Decades of exploring Antarctica and the surrounding region have given our staff the expertise and time needed to uncover important landing sites beyond the Antarctic Peninsula that we now call on with ease: the South Orkney Islands, the wildlife-rich Falkland Islands and South Georgia, perhaps the ultimate destination for jaw-dropping scenery, boundless wildlife and the captivating history of Ernest Shackleton and his crew. Walk wild beaches as a hundred thousand king penguins go about their busy lives: calling for mates, flashing their bright colors in their courtship ritual. Take a rugged hike and go by Zodiac and kayak where few have gone before. This voyage will affect the way you tell stories about travel and wildlife adventures for years to come.
Unique Opportunities: Since this year marks the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing, sharing the deck rail with fellow explorer and legendary astronaut, Neil Armstrong, on the November 16, 2009, voyage will make this the adventure of a lifetime.
This departure, occurring during the 50th anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty, will also give us an opportunity to celebrate the spirit behind this symbol of international agreement. Guests on the Nov. 16 expedition will receive a commemorative Patagonia duffel bag, with our compliments, as your souvenir of this historic year.
Day 1 Arrive Santiago, Chile
This morning we arrive in Santiago, backed by the soaring Andes. Check into the gracious Grand Hyatt Santiago. In the afternoon, have a panoramic overview of the city including a visit to the Pre-Columbian Museum. Return to the Hyatt for dinner. (L,D)
Day 2 Santiago / Ushuaia, Argentina / Embark
The morning's LAN Chile charter flight offers some rare views of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. We'll have a traditional Argentinean barbecue for lunch and then board National Geographic Endeavour or National Geographic Explorer and set sail. (B,L,D)
Day 3 At Sea
Whales beneath, birds above, as you settle in to shipboard life. Spend time on deck or the bridge watching the sea. The ever-changing light presents endless photo possibilities. (B,L,D)
Day 4 At Sea / Antarctica
Our first landfall is at one of the many islands of the Antarctic Peninsula region, taking hikes and Zodiac forays with our Naturalists. (B,L,D)
Days 5-9 Antarctica
With nearly 24 hours of daylight at this time of year, we make the most of our five days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands. Our schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected. We’ll sail through the incomparable Lemaire Channel and land on the “White Continent.” (B,L,D)
Day 10 At Sea / Elephant Island
We pass the speck of land that is the legendary Elephant Island, an unforgettable part of the Shackleton story, where the crew of Endurance finally landed on April 24, 1916. From here, Shackleton and five men set sail for one of the most incredible stories of survival at sea: 700 miles across the Southern Ocean in a 22' long wooden sailboat. (B,L,D)
Day 11 At Sea
As we voyage south, watch for icebergs. There'll also be time to enjoy a wellness treatment, workout in the fitness center, or catch up on a book. Each day our Naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience. (B,L,D)
Day 12 South Orkney Islands
Mountainous and rugged, the South Orkneys are never quite free of pack ice and icebergs. Every rock site teems with penguins. Leopard seals can be seen and innumerable birds come here to nest and breed. (B,L,D)
Days 13-16 South Georgia
Renowned for its beauty and vast colonies of king penguins, this is also the final resting place for the legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Teeming wildlife, breathtaking scenery and soaring cliffs filled with birdlife greet our ship. Hundreds of young Antarctic fur seals are on hand as our Zodiacs make landfall. At St. Andrew's Bay, you may come upon 100,000 king penguins. (B,L,D)
Days 17-18 At Sea
These days at sea give us a chance to reflect on all that we have seen iand experienced n South Georgia , and prepare for the exciting days ahead in the Falkland Islands. There'll be time to hear talks from our staff, read in the ship's cozy library, and search for whales from the Bridge. For the more indulgent, enjoy a rejuvenating massage with our licensed therapist, work out in the gym--or simply relax. (B,L,D)
Day 19 Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
See the photogenic tin-roofed, Victorian-style houses of Port Stanley. Visit the Anglican Cathedral with its organic archway of whalebones and the Falkland Islands Museum. (B,L,D)
Days 20-21 Falkland Islands
The Falklands boast the largest albatross colony in the world, irresistible Magellanic penguins in their burrows amid the green tussock grass and herds of enormous elephant seals. (B,L,D)
Day 22 At Sea
Our last day at sea gives us a one more opportunity to watch for marine life, and a chance to reflect on all we have seen and heard, hearing talks from our staff and bringing to summary the colossal scope of this voyage. (B,L,D)
Day 23 Ushuaia, Argentina / Disembark / Santiago / Return Home
We disembark in Ushuaia and have some time to explore before boarding our exclusively chartered LAN Chile flight to Santiago, and the subsequent overnight flight to the U.S. (B,L)
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is between $600 and $1500, depending upon length of cruise, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/mail/fourways.php
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 100 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 120 days or more | $300 per person |
| 90-119 days | full deposit |
| 60-89 days | 30% trip cost |
| 30-59 days | 55% trip cost |
| 29 days or less | 100% trip cost |
