Ocean Tramp sailing between Antarctic icebergs

Ocean Tramp Antarctica Cruises

Where sailing charm meets antarctic adventure—every journey is a tale of ice and wind

A polar cruise on board the Ocean Tramp

6 Reviews

Classic

What we love about the Ocean Tramp

Only eight guests: Antarctica without the crowds of a large ship.

Wildlife at eye level: Broad open decks keep the water close.

Hands-on expedition: Built for photographers, scientists and active explorers.

Ocean Tramp
Ocean Tramp
+20
Ocean Tramp

Ocean Tramp is the Antarctica yacht we recommend when the way you travel matters as much as the places you reach. With just eight guests, four private double cabins and a working sailing crew, she feels less like a small cruise ship and more like joining a real polar expedition. You are close to the decisions, close to your fellow travellers and, most importantly, close to the water, where a whale surfacing beside the hull becomes an eye-level encounter rather than a distant view from a high deck.

What we love most is the yacht's direct connection with Antarctica. Her broad open deck gives photographers time and space to follow changing light, seabirds and wildlife, while her small size creates an unusually social atmosphere on board. The crew adapts the day to weather, ice and opportunity within the confirmed itinerary. Some voyages include a guest scientist or citizen-science work, but the exact programme must always be checked for your departure.

This is not a luxury yacht, and that is part of Ocean Tramp's character. Cabins and shared spaces are compact, life on board is informal, and travellers should be comfortable moving around a working sailing vessel and using steps or a boarding ladder. In return, you get a genuine eight-person expedition, a close relationship with the crew and the feeling that you are participating in the voyage rather than watching it from the sidelines.

Book Ocean Tramp if you are curious, active and happy to trade hotel-style facilities for intimacy, flexibility and a more immediate experience of the polar world. If you want broad entertainment programmes, large suites or a resort atmosphere, another ship will suit you better.

Dates & Prices of Ocean Tramp

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Amenities on board the Ocean Tramp

binoculars

Observation Deck

zodiac fleet

Zodiac Fleet

boat

Open Bridge Policy

library

Library

kayak

Kayaks on board

bar

Bar

lounge

Observation Lounge

Food & Drinks on board the Ocean Tramp

Meals on Ocean Tramp match the yacht: warm, generous and refreshingly unpretentious. A typical expedition day may bring a simple soup-and-sandwich lunch, a hearty home-cooked dinner, and plenty of hot drinks and snacks when you return cold from outside. Recent external guests repeatedly praise both the food and the care taken with dietary needs.

This is not marketed as a gourmet cruise, and fresh produce can naturally become more limited during a remote Antarctic voyage. Tell us about allergies or dietary requirements before booking so the practical arrangements can be confirmed. What matters here is gathering around the table, warming up and sharing the day's stories with a group small enough for everyone to know one another.

Ocean Tramp's take on sustainable traveling

When conditions allow, sailing reduces Ocean Tramp's reliance on its engine. A wind generator, solar power, LED lighting, motion-sensor and flow-restricted faucets, and onboard freshwater production help reduce fuel, electricity and water use. Eight guests make wildlife encounters highly personal, but small does not mean impact-free: routes, landings and distances remain governed by ice, weather and polar-visitor rules. Research or citizen-science work varies by departure and must be confirmed.

Cabin Categories on board the Ocean Tramp

Shackleton's Cabin - Ocean Tramp
Shackleton Suite

Type:

Dormitory

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

Beagle Bunk - Ocean Tramp
Beagle Bunk

Type:

Dormitory

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

Forward Cabin - Ocean Tramp
Forward Cabin

Type:

Dormitory

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

Mermaid Cabin - Ocean Tramp
Mermaid Cabin

Type:

Dormitory

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

More info about the Ocean Tramp

Category
Classic
Type
Micro-Cruises (1-35 Guests)
Capacity
8
Year built
1997
Beam
5.35 m
Draft
2.2 m
Gross tonnage
32 tons
Cruising speed
7 knots
Length
19.55 m

Reviews of Ocean Tramp

Rodrigo

Ocean Tramp

Classic

I am a local scientist based in Universidad de Magallanes (Chile). I have travelled in the Ocean Tramp across Tierra del Fuego fjords for nearly two months (2023 and 2024) and the experience has been superb. Not just because we could carry out all our research goals, but also because of the landscape, the boat, the food and, above all, the friendly and genuine good vibes of the crew. We were able to get to tricky sites thanks to the mastery of the crew and after a day of working onshore, we were always received with a hot and amazing meal in a cozy space. All the rutinary issues of living onboard were rapidly solved and we could focused on doing science, travelled across one of the most amazing scenaries in the planet and having fun. At the end of the trips it felt like leaving your adventurous family behind.

