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Lighthouse of Beagle Channel, Ushuaia

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula

Roundtrip Ushuaia - Example 22 Day Cruise aboard Douglas Mawson
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This 22-day adventure takes you on a journey to the Subantarctic islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Similar to the South Georgia, Falklands & Antarctic Odyssey, this trip includes extra time in the Falklands~Malvinas. This additional day allows for a deeper exploration of the islands' history and the chance to encounter their birdlife, including black-browed albatrosses and macaroni penguins.

In South Georgia, witness some of the largest king penguin colonies on Earth. As you travel further south, explore the Antarctic Peninsula, where icebergs and glaciers create an unforgettable landscape. This wilderness invites you to experience the true spirit of exploration and see diverse wildlife, including seals, whales, and various bird species.
Adele Penguin King of the HillZodiac cruise in AntarcticaRoyal Bay, South GeorgiaGold Harbour, South GeorgiaBeautiful port of Ushuaia, ArgentinaLighthouse of Beagle Channel, Ushuaia
Highlights
  • Exploring the history and birdlife of the Falklands~Malvinas
  • Observe some of the largest king penguin colonies on Earth
  • Experience the icebergs and expansive glaciers of the Antarctic Peninsula
  • See a variety of wildlife, including seals, whales, and bird species
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia

Upon arrival in Ushuaia, you are greeted by a representative who transfers you and your fellow expeditioners to your designated pre-voyage accommodation. If you are already in Ushuaia, you proceed directly to your hotel. Check-in begins at 3:00 pm. Later in the afternoon, between 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm, you visit the hospitality desk in the hotel lobby to collect your luggage tags and confirm your interest in joining tomorrow's Beagle Channel and Isla de Los Lobos Cruise, where you can observe sea lions. Our team provides details about your embarkation day, addresses any inquiries you may have, and offers guidance on dining options or where to purchase any last-minute items.

For expeditioners arriving after 7:00 pm, a welcome pack is available at check-in. You plan to visit the hospitality desk the following day between 8:00 am and 10:00 am. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure, with all meals being at your own expense.

Day 2: Ushuaia | Embarkation

This morning, guests enjoy breakfast and complete check-out procedures. They are reminded to attach cabin tags with their name and cabin number to their cabin luggage. By 11:00 am, guests must bring their cabin luggage to the hotel reception for storage and transfer directly to the port. It will be placed in their cabin before their arrival on board. Guests are advised to keep any valuables or personal items with them throughout the day.

The morning is free for guests to explore Ushuaia at their leisure. Those interested in joining the afternoon catamaran cruise gather at the hotel lobby at 12:15 pm for a transfer to the port at 12:30 pm. The cruise navigates the Beagle Channel, passing landmarks such as the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and colonies of sea lions and imperial cormorants. Alternatively, guests may choose to enjoy their day at leisure and meet at the hotel lobby at 3:00 pm, or at 3:30 pm at the designated meeting point near the pier for embarkation.

Upon boarding, guests have time to settle into their cabins before attending mandatory briefings. As the ship departs from port, guests gather on the deck to enjoy breathtaking views of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. In the evening, guests have the opportunity to mingle with fellow expeditioners, as well as the friendly expedition team and crew, at a welcome dinner celebrating the beginning of their thrilling adventure to Antarctica.

Day 3-4: Drake Passage Crossing

As you commence the Drake Passage crossing, take the opportunity to get comfortable with the motions of the sea. Our expedition team will prepare you for our first landing by providing important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures, as well as starting our lecture program to enhance your understanding of Antarctica’s history, wildlife, and environment.

Your wildlife experiences will begin as you enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following our vessel. On sea days, feel free to take advantage of the facilities on board, such as the gym, sauna, and jacuzzis, or relax in one of the observation lounges.

As you approach the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on the afternoon of day four, excitement fills the air as everyone gathers on one of the observation decks, eagerly watching for our first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once you are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first big iceberg sighting is likely to stay with you for a lifetime. If time and weather permit, attempt our first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.

