6 February 2026
Antarctic Peninsula
Inspiring Explorers Matthew and Eliza spent time on deck with third mate Clara, taking sextant readings and learning traditional navigation at sea, just as early polar explorers relied on when sailing through these vast waters.
During Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic ‘Endurance’ Expedition (1914 1917), their ship, ‘Endurance’, became trapped and was eventually crushed by pack ice and sunk in the Weddell Sea on 12 November 1915.
Shackleton and his 27 crew members camped on the ice as it drifted until April 1916 when their floe broke up. They then made their way in the ship’s lifeboats to Elephant Island.
Shackleton then made the courageous decision to sail one of the boats, the ‘James Caird’, with five crew members, Frank Worsley, Tom Crean, Timothy McCarthy, Harry McNish and John Vincent, to South Georgia to seek help.
Frank Worsley navigated the extraordinary 800 nautical mile journey from Elephant Island to South Georgia, one of history’s greatest feats. Using a sextant to measure the angle between the sun and the horizon and a chronometer to record the exact time, he calculated latitude and, with careful timing, longitude. With limited opportunities for celestial sightings in the stormy Southern Ocean, he constantly estimated the boat’s position using dead reckoning. Each sighting was used to correct calculations by hand, factoring in the dip of the horizon, atmospheric refraction and the sun’s declination, all while the lifeboat pitched and rolled through enormous waves.
Our Inspiring Explorers™ truly enjoyed experiencing a small part of this incredible skill for themselves!
5 February 2026
Antarctic Peninsula
For their final full day in Antarctica, our Inspiring Explorers™ landed on Danco Island where they were welcomed by a lively Gentoo colony.
In the afternoon they completed their biggest walk of the journey with a landing at Orne Harbour taking in the incredible views and enjoying one last moment of stillness before setting sail again toward Ushuaia, Argentina.
This site is home to one of the most southerly Chinstrap penguin colonies and made for an emotional farewell. Some team members declared they would return one day, and all agreed that this experience had been truly special.
Before leaving Antarctic waters, the group joined the ‘Bark Europa’ crew in a final round of citizen science, gathering data on water temperature, salinity and plankton levels. It was a meaningful way to contribute to the ongoing understanding of this extraordinary environment.
As their tall ship turned north to begin the long sail back, everyone settled in for the journey ahead. Progress will be slowed by prevailing winds and current, but the team is ready for the challenge and looking forward to the days at sea together.
4 February 2026
Antarctic Peninsula
Our Inspiring Explorers™ landed at Port Lockroy, an historic site cared for by our friends at UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT).
Port Lockroy was first established in 1944 as part of a wartime mission code-named Operation Tabarin. Since 2006, UKAHT has looked after the site and continues to share its remarkable cultural heritage with visitors from around the world.
Port Lockroy is made up of three buildings. Bransfield House is the heart of the base and today features a museum, post office and shop. Nearby stands the historic boat shed built in 1957, with the third building being a modern reproduction of the original Nissen hut that once stood on the site and is now used for staff accommodation.
It was inspiring for our team to learn first hand about the conservation projects underway at the site. The visit highlighted the strong connection between AHT and UKAHT, with our Inspiring Explorers™ recognising the shared challenges both organisations face in conserving Antarctica’s remarkable cultural heritage.
While there, the team enjoyed sending postcards from Antarctica and exploring the historic base. It meant a great deal to Inspiring Explorer Josiah Tualamali’i who would have happily stayed to absorb even more of the extraordinary stories held within the site.
The Port Lockroy staff came on board ‘Bark Europa’ later in the day to look around and talk about the ongoing connections between our two trusts.
3 February 2026
Antarctic Peninsula
Our Inspiring Explorers™ are now well past the midpoint of their expedition and spirits remain high. This morning they landed at Stoney Point in Paradise Bay and were greeted by sweeping views in every direction. They added new wildlife to their growing list too with sightings of a Minke whale and a Crabeater seal.
The team walked up a snowy hill for a view back over the ‘Bark EUROPA’ resting in the bay. Paradise Bay is alive with movement and sound. Even the smallest pieces of ice breaking from the glacier create a sharp crack that echoes across the water.
They also used their time ashore to capture more content for their outreach project. Matt and Eliza spoke about historic navigation and how it compares to sailing today. Lisa Blair shared reflections on what it has been like to mentor the team throughout their journey.
Later in the day the team were treated to a second landing at Neko Harbour. It has been one of the most remarkable locations for them so far. Together with the other passengers they climbed a steep snow slope to look out across a Gentoo colony. Time on the beach offered the chance to observe Gentoo chicks and the team witnessed a skua feeding on a penguin egg taken from a nearby nest.
The team are beginning to feel that familiar pull between longing for home and loved ones yet not wanting their time on the icy continent to end. They know how quickly these days will pass and how they will soon be holding tightly to the memories they have made. Life long friendships are forming and the experience is prompting many reflections about what it means to be a polar explorer and an ambassador for both the Trust and the continent itself.
