The end of the map, and the beginning of a story.
Coco Tran is a Sacramento luxury travel advisor, affiliated with Montecito Village Travel, a Virtuoso member agency, who plans small-ship Antarctica expeditions with the right ship, cabin, flights and hotel nights arranged. She is sailing to Antarctica herself with Aurora Expeditions in December 2026.
For the trip no photograph prepares you for.
Ice the size of cathedrals, penguins on the shore and a silence you can hear. Antarctica is for the traveler who wants to stand somewhere truly wild. You'll sail on a small expedition ship, with every flight, hotel night and transfer arranged, so all you have to do is look up.
- 01
The Antarctic Peninsula
The classic voyage, round trip from Ushuaia across the Drake Passage, with landings and Zodiac cruises among the ice.
- 02
South Georgia and the Falklands
Longer voyages for wildlife lovers, adding remote islands to the Antarctic Peninsula.
- 03
Patagonia, before you sail
Torres del Paine and Chilean Patagonia make a breathtaking prelude. I'm adding Patagonia before my own voyage.
- 04
Ushuaia
The town at the end of the world, where most voyages begin. Arriving a day early gives you a calm buffer before you board.
How your expedition comes together.
- 01
The right ship
Smaller expedition ships can take more guests ashore at a time, so you spend more of your voyage on the ice and less of it waiting.
- 02
The right cabin
Balcony, suite or a cabin that balances comfort and value, chosen for how you'll actually spend your days on board.
- 03
A buffer day before you sail
Flights to the bottom of the world can run late. Arriving in Ushuaia at least a day before your ship leaves means you never watch it sail without you.
- 04
The season that suits you
Voyages run in the southern summer, roughly November to March, and each part of the season offers something different.
- 05
Every connection arranged
Flights, hotel nights before and after, transfers and a Patagonia extension if you want one, all in one plan.
Expedition lines I book.
- Aurora ExpeditionsSailing with them, December 2026
- PonantExpedition
- SeabournExpedition
- ScenicExpedition
- VikingExpedition
Trip planning starts at $475. Hotel-only stays with VIP perks are complimentary.
See how we work togetherWhat people ask first.
When is the best time to go to Antarctica?
Voyages run in the southern summer, roughly November to March. The best time depends on what you most want to see, and that's what our first conversation is for.
How long is an Antarctica cruise?
Classic Antarctic Peninsula voyages from Ushuaia usually run about ten to twelve days. Longer voyages add the Falklands and South Georgia.
Have you been to Antarctica?
I'm sailing with Aurora Expeditions in December 2026 and adding Patagonia before the voyage, so my advice will come first-hand.
Why choose a small expedition ship?
Smaller ships can take more guests ashore at a time, which means more landings and more time among the ice and wildlife.
Should I arrive in Ushuaia early?
Yes. Arriving at least a day before your ship leaves gives you a buffer if a flight runs late.
What does it cost to plan an Antarctica expedition with Coco Tran Travel?
Trip planning starts at $475. The full details are in the How We Work guide.