There’s nowhere else on Earth that feels this wild, this quiet, and this alive. Kayak between towering icebergs, watch penguins belly-slide across the snow, take an exhilarating polar plunge, and feel the thunder of glaciers calving as you kayak around icebergs. And while the landscapes will take your breath away, what stays with you long after you leave is the women standing beside you when it happens. Designed for adventurous women who want to experience the magic of the polar world together, this Women’s Day expedition invites you into Antarctica for unforgettable wildlife encounters and the kind of sisterhood that only forms when you’ve braved the Drake Passage and stood in awe at the edge of the world together!

As usual, we searched to the ends of the Earth (literally) to find the most extraordinary partners in small ship Antarctic Exploration. Polar Latitudes is a founder-owned and run company that, like WHOA, prides itself in creating a boutique experience that’s about bringing passionate people together with a focus on adventure and eco-friendly exploration. This voyage provides you with the comfort of a world-class Ice Class 1A ship, while taking you outside of your comfort zone with an abundance of adventure activities! What does that mean? More opportunities for landings, experiences like kayaking, and more ways to take in the natural beauty.

WHOA’s inaugural Antarctic voyage with Polar Latitudes in 2023, brought 44 women from 5 different countries together for an experience that we’re all still talking about. In 2027, we’re bringing back that magic with another group voyage that falls over a day very near and dear to our hearts, March 8th, International Women’s Day. For over a decade, WHOA has been summiting Mount Kilimanjaro on Women’s Day as a symbolic gesture of the power of women coming together, and now we’re taking it to a new level by bringing a group of women to the ends of the world in Antarctica. This expedition will be female-led and full of the WHOA camaraderie that makes our signature hiking adventures so special.

One of the most exhilarating and humbling parts of an Antarctic expedition is that each one is unique! Once we set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula, the exact route and landing sites are guided by weather, wildlife, and ever-changing ice conditions. This map highlights a few of the destinations often visited on expeditions like ours, offering a glimpse of what may be possible along the way. In Antarctica, we let Mother Nature lead the adventure, and flexibility is part of the magic!

Beneath the sleek exterior of the Ocean Albatros is decades of experience navigating the demanding Polar environment. Its patented, ice-conquering X-Bow delivers exceptional stability and comfort, even in rough seas, while its Ice Class 1A and Polar Class 6 ratings allow access to deeper ice and more remote corners of Antarctica. Onboard, spacious cabins, panoramic views, two hot tubs with sweeping 360° vistas, and a large heated mudroom with four exterior doors make zodiac boarding quick, safe, and seamless, so every moment on and off the ship is designed to maximize your time in this extraordinary place!

The Ocean Albatros keeps the Polar world front and center from the moment you wake up to lights out. The staterooms offer expansive views, most with private balconies, and multiple observation decks flow easily from indoor spaces. Two hydraulic platforms lower to near water level for rare photography opportunities, and even the outdoor Jacuzzis deliver sweeping 360° views of the landscape around you! Powered by a hybrid system of diesel and electro engines that optimize speed and fuel efficiency, the ship reduces its carbon footprint by up to 50% compared to traditional expedition vessels. Through its Green Initiative Program, comfort and sustainability work hand in hand, ensuring a lighter footprint without compromising the experience.

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When you’re in Antarctica with WHOA, adventure is woven into every single day. From kayaking past towering icebergs to polar plunging into the icy cold waters, these immersive experiences take you beyond the ship and into the wild in the most unforgettable way. Because kayaking requires specialized guides, permits, and gear, it is offered at an additional cost ($), but if you’ve come this far, you might as well go all in!