2 February 2026
Antarctic Peninsula
Today our Inspiring Explorers™ were officially signed off to safely climb to the top of the masts and out onto the yards! Despite nerves, the team all challenged themselves and showed their ‘Explorer Mindset’, pushing themselves to quite literally reach new heights.
From the top they took in the incredible views. While some of the team were out on the bow they spotted more humpback whales. None of these new skills would have been possible without the wonderful crew of ‘Bark EUROPA’.
The day ended with a landing on Yalour Island. On the way they cruised past Mount Scott, the mountain climbed during our Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ 2017. The scale of it was overwhelming and a few of the team even fancied giving it a go themselves.
Yalour Island is the most southerly point on the expedition, and they were treated by an active colony of Adélie penguins who were stealing rocks, feeding their young, and tobogganing down the snow and ice.
There were tears, smiles and generally being blown away by both the colony and the vista surrounding the team. Inspiring Explorer Precious Tupou said, “I could not be here enjoying this if it was not for everyone in this team.”
The team are now headed back North, slowly hopping their way up the Antarctic Peninsula.
28 January 2026
Antarctic Peninsula
Our Inspiring Explorers™ landed at Whalers Bay on Deception Island. They were greeted by chinstrap and gentoo penguins, a few fur seals, and even a leopard seal! Snow fell for the first time since the team reached the Ice, adding to the atmosphere of this remarkable place.
They explored the historic aircraft hangar at Whalers Bay. The aircraft hangar is the largest building on Deception Island and was constructed in the 1960s to house single engine aircraft. It is recognised for its history of Antarctic aviation. Our friends at the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust recently undertook careful restoration work on the hangar after an incident with graffiti.
The team also explored Whalers House. Deception Island has a long human history. The harbour was first used by British and American sealers who operated from the island while hunting fur seals throughout the South Shetlands. As populations declined and hunting pressure increased, sealers moved on and were replaced by whalers who began arriving in the early 1900s. The bay offered a sheltered location for processing whales, and in 1912 the Norwegian Hektor Whaling Company established a permanent land station to process the entire whale carcass more efficiently. The whaling station shut and was abandoned in 1931.
The team also visited the cemetery there. The site holds the remains of more than 35 whalers who died while working in the industry, along with a memorial to 10 whalers who were lost at sea.
You may notice steam rising from the beach in photo two. This is due to the island’s ongoing volcanic activity, which creates a distinctive sulphur smell similar to Rotorua in New Zealand.
27 January 2026
Antarctic Peninsula
Our Inspiring Explorers™ have arrived at Deception Island, a vast caldera formed from an ancient volcano. The entrance to the island is a narrow passage known as Neptune’s Bellows, the only opening in the dramatic ring of land that once shaped this enormous volcanic crater.
Chinstrap penguins welcomed the team as they motored through the Bellows and into the heart of the caldera, with views across Whalers Bay where the team will explore either from the ship or ashore if the weather allows.
The morning landing was at Telephone Bay. The team climbed Cross Hill and were rewarded with sweeping views across the caldera and of ‘Bark EUROPA’ anchored far below. After days at sea they were glad to be on land again. They began filming for their outreach projects, capturing the story they will share with the world when they return. The landscape made a huge impression, with many describing it as feeling like a moonscape.
Spirits are high across the entire group for this first landing of the voyage!
26 January 2026
Drake Passage
Our Inspiring Explorers™ have crossed the Drake Passage experiencing the full force of a Drake Shake with swells reaching more than six metres!
During the four day crossing the team rotated across three watches, completing four hour shifts on with eight hours off. In those off hours they needed to eat, sleep, complete biosecurity checks, and take in the wild Southern Ocean while the ship rolled and tilted. Eating, showering, brushing teeth, and even sleeping became a challenge, but one they embraced with determination.
Everyone took a turn at the helm and helped steer the tall ship ‘Bark EUROPA’ toward the icy continent. The team also stood lookouts in the frigid weather near the bow, keeping watch for any hazards on the horizon. Nothing concerning was spotted, but they were among the first on board to sight land and to watch pods of dolphins weaving through the swells beside the ship.
They are getting to know the other passengers and settling into life on board. The crew have been exceptional.
The crossing has given the team a genuine understanding of the power of the Southern Ocean and a deeper appreciation of what early explorers must have endured on their journeys toward the Ice. Emotions have been running high on arrival, and the team are looking forward to their first landings as this remarkable exploration continues.
121 January 2026
Beagle Channel
Our Inspiring Explorers™ have now left port and are sailing through the Beagle Channel toward the Drake Passage. Their first day on the water has already been full of memorable moments, including sightings of penguins and even a humpback whale that seemed to farewell the ship.
The team have settled into life at sea and are becoming familiar with their new responsibilities as crew members on board. They have completed their first climbing drill in the rigging and continued with important safety briefings for the days ahead.
The waters are remarkably calm, and the team can hardly believe they may still have the chance to experience a Drake Shake.
