Explore the White Continent on this 19-day Expedition to Southern Lands Roundtrip Ushuaia aboard L'Austral, tracing the footsteps of explorers in South Georgia and Antarctica. Set sail from Ushuaia to South Georgia, where Sir Ernest Shackleton miraculously landed during his famous Endurance Odyssey in 1916. Rediscover this saga and life at this little-known time in history, amid snow-covered mountains. Sail on the Southern Ocean towards the White Continent, Antarctica, and witness icebergs, glaciers, mountains, and frozen sea. Accompanied by a team of expert naturalist guides who share the secrets of these faraway lands and the unique wildlife. Discover the vast territory of the penguins, albatrosses, numerous species of seals, and majestic whales blowing on the horizon. Sail along the Drake Passage and disembark in Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego.

Highlights

Rediscover the saga of Sir Ernest Shackleton's Endurance Odyssey
Witness icebergs, glaciers, mountains, and frozen sea in Antarctica
Discover the unique wildlife of penguins, albatrosses, seals, and whales
Sail along the Drake Passage and disembark in Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego

Activities

Places Visited

Activity Level: Variable

Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.

Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Buenos Aires

Arrive in Buenos Aires, relax, and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure. Meet at Ezeiza international airport in the arrival hall. A shuttle from the airport permits you to join the hotel.

Day 2: Ushuaia | Embark

Hotels
1 Dinner

Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del Mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible…

Day 3-5: At Sea

Ship
3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

Day 6-8: South Georgia

Ship
3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Aboard your ship, discover South Georgia, a region formed by an underwater mountain chain that extends from the Andes to the Antarctic Peninsula. All the wildlife of the Far South can be found there: king and Gentoo penguins, elephant seals, fur seals… You might get the chance to discover the majestic glaciers of Gold Harbour and the vast plains of Fortuna Bay. If you are fortunate enough to land at Salisbury Plain, you can expect a wonderful spectacle: more than 300,000 king penguins, which you will recognize by the bright orange mark on their head and neck, have taken up residence there.

Day 9-11: At Sea

Ship
3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners

During your voyage at sea, take advantage of the various amenities and activities available on board. Indulge in relaxation at the spa or stay active at the fitness center. Depending on the season, you can enjoy the swimming pool or soak up the sun. This port-less journey also presents opportunities to attend conferences or shows, participate in shopping at the boutique, or meet the PONANT photographers in their designated area. Those who love the open sea can visit the upper deck to admire the mesmerizing waves and, with some luck, catch a glimpse of marine creatures. It's a truly magical interlude, offering a blend of comfort, rejuvenation, and entertainment.

Day 12-16: Antarctic Peninsula

Ship
5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners

Succumb to the magic of a place unlike any other. To this day, the mythical Antarctic Peninsula still holds real fascination and promises its visitors unforgettable moments. Throughout your adventure in this icy realm, you will find yourself in the heart of spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. Penguins, humpback whales, seals, and giant petrels are at home here, as are elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, and orcas. Depending on which sites you will be lucky enough to visit, you may get the chance to observe them and share with them the beauty of these extreme parts.

Each day, based on ice conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader will suggest zodiac outings or landings discover the infinite riches of the Antarctic Peninsula. Glaciers, ice floe, tabletop icebergs, mountain peaks that plunge straight into the sea, volcanic beaches, research stations, enchanting bays, and vestiges of the whaling industry: these are the faces of the Antarctic that will likely reveal themselves to you, in a hushed and surreal atmosphere. You will sail in the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache, and Sir Ernest Shackleton, great Antarctic explorers who, from the 19th century, set out to conquer these remote and uninhabited lands.

Day 17-18: Crossing the Drake Passage

Ship
2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

If there is one place, one sea, one waterway dreaded by tourists, researchers, and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly the Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to connect Antarctica to South America. Seasoned navigators will tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent! As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water m15asses, the Drake Passage harbors a very diverse marine fauna. Don't forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around your ship.