Day 5-8: Drake Passage & South Shetland Islands

Arriving in Antarctica is an indescribable feeling. Spotting your first iceberg and inhaling the incredibly fresh, crisp air is an experience that will be etched in your memory forever.

Once you reach your destination, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands become our playground, offering a plethora of choices for exploration. With nearly continuous daylight, ranging from 18 to 24 hours, the days can be as packed with activities as you desire.

Our experienced expedition team, with their extensive knowledge of the area, will craft each day's itinerary based on prevailing weather conditions, ice conditions, and wildlife sightings. Expect to make landings or Zodiac excursions twice daily, where you'll have the opportunity to cruise along magnificent ice cliffs, explore penguin rookeries, and visit historic sites.

During shore excursions, you'll have the chance to stretch your legs on pebbly beaches or hike up snow-covered ridgelines for panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Optional activities, such as the polar plunge, are available for those seeking an adrenaline rush, weather permitting.

In addition to excursions, you may cruise through dramatic straits or linger in scenic bays to observe whales or marvel at glaciers calving into the sea. Take advantage of the observation lounge or visit the bridge for uninterrupted views of Antarctica's splendor, and savor the tranquility of this pristine wilderness.

Whether you've chosen optional activities or simply wish to soak in the awe-inspiring surroundings, Antarctica offers an unforgettable adventure at every turn.

Day 9-10: At Sea

Enjoy informative and entertaining lectures from our expedition team and learn about the wildlife, history and culture of the places that you will visit on the voyage. You may want to use the sauna and jacuzzis, stay active in the gym or borrow a book from our well-stocked library and relax in one of the many observation areas on board the vessel.    

Day 11: At Sea | South Georgia

Sea and weather conditions will determine our departure time from South Georgia today. 

Day 12-15: South Georgia

As you near the rugged island of South Georgia, spare a thought for Captain James Cook, who arrived here in 1775 and believed it to be the northern tip of a great southern continent! In fact, it is a small island only 176 km (110 mi) long, but with a 3,000 m (9,842 ft) snow-capped mountain range, some of the world’s largest congregations of wildlife and a truly fascinating human history, South Georgia is an island of incredible riches. 

On approach, jagged mountain peaks rise steeply, while seabirds are often spotted soaring around the ship. You’ll sail along the east coast, taking in the spectacular glaciated scenery and enjoying a little shelter from the prevailing westerly winds. This enchanting coastline is yours to explore! 
Remember to keep an eye out for South Georgia’s kelp forests as well - these remarkable underwater ecosystems are quite mesmerising as their fronds sway back and forth on the water’s surface. 

Zodiacs will also transport you from ship to shore, where you can visit some of the largest king penguin colonies on earth, take a guided walk among fur seals and elephant seals (making sure you listen to your guides and keep your distance!) and wander along pebbled streams and grassy glacial outwash plains. Travelers also hope to visit the remnants of South Georgia’s thriving whaling stations and pay our respects to Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose incredible voyage of survival is synonymous with this island. If you have chosen an optional activity, you’ll have the option to do that whenever conditions allow. 

In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, you may ship cruise through fjords with towering cliffs of ancient stone, or into deeply indented bays towards dramatic glacier fronts. This is a great time to find a comfy spot in the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge (Captain's call) to enjoy uninterrupted views of South Georgia’s majestic coast.

Day 16-17: At Sea

As you sail towards the Falklands~Malvinas, there's plenty to keep you occupied on board.

The expedition team will continue to share their wealth of knowledge about wildlife, history, and the natural world as part of the onboard lecture series. You'll have ample time to observe seabirds from the stern of the ship, keep a close watch for whales and other marine wildlife, or simply enjoy the many facilities available on the ship.

Day 18: At Sea | Falklands~Malvinas

Sea and weather conditions will determine our arrival time to the Falklands~Malvinas today. 