20 January 2026
Ushuaia, Argentina
Our Inspiring Explorers™ have officially stepped aboard the Bark EUROPA, a historic three masted Dutch tall ship built in 1911, and the ship they will spend the next few weeks on!
After a final day exploring Ushuaia in Argentina, and picking up a few last pieces of equipment, including the essentials for time at sea, the team were welcomed on board. Their first night was spent settling into their bunks, unpacking, and taking part in initial safety briefing. Inspiring Explorer Libby, put her hand forward to demonstrate some of the safety gear.
The team depart the following morning, sailing through the Beagle Channel before continuing toward the Drake Passage. Conditions are looking lively, and the team are excited to experience what sailing in this part of the world is truly like as they learn from Bark EUROPA’s experienced crew and reflect on the legacy of the early explorers who travelled to Antarctica aboard tall ship’s.
16 January 2026
Ushuaia, Argentina
The countdown is officially on as our Inspiring Explorers™ prepare to board the ‘Bark EUROPA’ tall ship in just two days.
The team are already forming strong connections as they get to know one another before becoming crew mates, ready to rely on each other when their resilience is tested during the coming weeks.
They’re feeling prepared for the Drake Passage and have been eagerly checking the weather to see whether they’ll experience the famous Drake Lake or the equally famous Drake Shake.
Today they explored Tierra del Fuego National Park, at the southernmost tip of South America. The park sits across the eastern region of Argentina and the western region of Chile. It is a true paradise for birders, with more than two hundred species thriving in this remote part of the world. The area also holds a rich cultural heritage, shaped in part by the stories of the prisoners who once lived and worked there.
The team photo beside the large ‘Bahia Lapataia’ sign marks the end of the Pan American Highway, a route that stretches all the way to Alaska. If you walked the entire distance at 20 kilometres a day, it would take four years to complete
15 January 2026
Ushuaia, Argentina
Our Inspiring Explorers™ had an incredible moment today as they watched the ‘Bark EUROPA’ sail into port, the tall ship they will be sailing on in just a few days. They even had the chance to speak with members of the crew and hear some of their stories. The mix of nerves and excitement is really beginning to build!
The team also put their sailing kit to the test with a boat tour through the Beagle Channel in wet and chilly conditions. They landed on Isla Bridges and visited the world’s most southerly lighthouse. Thanks to support from our expedition partner Burnsco NZ, the team is equipped with high quality sailing gear that is perfectly suited to the conditions they are about to experience.
They also began work on their outreach project to share their story with the world once they return. We already cannot wait to see it come to life and share it with all of you.
14 January 2026
Ushuaia, Argentina
Our Inspiring Explorers™ have arrived at Ushuaia, Argentina, where they will board the ‘Bark EUROPA’ in a few days!
They spent the day settling into their new surroundings among the snowy Patagonian peaks, making the most of the dramatic landscape while practicing with their cameras.
There was plenty of bird watching too, led by Inspiring Explorer and bird expert, Libby Manning. They spotted Black Faced Ibis and Chimango Caracara, species found only in South America. They also saw their first Giant Petrels from Antarctica and even had their empanadas nearly stolen by a very bold Dolphin Gull.
The day ended with a walk around town before visiting Museo del Fin del Mundo and Antigua Casa de Gobierno (museums).
13 January 2026
Buenos Aires, Argentina
It is the final day in Buenos Aires for our Inspiring Explorers™.
Today they wandered through Puerto Madero, a vibrant waterfront neighbourhood, and even discovered the tall ship Buque Museo Fragata A.R.A which is considerably larger than the Bark EUROPA they will soon sail south on. The team also visited the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral.
They have now completed their last minute kit checks before boarding their flight to Ushuaia in Argentina, the final port before they set sail. It will be a crisp 5 degrees when they land which is quite a change from the 30 degree heat they have been enjoying. Wrap up warm team!
11 January 2026
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Our Inspiring Explorers™ have touched down safely in Buenos Aires and picked up Inspiring Explorers alumnus Lawrence Rothwell, who is joining the team. Lawrence was part of the Trust’s expedition to South Georgia in 2023 and has remained actively involved with the Trust.
Lawrence is an experienced sailor and a thoughtful guide. He brings a strong focus on teamwork, one of the core qualities of our ‘Explorer Mindset’, and will be a valued support for our new Inspiring Explorers™ as they sail to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Today the team have regrouped after their long flight and spent the day visiting the Bombonera Stadium, exploring the colourful streets of La Boca, and even had a go at some tango. They are truly embracing the local culture and taking in all the sights, sounds, and new smells of this vibrant city.
10 January 2026
Auckland New Zealand
They will sail aboard a century-old tall ship to get there, giving them a taste of what life was like for Antarctica’s early explorers, and how Scott and Shackleton’s ships played an integral part in the heroic era of Antarctic exploration.
Antarctic Heritage Trust
7 Ron Guthrey Road, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand
Private Bag 4745, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
Antarctic Heritage Trust
7 Ron Guthrey Road, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand
Private Bag 4745, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand