Antarctic Peninsula & South Georgia Expedition Cruise

south georgia king penguins on beach istk

Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia

from £19329 excluding flights

11-17 nights
Jan-Mar

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Highlights

south georgia wildlife king penguins2 rh

Visit the world’s largest king penguin rookeries

antarctica south georgia abandoned church whaling station grytviken istk

Learn about the old whaling stations and research facilities

south georgia elephant seals and king penguins st andrews bay istk

See beaches filled with basking elephant and fur seals

antarctica paradise bay iceberg reflection istk

Cruise past breathtaking icebergs and sweeping glaciers

Spot adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins

antarctic peninsula kayaking through icebergs pov istk

Choose from a range of adventure options

Why this trip...

Choice of vessels

We offer a wide choice of small ships from simple budget-conscious options to purpose-built luxury vessels

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Expertly guided

In-depth knowledge and expertise will enrich your experience on this trip

Immersive exploration

Immerse yourself in your surroundings on a true exploration of remote and spectacular areas

Overview

This incredible adventure cruise retraces Shackleton’s infamous voyage, visiting Elephant Island before continuing south to the awe-inspiring icescapes of the Antarctic Peninsula. Days are filled with opportunities to see humpback and minke whales, penguins and leopard seals, along with a host of historic sites and scientific stations.

Synonymous in the minds of many with Shackleton’s heroic journey following the infamous Endurance Expedition, South Georgia is also home to a staggering volume of wildlife. Literally millions of fur seals and penguins breed on this archipelago together with wallows of elephant seals and nesting albatross.

This extraordinary expedition combines two of the world’s most isolated ecosystems. Participating passengers are treated to wildlife sightings not possible anywhere else on Earth. While the penguins, seals, whales and albatross may be seen as the main attraction, the abundant beauty and serenity of the wandering icebergs and imposing mountain peaks should never be an underestimated part of the enthralling experience.

Itinerary

With a population of more than 63,000, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. Surrounded by the sea to the south and the mountains to the north, Ushuaia is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruise. Overnight at a hotel in Ushuaia.

After embarkation in the late afternoon, you will cruise down the historic Beagle Channel towards open sea.

There are many activities to keep you engaged while you are at sea. You could learn to identify the seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend the illustrated presentations by the Expedition Team. They will prepare you for the shore landings and Zodiac cruising to come.

A series of landings are planned around South Georgia, taking in king penguin rookeries, noisy elephant seals, abandoned whaling stations and the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

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Your journey continues with the voyage south towards the Antarctic Peninsula.

On arrival at the Antarctic Peninsula you will encounter towering, glacier-capped mountains rising from a brilliant blue sea, dotted with ice floes and penguin colonies. Listen for calving glaciers, visit historic sites and research stations and set foot on the Great White Continent.

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The Drake Passage crossing is a fitting end to your voyage – there may be a chance to see a variety of seabirds on this final stretch of your journey.

Disembark in the ship, where your polar expedition ends.

All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only – embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes and landings will be dependent on weather, sea and ice conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions!
The above sample itinerary is based on the 16-day voyage on the Ocean Adventurer. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, i.e alternative embarkation or disembarkation ports, or do not include the pre-voyage hotel night. Please contact us for specific details.

Vessel Finder

There are a choice of vessels available for this voyage offering different departure dates and price points. Compare the facilities of up to three ships at a glance and talk to our Travel Specialists who will be happy to advise which one is right for you.

Ultramarine

The spacious Ultramarine is a purpose-built expedition ship, offering a choice of adventure activities as well as the chance to explore by…

The spacious Ultramarine is a purpose-built expedition ship, offering a choice of adventure activities as well as the chance to explore by helicopter.

Maximum passengers: 199

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Passengers: 199
Class: Ice-strengthened
Balcony Cabins
Sauna
Helicopter: on board
Jacket: Jacket to keep
Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
Optional Activities

World Explorer

The World Explorer is a new state of the art, purpose-built expedition vessel, among the fastest and most luxurious in our fleet…

The World Explorer is a new state of the art, purpose-built expedition vessel, among the fastest and most luxurious in our fleet of small ships.

Why choose the World Explorer?
Environmentally aware, fast and efficient, and with the added luxury of superior facilities and spacious cabins complete with your own private balcony, the World Explorer is one of a new generation of small expedition ships making polar cruising as comfortable as it is exciting.

Compare

Passengers: 176
Class: Ice-strengthened
Balcony Cabins
Pool/Hot tub
Sauna
Jacket: Jacket to keep
Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
Optional Activities

Ocean Adventurer

An attractive ice-strengthened vessel, the Ocean Adventurer features plenty of outside deck space making this a great choice for a polar adventure.

An attractive ice-strengthened vessel, the Ocean Adventurer features plenty of outside deck space making this a great choice for a polar adventure.

Why choose the Ocean Adventurer?
Recently refurbished, the Ocean Adventurer offers modern elegance and has ample outside deck space for excellent wildlife viewing.

Compare

Passengers: 132
Class: Ice-strengthened
Jacket: Jacket to keep
Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
Optional Activities

Ocean Explorer

A purpose-built expedition ship offering ample deck space and generously sized cabins, the Ocean Explorer’s innovative design has been meticulously crafted specifically…

A purpose-built expedition ship offering ample deck space and generously sized cabins, the Ocean Explorer’s innovative design has been meticulously crafted specifically for polar exploration.

Compare

Passengers: 138
Class: Ice-strengthened
Balcony Cabins
Pool/Hot tub
Sauna
Jacket: Jacket to keep
Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
Optional Activities

Select 2-3 items to compare.

Optional Activities

Multi Destination

Kayaking

Price on request

Duration variable | Jan-Mar, Jun-Aug, Nov-Dec

Paddle alongside seals, icebergs and more on a polar kayaking excursion.

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Multi Destination

Kayaking Taster Session

Price on request

Variable hours | Jan-Mar, Oct-Dec

Explore the polar region on a sit-on-top kayak.

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Antarctica

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Price on request

Variable hours | Jan-Mar, Nov-Dec

Paddle amongst icebergs for a new perspective.

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Prices and Departures

Price from £19329 excluding flights

Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

Voyage prices shown are standard but you can be assured that any relevant offers will be applied with your quote.

What's Included

Shipboard accommodation
All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
Tea & coffee available around the clock
All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
Expedition jacket – yours to keep
Loan of rubber boots during voyage
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
No surcharge guarantee
Full financial protection

2025 Departures

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. The indicative prices shown in the table below are the standard voyage fare and do not reflect any applicable special offers or discounts. Single, triple and quad cabins are also available. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage and cabin type.

Date	Duration	Vessel	Prices from (pp)
06 Jan 2025	18 days	World Explorer	£26,500
16 Feb 2025	18 days	Ocean Explorer	£21,100
16 Mar 2025	12 days	Greg Mortimer	£19,329

Activity Icon Key

Kayak taster session
Kayaking
Paddleboarding
Snorkelling

Note

The inclusions for this cruise are dependent on the vessel chosen, though those shown are applicable to all

Current Offers

Special Offer

Antarctica 2024/25: Up to 35% off Antarctic voyages plus no single supplement

Journey to Antarctica with up to 35% savings aboard the Ocean Adventurer, World Explorer and Ultramarine.

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Special Offer

Antarctica 2024/25: Up to 20% off select voyages aboard the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle

Expires: 29th June 2024

Book your 2024 voyage to Svalbard, Greenland or the Canadian Arctic now to receive amazing savings PLUS up to £1,600 Air Credit…

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The World's Great. Pass it On

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Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia

Highlights