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Unforgettable wildlife encounters

In-Depth South Georgia & Antarctica

Example 18 Day Cruise aboard Polar Pioneer
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Enjoy long, glorious Antarctic days bathed in springtime, retrace Shackleton’s small boat voyage across the Scotia Sea and photograph in exquisite dawn light on the wildlife-packed beaches of South Georgia. During your 18-day Antarctic adventure experience close encounters wirh curious elephant pups, visit king penguin colonies, enjoy extended kayak excursions, learn about whaling history, visit research stations, and zodiac cruise through pack ice in the company of natural history experts and polar specialists. 
Photographing in the snow.A close up of an Elephant Seal.Mirrored reflection on our kayak excursionStunning landscapesUnforgettable wildlife encounters
Highlights
  • Follow Shackleton's footsteps from Fortuna Bay to Stromness
  • Witness the courting, mating and stone-stealing of penguins
  • Kayak through South Georgia´s spectacular northern coast
  • Zodiac cruise amongst spectacular icebergs and glaciers
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: Fly from Santiago to Falkland Islands | Embark

During the morning fly from Santiago to Stanely, the capital of the Falkland Islands/Maldivas. Here, embark the Polar Pioneer and prepare yourself for a unique Antarctic adventure. 

Day 2-4: Scotia Sea

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Between the Falklands and South Georgia you may be entranced by the ceaseless flight of the many seabirds that follow in the ship's wake. Keep watch for the kelp-skirted Shag Rocks, a fascinating group of jagged rocky islets protruding from the sea.

Day 5-8: South Georgia

  • Ship
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Enjoy ample time to explore South Georgia’s spectacular northern coast, including the world’s largest king penguin rookeries and majestic albatross nests. Kayakers revel in paddling the coastline’s nooks and crannies, accompanied by playful seals. In Stromness and Grytviken harbors, 3000-meter peaks form dramatic backdrops to the remains of whaling stations. Kelp-strewn beaches are cluttered with basking elephant seals, feisty fur seals, and penguins.

Day 9-10: Scotia Sea

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
En route to Elephant Island, retrace Shackleton’s wake across the Scotia Sea, and reflect on what you've seen and learned so far.

Day 11: Elephant Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Visit Elephant Island, where Shackleton’s men wintered beneath their upturned boats. With luck and weather permitting, go ashore to pay tribute to those hardy souls.

Day 12-15: Antarctic Peninsula

  • Ship
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Awaken to the thrill of Antarctica, where your expedition team plans to visit busy penguin rookeries, historic sites, and make a continental landing. A host of choices are now open and depending on the ice and weather conditions the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula is yours to explore. Your experienced leaders, who have made countless journeys to this area, use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day. This allows you to make best use of the prevailing weather and ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. Use daylight hours as vigorously as possible to make the most of your day.

Day 16-17: Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
The Drake Passage offers excellent birdwatching from the outer decks or the warm bridge. Keen eyes watch for icebergs, penguins, seals, and cormorants as you leave the South Shetland Islands. The expedition team presents Zodiac and environmental briefings as well as enlightening talks on Antarctica.

Day 18: Ushuaia, Argentina | Disembark

During the morning travel up the Beagle Channel to dock in Ushuaia, then transfer to your hotel or onto homeward-bound flights.

Ship/Hotel

Polar Pioneer

Enjoy a drink at the bar.
Polar Pioneer's dining room.
Polar Pioneer's bar and lounge.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$17,900
Polar Pioneer's Public Twin Cabin.
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Twin Shared
Twin Shared Cabins have two lower bunks, a desk, small washbasin, ample storage and hanging space and portholes. Showers and toilets are very close by and are shared with other Main Deck cabins.

Notes

Please note that all of Polar Pioneer itineraries are at the mercy of weather conditions and not all landings are guaranteed. These itineraries are flexible and will change voyage to voyage, allowing the best chance to make the most of surprising wildlife displays and unexpected opportunities.

- Rates represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple 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.

- Single costs are 1.7 times the twin rate
Included
  • 17 Breakfasts, 16 Lunches, 17 Dinners
  • 17 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information
  • Beer, House Wine, and Soft Drinks with Dinner 
  • Educational Lectures and Guiding Services from Expedition Team 
  • Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
  • Port Surcharges, Permits, and Landing Fees
  • Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
  • A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
  • Complimentary use of Muck boots during the voyage
  • All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
  • All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
  • On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Airport Departure Tax - Airport arrival or departure taxes
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, Wi-Fi, email or phone charges
  • Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
  • Optional activity surcharges
  • Reciprocity and Vaccination Charges
  • Passengers traveling with Aurora Expeditions are required to be covered by a reputable travel insurance policy that includes baggage loss, cancellation & curtailment of the holiday, medical, accident, and repatriation/emergency evacuation coverage worth at least $250,000 USD.

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
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