Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands Explorer
- Duration
- 21 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 16,990
Join us aboard Ocean Endeavour on this epic 21-day voyage that will appeal to wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. Antarctica, the fabled White Continent is the land of penguins, seals, whales and icebergs. Sail to South Georgia we follow in the footsteps of the heroic polar explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. Finally, the Falkland Islands are ruggedly beautiful, with their spectacular array of bird life, flora and fauna.
This 21-day cruise from Ushuaia takes you to see more of the world’s most remote and beautiful landscapes. Drop anchor at the Falkland Islands, explore the shores of the Antarctic Peninsula, and meet the immense penguin colonies of South Georgia.
Spend a night in Ushuaia to get your bearings, perhaps taking some time to explore the town’s former prison, now home to four distinct museums that will offer you the perfect snapshot of life at the foot of the world. You can also embark on a day trip into Tierra del Fuego National Park, or visit Emerald Lagoon, but consider arriving a day early if you plan to do these, as they are all day trips. Cast off the evening of your second day, keeping your eyes peeled for a wide variety of southern sea birds. Penguins, cormorants, petrels, and albatross live along the rocky shores, along with sea lions. It’s the last land you’ll glimpse before reaching Antarctica!
It takes two full days to cross the Drake Passage, so take the opportunity to meet your shipmates, and enjoy presentations from the expedition team on topics including the history of Antarctic exploration, and of course the wildlife you’ve come to see. Keep your eyes peeled for birds and marine life. They’re your sign land is not far off. At last, arrive at the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Geographically, this is one of the most impressive regions of the frozen continent, with mountain scenery and a diverse range of wildlife.
Small Zodiacs take you in for a close look at the sculpted icebergs, and intimate bays and channels that harbour large colonies of penguins, seals, and other creatures. Keep an eye on the waters around you as well, since the Antarctic coast also supports a wide variety of marine mammals. You’ll have opportunities for kayaking, snowshoeing, and photography with expert guides as you go ashore meeting animals who are just as curious about you as you are about them.
More wildlife sightings await you in South Georgia. This captivating island is home to over 30 million penguins, along with albatross, seals, and even (introduced) reindeer. Affectionately known as ‘the Galapagos of the South,’ it offers such a variety of sightings you’ll spend several days here, with zodiacs taking you in for a closer look before sailing on to the Falkland Islands. The Falklands are widely known for their disputed political past, but five species of penguin also call them home, alongside albatrosses, elephant and fur seals, and offshore mammals such as dolphins and orcas. You’ll also have the chance to visit Port Stanley and the Falkland Islands Museum to learn about the human history of these islands before your return to Ushuaia.
- Duration
- 21 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 16,990
Itinerary View Trip Map
Ushuaia, Argentina
On arrival at Ushuaia Airport, please make your way through to the Arrivals Hall where our representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. He/she will be holding a sign with your name on it.
Duration | 1 Night |
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Embarkation in Ushuaia
This morning is again free for you to explore Ushuaia further, or maybe discover Tierra del Fuego National Park, the most southerly national park of South America. The park offers a range of hiking trails that lead you through the stunningly beautiful and dramatic scenery of snowcapped peaks, lush meadows, rugged coastline, glaciers, waterfalls and lakes. Look out for guanaco, Andean foxes, muskrats and the North American beaver. Birds found here include the Andean condor, Magellanic oystercatcher, kelp goose, austral parakeet and torrent duck.
Late this afternoon we transfer to the port of Ushuaia in time for embarkation on board the Ocean Endeavour. The Expedition Team and the Ship's Officers will be waiting to welcome us aboard. As we set sail, familiarise yourself with the layout of the Ocean Endeavour and its great amenities and enjoy a welcome dinner.
This evening we sail along the wildlife-rich Beagle Channel, towards the White Continent of Antarctica. As we leave the lights of Ushuaia behind, look out for Magellanic penguins, rock cormorants, petrels and black-browed albatross from the deck as well as noisy sea lion colonies.
Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
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Duration | 19 Nights |
Accommodation |
Ocean Endeavour |
Location | View map |
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Ocean Endeavour
Ocean Endeavour is a comfortable, well-appointed small expedition ship expertly engineered to explore the Polar Regions. The ship has an ice-strengthened hull, Zodiacs for exploration and remote landings, generous deck space and advanced navigation equipment. The ship offers a superb guest experience with a nautical ...
Ocean Endeavour is a comfortable, well-appointed small expedition ship expertly engineered to explore the Polar Regions. The ship has an ice-strengthened hull, Zodiacs for exploration and remote landings, generous deck space and advanced navigation equipment.
