Join this 18-day adventure aboard Ocean Explorer on a roundtrip cruise from Ushuaia. At sea, photograph massive albatross and pintado petrel as they swoop and soar around the ship, guiding you toward South Georgia. Beaches teeming with king penguins and elephant seals greet you on this fabled island, where you can pay your respects to famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Antarctica awaits, with its geographic contradictions and overwhelming enormity. Relax on a Zodiac ride, hike glistening glaciers, share comical moments with inquisitive penguins, or witness the rugged peninsula from a sea kayak. Antarctica surprises and delights, and never disappoints.
Highlights
Explore South Georgia’s king penguin rookeries – the largest on earth
Tour abandoned whaling stations and enjoy some stories from inhabitants
Enjoy on-board lectures & educational presentations from polar specialists
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port at the tip of South America. It’s the ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart!
There are many activities to keep you engaged while you are at sea. Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend dynamic presentations by your Expedition Team. You will be prepped on safety procedures for Zodiac cruises and shore landings, and also be given instructions for getting the most out of your optional kayaking adventures (extra cost), a truly intimate way to experience Antarctica.
If conditions are right, the first indication that you are approaching South Georgia is the sight of birds around a group of rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Have your binoculars and cameras ready to capture these rocky spires rising out of the icy ocean waters. Shags and prions often rest here, and due to nutrient rich upwellings around the rocks it can be a good place to keep a lookout for whales.
After enjoying South Georgia from a distance, head towards its dark sandy beaches to find a protected bay for your first land excursion. Landing sites on South Georgia are varied and are largely determined by the weather conditions of your voyage. Whichever landing sites you visit, they provide you with wildlife encounters that cannot be enjoyed anywhere else on earth.
This is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches littered with penguins - in particular king and macaroni penguins. Many rookeries number into the 100s of thousands! It won’t take you long to realize that South Georgia is a paradise for bird lovers as burrowing seabirds, albatross, and petrels can be seen in abundance.
You’ll find that South Georgia, once a popular base for whalers and sealers, is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries gone by. Your Expedition Team will help bring those days to life while you visit old whaling stations and enjoy presentations on the South Georgia of then and now.
One of the most significant sites you visit on the island is located on Grytviken. This is one of the first whaling stations established in sub-Antarctic waters. Many travelers find this place of special appeal as it is home to the remains of one of the best known Antarctic explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Say goodbye to the king penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with presentations and workshops led by your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife and landscapes that will surround you upon your arrival.
The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence, and at the next moment you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear.
Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each excursion, whether you are Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. Keep a lookout for Antarctic whales, such as minkes, while on a Zodiac cruise. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy. As exciting as the Zodiac excursions and landings are, perhaps you’ll treat yourself to an extra-special Antarctic experience by partaking in an optional paddling excursion (at an extra cost) or cast reason aside and jump into Antarctic waters for the Polar Plunge!
After more than a dozen days of memorable wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, to spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.
Day 18: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
1 Breakfast
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure on land or catch your flights home.
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.
$25,2952-3 travelers
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Studio Double
The Studio Double, located on Deck 3 and classified as Standard, offers a peaceful atmosphere with a porthole window, all necessary amenities, and a double bed of twin berths. It can accommodate up to two occupants in its 175-186 sqft space.
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Studio Veranda Stateroom
The Studio Veranda Stateroom, located on Deck 6 and measuring approximately 173 sq. f. (16.1 sq.m.), is classified as Standard and features a floor-to-ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony, one double bed that can be configured into two singles, a desk and chair, TV, state-of-the-art 'infotainment' system, and a private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor, making it ideal for 1-2 occupants.
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Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom
The Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom is a standard class on Deck 4, providing guests with privacy, elegance, and sweeping views from their private veranda. It is 168-195 sqft and has a bed configuration of one double bed made up of two twin berths, with a maximum occupancy of 2.
