2014 marks the 100-year anniversary of one of the most epic and revered adventures in Antarctica's storied past: the disaster surrounding Sir Ernest Shackleton's ship, the Endurance. The expedition's ultimate escape is an enduring tale of survival and heroism. On this extensive Antarctic expedition, visit the White Continent and marvel at the haunting environment that so captivated Sir Shakelton and his crew.
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, the world’s southernmost city near the tip of Argentina, for the first day of your adventure. Board the Akademik Sergey Vavilov and become familiar with your new "home" for the next 20 days. As you settle in, wonder about the exciting journey ahead of you. In the early evening, set sail and begin your voyage by charting a course through the Beagle Channel.
Day 2: At Sea
If you choose, spend this first day on the ocean with your onboard polar experts. They will be educating travelers as you go deep into the wonders of Antarctica. Sailing northeast, swooping seabirds, including the wandering albatross, join your ship.
Day 3-4: Falkland Islands
Arrive in the Falklands Islands overnight. Wake up and get excited to make your first shore excursion. Explore the islands of the West Falkland Archipelago, home to a profusion of seabirds and migratory birds including the black-browed albatross. Your first penguin sightings may be on the island of West Point, with its bustling rookeries of rockhoppers. On Carcass Island, observe nesting Magellanic penguins along with oystercatchers, geese, and the flightless steamer duck who is a permanent Falkland resident. The next day make a stop in Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands. As you wander through the charming streets of brightly painted houses, learn how this quiet harbor was once a major port in the 19th century for ships attempting to round the formidable waters of Cape Horn. Also make a stop in Stanley's famed philatelic museum to take a gander at its impressive collection of historic stamps.
Day 5-7: At Sea
Sail southeast bound for the island of South Georgia. These days at sea are never dull. Much of your time is spent scanning the horizon in search of whales and other marine mammals as well as seabirds. Friendly onboard experts continue to fill minds with heroic stories of some of the earliest adventurers to explore Antarctica. Learn about Polar conservation - a theme particularly close to the hearts of your ship's guides and crew. The anticipation grows as you cross the Antarctic Convergence and notice a dramatic drop in temperature.
Day 8-10: South Georgia
Majestic snow-covered mountains greet you on the island of South Georgia - the most rugged island in this region. Cruise the protected waters of the eastern coast looking for suitable landing spots such as Salisbury Plain or St. Andrews Bay. The highlight of both these excursions is the mind-boggling abundance of king penguins that live here by the hundreds of thousands, covering every inch of the shore. But that is not the only wildlife on display: fur seals can be seen poking their heads above the water, skuas and giant petrels swoop in the skies above, and our constant companion the albatross is never far away. Hope to explore an old whaling station at Grytviken (Greet-vik-in) and visit the grave of the most famous Antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton and his right hand man Frank Wild.
Also known as "the Boss" Frank Wild was Shackleton's commander. He wished to be buried beside Shackleton but his wish never materialized due to the outbreak of WWII a week after his death. Our voyage falls exactly three years following the transport of Wild’s ashes to South Georgia, possible in thanks to a seven-year research journey by South African author and polar expert, Angie Butler, who discovered Wild’s ashes in Johannesburg.
Day 11-13: Sea and South Orkneys
As you cross the Scotia Sea, sailing ever closer to Antarctica, hope for weather conditions to allow for a stop at the South Orkney Islands. Linked to the Antarctic Peninsula by an enormous sub-marine mountain range, these islands are often shrouded in mist and are protected by large icebergs and sea ice. If you are lucky, an excursion to Coronation Island is possible. There, observe penguins nesting in moss beds alongside graceful snow petrels. You may also stop at the remote island of Laurie to visit its Argentinean meteorological station.
Day 14-17: South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Mainland
If conditions are suitable, stop first on Elephant Island en route to the South Shetland Islands. It was here that Shakleton and his crew took refuge in 1916 after his ship was destroyed by pack ices in the Wendell Sea.
Then spend time cruising among the South Shetland Islands just off the Antarctic Peninsula. Excursions to the islands may take you to King George, Half Moon, Barrientos, or Livingston. On these trips, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as the Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins who thrive here.
Weather permitting, visit the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island. Rugged scenery, geological sites, and an overwhelming display of whaling and scientific history conspire to make this place a perfect museum of Antarctica's natural and exploratory past. For those wanting to stretch their legs, take a spectacular hike to the crater rim. Finally, after so much anticipation, arrive on the Antarctic mainland at Paradise Harbor or Hope Bay. From colossal icebergs to the seemingly endless ice sheet, the scenery here is truly breathtaking. Weather permitting, we hope to undertake an excursion to set foot on the White Continent itself.
Day 18-19: Drake Passage
Heading north, make your way back across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage before rounding Cape Horn. Spend time sharing and reflecting on the incredible adventure of your last few days. As you sail up the Beagle Channel, celebrate the conclusion of you expedition with a special dinner.
Day 20: Ushuaia / Disembark
In the early morning, arrive back in Ushuaia. Transferr to your hotel or to the airport for your onward flight.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Triple Share
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Twin Semi-Private
Deck 4. Two lower berths (one which can be converted to a sofa during the day), a writing desk/chair, bookshelf and tall wardrobes with internal shelving for storage. Facilities are semi-private (one bathroom between two cabins) and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
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Twin Private
Deck 3, 4 and 5. Two lower berths (one which can be converted to a sofa during the day), a writing desk/chair, bookshelf and tall wardrobes with internal shelving storage. Facilities are private and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
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Shackleton Suite
Deck 4 & 5. One double bed, one sofa bed, separate sleeping quarters, up-graded bedding, a writing desk/chair, IPod alarm clock, mini stereo, capsule coffee maker, mini bar. Private facilities. Large window that can be opened.
Notes
- Single Supplement: 1.5x for twin and superior cabins and 2x for suites. Single supplement is not available in the triple cabin category.
- Child and Youth Prices: 25% discount for young people aged up to 17 years, and 20% off for those aged from 18-21 years who can prove they are in full-time education.
Initial deposit is $1700 , 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
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours 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
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
