HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit
three diverse and spectacular biomes including the temperate Falkland
Islands, sub-Antarctic South Georgia and the frozen Antarctic continent
- Encounter
hundreds of thousands of stately king penguins on the beaches of
incomparable South Georgia
- Experience
abundant wildlife including seabirds, seals and even some of the great
whales at close range
- Explore
the spectacular Antarctic wilderness in a casual atmosphere of
like-minded travelers
- Cruise
in comfort along towering icebergs, serrated maritime mountains and
luminous glaciers
- Zodiac
landing craft allow visitation on remote shorelines and otherwise
inaccessible areas
- The
ship's “open bridge policy” allows observation of
its sophisticated navigation equipment and provides an excellent
location to view wildlife the landscape (subject to weather and
critical navigation maneuvers)
- Expert
lecturers and naturalist guides
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
| Dec 19, 2024 | Jan 07, 2025 | 32,495 |
33,834 |
| Nov 13, 2025 | Dec 02, 2025 | 16,754 |
17,444 |
Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
| Dec 19, 2024 | Jan 07, 2025 | 32,495 |
33,834 |
| Nov 13, 2025 | Dec 02, 2025 | 16,754 |
17,444 |
ITINERARY
Day
1: Ushuaia, Argentina
Your
gateway for this expedition is Ushuaia, Argentina. Nestled within the
Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia offers you a small-town feel but
has many shops, museums, cafes and restaurants to enjoy before your
voyage. If you’re feeling adventurous, the nearby national
park and Martial Glacier offer plenty of hiking and outdoor activities.
Day
2: Embarkation Day
As
we embark, the anticipation and excitement grows. Trade your land legs
for sea legs, meet and greet your fellow travelers and get acquainted
with your ship. As every Antarctic adventure presents new opportunities
and experiences, Embarkation day is just as exciting for your
Expedition Team as it is for you. They’re onboard to ensure
your comfort and safety, as well as help make your wildlife dreams come
true.
Day
3: At Sea
There
are many activities to keep you engaged while we’re at sea.
Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship or attend
illustrated presentations by your Expedition Team. You will be prepped
on procedures for your Zodiac cruises and shore landings as well as be
given instructions for getting the most out of your upcoming kayaking
opportunities.
Day
4-5: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Upon
arrival in this archipelago your cameras will get their first real
workout capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged feel of these remote
islands. The Falkland archipelago contains two main islands - East and
West, which we will explore by Zodiac excursions and daily landings.
Port
Stanley is often a favored landing site, as the town offers a unique
British outpost feel, complete with an eclectic charm. You’ll
be free to explore the town, grab a pint at the local pub, or visit
numerous churches and museums.
In
terms of wildlife, the archipelago is home to a variety of penguin
species, including Magellanic, Gentoo and Rockhopper. If lucky, you may
spot King Penguins here as well! We can also expect to see Black-browed
Albatross and many other bird species around the islands, including an
opportunity to see the two endemic species; Cobb’s Wren and
the Falklands flightless steamer duck. Your team of lecturers and
specialists will be sure to educate you on the local flora and fauna so
that you get the most of a memorable time in the Falklands.
Day
6-7: At Sea
Sailing
south, we’ll enter Antarctic waters by crossing the invisible
biological boundary unique to Antarctica – the Antarctic
Convergence. Encircling the continent, cold, northward-flowing
Antarctic waters meet and mix with the warmer waters of the Indian,
Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, creating the abundance of krill and
microscopic marine life that attracts whales and other species to this
part of the world. Ship staff will be sure to keep you posted when we
cross this invisible, yet important line.
Day
8-11: South Georgia
This
remote outpost has long been a centre for exploratory expeditions and
commercial exploitation. Many of these original inhabitants arrived to
the island to hunt whales and elephant seals. Populations were once
decimated, but thankfully populations have rebounded and whaling and
sealing ceases to exist today. You will see many remnants of these past
activities; including several whaling stations and other abandoned
outposts.
One
significant and historic site that will be of interest is the grave of
the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at
the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling
station, the museum and a small gift shop and church and a research
station of approximately 20 scientists and support personnel.
While
South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the
islands, it is the wildlife on South Georgia that you and your
shipmates will likely find the most captivating. Often referred to as
the Galapagos of the Poles, South Georgia contains an exceptional
quantity of wildlife. Each landing you make on South Georgia will open
your eyes to a new wonder of wildlife.
One
day you may see rookeries with thousands of King Penguins waddling on
the beach. Another day could take us to a beach with jousting elephant
or fur seal beachmasters fighting to retain their harems.The grasses,
mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in
the breeding and survival of different species, something that your
Expedition Team will be pleased to tell you about during your
excursions on this impressive and unique island.
Day
12-13: At Sea
Say
goodbye to the king penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica!
Your days at sea are filled with seminars from your Expedition Team,
who will prepare you for the wildlife that will be greeting you upon
your arrival in Antarctica. In between presentations, spend time
chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.
If
conditions allow, we may attempt landfall on the South Orkney Islands,
our first official stop in Antarctica.
Day
14-17: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
The
most common reaction to arriving at the White Continent is a sense of
reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, as few
places are as untouched, unique and enduring as Antarctica.
You
will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment
you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete desolation and
silence, at the next moment you’ll be inspired by nature as a
calving glacier crashes into brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by
to inspect your footwear.
Your
Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are
trekking up a glacier, visiting a research station or consorting with
penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are
found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals.
Curious whales, such as minkes, are often attracted to our Zodiacs,
giving you a chance to get within reaching distance of these majestic
animals. Each day and every landing will present a new collection of
creatures to entertain you and keep your camera shutter busy.
As
exciting as the Zodiac excursions and landings are, perhaps
you’ll treat yourself to an extra special Antarctic
experience by partaking in an optional (extra cost) kayaking excursion
or going for a swim in Antarctic waters!
Day
18-19: Crossing the Drake
After
more than two weeks of endless wildlife encounters, your journey home
begins. Crossing the Drake Passage is your unofficial rite of passage,
which will complete your Antarctic adventure.
Enjoy
some final moments mingling with your fellow travelers. The noisy,
busy, populated world awaits your return, so savor the silence of the
sea as long as you can.
Day
20: Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina
After
breakfast aboard the ship, it is time to part ways and say goodbye to
your Expedition Team. Airport transfers will be provided for those
departing on the first homeward flights. Other guests will be
transferred to town.
Ocean Explorer (Luxury Expedition, 138-guests)
Ocean Explorer, the newest addition to our fleet, is modern, elegant
and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has
been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the
ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine
engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing
experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the
two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to
the expedition ship.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Shipboard
accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All
breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks on board
- All
shore landings per the daily program
- Leadership
throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader
- All
Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
- Formal
and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and special guests as
scheduled
- Photographic
journal documenting the expedition
- Waterproof
expedition boots on loan for shore landings
- An
official expeditions parka to keep
- Coffee,
tea and cocoa available around the clock
- Hair
dryer and bathrobe in every cabin
- Comprehensive
pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic
Reader
- All
miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All
luggage handling aboard ship
- Group
transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
- One
night pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast
- Group
transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day
- Group
transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local
airport
ADVENTURE OPTIONS
- Hiking:
Free
- Polar
Plunge: Free
- Zodiac
Cruising: Free
- Kayaking:
USD 995
- Paddling:
USD 295
