22 Days | Sail through the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica, following the footsteps of explorer Ernest Shackleton
Follow the history of epic survivalist Sir Ernest Shackleton and uncover the secrets of Antarctica, on this three-week voyage to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Calling all wildlife, photography and history buffs – this journey of discovery aboard the Ocean Endeavour promises a rugged landscape that few have experienced. Marvel at spectacular scenery, walk with thousands of king penguins, spot seals and albatross in the wild and look out for the mightiest of mammals – the humpback whale – as you scan the horizon from land and sea. Glide through ice floes in a Zodiac with expert guides among Antarctica’s towering icebergs and majestic glaciers. With optional adventures including camping, kayaking and photography workshops, this journey of discovery will be etched in your memory (and heart) forever.
Trip overview
- Start
- Montevideo, Uruguay
- Finish
- Ushuaia, Argentina
- Theme
- Polar, Wildlife
- Destinations
- South Georgia Island, Antarctica, Argentina, Uruguay, Falkland Islands
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Comfort
- Ages
- Min 8
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 200
- Trip code
- GQMSA
- Wander the quaint British town of Stanley in the Falklands and explore the charming island farmsteads that teem with nesting seabirds – including many albatross and penguin species.
- Marvel at breathtaking polar scenery and witness the enormous king penguin colonies of South Georgia, where you’ll learn more about Sir Ernest Shackleton’s history and visit his grave.
- See the magnificent surrounds a little closer on daily Zodiac excursions and personalise your trip with our wide range of paid adventures – including kayaking, day paddling and camping.
- Explore the local famous sites, towering glaciers and abundant penguin colonies of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for whales.
- Benefit from onboard educational lectures on history, geology and ecology and participate in our Citizen Science Program – led by our expert Expedition Team.
- The Ocean Endeavour is an ice-strengthened ship – large, sturdy and suited to the unpredictable Antarctic waters. Some people may experience seasickness in occasional rough seas however, we do have a doctor on board should you need assistance. Over-the-counter seasickness medication is usually an easy fix.
- Temperatures in the Antarctic can get very cold, but it also can get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out. We recommend dressing in layers when you journey outside. We’ll provide you with waterproof boots on loan that are sturdy and warm, as well as an inner jacket that is yours to keep. Please see the Essential Trip Information for notes on what to pack.
- Depending on the weather, you’ll be travelling around in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the area and search for wildlife. It can get cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. A fair level of mobility is needed for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. The Ocean Endeavour has a lift, but you’ll need to take the 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. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area like the Antarctic. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to other locations – which are just as interesting and beautiful! We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather, but there are plenty on onboard resources and activities. The ship’s library and educational lectures are ideal ways to stay entertained, while the wellness spa, saunas, gym and yoga classes will keep you fresh for when the weather clears.
Boats
Itinerary
Inclusions
21 breakfasts, 19 lunches, 20 dinners
Expedition cruise ship, zodiac
Comfortable Hotel (1 night), Expedition Cruise Ship (20 nights)
- Onboard Lecture Program
- Daily Briefings and Recap
- Citizen Science Program
- Guided walking Excursions
- Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
- Onboard Spa treatments (various prices apply) starting from - USD95
- Yoga and Meditation Classes - Free
- Onboard Gym and Sauna - Free
- Photography Program - USD1299
- Kayaking Program - USD1299
- Snowshoeing - USD150
- Camping - USD399
- Day Paddle - USD299
- Stand Up Paddleboarding - USD299
- Polar Plunge - Free
Dates and availability
Important notes
This trip starts in Montevideo, Uruguay and finishes in Ushuaia, Argentina
SPECIAL BOOKING CONDITIONS
You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of AUD3000, USD2000, EUR1800, NZD3200, GBP1600, CAD2600, CHF1800 or ZAR34,000 per person per trip for your booking to be confirmed. Full payment is required 95 days prior to departure.
Please refer to our “Booking and Conditions” section on our website including the special conditions that apply to Antarctica Voyages (Ocean Endeavour)
ADVENTURE OPTIONS
Approaching a looming glacier in a sea kayak, strapping on snowshoes to reach the best icy viewpoints, capturing the perfect photo of a seal hunting its prey or camping under an Antarctic perpetual twilight – these are just some of the ways you can enrich your exploration of the great White Continent with our additional activities. A range of Paid Adventure Options is available on the Ocean Endeavour, on selected voyages, subject to availability. Your booking agent can assist with availability and pricing.
• Kayaking or Photography Program - Voyage-duration program available on all voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent.
• Day Paddle or Stand Up Paddleboarding- One-off excursion available on all voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent. Additional spaces may be available to book on board via the Expedition Team
• Camping - One-off excursion available on selected voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent.
• Snowshoeing - One-off excursion available on selected voyages. Book on board via the Expedition Team.
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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