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
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.