The ship offers a superb guest experience with a nautical lounge, two restaurants, sundeck, and plenty of deck space for observation of polar landscapes, and lounges for learning and reflection. The ship's interiors have a contemporary aesthetic that provides a bright and spacious feel to the cabins and common spaces.
Endeavour is also the only polar adventure ship in Antarctica focused on health and wellness. From the newly-built saunas, to the pool, gym, hot tub and wellness café with a juice bar, the ship will offer guests onboard services and amenities that that will enhance their Polar expedition experience. The ship also has a Polar Boutique, where guests can buy gifts as well as gear they might need for the voyage.Facilities
- Boutique(s)
- Cafe
- Gym
- Library
- Restaurant
- Sauna
- Spa
- Sundeck
- Theater
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 5
At sea, Crossing the Drake Passage
The infamous Drake Passage, named after the famous English explorer, Sir Frances Drake, separates the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from the southernmost tip of South America. Enjoy the fabulous on board facilities, maybe join a yoga class, or attend a presentation or two given by the Expedition Team to prepare you for what lies ahead - from the geology of Antarctica to the history, wildlife and even the ice!
As we sail towards Antarctica, there is a fall in temperature as we cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. The Antarctic Convergence is marked by an increased number of seabirds, whales and other species that are attracted by the nutrient-rich waters pushed to the surface by the colder waters of the polar region flowing north and meeting the warmer equatorial waters flowing south. Head out on deck to look for the mighty albatrosses that fly overhead, scan the waters for breaching whales and icebergs, or gaze out from the panoramic windows of the observation deck.
We continue our course south and hope to make landfall by the evening of Day 4, depending on the weather conditions. Keep on the look out for the first sighting of land - that heralds your arrival to the White Continent!
Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
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Duration | 2 Days |
Day at Leisure
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Based on weather and ice conditions, we aim to spend five days exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, a region that has captivated explorers forcenturies and now enthralls travelers. We explore by Zodiac, cruising amongst the magnificently sculpted icebergs and making shore landings where we mingle with penguins, climb to vantage points to absorb the spectacular panoramic views, maybe visiting a scientific or historic base. There may even be opportunities to kayak and ice camp and of course learn more about photography with one of the experts.
Antarctica will enchant you with its incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snow-capped peaks, vast icebergs and ice-strewn channels. Not to mention the wildlife - from extensive colonies of chinstrap, Gentoo and Adelie penguins, to crabeater, Weddell, fur and elephant seals and a plethora of fascinating birds. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the mighty crack of a calving glacier. Maybe you will be one of the brave few to take a polar plunge in the icy waters! Every day brings a new experience and new landing site.
As we cruise from one landing site to the next, enjoy the continued lecture program and take in the scenery from the outer decks of the Ocean Endeavour. Make the most of the health and fitness facilities from the relaxing spa and saunas to the pool and gym.
Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
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Duration | 5 Days |
Day at Leisure
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
Day at Leisure
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
Day at Leisure
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
Day at Leisure
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
At sea
En route to South Georgia, weather and sea conditions permitting, we may attempt to call at Elephant Island, a half-submerged mountain cloaked with an ice sheet at the outer limits of the South Shetlands. We'll learn the story of Shackleton and hear how his ship, the Endurance, was crushed in pack ice in the Weddell Sea, before him and his men climbed into three open boats, spending 16 months at sea, before finally making landfall on this tiny toe of rock and ice in the vastness of the Southern Ocean on 14 April 1916.
Attend lectures and presentations by the Expedition Team as they prepare you for what lies ahead on South Georgia - from the history and geology to the incredible wildlife. Take in the panoramic views from the observation lounge and spacious decks or make the most of the on-board facilities that include a spa, saunas, pool, gym and yoga classes.
Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
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Duration | 2 Days |
Day at Leisure
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
South Georgia
South Georgia captivates every traveler that steps foot on its shores. Home to the greatest concentration of wildlife on the planet, here penguins number in the hundreds of thousands, blanketing beaches as far as the eye can see. We aim to spend four days exploring this stunningly beautiful island, an island that is not only overrun with an incredible array of fauna, but one that is steeped in history. South Georgia was an intrinsic part of Sir Ernest Shackleton's ill-fated Endurance Expedition and was once the center of the whaling industry. South Georgia is home to over 30 million breeding birds, thousands of seals, the introduced Norwegian reindeer, nesting sites of the wandering albatross, four breeding species of penguin and the largest colony of king penguins on this planet. It is known as the 'Galapagos of the South'. If the wildlife is not enough of a draw card - then the spectacular scenery against which it is set can only enhance your visit - emerald green bays, snow-covered peaks and blue glacier ice.
