelers.
Here, luxury is not excess, but the art of seeing deeper.
Best in Cruise
Cruise Critic 2024
Excursion & Collaboration Winner
Sailawaze 2025
SH Diana
SH Diana blends cutting-edge technology with stylish sophistication. Every detail is designed for immersive exploration in ultimate comfort with unobstructed views throughout the ship. Whether you're soaking in breathtaking scenery from the panoramic sauna, dining in a world-class restaurant, or relaxing in your luxurious stateroom, SH Diana offers an exceptional experience — perfectly crafted for modern adventurers who seek both discovery and indulgence.
SH Diana blends cutting-edge technology with stylish sophistication. Every detail is designed for immersive exploration in ultimate comfort with unobstructed views throughout the ship. Whether you're soaking in breathtaking scenery from the panoramic sauna, dining in a world-class restaurant, or relaxing in your luxurious stateroom, SH Diana offers an exceptional experience — perfectly crafted for modern adventurers who seek both discovery and indulgence.
192 guests 127 staff
Exclusive boutique experience
PC6 Polar class
Designed specifically for polar regions
Fine Dining
Across 3 venues
Launched in 2023
Brand new expedition vessel
Wellbeing
Infinity pool, jacuzzi, spa, gym, sauna & steam room
192 guests 127 staff
Exclusive boutique experience
PC6 Polar class
Designed specifically for polar regions
Fine Dining
Across 3 venues
Launched in 2023
Brand new expedition vessel
Wellbeing
Infinity pool, jacuzzi, spa, gym, sauna & steam room
Staterooms
Bright and spacious staterooms — your cozy home away from home.
Oceanview 20 m²
FROM
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
- Two single beds or a double bed
- Bedroom with living room area
- Flame-effect fireplace
- Luxurious bathroom
Balcony 25 m²
FROM
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
- 5 m² private balcony
- Two single beds or a double bed
- Bedroom with living room area
- Flame-effect fireplace
- Luxurious bathroom
Junior Suite 32-36 m²
FROM
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
- 6 m² private balcony
- King size bed
- Separate living room area
- Luxurious en-suite bathroom
Suite 41 m²
FROM
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
- 5-10 m² private balcony
- King size bed
- Separate living room
- Flame-effect fireplace
- Luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and walk-in shower
Premium Suite 41 m²
FROM
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
- 8-12 m² private balcony
- King size bed
- Separate living room
- Flame-effect fireplace
- Luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and shower
- Walk-in wardrobe
Expedition Team
Mark Evans
Expedition leader
After university Mark relocated to Australia, settling in the remote Kimberly region. There, he established several eco-tourism businesses and led conservation efforts for sea turtles and marine mammals. His diverse career includes producing environmental films in Tanzania, guiding wildlife tours in Australia and Africa and exploring old-growth forests in the US. While living in Campbell River on Vancouver Island, he pursued his passion as a whale-watching captain and grizzly bear guide. In winter, Mark guides expeditions in the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctica.
Alexandra Kormiltseva
Historian
Aleksandra went on several expeditions to the Russian Far North when she was at university, and fell in love with the Arctic. Fascinated by stories of polar explorers and the beauty of remote corners of the world, she organised and worked on many expedition tours to the Russian Far East and the Russian Arctic, including a cruise to the North Pole and Franz Josef Land. Aleksandra's goal is to deliver a transformational experience to every guest travelling to the Polar world.
Javier Cotin
Ornitologist
Javier's love for birds and nature has taken him to some of the world's most remote corners. From studying Eleonora's Falcons in the Mediterranean to exploring seabird habitats in Tasmania, he's dedicated his career to understanding and protecting wildlife. With a PhD from the University of Barcelona, Javier's research focuses on how human activity affects bird populations. Now, based in the Pyrenees, his passion for birding and adventure never fades. Javier's tales from his ornithology research in faraway lands are as thrilling as they are interesting, and he can't wait to share them with curious Swan Hellenic guests.
Mark Evans
Expedition leader
After university Mark relocated to Australia, settling in the remote Kimberly region. There, he established several eco-tourism businesses and led conservation efforts for sea turtles and marine mammals. His diverse career includes producing environmental films in Tanzania, guiding wildlife tours in Australia and Africa and exploring old-growth forests in the US. While living in Campbell River on Vancouver Island, he pursued his passion as a whale-watching captain and grizzly bear guide. In winter, Mark guides expeditions in the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctica.
Alexandra Kormiltseva
Historian
Aleksandra went on several expeditions to the Russian Far North when she was at university, and fell in love with the Arctic. Fascinated by stories of polar explorers and the beauty of remote corners of the world, she organised and worked on many expedition tours to the Russian Far East and the Russian Arctic, including a cruise to the North Pole and Franz Josef Land. Aleksandra's goal is to deliver a transformational experience to every guest travelling to the Polar world.
Javier Cotin
Ornitologist
Javier's love for birds and nature has taken him to some of the world's most remote corners. From studying Eleonora's Falcons in the Mediterranean to exploring seabird habitats in Tasmania, he's dedicated his career to understanding and protecting wildlife. With a PhD from the University of Barcelona, Javier's research focuses on how human activity affects bird populations. Now, based in the Pyrenees, his passion for birding and adventure never fades. Javier's tales from his ornithology research in faraway lands are as thrilling as they are interesting, and he can't wait to share them with curious Swan Hellenic guests.
Start Your Journey
For any inquiries and reservations, please contact your travel manager. We’ll help you organize an unforgettable journey.
Start Your Journey
For any inquiries and reservations, please contact your travel manager. We’ll help you organize an unforgettable journey.