Explore the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula on this exciting 18-day polar voyage aboard the Polar Pioneer. Embark in Ushuaia, Argentina, and follow in the footsteps of Shackleton as you witness peak summer wildlife activity, learn about whaling history, visit research stations, and land on the Antarctic continent. Disembark and tour Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands, before flying to Santiago or Punta Arenas, Chile.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
The Drake Passage offers excellent birdwatching from the outer decks or the warm bridge. The expedition team presents Zodiac and environmental briefings as well as enlightening talks on Antarctica. Keen eyes watch for icebergs, penguins, seals, and cormorants as you approach your first landing in the South Shetland Islands.
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.
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.
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.
Between South Georgia and the Falklands 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 18: Falkland Islands | Disembark | Fly to Santiago or Punta Arenas
1 Breakfast
Dawn greets you in the capital of the Falkland Islands/Maldivas: Stanley. Here, bid farewell to the Polar Pioneer. You have the option of either spending more time exploring the Falkland Islands or continuing on to Punta Arenas or Santiago, Chile.
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.
$18,900
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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.
Initial deposit is $2700 plus $250 USD deposit for any activities at the time of booking, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
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.
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.