Krill-rich waters beckon whales and bathe the Scotia Arc, feeding the planet’s greatest wildlife concentration -- swathes of king penguins and fluffy brown chicks a hundred thousand strong, beaches thick with fur and elephant seals. Colonies of macaroni, chinstrap and magellenic penguins abound. Entertaining historians enlighten you on Shackleton, your naturalists on the creatures you will see. A premier voyage, this combines the best of the subantarctic islands with Antarctica's glory.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Day 1: Santiago, Chile / Fly Port Stanley, Falkland Island
Today board your flight in Santiago. On arrival to Port Stanley passengers will be transferred to the group hotel.
Day 2: Tour Port Stanley, Falkland Island
Today be taken on a tour of Port Stanley. The Falklands undeniably British capital, features an excellent war museum, welcoming shops and pubs. After your tour be transferred to the port in the late afternoon and board your ship, the Polar Pioneer.
Day 3: Falkland Islands
Today aim to visit some of the southern, most isolated islands in the Falklands. Between the penguins' nests are gentle black-browed albatross sitting serenely upon beautifully molded mud nests. The air is filled with soaring albatross, turkey vultures, skuas and many species of sea birds.
Day 4: At Sea
Cruising towards the South Georgia commence your lecture program. During the voyage’s various sea passages, learn about the wildlife, geology, history and geography of the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Day 5-8: South Georgia
Your South Georgia landings are mostly along the northeast coast. You’ll see: the world’s largest king penguin rookeries, wandering albatross on nests, beaches of elephant and fur seals, macaroni and rockhopper penguin colonies, walking Shackleton’s route from Fortuna Bay to Stromness and visiting Grytviken’s whaling museum.
Day 9: At Sea
Sailing south, look out for great whales and possibly your first icebergs!
Day 10-11: South Orkney Islands / Elephant Island
If pack ice allows, go ashore in the dramatic South Orkney Islands, then across whale-rich waters to Elephant Island, hoping to take Zodiacs near Point Wild, where Shackleton’s men wintered over.
Day 12-14: South Shetland Islands
After visiting the South Shetlands, we sail overnight down Gerlache Strait, awakening to the thrill of Antarctica! Weather and ice permitting, visit busy penguin rookeries, historic sites and make a continental landing.
Day 15-16: Drake Passage
North across Drake Passage, you'll be treated to graceful displays by prions, petrels and majestic albatross. Once you've rounded Cape Horn, recap your many experiences with shipboard friends.
Day 17: Ushuaia
In the wee hours sail up the Beagle Channel to Ushuaia where your next adventure begins.
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.
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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, 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 our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
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32 minutes ago
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
1 day ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
2 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
2 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
3 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.