Join this 21-day expedition on the Ocean Endeavour to the charming and remote Falkland Islands, the wildlife wonderland of South Georgia, and the majestic Antarctica Peninsula. Enjoy unforgettable encounters with untamed wildlife, step back in time at historically signigficant sites as the British town of Stanley, and learn about Antarctica´s unique geology and history.
Highlights
Admire the Antarctic unspoiled and uninhabited wilderness
Walk among thousands of King Penguins in South Georgia
Watch elephant seals challenge each other from up close
Visit the rugged Falkland Islands and the capital, Port Stanley
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
On arrival at Ushuaia Airport, please make your way through to the Arrivals Hall where your representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. They will be holding a sign with your name on it. Should you not be able to contact them, please refer to the front of your itinerary for the emergency contact details of your representative office.
The first night of your voyage is spent in the quaint town of Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world, and the capital of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire).
The remainder of the day is at leisure and you are free to explore, perhaps making a few last-minute purchases from the many shops or artisan markets or relaxing in a café. Visit the excellent museums along the main street, Avenida San Martin, or wander the streets and take in the town’s dramatic setting, with views of the mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south.
This morning is again free for you to explore Ushuaia further, or maybe discover Tierra del Fuego National Park, the most southerly national park of South America. The park offers a range of hiking trails that lead you through the stunningly beautiful and dramatic scenery of snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, rugged coastline, glaciers, waterfalls, and lakes. Look out for guanaco, Andean foxes, muskrats, and the North American beaver. Birds found here include the Andean Condor, Magellanic Oystercatcher, Kelp Goose, Austral Parakeet, and Torrent Duck.
Late this afternoon transfer to the port of Ushuaia in time for embarkation onboard the Ocean Endeavour. The Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers will be waiting to welcome us aboard.
This evening you sail along the wildlife-rich Beagle Channel, towards the White Continent of Antarctica. As you leave the lights of Ushuaia behind, look out for Magellanic Penguins, Rock Cormorants, Petrels, and Black-browed Albatross from the deck as well as noisy sea lion colonies.
The infamous Drake Passage, named after the famous English explorer, Sir Frances Drake, separates the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from the southernmost tip of South America. It is unpredictable—often rough and turbulent, but sometimes as calm as a lake—so be prepared!
Enjoy the fabulous onboard facilities: join a yoga class or attend a presentation or two given by the Expedition Team to prepare you for what lies ahead—from the geology of Antarctica to its history and wildlife, and even the ice!
Sailing towards Antarctica there is a fall in temperature as you cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. The Antarctic Convergence is marked by an increased number of seabirds, whales, and other species that are attracted by the nutrient-rich waters pushed to the surface by the colder waters of the polar region flowing north and meeting the warmer equatorial waters flowing south. Head out on deck to look out for the mighty Albatross that fly overhead, scan the waters for breaching whales and icebergs, or gaze out from the panoramic windows of the observation deck.
Continue your course south and hope to make landfall by the evening of Day 4, depending on the weather conditions. Keep on the lookout for the first sighting of land— that heralds your arrival to the White Continent!
Day 5-8: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
The next four days are spent exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, a region that has captivated explorers for centuries and now enthralls travelers. Explore by Zodiac, cruising among the magnificently sculpted icebergs and making 23 shore landings where you mingle with penguins, climb to vantage points to absorb the spectacular panoramic views, and maybe visit a scientific or historic base. There may even be opportunities to kayak and snowshoe and, of course, learn more about photography with one of your experts.
Antarctica will enchant you with its incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snow-capped peaks, vast icebergs, and ice-strewn channels. Not to mention the wildlife— from extensive colonies of Chinstrap, Gentoo and Adelie penguins, to crabeater, Weddell, fur and elephant seals, and a plethora of fascinating seabirds. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the mighty crack of a glacier calving. Maybe you will be one of the brave few to take a polar plunge in the icy waters! Every day brings a new experience and new landing sites.
As you cruise from one landing site to the next, enjoy the continued lecture program and take in the scenery from the outer decks of the Ocean Endeavour. Make the most of the ship’s health and fitness facilities, from the relaxing spa and saunas to the pool and gym.
Leave the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands behind you as you chart a course for historic Elephant Island. If conditions permit, we will attempt to take the Zodiacs to Point Wild.
Elephant Island has its place firmly etched in polar history, as this is where Shackleton’s crew from the 1914-17 Trans-Antarctic Expedition took refuge when their ship, the Endurance, was crushed by pack ice in the Weddell Sea. They set up camp at Point Wild, a harsh and inhospitable place and waited for over four months, while Shackleton sailed with five other men in the James Laird lifeboat to South Georgia. This is one of the most incredible adventure stories and most heroic survival stories of all time.
