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Shackleton's Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Explorer

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Length

21 Days

Embark

Ushuaia

Disembark

Ushuaia

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Highlights

Explore the penguin colonies, famous sites and glaciers of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.
Marvel at the breathtaking scenery and enormous King penguin colonies of South Georgia.
Explore Grytviken and Elephant Island—sites written into the legend of Shackleton’s historic Antarctic voyage.

This is an epic voyage of discovery aboard the Ocean Endeavour, as you follow in the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton and unearth the secrets of Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands. Marvel at spectacular rugged scenery, mingle with thousands of King penguins, seals and observe soaring albatross in the wildlife meccas of South Georgia and the Falklands. Glide through ice floes in a zodiac with expert guides among Antarctica’s towering icebergs and majestic glaciers in search of whales and predatory leopard seals.

With optional adventures including camping, kayaking, snowshoeing and photography workshops; together with luxury touches thanks to an on board saltwater pool, sauna, hot tub and spa treatments this journey of discovery will be etched in your memory forever.

Ships

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Standard Activities

Bird Watching

Citizen Science

Hiking

Lectures

Penguin Watching

Polar Plunge

Itinerary Day to Day

Day 1

Ushuaia, Argentina

On arrival at Ushuaia Airport, please make your way through to the Arrivals Hall where our representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. He/she will be holding a sign with your name on it.

The first night of your voyage is spent in the quaint town of Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world and the capital of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire).

The remainder of the day is at leisure and you are free to explore, maybe making a few last-minute purchases from the many shops or artisan markets or relaxing in a café. Avenida San Martin is the main street and there are some excellent museums to visit or you may prefer to wander the streets taking in the town’s dramatic setting, with views of the mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south.

Ushuaia

Embarkation Point

Day 2

Embarkation in Ushuaia

This morning is free for you to explore Ushuaia, giving you time to wander the streets of this quaint port town, or discover Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Transfer to the pier of Ushuaia for embarkation in the late afternoon and you will be welcomed on board the Ocean Endeavour by the Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers.

This evening we set sail through the Beagle Channel that was named after the British ship the HMS Beagle. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, and is rich in wildlife. Keep a look out for Magellanic penguins, rock cormorants, petrels and black-browed albatross from the deck as well as sea lion colonies.

Enjoy your first taste of life at sea and a welcome dinner. The air is likely to be filled with anticipation, as your next view of land will be of Antarctica – the White Continent.

Ushuaia

Tierra del Fuego

Beagle Channel

Days 3-4

At Sea, Crossing the Drake Passage

The infamous Drake Passage, named after the famous English explorer, Sir Frances Drake, separates the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from the southernmost tip of South America.

Enjoy the fabulous on board facilities, maybe join a yoga class, or attend a presentation or two given by the Expedition Team to prepare you for what lies ahead – from the geology of Antarctica to the history, wildlife and even the ice!

As we sail towards Antarctica, there is a fall in temperature as we cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. The Antarctic Convergence is marked by an increased number of seabirds, whales and other species that are attracted by the nutrient-rich waters pushed to the surface by the colder waters of the polar region flowing north and meeting the warmer equatorial waters flowing south.

Head out on deck to look for the mighty albatrosses that fly overhead, scan the waters for breaching whales and icebergs, or gaze out from the panoramic windows of the observation deck.

We continue our course south and hope to make landfall by the evening of Day 4, depending on the weather conditions. Keep on the look out for the first sighting of land – that heralds your arrival to the White Continent!

Drake Passage

Antarctic Convergence

Days 5-7

South Shetlands Islands and Antarctic

Day 8

Elephant Island & At Sea

Days 9-10

At Sea

Days 11-14

South Georgia

South Georgia captivates every traveller that steps foot on its shores. Home to the greatest concentration of wildlife on the planet, here penguins number in the hundreds of thousands, blanketing beaches as far as the eye can see.

We aim to spend four days exploring this stunningly beautiful island, an island that is not only overrun with an incredible array of fauna, but one that is steeped in history. South Georgia was an intrinsic part of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated Endurance Expedition and was once the centre of the whaling industry.

South Georgia is home to over 30 million breeding birds, thousands of seals, the introduced Norwegian reindeer, nesting sites of the wandering albatross, four breeding species of penguin and the largest colony of king penguins on this planet. It is known as the ‘Galapagos of the South’. If the wildlife is not enough of a draw card – then the spectacular scenery against which it is set can only enhance your visit – emerald green bays, snow-covered peaks and blue glacier ice.

We explore by Zodiac and kayak and on foot, with opportunities to learn more about photography from one of our expert guides.

Every day provides a different experience and a different location. Stand in awe amongst tens of thousands of penguins, look out across beaches carpeted with elephant seals, visit the remains of abandoned whaling stations and even the grave of Shackleton himself.

South Georgia

Days 15-16

At Sea

Days 17-18

Falkland Islands

Have your camera at the ready as we approach the ruggedly beautiful Falklands archipelago to capture not only the abundant wildlife but also the incredible scenery.