Day 19: Ushuaia | Disembark

1 Breakfast

Bid farewell to the crew and ship as you disembark in Ushuaia.

Ship/Hotel

L'Austral

Name: Antarctica Cruises & Tours
Brand: Adventure Life
Rating: 4.8 (176 reviews)

L'Austral

The L'Austral, sister ship to the Le Boreal, is the fruit of Italian expertise and French sophistication. A superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins, the L'Austral links tradition and innovation, cruising to worldwide destinations in luxury.

Enjoy a gourmet meal at the Gastronomic Restaurant.

Ushuaia - Hotels

Alto Andino

Experience the ultimate escape at Alto Andino, nestled in the world's southernmost city. Delight in the cozy accommodations, boasting captivating vistas of Patagonia. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty where the Andes' grandeur converges with the Beagle Channel's expanse. With avant-garde design and top-tier hospitality, discover a truly unforgettable journey at the End of the World.

Hotel Campanilla

Campanilla Hotel invites you to find out all this landscapes secrets, because there is no doubt they will surprise and charm you. The warmness of this hotel will make your experience enjoyable and is a wonderful place to begin your Antarctica tour.

Upgrade

Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa

Los Cauquenes, the only high-end Resort & Spa on the Beagle Channel beach, with the snowed peaks of the imposing Andes mountain range behind it and just 7 km away from the city of Ushuaia, has 54 rooms and suites, direct access to a private beach and outstanding views from all rooms and hotel areas.

Island of seals & sea lions, Beagle Channel

More Ushuaia Hotels

Ushuaia is a charming port city that is the gateway to Antarctica and lays claim as the southernmost city in the world and is a bustling center for adventure travel.

Dates & Prices

Per person starting at

$20,160 2-3 travelers

Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.

Select a Date

Superior Stateroom

8 cabins, 226 sq ft, located on Le Champollion Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area and private bath.

Select a Date

Deluxe Stateroom

28 cabins, 200 sq ft with private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.

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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4

200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.

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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5

200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.

Select a Date

Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6

200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.

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Deluxe Suite

3 suites, 290 sq ft with 54 sq ft private balcony, located on the Le France Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, desk, minibar, private bath.

Select a Date

Prestige Suite - Deck 5

398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.

Select a Date

Prestige Suite - Deck 6

398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.

Select a Date

Owners Suite

484 sq ft with 97 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living, dining areas, private bath with large tub and shower, minibar, 2 flat screen TVs, DVD, CD, and IPOD, Video on demand, Satellite phone

Notes

Please note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and subject to change without notice.

Payment Details

Terms & Conditions

Operated by Ponant

Included

17 Breakfasts, 16 Lunches, 17 Dinners
17 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Port Fees
Unlimited Wifi
Onboard Entertainment
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
Gratuities to Onboard Crew
“Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
24h Room Service (special selection)
English-Speaking Lecturer
Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite.
Return flight Buenos Aires - Ushuaia - Buenos Aires selected by PONANT, in economy class.
1-night accommodation in a 4* hotel the night before embarkation
A shuttle for your way towards your hotel, the day before embarkation

Excluded

Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Buenos Aires Hotel tax (up to $2 per person/night) - paid at checkout
Visa Fees
Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
Luggage Handling
Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions
Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses

Map

When to Go

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Oct

Nov

Dec

Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

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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 | 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.

Tina

6 days ago

Rapid response.

kym

Expedition to Southern Lands

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Buenos Aires

Day 2: Ushuaia | Embark

Day 3-5: At Sea

Day 6-8: South Georgia

Day 9-11: At Sea

Day 12-16: Antarctic Peninsula

Day 17-18: Crossing the Drake Passage

Day 19: Ushuaia | Disembark

Ship/Hotel

L'Austral

L'Austral

Ushuaia - Hotels

Alto Andino

Hotel Campanilla

Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa

More Ushuaia Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Notes

Map

When to Go

Inquire

We Love to Talk Travel

Antarctica Travel Guide

Favorite Antarctica All Trips

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