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Rockhopper penguins

Antarctica, South Georgia + Falkland Islands

Example 17 Day Cruise aboard Akademik Ioffe
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Follow the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton whose epic small boat journey a century ago remains one of the greatest feats of navigation in history. Fly from South America to Antarctica in a little over two hours. See in the New Year surrounded by the
icebergs and towering glaciers of Antarctica. Commence your exploration at the remote southeastern tip of South Georgia and then spend the following days exploring the northern coastline. Here are some of the largest king penguin colonies on earth. The shores are covered in wildlife – including nesting albatross, fur seals, and elephant seals. Then head for the Falkland Islands and aim to spend one final day exploring the wildlife-rich Sea Lion Island and nearby Bleaker Island. Your voyage concludes in Stanley – the small capital from where you fly back to South America.
An old ship rusts in a Falkland Islands harborObserve beautiful fur sealsMassice ice formationAlbatross cruising the Drake Passage to AntarcticaRockhopper penguins
Highlights
  • Sail across the Errera Channel to visit the penguin rookeries at Cuverville
  • Explore South Georgia, often called the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’
  • Admire unique dark sand beaches and a backdrop of towering peaks
  • Visit historic sites and science stations
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile | Embark

Your journey commences this morning in the southern Chilean port city of Punta Arenas. Gather at a central location and transfer to the airport for the two-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Antarctica (this flight is included in the price of your voyage). Upon arrival at King George Island, embark your ship via Zodiac. After settling into your cabins and exploring your new surroundings, meet your expedition team and fellow passengers. Excitement is in the air as you enjoy a welcome refreshment and set sail. No doubt, everyone is looking forward to the adventure ahead.

Day 2-4: Gerlache Strait | Antarctic Peninsula Exploration

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Overnight the ship navigates through the Bransfield Strait and you awake to the towering peaks of the Antarctic continent laid out before you. For the next three days have a varied itinerary exploring the Gerlache coastline. If ice conditions allow, cruise through the Lemaire Channel and visit sites which may include Pleneau Island and the Penola Strait. Southerly Petermann Island is home to a sizeable penguin rookery where both Adelie and gentoo penguins nest side by side. A visit an active research base nearby provides a fascinating insight into the important climate change science occurring in Antarctica. The landscape all along this section of the Antarctic coastline features heavily glaciated mountains permanently covered in ice and snow. The activity program is in full swing by now, and each day you enjoy guided walks on shore, visits to wildlife colonies, and Zodiac cruising among the ice with your expert guides providing insight and interpretation. Planned visits could include Paradise Harbour, Orne Harbour, or Andvord Bay, or a cruise through the Errera Channel to visit the penguin rookeries at Cuverville Island. Wilhelmina Bay is another favorite location where you can encounter pods of humpback whales.

Day 5: Northern Peninsula | Weddell Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Head north towards Antarctic Sound – the gateway into the icy Weddell Sea. Along the way hope to make a planned visit at Deception Island. If weather conditions permit, sail the ship right into the middle of a volcanic caldera. This is a very dramatic place and home to several penguin rookeries along the black sand beaches. History is all around you as you explore the old whaling station, with the rusted relics and dilapidated wooden structures. Fur seals gather among the old structures seeking protection from the elements. At the far end of the beach is an old aircraft hangar. This is where the Australian Sir Hubert Wilkins made the very first flight in Antarctica in 1928. There is an outstanding hike here to a location known as ‘Neptune’s Window’ - high up onto the rim of the crater. The goal is to enter the icy Weddell Sea, through the broad channel that separates the continent of Antarctica from Joinville Island. At first you are awe-struck by the sheer size of the tabular icebergs in this area and their presence always makes for exciting navigation on the ship. This region is also home to some of the largest Adelie penguin rookeries found in Antarctica.

Day 6: Elephant Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After several busy days of exploration along the Antarctic Peninsula and entrance to the Weddell Sea, head for Elephant Island – a location forever connected to the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the HMS Endurance expedition a century ago. On the windswept north coast, exposed to the swells of the South Atlantic, is Point Wild. It was here that Shackleton and his exhausted men camped under their upturned boats – pondering their chances of survival. Enjoy imposing views of the location from the ship and attempt a landing subject to conditions. From the ship or on shore, this is a thrilling location for anyone with a passion for polar history.