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Deluxe Veranda Middle Stateroom
The Deluxe Veranda Middle Stateroom, located on Deck 4 and classified as Standard, offers guests easy access to all ship amenities. It is 203-272 sqft and accommodates 1-2 guests on a double bed made up of two twin berths plus some with a fold-out sofa bed.
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Deluxe Veranda Stateroom
Experience the panoramic ocean views from the comfort of a Deluxe Veranda Stateroom on Deck 4. This room has a bed configuration of one double bed made up of two twin berths plus a fold-out sofa bed, a size ranging from 200-205 sqft, and a standard class.
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Studio Single
The Studio Single is a standard class located on Deck 3, with an occupancy of one person. It features a double bed made up of two twin berths, a porthole view, a desk and chair, a TV, a state-of-the-art 'infotainment' system, and a private bathroom with shower, vanity, and heated floor, all within approximately 177 sq. ft. (16.5 sq. m) of space.
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Grand Veranda Stateroom
This premium Grand Veranda Stateroom, located on Deck 6 and spanning over 195-205 sqft, is perfect for 1-2 occupants. It features a double bed made up of two twin berths plus a fold-out sofa bed, and it has easy access to the lounge, dining room, and private veranda.
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Royal Veranda Stateroom
The Royal Veranda Stateroom, located on Decks 4 and 6, is a spacious premium-class cabin that can accommodate up to two guests. It features one double bed made up of two twin berths and a fold-out sofa bed, and its size ranges from 189 to 272 sqft.
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Studio Veranda Single
The Studio Veranda Single is a premium cabin located on Deck 7, with an occupancy of 1 person, featuring a twin single bed, a private bathroom with shower, vanity, and heated floor, a state-of-the-art 'infotainment' system, and a floor-to-ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony, covering an area of approximately 162 sq. ft. (15.1 sq. m.).
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Junior Suite
This Junior Suite, located on Deck 6, boasts an impressive decor and layout, a private veranda, and proximity to the lounge and downstairs dining room. It is 296-299 sqft and has a bed configuration of two rooms: one double bed made up of two twin berths and a fold-out sofa bed. It accommodates up to two guests and is classified as Premium.
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Explorer Suite
The Explorer Suite is a premium class accommodation located on Deck 7, featuring a unique 2-room layout with a double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom, a fold-out sofa bed in the outer sitting area, walk-out access to a double-sized balcony from either room, 2 TVs, state-of-the-art 'infotainment' system, private bathroom with shower, vanity, and heated floor, as well as an additional powder room in the outside sitting area, and can accommodate up to 2 guests.
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Owners Suite
The Owners Suite, located on Deck 7, is a premium class, palatial apartment that features a large master bedroom, living room, dining area, two master bathrooms, and a private veranda with stunning views while accommodating 1-2 occupants with a bed configuration of two rooms, one double bed made up of two twin berths, and a fold-out sofa bed, all within a total size of 443 square feet.
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.
- Standard Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the double occupancy rate. The supplement for a Premium Cabin is 2 times the shared rate.
Insurance: Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person is included. Travelers should have a minimum US$50,000 (or equivalent) of emergency medical coverage prior to embarkation. It is recommended that you and all members of your party have comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage, and repatriation. Contact us for details.
Initial deposit is 25% of cruise fare (minimum $1000) plus the cost of kayaking (if applicable), 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
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
17 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 16 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
Coffee, Tea and Cocoa Available Around the Clock
Leadership throughout the expedition by our
experienced Expedition Leader
Loan of Waterproof Boots for Landings
Official Expedition Parka to Keep
Select Beer and Wine During Dinner
Photographic Journal Documenting the Expedition
All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program
All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
All shore landings as per the daily program
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
All luggage handling aboard the ship
Group arrival transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day
Group departure transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from ship to local airport or to luggage storage facility
One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast. (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data intensive applications.)
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes
Internet & Phone Charges
Excess baggage charges
Mandatory Waterproof Pants for Zodiac Cruising & Any Other Gear Not Specifically Mentioned
Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
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.