Maraina

Ocean Tramp

Classic

In March of 2023 I went on my first month-long scientific research expedition through the fjords of Tierra del Fuego onboard the Ocean Tramp. In March of 2024, I was able to go back and repeat the experience! Both trips were life-changing for me. Our research group was focused on fieldwork onshore in remote fjords along the Beagle Channel. The captain and crew were amazing about getting us into the places that we needed to go. On both trips, we were able to hit all the field locations we hoped to visit. They were extremely well skilled in planning the logistics and finding us safe anchorages for ‘weather days.’ I realize that my time on this boat has been much more extensive than those who have been on the usual 2-week trip. So, I have to say, the food was amazing the whole way through the month both times! On both trips we had some people with dietary restrictions and the cook or crew always worked hard to make a good meal for them, too. The beds were cozy and comfortable. I had the lower bunk in the bow both times, and there was plenty of cabinet space to stuff the contents of my duffel bag. It did get damp occasionally, but the crew would often open the hatches a bit and vent it all out while we were out doing fieldwork. Also, the crew seemed genuinely happy to be there. Anytime we were underway and a whale would pop up, whoever was behind the wheel would make sure we all knew! I 100% recommend this company if you’re looking for the real, no-frills, experience. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be on a real expedition, this is it!

Sandra Smith

Ocean Tramp

Classic

I travelled with Quixote Expeditions on their expedition sailboat Ocean Tramp. I did one of their specialized trips I’m the Chilean Fjords. I couldn’t have had a better experience with the crew and boat. They made sure we took advantage of every opportunity to land, go out in the kayaks and experience the true wilderness of the wholly undiscovered area. I would go again in an instant on any of their trips.

Christopher Anderson

Ocean Tramp

Classic

I've lived and worked in Patagonia for 25 years... both Chile and Argentina. I've traveled through the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago on all kinds of vessels, including navy ships, yachts, helicopters, and fishing boats... and I've done research expeditions on charters boats for all kinds of reasons, including BBC documentaries... but hands down Quixote is the best operation... in my case on Ocean Tramp. Not only is the comfort and attention first class, but the personalized efforts of crew and staff makes the difference. Plus, there is no option that equals their commitment to also support research and conservation in southern Patagonia and Antarctica. Thanks so much Quixote!!!

Pavel Kalian

Ocean Tramp

Classic

I've had the chance to board the Ocean Tramp sailing to Isla de los Estados during the expeditions monitoring it's endangered Southern river otter population. A truly unique experience in one of the most pristine environments I have ever been to. A well maintained boat with one of the most professional, supportive and friendly crews I've ever sailed with - Thanks Woj, Ewa and Leandro, it was a real pleasure. The trip was perfectly planed and prepared, the boat very well maintained and equipped for high latitude sailing and provisioned abundantly for the whole trip. The attention to details making the guests feel comfortable and safe aboard was quite impressive. The Ocean Tramp is a comfortable and spacious boat for it's size with internal steering, making it dry and safe to sail even in the harsh conditions of the Southern Ocean. While not required, the guests were welcome to take part in the operation of the boat and could learn a thing or two from the crew, definitely a big plus for me being a sailor myself. Highly recommended if you are looking for an experience more intimate and closer to the nature than the big cruise ships can offer. For the antarctic trips, the option to avoid crossing the Drake Passage and fly to the King George Island I consider a big advantage of the Quixote Expeditions offering - while the experience from the crossing may sometimes be intense, it can hardly be good. Been there, done that :)

Alejandro Valenzuela

Ocean Tramp

Classic

Great experience and service! Best option for boat trips in Tierra del Fuego Archipelago and Antarctica. I am traveling with Quixote Expeditions doing onboard science since 2016 and always everything is perfect

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