Have questions? We're here.
St Andrew, South Georgia

South Georgia - 5 days' exclusive quality program on South Georgia

Example 16 Day Cruise aboard MV Plancius
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Antarctica trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Discover the exhilarating wildlife, unspoiled scenery and rich history of South Georgia on this 16-day cruise expedition aboard the Placius, an ice-strengthened vessel ideal for polar expeditions in the Antarctic. Seet foot in one of the most amaizing places in the world and become a member of a small group of explorers who have experienced and exclusive quaility program on South Georgia. During this season life is teaming on the beaches with the constant coming and going of King penguins as well as the countless Antarctic fur seal pups playing in the surf before beginning adulthood in the open sea.  
Hercules, South GeorgiaGrytviken, South GeorgiaAbandoned whaling village of Stromness, South GeorgiaColony of penguins at Gold HarborSt Andrew, South Georgia
Highlights
  • Observe molting southern elephant seals and gentoo penguins
  • Spot humpback, fin and minke whales, and possibly even blue whales
  • Follow the final section of Shackleton’s route to Stromness
  • Land at Grytviken to visit an abandoned whaling station
Places Visited
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.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina | Embark

In the afternoon, embark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world located at the Beagle Channel and sail through this scenic waterway for the rest of the evening.

Day 2-5: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Cross the Antarctic Convergence on your way to South Georgia. Entering Antarctic currents, the temperature drops considerably in the time span of only a few hours. Nutritious water is brought to the surface by the colliding water columns, which brings a multitude of seabirds near the ship: several species of albatrosses, shearwaters, petrels, prions and skuas are possible to see during this crossing along with several species of whales and dolphins.

Day 6-10: South Georgia

  • Ship
  • 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners
Reach South Geoargia and begin an exciting expedition in one of the most amazing places in the world. The density of wildlife is second to none anywhere on Earth and the autumn spells the peak of the King penguin numbers on the island. Many King penguin chicks have newly hatched and yet many more parents are still on eggs. Life is teaming on the beaches with the constant coming and going of King penguins as well as the countless Antarctic fur seal pups playing in the surf before beginning adulthood in the open sea. Huge southern elephant seals may be seen hauled out moulting at this time of year along with the endemic species South Georgia pipit and South Georgia pintail proliferating after the island-wide rat eradication has taken hold. Macaroni penguin chicks are fledging and the gentoo penguins may be seen moulting in places. The eggs of the wandering albatrosses have started to hatch and if luck dictates that a landing at Prion Island is possible, a rare site of the white fluffy chick of this most majestic of birds, may be seen. Light-mantled albatross and grey-headed albatross also breed on the island and chances are that you can get great encounters with these birds too. Humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, and possibly even southern right whales and blue whales may be spotted during the trip too.

Weather conditions on South Georgia can be challenging and can largely dictate the program. Sites that may be visited include: Prion Island, where you may witness the breeding efforts of the huge wandering albatrosses. In Fortuna Bay penguins and seals inhabit the beaches. You may follow the final section of Shackleton’s route to Stromness, the abandoned whaling village. The route leads you across the mountain pass past the “Shackleton Waterfall”. The terrain is partly swampy and some small streams may have to be crossed along the way. At Grytviken, you can also see an abandoned whaling station, where King penguins now walk in the streets and elephant seals have taken residency. Here a visit to the Whaling History Museum is offered, as well as to Shackleton’s grave nearby. Salisbury Plain, St Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour, and Right Whale Bay house the four largest King penguin colonies in South Georgia whereas Copper Bay offers a wide variety of wildlife including macaroni, gentoo and chinstrap penguins. Aim to depart after a pre-breakfast activity on day 10.

Day 11-15: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners
Once again cross the Antarctic Convergence zone and head into warmer waters. The birdlife is prolific around the ship with numerous species of tube-noses that follow the ship throughout your sea days. Keep a sharp lookout for rare species of birds and mammals on the way north. In the past fascinating encounters with rarely seen species have been logged at this time of year.

Day 16: Montevideo, Uruguay | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
This morning arrive in Montevideo, Uruguay and disembark for your continued journey home.

Ship/Hotel

MV Plancius

MV Plancius
MV Plancius

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$7,950
Quadruple Porthole
Select a Date
Quadruple Porthole
4 cabins with private facilities, 2 bunk beds. (ca. 15 m2)
Quadruple Porthole
Select a Date
Triple Porthole
4 cabins with private facilities, 2 bunk beds. (ca. 15 m2)
Twin porthole cabin
Select a Date
Twin with Porthole
9 twin private cabins with porthole. Two Lower berths. (ca. 15 m2)
Twin with window
Select a Date
Twin with Window
26 twin private cabins with window. Two Lower berths (ca. 15 m2)
Twin Deluxe
Select a Date
Twin Deluxe
2 twin private deluxe cabins. Lower berths - two single beds.(ca. 15 m2)
Superior
Select a Date
Superior
10 twin superior cabins. Lower berth - double bed. (ca. 21 m2)

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and 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 occupancy: All cabins 1.7 times the share twin price
-Children between the ages of 3-15 will be discounted 40% in triple or quad cabins, one child per cabin.
- Due to the extreme nature of itinerary destinations, travel insurance is mandatory for all cruises aboard the Plancius - including medical, accident and repatriation/evacuation insurance.
Included
  • 15 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches, 15 Dinners
  • 15 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
  • All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program
  • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
  • Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
  • All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
  • Comprehensive pre-departure material.
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
  • Government arrival and departure taxes
  • Pre- and Post Land Arrangements
  • Fuel Surcharge - to be invoiced separately
  • Meals ashore
  • Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
  • Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
  • Medical travel insurance, including emergency medical attention and evacuation coverage with a minimum of $100,000 of evacuation coverage is required.

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
KC Chan

Antarctica Travel Guide

Favorite Antarctica All Trips

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By