For those who find traditional luxury too stuffy, an ultra-exclusive expedition is set to redefine the Antarctic experience. From November 10-20, 2026, a group limited to just 16 skiers and 5 guides will embark on a $60,000-per-person journey that pairs high-altitude adventure with the opulence of a world-class superyacht. The excursions from the vessel will be guided by Ice Axe Adventures with the CEO of SnowBrains Miles Clark serving as one of the ski guides.
The Powerhouse Vessel: Sherakhan
The base for this full-circle adventure is the Sherakhan, a 70-meter powerhouse designed to be a destination in itself. Far from a typical research vessel, the yacht features:
- Elite Culinary Standards: A Head Chef who previously served as the Royal Chef for the King and Queen of the Netherlands.
- Gatsby-Esque Interiors: A centerpiece 7-meter-high atrium crowned with a magnificent chandelier and Art Deco curves.
- Worldly Sophistication: Decor including custom olive root chairs, first-edition literary works, and a 26-seat dining table.
- Complete Wellness: A crew of 19 that includes a full-time beautician to assist guests between expeditions.
The Wildest Itinerary on the Planet
The expedition focuses on the Antarctic Peninsula, a realm where blue whales and massive penguin colonies are the standard breakfast view. While precise locations depend on weather, featured stops include:
- Deception Island: The rare opportunity to sail directly into the crater of an active volcano and swim in waters warmed by hot springs.
- Lemaire Channel: An 11km gorge known for migrating orcas and humpback whales, framed by the towering “Una’s Peaks.”
- Paulet Island: Home to 100,000 pairs of Adélie penguins and the historic ruins of the 1900s Nordenskjöld Expedition.
- Paradise Harbour: A protected bay perfect for kayaking and spotting rare leucistic (semi-albino) Gentoo penguins.
As part of the trip, guests will ski tour with guides in some of the wildest terrain on the planet.
Expedition Logistics
To maximize time on the Lost Continent, guests will sail across the Drake Passage but utilize a private charter flight for the return from King George Island, Antarctica, to Punta Arenas, Chile.
Price: $60,000 per person.
Not Included: Flights to Ushuaia (Argentina), return flights from Punta Arenas (Chile), and required evacuation insurance.
“Whatever the location, at land or at sea—and trust us, Sherakhan has seen them all—this 70m powerhouse remains a destination in herself. Her 19 crew includes a full-time beautician and a Head Chef that worked in several Michelin-starred restaurants…that’s before he was appointed Royal Chef for the King and Queen of the Netherlands. Her logbook would wow London’s Geographical Society, but this luxury liner is anything but stuffy. Light woods and a vivid white palette have brought her up to date, while a collection of curios—including custom-made olive root chairs, first-edition works of famous authors, and an intricate, freestanding globe—retain a feeling of worldliness. The centerpiece is a 7m-high atrium garlanded with art deco curves and framed with a magnificent chandelier. Sitting at the 26-seat dining table below feels like having dinner on Jay Gatsby’s yacht.” – Antarctica Cruising Guide
From sampling fiery homemade vodka at the Vernadsky Research Station’s private pub to skiing untouched peaks, this voyage offers a rare blend of extreme exploration and Michelin-starred comfort at the edge of the world.
To reserve your place aboard the Sherakhan, visit Ice Axe Expedition’s website.
