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Days
21
Price from
43455CAD
Map of Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Explorer including Antarctica, Argentina and Falkland Islands (malvinas)

Follow the trail of the legendary Sir Ernest Shackleton to the Great White Continent

Embark on an immersive 21-day adventure across the depths of the Drake Passage to the awe-inspiring Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Discover what made Shackleton’s journey such an impressive feat and be immersed in wildlife encounters along the way. Visit penguin rookeries, spot whales breaching and scout for seals along the shores. Take Zodiac excursions with a team of onboard polar experts through ice-filled bays and explore off the ship. While at sea take advantage of the creature comforts on offer with comfortable living quarters and services catering for health and wellness. Discover the last frontier on this once-in-a-lifetime Antarctic trip.

Start
Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish
Ushuaia, Argentina
Destinations
Antarctica, Argentina, Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Style
Peregrine
Theme
Polar
Code
PPWOS
Physical rating
Ages
Min 8
Group size
Min 1, Max 200

This trip is no longer operating but a new adventure is waiting for you

Why you'll love this trip

  • Retrace the route of the legendary Sir Ernest Shackleton who led three expeditions to the Antarctic region and uncover the historical events of his journey

  • Enjoy the freedom to customise your trip with a wide range of optional activities. In addition to regular Zodiac excursions, choose to explore the water on a kayaking expedition, sign up for a photography masterclass, rejuvenate with some onboard yoga and massage, or camp out overnight like a true polar explorer

  • Whereas most polar expeditions of this kind have a crew-to-passenger ratio of ten, fifteen or twenty to one, Peregrine expeditions on the Ocean Endeavour have an expedition crew member for every 8 passengers for a greater personal touch

  • Our experienced leaders have made hundreds of polar voyages. Learn about the history, geography and wildlife of the Antarctic from experts in marine biology, glaciology and history

  • Rest assured you will leave only footprints behind. Your Antarctica expedition is carbon offset, and we serve only sustainably-sourced seafood, avoid single-use plastics and use biodegradable and phosphate-free cleaning products on board

  • This is the perfect adventure for solo travellers, with single cabins at the same price as some twins

Is this trip right for you?

  • Although our ice strengthened ships are big and sturdy, Antarctic waters can be unpredictable and rough. Some people may experience seasickness, especially through the Drake Passage and other open water crossings. Please be prepared with medications to combat this. There is also a doctor on board should you need further assistance.

  • As you’d expect, temperatures in the Antarctic can be freezing. And yet it can get surprisingly warm at times – when the sun comes out, for instance, or with increased physical activity. It is wise to dress in layers when you journey outside. We provide you with waterproof boots that are sturdy and warm. Please see the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information for further details on what to bring.

  • Weather depending, you will be making regular excursions in a Zodiac boat to explore the local area and look for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you are dressed appropriately and that you keep your camera safe and dry. Sturdy sea legs are needed as you make wet and dry landings from the boat, and on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. The Ocean Endeavour has a lift, but you will need to take stairs to get to the gangway and some other parts of the ship that the lift does not provide access to.

  • The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure, and although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands; the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to others (which are equally as interesting). We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather. The onboard library and educational lectures are ideal ways for keeping entertained.

Your Antarctic ship - The Ocean Endeavour
Kayaking in the Antarctic
An abandoned whaling ship on South Georgia Island
Enjoy your journey to the Antarctic Peninsula on the Ocean Endeavour
The Whaler's Church on South Georgia Island
Seals relax on one of the beaches on the coast of South Georgia Island

Boats

Ocean Endeavour boat sailing

Ocean Endeavour

The Ocean Endeavour is a far cry from the expedition vessels of old and, just quietly, we're tipping it’s the place be in the 2021 Antarctic season.

Boat type
Expedition
Passengers
200
Learn more

Itinerary
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Welcome to the port city of Ushuaia for the start of your Antarctic adventure. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel and settle in before meeting your fellow travellers. If you’re arriving earlier there are plenty of activities to choose from. Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure, or perhaps take a walk around town, visiting the waterfront overlooking the Beagle Channel. The Museo Maritimo (Maritime Museum which is housed in an old prison) sets the scene of the city’s history or enjoy a delectable combination of Argentinean wine and steak at a local restaurant.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

