Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia
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.
Highlights
- Visit the world’s largest king penguin rookeries
- See beaches filled with basking elephant and fur seals
- Learn about the old whaling stations and research facilities
- Trace the last leg of Sir Ernest Shackleton's famed South Georgia crossing
- Step foot on Antarctica, Earth’s seventh and most mysterious continent
What's Included
- Shipboard accommodation
- All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
- Shore landings & Zodiac cruises
- Experienced Expedition Team
- Presentations on board
- Expedition jacket
- Loan of rubber boots during voyage
Full description
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.
Prices & Dates *
Offers
Antarctica 2020/21: Save up to 40% on selected voyages
Antarctica
Book your Antarctic 2020/21 voyage now to receive up to 40% discount on selected voyages and cabin types.
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Antarctica 2021/22: Save up to 35% on selected voyages
Antarctica
Receive a discount of up to 25% on your voyage, plus an additional 10% discount if you pay in full by the end of September 2020.
Discover MoreAirfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
2020/21 Departures - Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin
| Departure | Duration | Vessel | Activities | Prices from (pp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 Dec 2020 | 16 days | World Explorer | £17,596 |
Activity options:
Kayaking
Kayaking taster session
Paddle boarding
2021/22 Departures - Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin
| Departure | Duration | Vessel | Activities | Prices from (pp) | Special Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Nov 2021 | 16 days | World Explorer | £17,596 | ||
| 08 Dec 2021 * | 16 days | Ultramarine | £20,792 | ||
| 13 Dec 2021 | 16 days | Ocean Diamond | £15,596 | ||
| 22 Dec 2021 * | 20 days | Ultramarine | £32,792 | Shackleton focus | |
| 29 Dec 2021 | 16 days | Ocean Adventurer | £15,596 | ||
| 07 Feb 2022 | 18 days | Ocean Endeavour | £13,180 | ||
| 12 Feb 2022 | 16 days | World Explorer | £17,596 |
* This voyage starts and finishes in Buenos Aires
Activity options:
Kayaking
Kayaking taster session
Photography
Paddle boarding
Snowshoeing
Snorkelling
Note the inclusions for this cruise are dependent on the vessel chosen, though the following are applicable to all:
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 »
Itinerary & Vessels
Itinerary & Vessels
Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
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.
Days 2: embarkation day
After embarkation in the late afternoon, you will cruise down the historic Beagle Channel towards open sea.
Days 3-6: at 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.
Days 7-8: South Georgia
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.
Day 9-10: at sea
Your journey continues with the voyage south towards the Antarctic Peninsula.
Days 11-13: 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.
Days 14-15: Drake Passage to Ushuaia
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.
Day 16: Disembark in Ushuaia
Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina, where your expedition ends.
Notes
- 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 World Explorer. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, ie alternative embarkation or disembarkation ports, or do not include the pre-voyage hotel night. Please contact us for specific details.
World Explorer
Multi-destination
Grade: Deluxe
Type: Expedition Ship
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.
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Ocean Endeavour
Multi-destination
Grade: Superior
Type: Expedition Ship
The Ocean Endeavour is a bright and spacious purpose-built expedition ship, with excellent facilities, a range of optional activities and a focus on health and wellbeing.
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Ocean Adventurer
Multi-destination
Grade: Standard
Type: Expedition Ship
An attractive ice-strengthened vessel, the Ocean Adventurer features plenty of outside deck space making this a great choice for a polar adventure.
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Ocean Diamond
Antarctica
Grade: Superior
Type: Expedition Ship
One of the fastest ships in our fleet, the Ocean Diamond is also the first Carbon Neutral polar vessel, with all emissions being offset.
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Ultramarine
Multi-destination
Grade: Deluxe
Type: Expedition Ship
The spacious Ultramarine is a purpose-built expedition ship, offering a choice of adventure activities as well as the chance to explore by helicopter.
Discover MoreExcursions
Kayaking
from: £0
Duration variable Jan-Mar, Jun-Aug, Nov-Dec
Multi-destination
Paddle alongside seals, icebergs and more on a polar kayaking excursion.
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Kayaking Taster Session
from: £0
Variable Jan-Mar, Oct-Dec
Multi-destination
Explore the polar region on a sit-on-top kayak.
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Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
from: £0
Variable Jan-Mar, Nov-Dec
Antarctica
Paddle amongst icebergs for a new perspective.
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Photography Workshops
from: £0
Variable Year round
Multi-destination
Catering to both amateurs and the more serious photographer, the ship’s professional photographer is on hand to advise how to get the most out of your equipment in polar conditions.
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Snowshoeing
from: £0
Duration variable Year round
Multi-destination
Master a new skill and enjoy the opportunity to explore remote corners that would be inaccessible by foot.
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Snorkelling
from: £0
Variable Jan-Mar, Nov-Dec
Multi-destination
Immerse yourself in polar waters in search of marine adventures.
Discover moreSpecial Interest
On the following special departure, join a selection of leading experts for an Antarctic Peninsula & South Georgia voyage with a twist:
Celebrating Shackleton
Ultramarine: 22 December 2021
In commemoration of the 100 year anniversary of the death of one of Antarctica's greatest heroes, this expedition follows in the footsteps of Shackleton's Trans-Antarctic expedition. Take in the splendour of Antarctica and South Georgia, while following the harrowing survival adventure that the crew of the Endurance travelled under Shackleton's leadership. Enjoy special presentations by Tim Jarvis (author of "Chasing Shackleton") and Dr. Ross MacPhee, curator of the ground-breaking museum exhibit "The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition."
Find a holiday idea or suggested itinerary that inspires you, then send an enquiry or call us
Your dedicated travel specialist will create a quote based on your preferences
Together we’ll refine your itinerary until you’re happy and ready to book
From the moment you book until you return home we’re here for you no matter what
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