Highlights

Challenge. Desolation. Unlimited wonder. It’s not difficult to grasp what attracted the great explorers to Antarctica. Get a personal appreciation for the struggle to tame the bottom of the world on this adventure to the land that entranced Ernest Shackleton and countless others since. Prepare to be astonished.

Falkland Islands: Meet hardy locals and see unique wildlife.
South Georgia: Encounter abandoned whaling stations and pay your respects at Shackleton’s grave.
Penguins: Catch up with king, chinstrap, gentoo, and Adélie penguins, and watch king penguins surf onto the beach.
Zodiac cruising: Get close to whales and cavorting seals from a Zodiac boat, and keep an eye peeled for towering icebergs and massive glaciers.
Antarctica: Set foot on the White Continent and explore the South Shetland Islands.
Daily lectures: Learn about the environment and ecology from industry experts.

Map/Itinerary

Please note: This itinerary is meant to serve as a general guide. Plans may change along the way, depending on weather, sea conditions, or choices made by the expedition leader and team to give you the safest and most rewarding experience.

Day 1Montevideo

Arrive in Montevideo at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Uruguay’s capital city.

Day 2Montevideo/South Atlantic Ocean

Embarkation on the ship begins in the afternoon at the port of Montevideo.

Day 3-5South Atlantic Ocean/Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

With course set southeast, become acquainted with the ship. Enjoy the lecture and educational sessions about the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.

Day 6-7Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)/Southern Ocean

The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Penguins are abundant here, and the Falklands have the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world. In Stanley, meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colourful houses provide contrast to the long, dark winters.

Days 8-9 Southern Ocean/South Georgia

With course set for South Georgia, days at sea are filled with historical and biological lectures to prepare for landings. Look out for the many whales that inhabit these waters.

Day 10-13South Georgia/Scotia Sea

Home to many interesting sites (including the grave of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton), South Georgia has several former whaling stations and boasts plenty of wildlife. Visit a huge colony of king penguins, a major highlight of this part of the journey. South Georgia is also the home over half of the world’s enormous southern elephant seals, the largest of all seals. Keep an eye out for newly birthed southern elephant pups. Weather permitting, enjoy 3-4 days free to explore this island.

Days 14-15 South Shetland Islands/Antarctica

Plotting a southwesterly course across the Scotia Sea, sail for two days, retracing Shackleton’s route backwards.

Days 16-19 South Shetland Islands/Drake Passage

Experience some of the most unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery in the South Shetland Islands, just north of the Antarctic Peninsula. Weather and ice conditions permitting, our goal is to attempt memorable shore landings daily and encounter gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. The ship will attempt to reach the Antarctic Peninsula for a landing, weather and ice-permitting.

Days 20-21 Drake Passage/Ushuaia

Reflect on a memorable adventure and take in some final lectures en route to Ushuaia. Keep a careful look out for a last chance to spot whales.

Day 22 Ushuaia

Disembark in the morning.

Inclusions/Exclusions

This expedition includes:

20 nts aboard the ship
1 nt hotel in Montevideo, on a twin share basis
Arrival and departure transfers
Zodiac excursions with the expert expedition team
Lectures and educational programs
Waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 – 16
Expedition parka
Accommodations: Twin-share hotel (1 nt), aboard the ship in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 20 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.
Meals: 21 breakfasts, 19 lunches, 20 dinners
Transportation: Expedition ship, Zodiac, private bus, walking.
Staff & experts: One expedition team member per 10 guests.

This expedition excludes:

Meals not included (allow USD25-35)
Drinks on board
Tips on board

Adventure Activities

Kayaking: from US$ 1,299
Photo Journey: from US$ 1,999

*Please note: activities are subject to weather and availability

Gallery

Dates & Prices

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