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Photographing penguins

South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari

Example 16 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Endeavour
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Be a part of this incredible 16-day adventure. Begin in Buenos Aires, where you can enjoy its heavily European-influenced
heritage before being whisked away on a private charter flight to explore Ushuaia prior to embarkation. At sea, photograph massive albatross and pintado petrel as they swoop and soar around the ship, guiding you toward South Georgia. Beaches teeming with king penguins and elephant seals greet you on this fabled island, where you can pay your respects to famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Antarctica awaits, with its geographic contradictions and overwhelming enormity. Relax on a Zodiac ride, hike glistening glaciers, share comical moments with inquisitive penguins, or witness the rugged peninsula from a sea kayak. Antarctica surprises and delights, and never disappoints.
A group of travellers sail around a penguin colony off the shores of AntarcticaA specatular iceberg off the coast of AntarcticaObserve beautiful fur sealsKayak quiet waters as you sail to remote polar regionsPhotographing penguins
Highlights
  • Experience Buenos Aires, Argentina, the tango capital of the world
  • Explore South Georgia’s king penguin rookeries – the largest on earth
  • Tour abandoned whaling stations and enjoy some stories from inhabitants
  • Enjoy on-board lectures & educational presentations from polar specialists
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Upon your arrival in Buenos Aires, transfer independently to the group hotel (pre-night hotel price is part of the additional Buenos Aires flight and transfer package).

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, the group flies to Ushuaia (price of flight is part of the additional Buenos Aires flight and transfer package). Upon arrival, take a short city tour of the quaint port town before heading to the pier. Embark on your Antarctic journey in the afternoon! Sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you see land you are in the world’s most southern continent!

Day 3-5: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Test your knowledge while you observe seabirds, penguins and the learn the history of South Georgia as you begin your educational lecture program. Your first days include time to get acquainted with fellow travelers and learn about the shore landings, Zodiac excursions, and kayaking opportunities that await you.

Day 6-8: South Georgia

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
The first indication that you are approaching South Georgia is the sighting of birds around a group of rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Rising out of the icy ocean waters, have your binoculars and cameras ready to photograph these rocks. Shags, prions and wandering albatross often rest here.

After enjoying South Georgia from a distance, head towards its dark sandy beaches to find a protected bay for your first land excursion. Landing sites on South Georgia are varied, and are largely determined by the weather conditions of your voyage. Whichever landing sites you visit, they provide you with wildlife encounters that cannot be enjoyed anywhere else on earth.

This is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches littered with penguins - in particular king and macaroni penguins. Many rookeries number into the 100s of thousands! It won’t take you long to realize that South Georgia is a paradise for bird lovers as burrowing seabirds, albatross, and petrels can be seen in abundance.

One of the most significant sites you visit on the island is located on Grytviken. This is one of the first whaling stations established in sub-Antarctic waters. Many travelers find this place of special appeal as it is home to the remains of one of the best known Antarctic explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Day 9-10: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Antarctica awaits, along with its own penguin and seal species. While you’re at sea, you can enjoy quiet time or take in presentations by the Expedition Team, which cover everything from the history and geology of Antarctica to tips on identifying different species and what makes each of them unique.

Day 11-13: Antarctic Peninsula

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
The most common reaction to arriving at the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words. Antarctica is a land of extremes: at one moment you are overcome with a feeling of complete silence and loneliness, the next you are laughing at the comical antics of a curious penguin.

Glacier hikes, visits to research bases and, of course, communing with seals and penguins are sure to keep you smiling each and every day. Perhaps catch sight of the fearless penguin-eater, the leopard seal, or come eye–to–eye with a curious minke whale while out on a Zodiac. Each day and each landing presents a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera busy.

If you find yourself wanting more, then perhaps treat yourself by booking a kayaking Adventure Option (reserve in advance when booking your trip), or if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, a little shock therapy courtesy of a Polar Plunge might be what you need!

Day 14-15: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
After more than a dozen days of memorable wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, putting a final stamp of completion on your Antarctic adventure.

