On this extraordinary 18day voyage, follow in the wake of courageous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton to Antarctica and the South Shetlands before sailing to South Georgia via Antarctic Sound, Weddell Sea, and Elephant Island. Explore the Antarctic Sound with its mighty tabular icebergs and enter the Weddell Sea in search for Adelie and Emperor penguins. Sailing between South Georgia and Elephant Island offers a small glimpse into the journey made famous by Shackleton 100 years ago when he navigated through the open seas of the Drake Passage in an effort to save his stranded crew. Visit active research stations, former whaling stations and Shackleton’s final resting place.
Highlights
Discover South Georgia's king penguins, seals and seabirds
Look out for wondrous wildlife breeding cycles at their peak
Visit Shackleton’s grave and the whaling museum at Grytviken
Marvel at spectacular iceberg sculptures on the Antarctic Peninsula
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. It's a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. In the afternoon, board your ship, the Ocean Atlantic.
The journey begins as the ships navigate through the calms of the Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.
Day 2-3: At Sea | Drake Passage | King George Island
Sailing onward, cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Drake Passage is known for strong westerly winds and rolling seas, which combine to create the infamous "Drake shake." While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard the expedition vessel, Ocean Atlantic, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines, and a highly qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider the Drake Passage a lifetime achievement – and soon you can tick it off on the list yourself!
In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view with the first sightings of seals, penguins, and albatrosses.
Having crossed the Drake, you can explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marveled by the captivating landscapes to encounter along the way. Weather permitting, make the first landfall on King George Island before continuing further south to the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Over the coming days, begin the exciting Antarctic experience at the very tip of the Continent. During these days in the Antarctic Sound, named in 1902 after the Swedish vessel Antarctic, the Captain – and you – keep a watchful eye on the mighty tabular icebergs, born from the floating Larsen Ice Shelf further south. Aim to have both continental and island landings on the shores of Antarctic Sound and the Weddell Sea, always on the lookout for some of the unusually large penguin colonies which have recently been observed.
The itinerary and activities over the next few days will depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings are determined by the Captain and Expedition Leader and communicated to the guests through regularly scheduled briefings.
From the Weddell Sea, continue the journey into the open sea, just as Ernest Shackleton and his men did 103 years ago. Having lost their ship Endurance deep south in the Weddell Sea they moved slowly north on ice floes and later in open lifeboats until they reached Elephant Island. From here started one of the most remarkable boat journeys in polar history, when Shackleton and five of his men during two weeks navigated the 720 nautical miles to South Georgia to call for recovery of his stranded crew on Elephant Island. Passing Elephant Island at close distance, on the other hand, reach mighty South Georgia after just a few days at sea!
South Georgia offers stunning wildlife experiences with a wealth of breeding penguins, sea birds, sea lions and seals, all seeking shelter in this oasis amidst the roaring Southern Ocean. Previous whaling history pops up in most of the fjords explored – not least in Grytviken, the only inhabited settlement on this mountainous island. Grytviken is also the last resting place for Ernest Shackleton after he died on yet another Antarctic voyage in 1922. Explore the fjords of the north coast for 2-3 days and take as many shore landings as time and the swelling sea allows.
Days at sea are great for participating in lectures, photo sessions, and recaps, reading books in the ship's library, or just to relax and watch the ubiquitous storm petrels and albatrosses from the top deck.
During the morning approach the Falkland Islands and in the early afternoon Ocean Atlantic will cast anchor the sheltered natural harbor of Port Stanley. Utilizing our Zodiacs, land in the town center, and take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Stanley. On the following day make landings – weather permitting – at two of the islands’ many magnificent wildlife spots.
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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Category G - Single
Size 9-10 m². Cabins feature a single bed, private bathroom, and a porthole. Located on Columbus Deck (Deck 4).
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Category F
Size 18-21 m². Large Inside Triple Cabin, featuring a double or two single beds, and a fold-out single bed, a relaxing sitting area, and a bathroom with a bathtub, and a porthole. Located on Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
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Category E
Size 18-21 m². Large Inside Cabin, featuring a double or two single beds, a relaxing sitting area, and a bathroom with a bathtub. Located on Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
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Category D
Size 11-12 m². Featuring two single beds, private bathroom, and a porthole. Located on the Columbus Deck (Deck 4).
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Category C
Size 12-13 m². This Standard Cabin has two single beds, private bathroom, and a window. Located on the Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
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Category B
Size 20-23 m² Featuring a double bed or two single beds, a sofa bed that enables triple accommodation, a relaxing sitting area, private bathroom and windows. Partly obstructed view. Located on the Magellan and Hudson Deck (Deck 7 & 8).
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Category A
Size 19-24 m². Featuring a double bed or two single beds, a relaxing sitting area, a private bathroom, and windows. Located on the Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
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Premium Suite
Size 35 m². These 2-room suites are designed with a large double bed or two twin beds, an elegant living room, a large private bathroom, and windows. Located on the Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
Notes
Kayaking activities available on both Arctic and Antarctic voyages.
Although kayaking opportunities are possible in most locations during each excursion in the Antarctic region, weather, sea and ice conditions will dictate the when and where to ensure your safety and improve your experience.
In order to sign up for this activity, you need to have previous kayaking experience and attend a mandatory safety briefing by the Kayak Master. The cost is $250/person per outing and it can only be booked onboard.
Initial deposit is 25% of cruise fare, 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. Only Visa and Mastercard are accepted for deposit. The operator does NOT accept AMEX or Discover
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
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day 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
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