Day 7-8: Scotia | Towards South Georgia

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
As you depart Elephant Island ponder the journey made by Shackleton and his four companions as they attempted the near impossible – navigating 800 nautical miles in a 30-foot converted lifeboat across the tempestuous Scotia Sea to South Georgia. Onboard experts keep you busy with fascinating presentations and lead lively discussions throughout the day. The great pelagic seabirds are sure to keep you company – and you can anticipate excellent sightings of albatross and giant petrels soaring on the winds of the South Atlantic Ocean. Anticipation builds as the mountainous peaks appear on the horizon, marking your arrival at South Georgia.

Day 9-12: Exploration of South Georgia

  • Ship
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Rounding the remote southeastern end of South Georgia, spend the next four days thoroughly exploring the coastline. Dark sand beaches, tussock covered hinterland, and a backdrop of towering peaks and glaciers are a feast for all the senses. South Georgia has often been called the greatest wildlife show on earth. Seals cover the beaches, seabirds fill the skies, and living in rookeries of immense size are the majestic king penguins. Visit a number of these huge colonies, where naturalists estimate that more than 100,000 adult and juvenile penguins live in close proximity. Locations you may visit include Gold Harbour, Royal Bay, St Andrews Bay, and Salisbury Plain. Dotted along the coastline are the rusting relics of the early whaling era. The largest of these locations is Grytviken. Here find a fascinating museum and a beautifully restored Norwegian Lutheran Church. Adjacent to the old whaling station lies a small cemetery. This is the final resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton, who was laid to rest here in 1922. For many onboard, being in the presence of the great polar explorer is a highlight of the trip. Continue your journey along the coastline, hoping to visit Stromness, another former whaling station, and the final destination of Shackleton and companions Frank Worsley and Tom Crean, having made the near impossible traverse across the interior of South Georgia.

Day 13-15: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
By now you are in sensory overload, your cameras full of images as your journey towards the Falkland Islands commences. The spectacular seabirds including several albatross and petrel species are your constant companions as they soar above the ship. Photographing these stunning birds in flight takes great patience and skill and the resident photography expert on board shows you the best techniques. The onboard educational program continues and your experts recap your remarkable journey to date. These days provide a good opportunity to catch up on journal entries, sort through your images in the multimedia room, and catch some rest after a busy two weeks of activity.

Day 16: Falkland Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Wake to the sight of landfall in the Falkland Islands. Approaching Sea Lion Island, first note the very barren and windswept landscape, exposed to the prevailing weather that originates in the Drake Passage. Launch the Zodiacs and go ashore to view the incredible diversity of wildlife found at this location. Three species of penguin including gentoo, Magellanic, and rockhopper, as well as southern elephant seals and South American sea lions are known to inhabit the area. King cormorants and striated caracaras are just some of the bird species you can expect goodto see. As you cruise along the coast of the Falklands, bound for Stanley, enjoy a special dinner attended by the ship’s Captain.

Day 17: Stanley | Fly to Punta Arenas

  • 1 Breakfast
In the early morning, navigate through the narrows and into the harbour of Port Stanley. A transfer takes you to the airport for your return flight to Punta Arenas in southern Chile (this flight is included in the price of your voyage). It is possible to connect to flights through to Santiago or other destinations in Chile. Otherwise enjoy a night in Punta Arenas, or venture further afield to explore the highlights of Patagonia.

Ship/Hotel

Akademik Ioffe

Relax by the fire in the lounge.
Bar & Lounge on the Ioffe
Reception area on the Ioffe

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$18,595
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Main Deck Triple
Twin Semi Private Cabins
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Twin Semi-Private
Deck 4. Two lower berths (one which can be converted to a sofa during the day), a writing desk/chair, bookshelf and tall wardrobes with internal shelving for storage. Facilities are semi-private (one bathroom between two cabins) and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
Twin Private Cabins
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Twin Private
Deck 4 and 5. Two lower berths (one which can be converted to a sofa during the day), a writing desk/chair, bookshelf and ample storage. Facilities are private and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
Superior Cabins
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Superior
Deck 6. Two lower berths, a sofa, a writing desk/chair and ample storage. Facilities are private and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
Shackleton Suites
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Shackleton Suite
Deck 4 & 5. One double bed, one sofa bed, separate sleeping quarters, up-graded bedding, a writing desk/chair, IPod alarm clock, mini stereo, capsule coffee maker, mini bar. Private facilities. Large window that can be opened.

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and 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.

- Twin and superior cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.5 times the shared price, suites for 2 times the shared price. Single supplement is not available in triple cabins.

- Child and Youth Prices: 25% discount for young people aged up to 17 years, and 20% off for those aged from 18-21 years who can prove they are in full-time education.
Included
  • 16 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 16 Dinners
  • 16 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)

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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

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