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Days
21
Price from
CHF 10,955
Map of Exclusive Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands including Antarctica, Argentina, Falkland Islands (malvinas) and South Georgia

Embark an all-encompassing Antarctic expedition

Set sail from Ushuaia on the Ocean Atlantic on this extensive 20 day trip that takes in a crossing of the Drake Passage, the Antarctic Peninsula, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. Savour close-up encounters with the region's incredible wildlife – penguins, whales, and seabirds – follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers like Shackleton, and discover the history and stories buried beneath the ice. Enjoy Zodiac excursions to cruise through ice-filled bays, stop at penguin breeding grounds and land at iconic sights. While at sea take advantage of your ship's warm hospitality, comfortable living quarters, and onboard experts, with ample leisure time to absorb your unique surroundings. This Antarctic adventure provides the perfect way to discover one of the last frontiers for explorers.

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

Why you'll love this trip

  • Journey through the historic Beagle Channel and Drake Passage, looking out for rare birdlife and whales with the help of your expedition team

  • Most people will never get the chance to see the snowy mountains, icebergs and glaciers of the Great White Continent. Explore the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula from multiple perspectives on daily excursions

  • The Antarctic Peninsula is teeming with marine and birdlife. Get up close to minke, humpback and orca whales or gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins on regular Zodiac cruises and landings

  • Discover the remote landscapes, wildlife and rich history of South Georgia and the Falklands Islands

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 are freezing. A warm parka is an essential to bring, along with waterproof boots, but you should also bring base layers and warm clothing. Please see the trip notes for further important information about 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. Some ships have a lot of stairs, so please hold on to the handrails if seas are rough.

  • 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 to 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 on-board library and educational lectures are ideal ways for keeping entertained.

The spectacular Antarctic shelf
Watch humpback whales breaching in the waters of the Antarctic
There's some amazing birdlife on offer as you cross Drake's Passage
Get comfortable and explore your new home on the Ocean Atlantic vessel
Seals cover the coast and shores of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands
Do some whale spotting as you cruise across the Drake Passage

Boats

Ocean Atlantic

On this itinerary, you'll be travelling aboard the Ocean Atlantic.

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Itinerary
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Welcome to the start of your Antarctic adventure. When you arrive into Ushuaia, please make your way to the hotel where you'll meet up with your fellow expeditioners. There will be an evening briefing at 7:30pm to run through details of embarkation the following day. Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego, is the southernmost city in the world and commands a dramatic setting overlooking the Beagle Channel, surrounded by mountains. It's a major port for Antarctic bound vessels and an interesting city to explore.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
A representative will meet you in the arrivals hall to transfer you to the joining hotel.

Take the free morning to explore Ushuaia and pick up any essential supplies before boarding the ship in the mid-afternoon. Some highlights of Ushuaia include the award-winning Museo Marítimo y del Presidio de Ushuaia (Maritime & Prison of Ushuaia Museum) – located in Ushuaia’s former prison buildings dating back to 1906 – and the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, which can be reached by the “End of the World Train”. Poke your head into the many cafes, shops and restaurants along the main street of Avenida San Martin, pick up some items at the Argentinean leather markets, or maybe taste the succulent lamb dish Patagonia is famous for. On embarkation you will meet the expedition crew and be shown to your suite. In the early evening, sail down the majestic Beagle Channel – named for the legendary ship sailed on by Charles Darwin – and pass magellanic penguin, rock cormorant and sea lion colonies on a heading to Antarctica. Enter the legendary Drake Passage just after midnight.
Meals Included
  • Dinner

One of the most memorable parts of any voyage to Antarctica is crossing the famous stretch of water between the continent and South America – the Drake Passage takes it name from the 16th century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. Fill up on expert insights today with the start of the on board lecture program. Antarctic specialists will provide a fascinating insight into the continent with presentations on the wildlife, history and geology of Antarctica, laying the preparation and building the excitement for what lies ahead. The following day, cross the Antarctic Convergence, where cold polar water flowing north and warmer equatorial water moving in the opposite direction meet. This mixing pushes nutrient rich waters to the surface, attracting a variety of seabirds, whales and other species. Notice a distinct drop in temperature as you enter the icy waters of the Antarctic Ocean. If weather permits, head out on deck to look for whales, dolphins and ship-trailing sea birds such as albatrosses, prions and petrels. Depending on sea conditions, we may reach the South Shetland Islands by nightfall of Day 4.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

