"We saw a gap in how most people experience the Antarctic," says Jared Sternberg, founder of Gondwana Ecotours. "Most trips begin and end at the gangplank of a ship, leaving travelers to handle the complexities of South America on their own. Our mission was to create a fully integrated journey where our guests are supported by Gondwana leadership from the moment they land in Buenos Aires until they return home."

The expedition is hosted by Gondwana’s own leadership team, including Sternberg, co-owner Eric Segalstad, and Dani Catania, the company’s Head of Guides and Operations. Catania, an Argentine native who has lived in Ushuaia for over two decades, brings ten years of professional Antarctic guiding experience to the journey. His local expertise provides a rare bridge between the culture of the Americas and the natural history of the polar regions.

"Having Dani on the team is a game changer for our guests," notes Eric Segalstad. "He does not just know the wildlife and the ice, but he also understands the soul of the region. This continuity of leadership means our guests are not just tourists on a boat; they are part of a cohesive, small-group expedition led by people they know and trust."

Once the expedition ship crosses the legendary Drake Passage, the focus shifts to immersive exploration. Guests navigate sculpted icebergs and glaciers by Zodiac to find Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie penguins. The itinerary also includes frequent landings to visit historic research stations and penguin colonies, as well as opportunities to spot humpback whales, minke whales, and leopard seals. In a departure from industry standards, Gondwana includes a guided sea-kayaking outing in the base price, allowing travelers to paddle through the silent, pristine waters of the peninsula without additional fees.

"We believe that the best way to see a place this remote is without the distraction of logistics or hidden costs," Sternberg explains. "That is why we have included everything from internal flights and airport transfers to crew gratuities and specialized activities like kayaking. Starting at $19,695, we want our travelers to focus entirely on the discovery of the landscape and the wildlife."

The result is a thoughtfully paced adventure designed to provide context and depth to one of the most remote places on Earth. By framing the Antarctic voyage within the broader cultural landscape of Argentina, Gondwana Ecotours offers a journey that is as much about the human connection to the south as it is about the physical destination.