Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike cannot fail to be impressed by the incredible scenery and wildlife encounters on this epic 21-day voyage. Set sail aboard the magnificent Ocean Endeavour to discover Antarctica, the world’s last frontier and the land of penguins and icebergs. Sail from Elephant Island, and follow in the footsteps of the heroic polar explorer, Shackleton, to South Georgia, ruled by penguins and home to the greatest concentration of wildlife on Earth. Explore the ruggedly beautiful Falkland Islands, with their spectacular array of birdlife, flora and fauna. This is the journey of a lifetime, and one not to be missed.
Highlights
Visit the rugged Falkland Islands and the capital, Port Stanley
Admire the unspoiled Antarctic wilderness
Watch elephant seals challenge each other from up close
Walk among thousands of King Penguins in South Georgia
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, make your way through to the Arrivals Hall where your representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure.
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 on board the Ocean Endeavour. The Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers will be waiting to welcome you aboard. As you set sail, familiarize yourself with the layout of the Ocean Endeavour and its great amenities and enjoy a welcome dinner. This evening 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 5-7: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
The next three days are spent exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, a region that has captivated explorers for centuries and now enthrals travelers. Explore by Zodiac, cruising amongst the magnificently sculpted icebergs and making shore landings where you can mingle with penguins, climb to vantage points to absorb the spectacular panoramic views, maybe visiting a scientific or historic base. There may even be opportunities to kayak and snowshoe and of course learn more about photography with one of the 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 birds. 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 site.
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 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 as the ship charts a course for historic Elephant Island. If conditions permit, the crew 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, whilst Shackleton sailed with 5 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 times.
Leaving Elephant Island, chart a course northeast towards South Georgia. Learn to identify the seabirds that follow in the wake of the ship or glide alongside the vessel including albatrosses, 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, pool, gym and yoga classes.
If weather conditions are favorable, hope to make landfall on South Georgia by late evening on day 10.
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. Aim to spend four 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 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 this planet. It is known as the ‘Galapagos of the South’. If the wildlife is not enough of a drawcard - then the spectacular scenery against which it is set can only enhance your visit - emerald green bays, snow-covered peaks, and blue glacier ice.
Explore by Zodiac and kayak and on foot, with opportunities to learn more about photography from one of your expert guides. Every day provides a different experience and a different location. Stand in awe among 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, 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 on your approach to the ruggedly beautiful Falklands archipelago to capture not only the abundant wildlife but also the incredible scenery. Over the next couple of days, explore the East and West Falkland Islands by Zodiac and on foot as you 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 you 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.
Departing from the Falklands, set sail for Puerto Madryn. The next day is spent at sea, as you head towards Puerto Madryn, but there are the many onboard amenities to enjoy including a spa, saunas, pool and gym and relaxing yoga classes and of course a final presentation or two.
This last day at sea gives you one final chance to view the marine life of these southern waters.
Join the captain for a farewell dinner tonight on board the ship and toast the end of an epic voyage.
Day 21: Puerto Madryn | Disembark
1 Breakfast
You are scheduled to arrive into Puerto Madryn early this morning and disembark after a final breakfast onboard the Ocean Endeavour.
After saying your farewells to your Expedition Team and the crew of the Ocean Endeavour, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight, or you may like to spend extra days in Puerto Madryn, the gateway to the Valdez Peninsula and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is famous for its abundance of wildlife.
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.
Select a Date
Single Inside (Cat. 1)
Approximately 95 to 105 sq. ft. (9-10 sq. m), an interior Single cabin mid ship on Deck 5 with a lower berth and private bath, TV and radio.
Select a Date
Triple (Cat. 2)
Approximately 225 sq. ft. (20 sq. m), a Triple on Deck 4 is an interior cabin with three lower berths, and private bath. Cabin 4100 has four lower single beds and one private bathroom with a separate shower room.
Select a Date
Interior Twin (Cat. 3)
Deck five: Interior cabin, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 125 sq. ft. (twin)/110 sq. ft. (single)
Select a Date
Twin/Single (Cat. 4)
Deck four: Porthole window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 100 sq. ft. (twin)/90 sq. ft. (single)
Select a Date
Main Twin (Cat. 5)
Deck five: Picture window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 115 sq. ft.
Deck five. Picture windows, unobstructed view, two lower berths, approx. 190 sq. ft. Deck eight: oversize windows, partially obstruction view, matrimonial bed, private bath, refrigerator - approx. 145 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Superior Twin (Cat.8)
Superior Twin cabins on deck 5 are approximately 21 m² and feature a large picture window and two lower beds. Deck 7 Superior Twins are approximately 17 m² and offer queen beds.
Select a Date
Junior Suite (Cat. 9)
Junior Suites on Deck 5 are at least 325 sq. ft. (30 sq. m), and at least 164 sq. ft. (15 sq. m) on Deck 7. All Junior Suites feature a picture window with an unobstructed view, one double bed and a private bath.
Select a Date
Suite (Cat. 10)
Approximately 320 sq. ft. (30 sq. m), the Owner’s Suite on Deck 7 features two large bow-facing windows, one double bed, separate sitting room and private bath with tub.
Notes
Solo Travelers: Single Cabins are available in Cat 1. & Cat 4. Same gender shared cabins are available at no extra charge (not available in Cat 8, Cat 9 or Cat 10). Single occupancy of other cabins at 1.7x double occupancy rate.
Child Policy: Child rate is 50% of adult double occupancy rate in selected cabin. Minimum age of 8.
Children must be aged between 8 & 12 at time of travel to be eligible for these rates.
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
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days 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
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.