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Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia

from £18100 excluding flights

  • 15 nights
  • Feb, Oct-Dec
Home Destinations Polar Antarctica Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia
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Highlights

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Visit the world’s largest king penguin rookeries

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Learn about the old whaling stations and research facilities

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See beaches filled with basking elephant and fur seals

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Cruise past breathtaking icebergs and sweeping glaciers

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Spot adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins

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Choose from a range of adventure options

Why this trip...

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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

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

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

Select 2-3 items to compare.

Prices and Departures

Price from £18100 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.

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

2023-25 Departures

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. Due to fluctuating currencies our advertised voyage prices are indicative, and where applicable will be recalculated based on the exchange rate of the day at the time of enquiry.

Date Duration Vessel Activities Prices from (pp)
28 Dec 2023 16 days World Explorer £24,200
05 Feb 2024 16 days Ocean Adventurer £17,400
06 Jan 2025 18 days World Explorer £26,500
16 Feb 2025 18 days Ocean Adventurer £21,300
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
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Tailor made trips

As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.

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We believe travel is about finding the right balance between minimising our impact on the environment and broadening minds through new experiences and cultural interaction.