Days 1-2 Ushuaia and Beagle Channel
From the charming city of Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, we head down the Beagle Channel. We then turn northeast in the open ocean. Along the way there is the opportunity to spot whales and the ship is accompanied by soaring seabirds.
Days 3-4 Falkland Islands
Our first landfall is the western side of the Falkland Islands. This archipelago of over 200 islands is well known for its important role in the early whaling and sealing fisheries. Of keen importance to the naturalist, it is home to tens of thousands of penguins, albatrosses and huge flocks of smaller seabirds. Along the coast you can expect encounters with sea lions and possibly elephant seals, whales and dolphins. A trip to the Falklands always includes a visit to Port Stanley, the main settlement.
Days 5-6 Enroute to South Georgia
As we head for South Georgia followed by large oceanic seabirds, the onboard lectures continue given by naturalists and historians.
Day 7 South Georgia
South Georgia lies south of the Antarctic Convergence and as we enter these truly Polar waters, the colder water temperatures are evident. Weather permitting, we make an afternoon landing on the north side of the island.
Days 8-10 South Georgia
South Georgia is about 120 miles or 200 km long. It is dominated by high alpine mountains up to 9000 ft / 3000 m high, massive glaciers, scenic fjords and numerous surrounding islands. It is home to an abundance of wildlife including the splendid albatross, the beautiful King Penguin, Antarctic fur seals and elephant seals. In addition to the wildlife and spectacular scenery, these islands are historically significant with artifacts of the whaling industry and Sir Ernest Shackleton's gravesite. Shackleton's story of leadership is perhaps one of the most awe-inspiring stories of courage. Departing noontime on Day 10 we head westward to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Days 11-13 At Sea
As we cross the ocean, we continue with our busy lecture series with regular breaks out on deck to view seabirds, impressive icebergs and perhaps whales. With the weather's cooperation, we will have our first sighting of Antarctica on the evening of Day 13.
Days 14-16 Antarctic Peninsula
With a background of high ice-capped mountains, crevassed glaciers and endless white expanses we will cruise the ice-filled fjords of the Antarctic Peninsula and its surrounding islands. We plan for two Zodiac landings each day accompanied by our specialist lecture staff who can help us understand and appreciate our experiences to the fullest. All of this area has rugged and dramatic scenery. There are many sites with an abundance of wildlife, especially the penguin rookeries, primarily Adelie, Gentoo and Chinstrap. As we travel by Zodiacs to shore, and cruise among the icebergs, we hope to see seals in the water and basking on the ice, the most common being leopard, crabeater, weddell and elephant seals. The waters around the Peninsula are rich in food for all of the seals, penguins and other seabirds that breed here. These waters, rich in krill, also feed the whales, and we have a good chance of close encounters with minkes and humpbacks, among others. As always in Antarctica, the choice of places to visit is weather dependent, but some of the favourites include Deception Island, King George Island, the Gerlache Strait, the Neumayer Channel, Paradise Bay, Petermann Island, The Lemaire Channel, the Antarctic Sound, and research or historic stations such as Port Lockroy and Vernadsky. At the end of day 16, we leave this spectacular area of natural beauty and activity to head for the Drake Passage.
Days 17-19 Drake Passage
We now head back across the Drake Passage and weather permitting, will pass Cape Horn before turning back up the Beagle Channel to depart the ship after breakfast, in Ushuaia.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is $600, 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 70 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 70 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 60 days or more | deposit |
| 45-59 days | $1100 |
| 0-44 days | 100% trip cost |