Leaving Elephant Island, you chart a course northeast towards South Georgia. Spend time learning to identify the seabirds that follow in the wake of the ship or glide alongside including Albatross, Storm Petrels, Shearwaters, and Diving Petrels. Look out for whales and dolphins as you enjoy the silence of the sea. Attend lectures and presentations by the Expedition Team as they prepare you for what lies ahead on South Georgia—from the history and geology to the incredible wildlife. Take in the panoramic views from the observation lounge and spacious decks, or make the most of the onboard facilities that include a spa, saunas, saltwater pool, gym, and yoga classes. If weather conditions are favorable, you hope to make landfall on South Georgia by late evening on day twelve.
South Georgia captivates every traveler that steps foot on its shores. Home to the greatest concentration of wildlife on the planet, here penguins number in the hundreds of thousands, blanketing beaches as far as the eye can see.
We spend three days exploring this stunningly beautiful island, an island that is not only overrun with an incredible array of fauna but one that is steeped in history. South Georgia was an intrinsic part of Sir Ernest Shackleton's ill-fated Endurance expedition and was once the center of the whaling industry.
South Georgia—known as the ‘Galapagos of the South—is home to over 30 million breeding birds, thousands of seals, the introduced Norwegian reindeer, nesting sites of the Wandering Albatross, four breeding species of penguin, and the largest colony of King Penguins on the planet. If the wildlife is not enough of a drawcard, the spectacular scenery against which it is set can only enhance your visit: emerald green bays, snow-covered peaks, and blue glacier ice. We explore by Zodiac and kayak and on foot, with opportunities to learn more about photography from one of our expert guides.
Every day provides a different experience and a different location. Stand in awe amongst tens of thousands of penguins, look out across beaches carpeted with elephant seals, visit the remains of abandoned whaling stations, and even the grave of Shackleton himself.
Saying goodbye to the wildlife of South Georgia, we head west towards the isolated and sparsely populated Falklands archipelago, where the silence is broken only by the call of birds. Attend lectures and presentations by the Expedition Team, relax and unwind in the saunas and spa, and take advantage of all the other amenities onboard.
Have your camera at the ready as we approach the ruggedly beautiful Falklands archipelago to capture not only the abundant wildlife but also the incredible scenery.
Over the next couple of days, we explore East and West Island by Zodiac and on foot as we make daily shore landings and maybe even discover smaller inlets by kayak.
Learn about the intriguing and controversial history of the Falkland Islands as we explore the quaint capital of Port Stanley, with its British outpost feel. Near the town, you may see Southern Giant Petrels, the endemic Falkland Steamer Ducks, Kelp Gulls, and Dolphin Gulls. There are also Black-crowned Night Herons, Red-backed Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, and Turkey Vultures.
As we explore the islands, look out for the five species of penguins found here, large populations of Black-browed Albatross, elephant and fur seals, Peale’s and Commerson’s dolphins, orcas, and a myriad of bird species including the Falkland’s Flightless Steamer Duck, Imperial Shags, and Cobb’s Wrens.
After our exploration of the Falkland Islands, we set sail on a course west, bound for the city of Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world and the capital of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire).
Day 21: Ushuaia | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Arrive into Ushuaia early this morning, and we disembark after a final breakfast aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
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.
$18,790
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Quadruple - Category 1
Deck four: Interior cabin, four lower berths, private bath (separate shower room and powder room) - approx. 240 sq. ft.
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Triple - Category 2
Deck four: Interior cabin, three lower berths, two private baths - approx. 200 sq. ft.
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Interior Twin - Category 3
Deck five: Interior cabin, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 125 sq. ft. (twin)/110 sq. ft. (single)
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Exterior Twin - Category 4
Deck four: Porthole window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 100 sq. ft. (twin)/90 sq. ft. (single)
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Main Twin - Category 5
Deck five: Picture window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 115 sq. ft.
Deck seven. Forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view, matrimonial bed, private bath with full tub, refrigerator - approx. 310 sq. ft.
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.
- Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.5 times the double occupancy rate.
Initial deposit is $2000, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. Accepts client cards for deposit only. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
20 Breakfasts, 19 Lunches, 19 Dinners
20 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)
It is mandatory to have emergency evacuation and medical insurance to travel with Adventure Canada. It is recommended to obtain a basic minimum coverage of $500,000 on all cruises.
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours 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
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
