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Penguins on the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula

Antarctica, South Georgia + Falkland Islands

Example 20 Day Cruise aboard Akademik Sergey Vavilov
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Explore incredible Antarctica, and the sub-Antarctic Falkland and South Georgia Islands. Encounter a spectacular proliferation of unique wildlife and birdlife on your journey – there are penguin rookeries with more than 100,000 nesting birds, albatrosses, and the beaches are covered in fur seals and elephant seals. Beyond these islands lie Antarctica, where you can experience icebergs of all shapes and sizes and encounters with whales, including humpback, minke, and orca. The towering peaks and immense glacial systems of the Antarctic Peninsula are home to a great abundance of wildlife which you observe on shore, from the zodiacs and the ship. Visit historic huts and active science stations as well.
Mist from volcanic calderaKing Penguins on South Georgia A humpback whale surfaces close to the zodiacIcebergs seen during our zodiac excursion Penguins on the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula
Highlights
  • Discover Southerly Petermann Island, home to Adelie and gentoo penguins
  • Visit an active research base and gain insight into climate change
  • Hike to the spectacular ‘Neptune’s Window’ on Deception Island
  • Explore Grytviken's museum and a beautiful Norwegian Lutheran Church
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: Ushuaia, Argentina | Embark

You journey to Antarctica commences this afternoon in Ushuaia, Argentina. Gather at your central meeting point and transfer to the pier and embark your expedition ship. After settling into your cabins and exploring the ship, meet your expedition team and fellow passengers. Excitement is in the air as you enjoy a welcome cocktail, dinner, and cast off, bound for Antarctica and the adventure of a lifetime.

Day 2-3: Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Sail south towards Antarctica joined by hundreds of seabirds including the wandering albatross. Giant petrels and smaller Cape petrels are also constant companions as you transit the Drake Passage. Photographing these magnificent birds takes patience and skill and a photography expert is on hand to show you the best techniques. Join the ship’s Captain on the bridge and learn about the operations of your modern expedition vessel. Throughout the day your onboard experts educate you with a series of presentations about the environment, wildlife, and history and the locations you can visit in the coming days.

Day 4-7: Gerlache Strait | Antarctic Peninsula

  • Ship
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Take a deep breath and venture out on deck as the towering peaks of the Antarctic continent are laid out before you. This is the moment you have been waiting for. For the next three days you 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 to 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 the 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. 

Day 8: South Shetland Islands | Deception Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Head north, skirting the coastline of the South Shetland Islands. Along the way visit 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. If conditions allow, enter Antarctic Sound – the broad channel that separates the continent of Antarctica from Joinville Island. This is the entrance to the Weddell Sea.

Day 9: Elephant Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After several busy days of exploration along the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetlands, 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. Shore landings here are notoriously tricky due to often gale-force winds and pounding surf onto the rocky beach. This is a thrilling location for anyone with a passion for polar history.

Day 10-11: Scotia Sea

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
While heading towards South Georgia, your 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.

Day 12-15: South Georgia

  • Ship
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Rounding the remote southeastern end of South Georgia, spend the next four days 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 after their epic boat trip from Antarctica a century ago.

Day 16-18: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
By now you are in sensory overload, your cameras full of images and 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. The onboard educational program continues and the 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 several busy weeks of activity.

Day 19: 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 to see. As you cruise along the coast of the Falklands, bound for Stanley, enjoy a special dinner
attended by the ship’s Captain.

Day 20: Stanley | Fly to Punta Arenas

  • 1 Breakfast
In the early morning, navigate through the narrows and into the harbor 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 Sergey Vavilov

Shared Lounge on the Vavilov
Vavilov lounge
Enjoy delicious wines with your meal.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$22,595
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Triple Share
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 3, 4 and 5. 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 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

- Single Supplement: 1.5x for twin and superior cabins and 2x for suites. Single supplement is not available in the triple cabin category.

- 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
  • 19 Breakfasts, 18 Lunches, 19 Dinners
  • 19 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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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

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