Antarctica: Meredian Private Sailing Expedition Photo Workshop & Photo Tour                
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Antarctica: Meredian Private Expedition

Ship-Based Photo Tour
Book Trip
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Antarctica: Meredian Private Expedition

Ship-Based Photo Tour
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Trip Leader(s)
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Starting From [Block//Current Price]

Single Supplement: +$6,995.00
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  Deposit: $8,000.00  
Start/End

Punta Arenas, Chile / Punta Arenas, Chile

Length

17 Days/16 Nights

Fitness Level

Level 1 - What's This?

Group Size

Up To 6 Guests

Highlights
  • Fly Over the Drake Passage: Skip the rough seas and gain more shooting time in Antarctica by flying directly to King George Island.

  • Private Photography Charter (12 Guests Max): Full control of the itinerary, two expert photo guides, and a schedule built entirely around light, wildlife, and photography.

  • Newly Refitted Expedition Ship: Enjoy the best of both worlds — a comfortable, modern vessel with Starlink internet, zodiacs for remote access, and rare single-supplement cabins.

  • Unrivaled Wildlife & Landscapes: Photograph penguins, whales, seals, and sculptural icebergs in one of the most awe-inspiring environments on Earth.

If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:

Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime photography expedition to Antarctica—crafted exclusively for photographers, aboard a newly refitted private vessel, and designed to deliver the most immersive and productive polar photo experience possible.

We’ve secured rare 2027 and 2028 dates through our personal network—this ship is in extremely high demand, with virtually no availability into 2028. Our group has full control of the itinerary, and unlike large commercial cruises, this journey is 100% focused on photography. We’ll travel with just 12 guests, guided by two of our top photo instructors, and supported by an experienced crew who understands the importance of light, wildlife, and creative flexibility.

Skip the Drake — Maximize Time on Ice

We bypass the rough Drake Passage by flying directly onto King George Island—saving 4 days at sea and giving us more time in Antarctica. This direct approach provides greater stability, more shooting days, and the flexibility to adapt the itinerary for weather and light.

Our Private Expedition Vessel

This newly refitted expedition ship offers the perfect balance of comfort and capability. Onboard, you’ll enjoy:

  • Private single cabins available (unheard of in Antarctica at this group size)

  • Comfortable double cabins with real beds on the floor (not bunks and upper berths)

  • Spacious common areas for editing and image review

  • Starlink internet to stay connected or share images on the go

  • Zodiacs and landers for safe, efficient access to remote coastlines and wildlife encounters

A Photographer’s Dream

With full control of the ship and schedule flexibility, we go where the light is best and the wildlife is most active. Every landing, zodiac cruise, and activity is tailored to photography. We’ll chase the best light, dramatic weather, and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife moments, guided by instructors who are experts in Antarctica. 

Wildlife & Landscapes

Antarctica is home to some of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth:

  • Penguins galore – including gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie colonies

  • Seal encounters – crabeater, Weddell, elephant, and the apex leopard seal

  • Whales – humpbacks, orcas, and fins often cruise the same waters we explore

  • Icebergs the size of buildings, glaciated peaks, and surreal coastal landscapes

The explosive krill bloom each summer draws thousands of marine animals to this icy realm. Combined with the dynamic light, ever-changing weather, and sculptural ice, it creates an unmatched environment for creative work.

Why This Trip Is Truly Unique

  • Ultra-small group (12 max) with full charter control

  • Photography-first design: flexible schedules, dedicated guides, curated landing sites

  • Fly-in access to avoid the Drake Passage

  • Single-supplement cabins available—extremely rare in Antarctic travel

  • Expedition comfort: a stable, comfortable ship with modern amenities and technical readiness

This is not a cruise—it’s a private, photography-first expedition to one of Earth’s most extraordinary frontiers. If you’ve dreamed of Antarctica but want the right experience—with intention, comfort, flexibility, and world-class instruction—this is your opportunity.

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What's Included
  • All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop

  • All transportation during the workshop

  • All lodging during the workshop

  • Airport transfers

  • All permits, park, and admission fees

  • Rubber boots

  • Private Charter Flights Across Drake Passage (these seats range from $6,000-8,000 and are included)

  • Professional photography guiding and instruction

What's Not Included
  • Flights to and from Punta Arenas, Chile.

  • Meals not listed as included on the itinerary

  • Lodging outside workshop dates

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Souvenirs and personal items

  • Argentina and Chile Tourist Visas (if applicable)

  • Gratuity for crew and photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities.

  • Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance (REQUIRED) - see plans here.

 Trip Itinerary 

Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Weather-Related Delays: Be prepared for potential delays or changes due to weather, affecting both flight and sailing schedules.

Day 1
Arrive to Punta Arenas, Chile (PUQ) and transfer to your awaiting hotel. To combat delays, arriving to Punta Arenas 24-36 hours before we fly to Antarctica is required.

Day 2 (B, D)
Breakfast will be provided at the hotel (on your own) and you'll have the day to explore Punta Arenas or relax. In the evening, there will be mandatory orientation and safety briefing.

Day 3 (B,L,D)
Depart from Punta Arenas and fly across the Drake Passage on our private charter flight. Board our ship at King George Island and our Antarctic Adventure begins.

Day 4-15 (B,L,D)
During these days, our flexible schedule allows us to adapt to the offerings of the Antarctic Peninsula. We embark on Zodiac tours, gliding through the icy waters to witness the magnificent mountains and marine life up close. These excursions provide incredible chances to photograph the surreal beauty of the ice formations and the wildlife that call this frozen wonderland home.

We'll have shore landings, walk amongst penguin colonies, visit old townsites, and more. Ultimately, we will chase the light and make it our goal to capture the finest Antarctica images of landscapes and wildlife.

Day 16 (B,L,D)
Disembark from the ship and prepare for your flight back to Punta Arenas. Once back, we'll transfer to our hotel and enjoy a final celebratory meal.

Day 17 (B)
Transfers  to Punta Arenas airport (PUQ) and return flights home at any time.


Important Information: The weather is the primary determinant of our flight schedules to and from King George Island along the Antarctic Peninsula. If unfavorable weather conditions arise, our travel plans may be delayed, requiring us to wait until conditions improve. Occasionally, we may advance our flight schedule to preempt adverse weather. While historical weather trends suggest minimal delays, typically not extending beyond a few days, predicting the exact timing or clearance of poor weather remains uncertain. To mitigate potential disruptions, we have incorporated extra time into our itinerary as a safety margin.

Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
Why Choose Backcountry Journeys?
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Join the Backcountry Journeys Tribe, where shared adventures in breathtaking locations foster lasting connections with fellow photographers in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
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Worry Free Travel Guarantee!

HERE’S THE DEAL

We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!

We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.

Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve
made on the site – we guarantee it!

BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS

"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2025

CONTACT US

Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS

"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.

- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director

CONTACT US

Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2025
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