Cruise across a wild, isolated, and extreme world and enjoy the rich diversity and contrasts that make the Antarctic so captivating and unique. Enjoy a truly epic adventure through the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Shetland Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula on this 20-day remarkable exploration on the Ocean (Sea) Adventurer. Feel free to explore the White Continet during Zodiac excursions and daily landings.

Highlights

Explore the East and West Falkland Islands by Zodiac & daily landings
Meet the archipelago´s Magellanic, gentoo, and rockhopper penguins
Cross the Antarctic Convergence and watch for whales and seals
Kayak or swim in the Antarctic waters surrounded by outstanding wildlife

Activities

Places Visited

Trip Type:

Small Ship

Activity Level: Relaxed

Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Hotels

Your gateway for this expedition is Ushuaia, Argentina. Nestled within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia offers a small-town feel but has many shops, museums, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy before your voyage. If feeling adventurous, the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park and Martial Glacier offer plenty of hiking and outdoor activities.

Day 2: Ushuaia | Embark

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

As you embark, the anticipation and excitement grows. Trade your land legs for sea legs, meet and greet fellow travelers, and get acquainted with your ship. As every Antarctic adventure presents new opportunities and experiences, embarkation day is just as exciting for your Expedition Team as it is for you. They’re onboard to ensure your comfort and safety, as well as help make your wildlife dreams come true.

Day 3: At Sea

Ship
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

There are many activities to keep you engaged while you are at sea. Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship or attend illustrated presentations by your Expedition Team. Be prepped on procedures for your Zodiac cruises and shore landings and receive instructions for getting the most out of your optional kayaking adventures, a truly intimate way to experience Antarctica.

Day 4-5: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Ship
2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Upon arrival in this archipelago, your cameras get their first real workout capturing the abundant wildlife and the rugged feel of the Falklands (Malvinas). The archipelago contains two main islands - East and West, to explore by Zodiac excursions and daily landings.

Port Stanley is often a favored landing site, as the town offers a unique British outpost feel to it, complete with a bit of a ramshackle charm. Explore the town, grab a pint at the local pub, or visit numerous churches and museums.

In terms of wildlife, the archipelago is home to Magellanic, gentoo, and rockhopper penguins. If lucky, you may even spot king penguins here as well! Expect to see black-browed albatross and two endemic bird species: Cobb’s wren and the Falkland’s flightless steamer duck.

Your team of lecturers and specialists educate you on the local flora and fauna so that you get the most out of your time in the Falklands.

Day 6-7: At Sea

Ship
2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Sailing south, officially enter Antarctic waters by crossing the invisible biological boundary called the Antarctic Convergence. Encircling the continent, cold Antarctic waters meet and mix with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans, creating the abundance of krill and marine life that attracts whales and seals to this part of the world. Expedition staff keep you posted when you cross this invisible, yet important line.

Day 8-11: South Georgia

Ship
4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners

This remote outpost was a popular stop for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once a haven for hunting whales and elephant and fur seals. Today, South Georgia Island wildlife populations have rebounded, but see remnants of those old whaling stations and other abandoned outposts.

One significant and historic site of interest is the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. Visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station, a museum, gift shop, church, and a research station of approximately 20 scientists and support personnel.

While South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the islands, it is the wildlife on South Georgia that you and your shipmates surely find most captivating. Often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, each landing you make on South Georgia opens your eyes to a new wonder of wildlife.

One day you may see rookeries with a hundred thousand pairs of king penguins waddling on the beach. The next day visit another beach with thousands of fur or elephant seals with (non-native) reindeer grazing in the background. The grasses, mountains, and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different species on the island - this fragile and symbiotic relationship is something that your expedition team shares with you during your time here.

Day 12-13: At Sea

Ship
2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Say goodbye to the king penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with seminars from your Expedition Team, who prepare you for the wildlife greeting you upon your arrival. In between presentations, spend time chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar. If conditions allow, your team may attempt landfall on the South Orkney Islands, which are officially in Antarctica.

Day 14-17: South Shetland Islands | Antarctic Peninsula

Ship
4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners

The most common reaction to arriving at the white continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, as few places are as untouched, unique, and enduring as Antarctica. Discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment be overcome with a feeling of complete desolation and silence, at the next moment be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into the brilliant blue sea or a penguin comes waddling by to inspect your footwear.

Your Expedition Team takes care of you at each landing, whether it is trekking up a glacier, visiting a research station, or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie, and gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater, and leopard seals. Curious whales, such as minkes, are often attracted to Zodiacs as well, giving you a chance to get within reaching distance of these majestic animals. Each day and every landing presents a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera shutter busy.

As exciting as the Zodiac excursions and landings are, perhaps treat yourself to an extra special Antarctic experience by partaking in an optional (extra cost) kayaking excursion or going for a swim in the Antarctic!

Day 18-19: Crossing the Drake Passage

Ship
2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

After more than two weeks of endless wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake Passage is your unofficial rite of passage, completing your Antarctic adventure.

Enjoy some final moments mingling with your fellow travelers. The noisy, busy, populated world awaits your return, so savor the silence of the sea as long as you can.

Day 20: Ushuaia | Disembark

1 Breakfast

After breakfast aboard the ship, it is time to part ways and say goodbye to your Expedition Team. Be transferred to the airport for your homeward flight.

Photo Gallery

Map

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Adventurer (Sea Adventurer)

Designed to carry travelers in comfort to the most remote corners of the world, the Ocean Adventurer (Sea Adventurer) is the perfect expedition ship for adventurous people who enjoy the creature comforts offered on board.

Port of Ushuaia - Hotels

Hosteria Linares

The Hostería Linares, is located in downtown Ushuaia, with wonderful views of the Channel of Beagle, the Bay of Ushuaia, Navarino Island (Chile), and the Andes mountains, including the Marial glacier and is the perfect place to relax before your Antarctica cruise.

Dates & Prices

Per person starting at

$15,995

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin 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.

- Standard Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the double occupancy rate. The supplement for a Premium Cabin is 2 times the shared rate.

Insurance: Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person is included. Travelers should have a minimum of US$50,000 (or equivalent) of emergency medical coverage prior to embarkation. It is recommended that you and all members of your party have comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage, and repatriation. Contact us for details.

Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that you will achieve everything outlined to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.

Included in cruise fare:

One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation with breakfast in Ushuaia as indicated in the itinerary
Group transfer in Ushuaia from the airport to the pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
Group transfer from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day
Group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local airport
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on board throughout your voyage
Beer and wine during dinner
All shore landings per the daily program
Leadership throughout the voyage by your experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities
All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
Formal and informal presentations by your Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
An official parka to keep
Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Hair dryer and bathrobes
Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard ship
Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person

Not included in cruise fare:

International airfare
Passport and visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes
Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before
Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance
Excess baggage fees on international flights
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified
Telecommunications charges
The voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
Additional overnight accommodation
Optional kayaking activities

Payment Details

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).

Karen Snider