You will have some time this morning to shop for any last-minute items and take a final look around town before departing in the afternoon. The main street of Avenida San Martin (San Martin Avenue), in downtown Ushuaia, has plenty of stores stocked with clothing, Argentinian crafts and a selection of wines and food products. This afternoon, you’ll be transferred from your hotel to the pier where you’ll board your vessel and new home for the duration of your Antarctic exploration. Here you’ll meet your expert crew and take a tour of the amenities and services available on the ship. In the evening, the ship sets off through the Beagle Channel and we bid farewell to the southernmost tip of South America as we make our way towards the crossing of the legendary Drake Passage. Join your shipmates and meet the polar crew this evening for drinks during the Captain’s Welcome, then sit down to dinner in the evening.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

The infamous Drake Passage has a reputation for rough seas, but it’s also a rite of passage and part of the adventure of Antarctica. Over the next two days get to know your team of polar experts as they share in-depth knowledge into the Great White Continent, its wildlife, history and geology so you can gain a greater understanding and be prepared for exploration off board. Depending on weather conditions, make your way out to the deck for the chance to spot Antarctic wildlife such as whales, dolphins or perhaps albatross and other seabirds such as prions and petrels. The polar crew is familiar with the wildlife that inhabit these parts and are there to help point out any approaching marine life.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

Set your eyes on the incredible terrain of the world’s most southern land. Get ready for onshore exploration over the next four days, stepping off the ship and into a Zodiac and taking your first steps on the Antarctic Peninsula. There are a number of potential landing sites and the crew will make a decision on which will be visited based on conditions. A list of these sites can be found at https://www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/antarctica/landing-sites. Enjoy Zodiac rides to get closer to marine life such as whales and seals; onshore exploration at penguin rookeries; and optional activities such as snowshoeing, kayaking and camping overnight (these must be booked before departure). Wildlife encounters on the Antarctic Peninsula are likely to include Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals; gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins; and elephant seals. If the weather conditions make an excursion unsafe, the crew will arrange for alternative activities on the ship – such as wildlife presentations, documentary screenings or you can make the most of the wellness spa, heated pool and sauna, library and gym on board.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (4)
  • Lunch (4)
  • Dinner (4)

Retracing Shackleton’s path to South Georgia, look out for seabirds, whales and other wildlife. Listen to sessions from our onboard Antarctic experts and take in the shapes of the seascape. The ship will head towards Elephant Island where, weather permitting, we will attempt to make a landing. Elephant Island is where Sir Ernest Shackleton left 24 of his men after being shipwrecked in 1917, then embarked on one of the greatest survival stories of all time on a mission to South Georgia.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Continuing the journey following the route of Shackleton across the ocean to South Georgia, life on board is a very different experience to that of the explorers at the start of the twentieth century. The islands of South Georgia, located in the southern Atlantic Ocean, were described by Shackleton’s crew as a ‘piece of the Alps transplanted in the Atlantic – with peaks, glaciers and frozen lakes on which man has yet to venture’.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

Over the next few days, explore the island of South Georgia, once the homestead of whalers and lonely explorers but now a protected area with dedicated Antarctic research teams. Home to hundreds of thousands of breeding pairs of king penguin at St Andrew’s Bay, the largest king penguin rookery on South Georgia – this is a wildlife spectacle to behold. See enormous quantities of sea birds, fur and elephant seal pups and discover a wealth of history. Spend time at the old whaling settlement of Grytviken and pay a visit to the grave of the legend himself – Sir Ernest Shackleton. The island has been a British Overseas Territory since 1775 and, at 3,755 square kilometres (1450 square miles), it's the largest island in the territory.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (4)
  • Lunch (4)
  • Dinner (4)

Leave South Georgia and chart a course for the Falkland Islands. From the deck, scan the horizon for seabirds and other wildlife. Prepare for the Falklands by attending the onboard presentation highlighting the dramatic history and wildlife encounters that await.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

The two main islands (East Falkland and West Falkland) have much to offer and provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity, extraordinary scenery and history of the southern islands. The Falklands have the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world and five species of penguin breed on the islands (gentoo, king, macaroni, magellanic and rockhopper). Here we will explore the capital of Port Stanley, located on East Falkland Island, offering an opportunity to meet the locals whose colourful houses provide contrast to the icy backdrop. In addition, depending on time and conditions, we will endeavour to visit the islands’ penguin breeding grounds.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

Cruise towards Ushuaia with time to reflect on the spectacular scenery and prolific wildlife you've encountered during the voyage, along with the endeavours of legendary explorers like Shackleton.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

As the journey comes to an end, disembark in Ushuaia where you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
A departure transfer to the airport is included in your voyage fare if you are flying out today. Please speak to a Peregrine booking agent to organise this.

If you are flying out today, please do not book your flight to depart Ushuaia before midday in case of any delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

20 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 19 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, Zodiac

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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