Depart from Ushuaia, Argentina on this 17-day luxury expedition to the Antarctic aboard Le Boreal. You will visit the staple destinations of this southern sea, including the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and of course the iconic Antarctic Peninsula. Seals, penguins, and hardy marine life have made their home on the ice and glaciers that you will explore via zodiacs and hikes. You'll delight in the impressive landscapes and surprisingly diverse wildlife!
Highlights
Journey beyond the Antarctic Circle by crossing the imaginary polar line
Marvel at dynamic landscapes from lush moors to glaciers and icebergs
Observe vast colonies of penguins, sea birds, and magnificent marine life
Learn about the Antarctic from a team of experienced naturalist guides
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Ushuaia. Transfer directly to board Le Boreal or, before embarking, transfer to Arakur Resort, located inside Cerro Alarken Natural Reserve. Enjoy time at leisure, lunch on site, and choose to join an optional excursion to see the remarkable Tierra del Fuego National Park. Embark your ship between 4:30 and 5:30 this evening and settle in to your cabin.
The Falkland Islands are an archipelago lost at the tip of the South American continent. They are composed of over 700 islets and two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, both declared nature reserves. As Le Boreal finds its way towards New Island, lying in the west of the archipelago, the coastlines, carved by the wind and sea, form numerous isolated inlets with beaches of golden sand. These faraway lands, which once attracted seal and whale hunters, have become the last sanctuary of the elegant black-browed albatross, which glides gracefully through the air against the blue sky, while southern rockhopper penguins and elephant seals bask on the shore.
Leaving the Falklands, set out for South Georgia. As you cruise the open water, keep your eyes out for marine mammals or seabirds who play alongside the vessel.
Day 6: Salisbury Plain | Fortuna Bay, South Georgia
Found on the north coast of South Georgia, Salisbury Plain is best known as a breeding site for king penguins. At times there are as many as 500,000 penguins making their home here. Elephant seals and fur seals also come to visit this broad coastal plain. Another excellent area to spot penguins and seals in the thousands is Fortuna Bay. Coupled with a breathtaking view of mountains and glaciers reaching for the ocean, Fortuna Bay does not disappoint.
Welcome to the world's most southerly territorial capital. Named by a Swedish surveyor in 1902, Grytviken translates as "Pot Bay" for the pots found on site once used to render seal oil.
Landing at the St Andrews Bay brings you up close and personal with Mount Skittle. Here you also may encounter more king penguins who gather in colonies of up to 100,000.
Located at the eastern end of South Georgia, Gold Harbour is named for the angle of morning and evening sunlight that illuminates the cliffs with a bright yellow light. The area is a breeding ground for king and gentoo penguins, as well as elephant seals. You may also see some sooty albatrosses flying overhead, as these infamous birds also breed in the harbor. In the afternoon visit Cooper Bay, a location that offers the most accessible macaroni penguin colonies for viewing.
The mountainous and ice-covered Elephant Island is most famous for hosting Ernest Shackleton and his crew in 1916. Following the loss of their ship in the ice of the Weddell Sea, the 28 men reached Elephant island after a harrowing journey over ice floes. Shackleton, knowing there was no chance for their rescue, sailed to South Georgia with five other men determined to make it back to Elephant Island to rescue the rest of their crew. After four and a half months, Shackleton returned and rescued the remaining crew members from the original expedition. Learn more about the daunting explorations of Shackleton and his crew from guides aboard Le Boreal.
This infrequently visited island is home to several thousand pairs of chinstrap penguins. Just off the coast is Dragon's Teeth, a group of black tooth-shaped rocks.
Day 12: Neko Harbor | Petermann Island, Antarctica
Deep in Andvord Bay, you find this little corner of paradise at the foot of an immense glacier. Neko Bay is without doubt one of the most beautiful sights of the Antarctic Peninsula. Wildlife is as abundant as it is exceptional: sea birds such as gulls, Cape petrels, and cormorants, as well as marine mammals like seals, orcas and whales. Just above the Antarctic Circle lies Petermann Island, a small island that is home to a large Adelie penguin colony, seals, and many Antarctic sea birds.
Share in the excitement on board as Le Boreal cruises across the mythical Antarctic Polar Circle, a journey only few have taken. Drifting icebergs and ice floes create a magical backdrop for this unforgettable day.
Spend your last days on board Le Boreal reflecting on your once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Share memories and photos with your fellow travelers or simply relax and take advantage of your ship's amenities before returning home.
Spend a whole day exploring Ushuaia, the capital of Tierrra del Fuego and the southermost city in the world. Tourist attractions include Tierra del Fuego National Park, Lapataia Bay, and the city museum of Yamana, English, and Argentine settlement. You can also visit the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. Ushuaia's wildlife includes local birds, penguins, seals, and orcas.
Day 17: Ushuaia, Argentina | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Following breakfast on board, disembark in Ushuaia and transfer to the airport for your homeward journey.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$20,860
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Select a Date
Superior Stateroom
8 cabins, 226 sq ft, located on Le Champollion Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area and private bath.
Select a Date
Deluxe Stateroom
28 cabins, 200 sq ft with private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Select a Date
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
Deck 4, 200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Select a Date
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
Deck 5, 200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Select a Date
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
Deck 6, 200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Select a Date
Deluxe Suites
3 suites, 290 sq ft with 54 sq ft private balcony, located on the Le France Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, desk, minibar, private bath.
Select a Date
Prestige Suite - Deck 5
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
Select a Date
Prestige Suite - Deck 6
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
Select a Date
Owners Suite
1 suite, 484 sq ft with 97 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living, dining areas, private bath with large tub and shower, minibar, 2 flat screen TVs, DVD, CD, and IPOD, Video on demand, Satellite phone.
Notes
Please Note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and subject to change without notice.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
16 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 16 Dinners
16 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Port Fees
Unlimited Wifi
Onboard Entertainment
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
Gratuities to Onboard Crew
“Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
24h Room Service (special selection)
English-Speaking Lecturer
Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite.
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Visa Fees
Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
Luggage Handling
Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions
Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses
I could not be happier with my Adventure Life experience, from beginning to end. I travel a lot, and I think your company and personnel do an outstanding job. I truly appreciate your professionalism, attentiveness, and flexibility. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company and would be happy to serve as a reference.
Constance Block
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
