SOUTH GEORGIA AND ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
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SOUTH GEORGIA AND ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
This voyage takes you to the wildlife paradise of South Georgia and the extraordinary landscape of the Antarctic Peninsula. Enjoy unforgettable encounters with untamed wildlife in a vast, dramatic and spectacular setting. Take a step back in time at historically significant sites and be mesmerized by the rich diversity and contrasts that make these regions so captivating and unique.
Watch a wild, isolated and extreme world come to life as scores of penguins dive for food, herds of elephant seals bathe in the sun, and pods of orcas pass by. You’ll be transported to your own wildlife documentary, staged in a magnificent setting of mountains, sea and ice.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Ushuaia | Day at leisure |
| Day 2 | Embarkation Ushuaia | Set sail for your adventure |
| Days 3 - 6 | At Sea | Towards the South Georgia |
| Days 7 - 9 | South Georgia | Millions of penguins, hundreds of thousands seals with a magnificent backdrop of snow-capped mountains |
| Days 10 & 11 | At Sea | Towards the Antarctic Peninsula |
| Days 12 - 15 | Antarctic Peninsula | Explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula |
| Days 16 & 17 | Cross the Drake Passage | Keep a look out for sea birds and attend the educational program. |
| Day 18 | Disembark Ushuaia | Farewell your fellow expeditioners |
SHIPS OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
World Explorer
Launched in 2019, the World Explorer is fully equipped to venture south to Antarctica. Taking 176 guests every cabin has either a private walk-out balcony or a Juliet balcony for direct ocean views as well as en-suite bathroom. There are plenty of public areas to relax after a day filled with excursions including the glass domed observation lounge, the explorer lounge and a dedicated lecture theatre where the educational program is conducted. There are health and wellness facilities featuring an outdoor running track, small gym, sauna and spa.
Ocean Adventurer
In June 2017 Ocean Adventurer underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation giving it a contemporary new look. Each of the cabins and suites were given new private bathrooms and furnishings. The main common areas such as the lounge, dining and bar areas were remodelled and major technical enhancements were made including new Rolls Royce engines, to significantly increase fuel efficiency and minimise the carbon footprint. The ice strengthened Ocean Adventurer is designed to carry 132 guests and is perfect for Antarctic exploration. The ship has open bridge access. a lounge, bar, dining area, library and gym as well as a doctor onboard.
Day 1 Ushuaia
Your gateway for this expedition is Ushuaia, Argentina. Located within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia is becoming a hip place to be with its shipping heritage and compact shopping strip, museums, cafés and restaurants. If you’re feeling adventurous, the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park and Martial Glacier offer plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking.
Day 2 Embarkation in Ushuaia
As you embark, the anticipation grows. Trade your land legs for sea legs, meet and greet your fellow travelers and get acquainted with your ship. Since every Antarctic adventure presents new opportunities and experiences, embarkation day is just as exciting for your Expedition Team as it is for you.
Days 3-6 At Sea
There are many activities to keep you engaged while you are at sea. Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend dynamic presentations by your Expedition Team. You will be prepped on safety procedures for Zodiac cruises and shore landings, and also be given instructions for getting the most out of your optional kayaking adventures, a truly intimate way to experience Antarctica.
Days 7-9 South Georgia
After enjoying South Georgia from a distance, you’ll head toward its numerable beaches to find a bay for your first land excursion. Landing sites are varied, largely determined by the weather conditions of your voyage. Whichever sites you visit, they’ll provide you with wildlife encounters unrivaled anywhere else on earth.
This is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches blanketed with penguins. It won’t take you long to realize that South Georgia is a paradise for bird lovers, as burrowing seabirds, albatross and petrels can be seen in abundance. You’ll find that South Georgia, once a popular base for whalers and sealers, is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries gone by. Your Expedition Team will help bring those days to life while you visit old whaling stations and enjoy presentations on the South Georgia of then and now.
One of the most significant sites you will visit on the island is Grytviken. This settlement is one of the first whaling stations established in sub-Antarctic waters. Many travelers find that this place has a special appeal, as it is home to the remains of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the most famous Antarctic explorers.
Days 10 – 11 At Sea
Say goodbye to the king penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with presentations, lectures and workshops led by your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife that will greet you upon your arrival. In between presentations, spend time chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.
Days 12 – 15 South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, since 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, and 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 each landing will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera 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 for the polar plunge!
Days 16 & 17 At Sea, Crossing the Drake Passage
After more than a dozen days of unique wildlife encounters and remarkable landscapes, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage. Spend time on deck watching for seabirds and whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.
Day 18 Ushuaia, Disembark
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure onward or catch your flights home.
We will tailor the perfect holiday to suit your needs.
Extend your trip to Patagonia
To make the most of your time in South America we can tailor a holiday to Patagonia to suit your voyage dates. If you have a bit more time we can create a tailor-made itinerary to some of the highlights of South America. Take a look at the Patagonia sample itineraries below and contact us to begin creating your perfect holiday.