Over the next couple of days, we explore the Falkland Islands by Zodiac and on foot as we make daily shore landings and maybe even discover smaller inlets by kayak.

Learn about the intriguing and controversial history of the Falkland Islands as we explore the quaint capital of Port Stanley, with its British outpost feel. Near the town you may see Southern giant petrels, the endemic Falkland steamer ducks, kelp gulls and dolphin gulls. There are also black-crowned night herons, red-backed hawks, peregrine falcons and turkey vultures.

As we explore the islands, look out for the 5 species of penguins found here, large populations of black-browed albatrosses, elephant and fur seals, Peale’s and Commerson’s dolphins, orcas and a myriad of bird species including the Falkland’s flightless steamer duck, imperial shags and Cobb’s wrens.

Falkland Islands

Port Stanley

Days 19-20

At Sea

Day 21

Disembarkation in Ushuaia

Route Map

There are 10 main destinations visited

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Extra Activities

Explore these 5 add on activities

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Kayaking

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Photography Program

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From $ 399 Per Person

Camping

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From $ 299 Per Person

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

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From $ 299 Per Person

Day Paddle

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Extra Activities

When you’re visiting the Great White South, there are certain experiences that can take your adventure to the next level. Stepping off a Zodiac to go camping on the Antarctic Peninsula is undoubtedly one of them. Fall asleep amid the snow-capped mountains as you watch the colors of the Antarctic twilight bounce off the ocean and surrounding glaciers. The only locals you may be sharing your home with for the night are the Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap penguins who keep a low profile, nesting nearby. This is an experience like no other which allows you to completely connect with the landscape, feeling its power into the early hours.

Is Ice Camping for you?

No previous experience is required for this popular activity, Ice Camping – a true wilderness experience of Antarctica that everyone can participate in. Forego the comforts of your cabin, connect with nature and enjoy the true silence of Antarctica in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We camp in warm and waterproof bivy bags in Antarctica, so there can be rocks, snow, mud, and frozen surfaces to contend with. But you’ll leave with memories of an overnight adventure you will never forget and bragging rights that you are part of a select few that have camped on the White Continent.

What to expect

If you have booked the camping excursions, after dinner has concluded, you will board a Zodiac and be guided by the expedition team to the camping site. They will stay with you overnight in case you need assistance with anything. After setting up camp, you’ll spend the night onshore (about 10 hours in total) before waking up to return to your ship for breakfast.

What you’ll need?

Participants need to be prepared for Antarctic conditions and wear appropriate clothing when Ice Camping. This includes a hat, gloves, extra thick socks, a windproof, waterproof parka and pants. You will generally be supplied with a bivvy bag, insulating mats and the best view ever from the portable toilet!

Booking in advance

Ice Camping is offered on a selection of Antarctic voyages, so we recommend booking ahead to secure your place. Ice Camping is generally only available at the start of the season during November to January departures when the snow is soft. Please note that Ice Camping numbers are limited on each voyage so we recommend booking ahead to secure your place and avoid disappointment!

Minimum Age

The minimum age for participants is generally 16 years, as young children are more susceptible to hypothermia.

What's Included

All meals onboard the Ocean Endeavour including snacks
Accommodation onboard the Ocean Endeavour in booked cabin category
Onboard lecture program from Expeditions Team and Naturalists
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruising (except paid adventure options with cost)
Use of rubber boots on land and use of waterproof outer shell jacket
Insulated inner jacket, yours to keep at the end of the voyage
Transfer from Ushuaia airport to hotel (Day 1) and prenight hotel with breakfast
Transfer from Ushuaia hotel accommodation to the Ocean Endeavour for embarkation
Transports to Ushuaia airport on return to port
All port taxes
All landing fees
Use of onboard gym, sauna, pool and jacuzzi and onboard Yoga

What's Excluded

Mandatory travel insurance
International or internal flights unless specified
Airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified
Meals other than those specified in the pre-departure information
Pre or post cruise travel expenses
Visa (if applicable) and passport fees
Fuel surcharge may be applied to all bookings
Paid adventure options and all personal expenses
Tobacco, alcoholic or beverages (other than coffee and tea)
Miscellaneous extras
Laundry and communication charges on board
Gratuities for Expedition team and crew (recommended US$15 per person per day)
For minors under 16 years of age at time of travel; life jackets, waterproof outer shell jacket, insulated inner jacket and boots
For guests who require larger sizing; Waterproof outer shell jacket, insulated inner jacket and rubber boots

We’ll carefully listen to your aspirations and curate an impartial shortlist of personalized polar cruise recommendations—and pre- and post-cruise extensions—to match your desired experience.

Next we’ll place a free, no obligation, 24-hour cabin hold on your preferred cruise option whilst we discuss the final details. Book and relax safe in the knowledge you’ll be paying the lowest price guaranteed.

Then we’ll provide you with our expert packing advice, insider travel tips, and more to ensure you are fully prepared for—and maximize your enjoyment of—your once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica expedition.

Shackleton's Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Explorer

Highlights

Ships

Standard Activities