Your Antarctic experience will reach a whole new level from today as you set foot on the great white continent and enjoy some of the most unique wildlife viewing and awe-inspiring scenery in the world. Over the next four days, explore the islands and waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula. Making use of our on board Zodiacs, cruise amongst ice-filled bays, making shore landings inbetween keeping a look out for wildlife. Be greeted by a host of animals and maybe encounter Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals; gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins as well as elephant seals. The scenery will take your breath away as you gaze at majestic mountains, incredible glaciers and vast beautifully sculptured icebergs.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (4)
  • Lunch (4)
  • Dinner (4)

Set sail again for the open seas and retrace Shackleton’s path to South Georgia. Spend time looking out for seabirds, whales and other wildlife, listening to expedition lectures from our on board Antarctic experts and soaking up the ice-swept seascape. On the way, head towards Elephant Island where, weather permitting, we will attempt to make a landing. Elephant Island is the desolate island where Sir Ernest Shackleton left 24 of his men for months while he embarked on one of the greatest survival stories of all time, on a mission to South Georgia in the hope of returning and saving them all.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

Over the next few days, explore the wonderful island of South Georgia and see why the island is known as the “Galapagos of the South”. With enormous quantities of sea birds, penguin colonies numbering in the hundreds of thousands, sea lion pups and a wealth of history, this promises to be the highlight of any trip. The island has been a British Overseas Territory since 1775 and, at 3,755 square kilometres, it's the largest island in the territory. One of the wildest and most remote places on earth, with dramatic scenery of snow-capped mountains and huge glaciers, the island is home to tens of millions of breeding penguins, seals and seabirds. In the 19th century South Georgia was a prominent whaling base, but whaling ceased in the 1960s and the only remnants are museums and well-preserved buildings. South Georgia teems with wildlife due to the currents that bring nutrients to the island from the Atlantic, and huge numbers of penguins and seals breed here. Visit the old whaling settlement of Gritviken and pay a visit to the grave of the legend himself – Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (4)
  • Lunch (4)
  • Dinner (4)

Leave South Georgia and chart a course for the Falkland Islands. Spend time out on deck scanning the horizon for seabirds and other wildlife, and maybe take in an expedition lecture on the dramatic history and rich wildlife of the Falkland Islands.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

Land at the Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory archipelago that lies 490kms east of Patagonia in the South Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by decades of controversy, the Falkland Islands (or Islas Malvinas as they are known in Argentina) have been settled and claimed by France, Spain, Britain and Argentina. 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). Port Stanley, the capital and located on East Falkland Island, offers an opportunity to meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colourful houses provide contrast to the long dark winters. Today explore Stanley, chosen as the capital for its sheltered harbour and access to abundant fresh water and peat for fuel. Take a historical walking tour of the town to learn more about Stanley’s rich and colourful history. If time permits we will also visit nearby bird and penguin colonies.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Set sail to West Falkland Islands where you may visit two of the most popular islands – West Point Island and Carcass Island. West Point Island is famous for its spectacular scenery and impressive wildlife.  It's home to a vast colony of Rockhopper Penguins and Black-browned Albatrooses, which nest in close proximity to each other. Carcass Island is renowned for it's exceptional birdlife due to it being rodent-free. Gentoo and Magellanic Penguins also nest here.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Sail towards Puerto Madryn and enjoy 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 (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

Disembark the ship in Puerto Madryn and take a transfer to Trelew airport or a centrally located hotel in Puerto Madryn.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please do not book any flight leaving Trelew before 2.00pm today.

Meals

19 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 19 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, Zodiac

Accommodation

Expedition Voyage, Comfortable hotel

Dates & availability

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Important notes

BOOKING CONDITIONS

Arctic and Antarctic bookings have an increased deposit requirement of 20% of the full voyage cost (before any discount).  The balance is due 120 days before departure.
 
If a booking is cancelled 120 days or more before departure - the cancellation fee is the full loss of the deposit paid.

If a booking is cancelled between 119 days and departure - the cancellation fee is 100% of the total price of the voyage.

Other fees may apply for air tickets and other arrangements booked in conjunction with a Polar voyage.

ADVENTURE OPTIONS
Kayaking is available to book on all Antarctic voyages. This voyage also offers snowshoeing as an optional extra. Both of these activities must be booked prior to departure and incur an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking. For kayaking, previous, recent experience is essential

This voyage is operated in conjunction with our partner company, Chimu Travel.

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.

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