Day 16: Ushuaia | Disembark | Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina

  • 1 Breakfast
Arrive in Ushuaia after breakfast. After you disembark, taste a little of Patagonia by touring Tierra del Fuego National Park before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires (price of flight is part of the additional Buenos Aires flight and transfer package).

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Endeavour

Enjoy fine dining in the Polaris Resturant
Relax in the Aurora Lounge
Listen to live entertainment in the Nautilus Lounge

Buenos Aires - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$9,395
Triple cabin aboard the Ocean Endeavour
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Triple
Approximately 225 sq. ft. (20 sq. m), a Triple on Deck 4 is an interior cabin with three lower berths, and private bath. Cabin 4100 has four lower single beds and one private bathroom with a separate shower room.
Twin Porthole (cropped)
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Twin Porthole
Approximately 95 to 105 sq. ft. (9-10 sq. m), a Twin Porthole on Deck 4 features a porthole window, two lower berths and a private bathroom.
Twin Window  (cropped)
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Twin Window
Approximately 95 to 105 sq. ft. (9-10 sq. m), a Twin Window on Deck 5 features a picture window, two lower berths and private bath.
Upper Deck Cabin (cropped)
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Upper Deck Twin
Approximately 140 sq. ft. (13 sq. m), an Upper Deck Cabin on Deck 7 features a window (obstructed view), one double or two lower berths and a private bathroom.
Twin Porthole Cabin (under renovations)
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Twin Porthole Plus
Approximately 190 to 200 sq. ft. (18-20 sq. m), a Twin Porthole Suite on Deck 4 is twice the size of a Twin Porthole, with one bathroom. It features two single beds, a separate living area with a pull out sofa bed, two porthole windows, and one private bathroom.
Single Interior Cabin aboard the Ocean Endeavour
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Single Interior
Approximately 95 to 105 sq. ft. (9-10 sq. m), a Single on Deck 5 is an interior cabin with a lower berth and private bath.
Twin Window Plus (cropped)
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Superior Twin
A superior cabin on deck five features a large picture window, one double or two lower beds and a pull out sofa bed and private bathroom. Approximately 19 m² (205 sq ft).
Top Deck Cabin (cropped)
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Top Deck Twin
Approximately 155 sq. ft. (14.5 sq. m), a Top Deck Cabin on Deck 8 features two large windows (one window with partial obstruction), one double or two twin beds and a private bathroom.
Twin Window Plus Cabin aboard the Ocean Endeavour
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Twin Window Plus
Approximately 190 to 200 sq. ft. (18-20 sq. m), a Twin Window Suite on Deck 5 is twice the size of a Twin Window, with one bathroom. It features two single beds, a separate living area with a pull out sofa bed, two windows, and one private bathroom.
Junior Suite Cabin aboard the Ocean Endeavour
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Junior Suite
Junior Suites on Deck 5 are at least 325 sq. ft. (30 sq. m), and at least 164 sq. ft. (15 sq. m) on Deck 7. All Junior Suites feature a picture window, one double bed and private bath.
Owner Suite (cropped)
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Owner´s Suite
Approximately 320 sq. ft. (30 sq. m), the Owner’s Suite on Deck 7 features two large bow-facing windows, one double bed, separate sitting room and private bath with tub.

Notes

Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.

Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7x the double occupancy rate for cabin types except for Premium cabins (2x the double occupancy rate).

Mandatory medical insurance: Travelers should have a minimum of US$50,000 (or equivalent) of emergency medical coverage prior to embarkation. It is recommended that you and all members of your party have comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage, and repatriation.
Included
  • 15 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
  • 15 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Coffee, Tea and Cocoa Available Around the Clock
  • Leadership throughout the expedition by our experienced Expedition Leader
  • Loan of Waterproof Boots for Landings
  • Official Expedition Parka to Keep
  • Select Beer and Wine During Dinner
  • Photographic Journal Documenting the Expedition
  • All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • All shore landings as per the daily program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Buenos Aires Hotel tax (up to $2 per person/night) - paid at checkout
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes
  • Internet & Phone Charges
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Mandatory Waterproof Pants for Zodiac Cruising & Any Other Gear Not Specifically Mentioned
  • Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
  • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf

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