Join this 20-day expedition on the Ocean Endeavour to the charming and remote Falkland Islands, the wildlife wonderland of South Georgia, and the majestic Antarctica Peninsula. Enjoy unforgettable encounters with untamed wildlife, step back in time at historically signigficant sites as the British town of Stanley, and learn about Antarctica´s unique geology and history.
Highlights
Explore the northernmost tip of the 7th continent by ship, Zodiac, and foot
Discover South Georgia´s rich wildlife such as breeding birds and penguins
Leave a postcard at Port Stanley´s charming post office
Stop at Sir Ernest Shackleton´s grave & learn about his polar explorations
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 Buenos Aires anytime during the day. Upon your arrival, independently transfer to the group hotel (pre-night hotel is part of the additional Buenos Aires flight and transfer package).
After breakfast at the hotel, the group transfers to the airport and boards the charter flight to Ushuaia (price of flight is part of the additional Buenos Aires flight and transfer package). Before embarking, take a short city tour of this quaint port town before heading to the pier and embarking on the Ocean Endeavour. Embark in the late afternoon and sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America.
There are many activities to keep you engaged while you are at sea. You could learn to identify the seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend the illustrated presentations by the expedition team who prepare you for the shore landings and Zodiac cruising that is to come. Learn how to get the most out of your optional kayaking adventures, a truly intimate way to experience Antarctica.
Upon arrival in this archipelago, your cameras get their first real workout capturing the abundant wildlife and the rugged feel of the Falklands (Malvinas). The archipelago contains two main islands - explore East and West by Zodiac excursions and daily landings.
Port Stanley is often a favored landing site, as the town offers a unique British outpost feel to it, complete with a bit of a ramshackle charm. Feel free to explore the town, grab a pint at the local pub, or visit numerous churches and museums.
In terms of wildlife, the archipelago is home to Magellanic, gentoo, and rockhopper penguins. If lucky, you may even spot king penguins here as well! You can expect to see black-browed albatross and two endemic bird species: Cobb’s wren and the Falkland’s flightless steamer duck. Learn about the local flora and fauna from your team of lecturers and specialists so that you get the most out of your time in the Falklands.
Sailing south, you officially enter Antarctic waters by crossing the invisible biological boundary called the Antarctic Convergence. Encircling the continent, cold Antarctic waters meet and mix with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans, creating the abundance of krill and marine life that attracts whales and seals to this part of the world. Expedition staff keeps you alert when you cross this invisible, yet important line.
This remote outpost was a popular stop for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once a haven for hunting whales and elephant and fur seals. Today, South Georgia Island wildlife populations have rebounded, but you can still see remnants of those old whaling stations and other abandoned outposts.
One significant and historic site of interest is the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station, a museum, gift shop, church, and a small research station.
While South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the islands, it is the wildlife on South Georgia that you and your shipmates surely find most captivating. Often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, each landing you make on South Georgia opens your eyes to a new wonder of wildlife.
One day you may see rookeries with a hundred thousand pairs of king penguins waddling on the beach. The next day you may visit another beach with thousands of fur or elephant seals. The grasses, mountains, and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different species on the island - this fragile and symbiotic relationship is something that your expedition team shares with you during your time here.
Say goodbye to the king penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with seminars from your expedition team so you can be prepared for the wildlife that greets you upon your arrival. In between presentations, spend time chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar. If conditions allow, your team may attempt landfall on the South Orkney Islands, which are officially in Antarctica.
Day 14-17: South Shetland Islands | Antarctic Peninsula
The most common reaction to arriving at the white continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, as few places are as untouched, unique, and enduring as Antarctica - discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment feel overcomed with a feeling of complete desolation and silence, at the next moment get inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into the brilliant blue sea or a penguin comes waddling by to inspect your footwear.
Your expedition team takes care of you at each landing, whether it is trekking up a glacier, visiting a research station, or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie, and gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater, and leopard seals. Curious whales, such as minkes, are often attracted to Zodiacs as well, giving you a chance to get within reaching distance of these majestic animals. Each day and every landing presents a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera shutter busy.
As exciting as the Zodiac excursions and landings are, perhaps you can go for an extra special Antarctic experience by partaking in an optional (extra cost) kayaking excursion or going for a swim in Antarctic waters!
After more than two weeks of endless wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake Passage is your unofficial rite of passage, completing your Antarctic adventure.
Enjoy some final moments mingling with your fellow travelers. The noisy, busy, populated world awaits your return, so savor the silence of the sea as long as you can.
Day 20: Ushuaia | Disembark | Fly to Buenos Aires
1 Breakfast
After breakfast aboard the ship, it is time to part ways and say goodbye to your expedition team. Be transferred to the airport for your charter flight to Buenos Aires (flight is part of the additional Buenos Aires flight and transfer package).
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.
$13,195
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Triple
Approximately 225 sq. ft. (20 sq. m), a Triple on Deck 4 is an interior cabin with three lower berths, and private bath. Cabin 4100 has four lower single beds and one private bathroom with a separate shower room.
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Twin Porthole
Approximately 95 to 105 sq. ft. (9-10 sq. m), a Twin Porthole on Deck 4 features a porthole window, two lower berths and a private bathroom.
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Twin Window
Approximately 95 to 105 sq. ft. (9-10 sq. m), a Twin Window on Deck 5 features a picture window, two lower berths and private bath.
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Upper Deck Twin
Approximately 140 sq. ft. (13 sq. m), an Upper Deck Cabin on Deck 7 features a window (obstructed view), one double or two lower berths and a private bathroom.
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Twin Porthole Plus
Approximately 190 to 200 sq. ft. (18-20 sq. m), a Twin Porthole Suite on Deck 4 is twice the size of a Twin Porthole, with one bathroom. It features two single beds, a separate living area with a pull out sofa bed, two porthole windows, and one private bathroom.
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Single Interior
Approximately 95 to 105 sq. ft. (9-10 sq. m), a Single on Deck 5 is an interior cabin with a lower berth and private bath.
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Superior Twin
A superior cabin on deck five features a large picture window, one double or two lower beds and a pull out sofa bed and private bathroom. Approximately 19 m² (205 sq ft).
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Top Deck Twin
Approximately 155 sq. ft. (14.5 sq. m), a Top Deck Cabin on Deck 8 features two large windows (one window with partial obstruction), one double or two twin beds and a private bathroom.
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Twin Window Plus
Approximately 190 to 200 sq. ft. (18-20 sq. m), a Twin Window Suite on Deck 5 is twice the size of a Twin Window, with one bathroom. It features two single beds, a separate living area with a pull out sofa bed, two windows, and one private bathroom.
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Junior Suite
Junior Suites on Deck 5 are at least 325 sq. ft. (30 sq. m), and at least 164 sq. ft. (15 sq. m) on Deck 7. All Junior Suites feature a picture window, one double bed and private bath.
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Owner´s Suite
Approximately 320 sq. ft. (30 sq. m), the Owner’s Suite on Deck 7 features two large bow-facing windows, one double bed, separate sitting room and private bath with tub.
Notes
Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin 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.
Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7x the double occupancy rate for cabin types except for Premium cabins (2x the double occupancy rate).
Mandatory medical insurance: Travelers should have a minimum of US$50,000 (or equivalent) of emergency medical coverage prior to embarkation. It is recommended that you and all members of your party have comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage, and repatriation.
Initial deposit is 25% of cruise fare (minimum $1200) plus the cost of kayaking (if applicable), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card
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