We explore by Zodiac and kayak and on foot, with opportunities to learn more about photography from one of our expert guides. Every day provides a different experience and a different location. Stand in awe amongst tens of thousands of penguins, look out across beaches carpeted with elephant seals, visit the remains of abandoned whaling stations and even the grave of Shackleton himself.
Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
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Duration | 4 Days |
Day at Leisure
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
Day at Leisure
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
Day at Leisure
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
At sea
Saying goodbye to the wildlife of South Georgia, we head west towards the isolated and sparsely populated Falklands archipelago, where the silence is broken only by the call of birds. Attend lectures and presentations by the Expedition Team, relax and unwind in the His and Hers saunas and spa and take advantage of all the other amenities on board. Weather permitting, we should arrive to the Falkland Islands on the late evening of day 17.
Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
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Duration | 2 Days |
Day at Leisure
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
Falkland Islands
Have your camera at the ready as we approach the ruggedly beautiful Falklands archipelago to capture not only the abundant wildlife but also the incredible scenery. Over the next couple of days, we explore the Falkland Islands by Zodiac and on foot as we make daily shore landings and maybe even discover smaller inlets by kayak.
Learn about the intriguing and controversial history of the Falkland Islands as we explore the quaint capital of Port Stanley, with its British outpost feel. Near the town you may see Southern giant petrels, the endemic Falkland steamer ducks, kelp gulls and dolphin gulls. There are also black-crowned night herons, red-backed hawks, peregrine falcons and turkey vultures.
As we explore the islands, look out for the 5 species of penguins found here, large populations of blackbrowed albatrosses, elephant and fur seals, Peale's and Commerson's dolphins, orcas and a myriad of bird species including the Falkland's flightless steamer duck, imperial shags and Cobb's wrens.
Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
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Duration | 2 Days |
Day at Leisure
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
At Sea
After our exploration of the Falkland Islands, we set sail on a course west, bound for the city of Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world and the capital of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire).
Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
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Disembarkation in Ushuaia
We are scheduled to arrive into Ushuaia early this morning, and we disembark after a final breakfast aboardthe Ocean Endeavour.
After saying our farewells to our Expedition Team and the crew of the Ocean Endeavour, we transfer you to the airport for your onward flight, or you may like to spend extra days in Ushuaia, giving you time to explore this fascinating town and the surrounding areas.
Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Ocean Endeavour
2021: Jan 17
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Ushuaia
- Group transfer from hotel to pier
- Shipboard accommodation
- All meals whilst on-board including snacks
- All shore excursions and zodiac cruising (*excluding forward facing zodiac)
- Guiding and lectures by expedition team and team
- English-speaking expedition team
- Free use of rubber boots on land
- Use of gym, sauna, pool and on-board Jacuzzi
- On-board yoga
- Wind and water resistant jacket
- All Port taxes
- Transfer airport to hotel on day 1 and pier to airport on day of disembarkation
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Government arrival and departure taxes
- Visa fees if applicable
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
OTHER INFORMATION:
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
The following activities are available, subject to availability:
KAYAKING - US$790 PER PERSON
Kayaking in the far-flung corners of the world is an
experience guaranteed to refresh your soul. Paddling in
small groups, you’ll glide between ice floes, brash ice and
icebergs dotted with wildlife. Previous kayaking experience
is required.
SNOWSHOEING - US$150 PER PERSON
A unique way to explore Antarctica. It makes walking up
gentle slopes a breeze, allowing you to explore places
others struggle to reach in boots alone.
CAMPING - US$290 PER PERSON
A true outdoor adventure, experience the sights and
sounds during your opportunity to fully immerse yourself
when you camp overnight in Antarctica.
PHOTOGRAPHY PRIVATE WORKSHOP - US$790 PER
PERSON
Includes workshops prior to arrival in Antarctica, critiquing
sessions while in Antarctica and editing workshops on
the return journey. Some zodiac excursions on dedicated
zodiac and dedicated to Photography guide on landings.
Return with the best capture memories possible.
HIKING - NO COST
Explore the surroundings by foot as you actively hike on
Antarctica. Only available in some locations. Weather
dependant.
YOGA - NO COST
Experience Yoga in a way like no other. On board the ship
you will find yoga available to you. This is however, weather
and swell dependent.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
17 Jan 2021