Follow in the footsteps of one of the greatest explorers of all time, Sir Ernest Shackleton, as we journey deep into Antarctica by way of the wildlife-rich Falkland Islands/Malvinas and South Georgia during this 22-day voyage aboard Island Sky. We’ll explore the fascinating history of the area, dating back to the grandiose times of the ‘Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration’ of the late 1800s and early 1900s, as we encounter jaw-dropping scenes in nature, colossal icebergs, and incredible wildlife.
Highlights
Shackleton-focused programming both on board and at historical landing sites
Exploring the Port of Stanley, Falkland Islands/Malvinas
A visit to Grytviken, a former whaling station, and the gravesite of Sir Ernest Shackleton
See Penguin rookeries with hundreds of thousands of birds on South Georgia
Potential encounters with Orca, Humpback and Minke whales
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
No need to stress about missed connections or flight delays as you arrive with plenty of time to unwind and enjoy the beautiful Arakur Resort & Spa or spend time discovering the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia.
Explore the sights of Ushuaia such as the museums and Argentinean leather markets or continue relaxing at the hotel. Attend the optional evening briefing for the opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow travelers.
Spend your morning exploring Ushuaia or unwinding at the resort until your mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. Your Expedition Team and ship staff will greet you on board, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and Captain’s welcome dinner. Celebrate New Year’s Eve as we enter the Beagle Channel.
As you sail south, important briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety are held. You won’t want to miss your experts as they begin their informative and entertaining talks about the wildlife and geology of the area, with special presentations by your accomplished Historians on Antarctica’s unique history and Shackleton’s saga.
Things really start to ramp up as there is plenty of wildlife identifying to do as we officially enter Antarctic waters. Hopping into our inflatable Zodiac boats, we’ll spend as much time as possible exploring. Be prepared to marvel up close at nature’s glory as we set a course for the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula.
We’ll follow in Shackleton’s footsteps as we attempt to land at sites of historic and scientific interest, including Elephant Island and Point Wild.
Things really start to ramp up with plenty of wildlife and seabird identifying to do as we make our way east across the Antarctic Convergence and officially enter Antarctic waters. Shipboard presentations continue, featuring topics like the captivating history of Shackleton’s quest and the abundant wildlife of South Georgia.
South Georgia is often referred to as the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’ and it’s easy to see why as this island home to tens of millions of breeding penguins, seals, and seabirds. Magnificent mountain scenery, glaciers galore, a rich historical tapestry, and an incredible array of wildlife will astound you as we travel up South Georgia's leeward coast. We’ll also visit historic Grytviken whaling station, plus the tiny graveyard where the great Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried with his right-hand man Frank Wild beside him.
Stanley is a lively hub of activity nestled in a sheltered harbor. Head out on foot to explore the museum, shops and services centered on the port, or look for sea lions, dolphins, and bird life along the shores.
We’ll explore some of the westernmost settled outposts in the Falklands, where you can take in the beautiful countryside and look for black browed albatross or Rockhopper, King, and Magellanic penguin rookeries.
A relaxing day at sea as we wrap things up, enjoy lasting moments with fellow passengers and staff, and rest
up before the journey home.
Day 22: Ushuaia | Disembark
1 Breakfast
With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.
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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Triple Suite
Averaging 225 sq. ft. Queen size bed or two twin-sized beds and a third berth, window and sitting area.
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Porthole Suite
Averaging 235 sq. ft. Queen size bed or two twin-sized beds, porthole and sitting area.
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Window Suite
Averaging 225 sq. ft. Queen size bed or two twin-sized beds, window and sitting area.
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Promenade Suite
Averaging 220 sq. ft. Queen size bed or two twin-sized beds, tinted sliding glass door onto Promenade deck, and sitting area.
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Deluxe Suite
Averaging 240 sq. ft. Queen size bed or two twin-sized beds, tinted sliding glass door onto Promenade deck and side window, and sitting area.
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Veranda Suite
Averaging 260 sq. ft and a 40 sq. ft. balcony. Queen size bed or two twin-sized beds, private balcony and sitting area.
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Penthouse Suite
Averaging 325 sq. ft and a 80 sq. ft. balcony. Queen size bed or two twin-sized beds, private balcony and sitting area.
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Owner's Suite
Averaging 385 sq. ft. and a 110 sq. ft. balcony. Queen size bed or two twin-sized beds, two rooms with sitting room and bedroom.
Notes
Single supplement - A limited number of twin suites may be sold for single occupancy at 1.7 times the twin rate.
Travel Insurance - All passengers are required to carry valid travel insurance which must contain medical and evacuation coverage of no less than $150,000 as well as cancellation and trip interruption.
Initial deposit is 20% of trip cost pp, 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. 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
21 Breakfasts, 18 Lunches, 19 Dinners
21 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Coffee, Tea and Cocoa Available Around the Clock
Expedition Parka
500 MB WiFi for personal devices
Digital Voyage Log
Citizen Science program: participation in a variety of scientific activities that support important research projects
Beer/wine/soft drinks with lunch and dinner
All scheduled landings and excursions
A pair of loaner boots for use during the voyage
All port and landing fees
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Pre- or post-voyage expenses
All passengers that travel with Polar Latitudes, the operator of your ship, are required to carry valid travel insurance. This insurance must contain medical and evacuation coverage and should include cancellation and trip interruption as well. As any potential evacuation from Antarctica can cost up to $150,000 no policy should carry less than this amount of coverage.
Onboard communication charges such as outgoing phone calls or more than 500 MB WiFi from personal devices
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day 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
3 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
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.