Jonathan Shackleton, a cousin of the famed Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, will travel aboard PONANT’s luxury icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot, on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition from Ushuaia, Argentina to Hobart, Tasmania in 2026.
The 31-day Unexplored Antarctica between Two Continents journey will retrace the path of pioneering polar explorers, including Sir Ernest who is best known for his heroic leadership of the 1914 Endurance expedition. After his ship became trapped and crushed in the ice of the Weddell Sea, he undertook an 800-mile journey to secure rescue for his 28 crew members.
For more than 25 years, Ireland-based organic farmer Jonathan has followed this journey on numerous visits to Antarctica, leading 44 groups to the White Continent as an historian, a guide, photographer and Zodiac driver. In 2016, he led a private voyage with Tom hanks, Michael Palin and Jools Holland among the guests.
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Now, he will join PONANT’s voyage which departs Ushaia on 16 January 2026. On board, he is expected to deliver a series of engaging lectures and informal talks inspired by those he presented during PONANT’s previous Ross Sea voyage.
Topics may include early Antarctic exploration, the Heroic Age, the life and legacy of Sir Ernest Shackleton, polar literature and the natural history of the region. Past programs have also included screenings of polar documentaries, including Shackleton’s Cabin.
