The Whalers Route

Embark in the late afternoon to a warm welcome aboard the Polar Pioneer before setting sail along the Beagle Channel.

Your Drake Passage crossing offers excellent bird-watching from the outer decks or the warmth of the bridge. Learn about Antarctica from your expert naturalist’s informative talks, and about safety and environmental guidelines from your expedition staff. Have time to meet fellow travellers, chat, read and prepare for the days ahead.

If the Drake Passage is kind, you should make your first landing today. Keen eyes watch for icebergs, while sightings of penguins, fur seals and king cormorants announce your approach to the South Shetlands Islands.

Awaken to the thrill of Antarctica, where you will plan to visit busy penguin rookeries, historic sites and make a continental landing.

Approaching the steep slopes of Elephant Island, home to 22 of Shackleton’s men for four months, hope for a clear view of the spot where the men wintered beneath their upturn boats. With luck go ashore to pay tribute to these hardy souls.

Following in Shackleton’s wake, cross the Scotia Sea detouring to the remote, mountainous South Orkney Islands. Zodiac cruise through a maze of icebergs to land at a beach bedecked with penguins, seals, and lichen-encrusted boulders.

Time to reflect on all you’ve seen and learned, and to prepare for the next phase of your journey as you continue across the Scotia Sea.

Have ample time to explore the network of harbours along South Georgia’s spectacular northern coast, visiting wildlife havens that include the world’s largest king penguin rookeries and majestic albatross nests. Kayakers revel in paddling the coastline’s nooks and crannies, accompanied by playful seals. In Stromness and Grytviken harbors, 3000-meter peaks form dramatic backdrops to the remains of whaling stations. Kelp-strewn beaches are cluttered with basking elephant seals, feisty fur seals and a plethora of penguins.

Keeping watch for the kelp-skirted Shag Rocks, cross the Scotia Sea, entertained by your expert naturalist and historian.

Dawn greets you in the very British capital of Stanley, Falkland Islands. Explore the historic and wildlife laden shores of the Falklands before continuing onto Punta Arenas in Chile to embark your homeward flight.