Day 19-20: Falklands~Malvinas

The Falklands~Malvinas comprises two large islands (East and West Falkland), with over 700 islands scattered off the coast. All but seven of these are uninhabited, with windswept coastlines, white sand beaches, and crystal-clear water. These beautifully barren islands are true wildlife havens, sheltering an impressive diversity of birdlife, including the largest black-browed albatross colony on earth. The cold, nutrient-rich waters surrounding the islands make this a prime location for spotting marine life.

There are many beautiful areas to explore across the Falklands~Malvinas, each offering a unique perspective on this magnificent archipelago. Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing winds, weather, and wildlife opportunities.

Even though you're north of the Antarctic Convergence, it can be quite chilly here, so you will want to layer up before joining Zodiac cruises into rocky coves or along sea cliffs, keeping watch for seals, sea lions, dolphins, and penguins. On landings, you may visit albatross colonies, penguin rookeries, and perhaps even have a traditional English 'tea and scones' at a local cottage.

Conditions permitting, aim to land in historic Stanley, the capital of the Falklands~Malvinas. This charming town has a distinctly British character, with terraced town houses, pioneer cottages, and even an iconic red telephone box! Colourful buildings house cosy cafes, English pubs, souvenir shops, a post office, and the fascinating Historic Dockyard Museum, with displays on the maritime history of the Falkland Islands, natural history, and links to Antarctica.

Day 21: At Sea

With lectures and film presentations enriching your Antarctic experience, there's still plenty of time for you to enjoy the magic of the South Atlantic Ocean and the life it supports. Take moments for reflection and discussion about what you've seen and experienced during your journey. We hope you'll become ambassadors for the Antarctic region, sharing your experiences with your family, friends, and colleagues, and advocating for its conservation and preservation, so that they too may have the opportunity to visit this remarkable part of the planet and witness its wonders firsthand.

As you approach the tip of South America, the Captain may navigate close to the legendary Cape Horn, subject to weather conditions and available time.

Day 22: Ushuaia | Disembarkation

  • 1 Breakfast
During the early morning, sail along the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Puerto Williams, where travelers begin disembarking at around 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and transfer to Puerto Williams airport for our charter flight to Punta Arenas. 

Ship/Hotel

Douglas Mawson

Ushuaia - Hotels

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Book now and save up to 25% on select 2025-2026 Antarctica departures. Bookings must be made and deposited by October 31, 2024. This promotion is valid for new bookings and is capacity-controlled. A non-refundable deposit of $2,500 per person is required to confirm your booking within seven days of reserved berth/s. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to all departures up to Mar 31, 2026

Per person starting at
$27,195 2-3 travelers
Aurora Stateroom Single
Cabin size: 9.85m2 (106ft2) There are two Aurora Stateroom Single cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
Aurora Stateroom Superior Single
Deck 3 Cabin size: 15.18m2 (163.4ft2) Deck 7 Cabin size: 10.97m2 (118.1ft2 ) There are four Aurora Stateroom Superior Single cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Decks 3 & 7.
Aurora Stateroom Triple
Cabin size: 22.57m2 (242.9ft2) There are two Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, both with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
Aurora Stateroom Twin
Cabin size: 15.37m² - 15.97m² (165.4ft² - 171.9ft²) The Douglas Mawson features two Aurora Stateroom Twin cabins featuring windows, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms, perfect for adventurers who are looking for a comfortable base that's close to the action.
Aurora Stateroom Superior
Cabin size: 13.97m2 - 16.17m2 (150.4ft2 - 174.1ft2) With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Aurora Stateroom Superior are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear. Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
Balcony Stateroom Category C
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21.07m2 - 26.77m2 (226.8ft² - 288.2ft2) There are three cabin categories of the Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Balcony Stateroom Category B
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21.07m2 - 26.77m2 (226.8ft² - 288.2ft2) There are three cabin categories of the Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Balcony Stateroom Category A
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21.07m2 - 26.77m2 (226.8ft² - 288.2ft2) There are three cabin categories of the Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Balcony Stateroom Superior
Cabin & balcony combined size: 27.77m2 - 36.27m2 (298.9ft2 - 390.4ft2) With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superior cabins are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Junior Suite
Cabin & balcony combined size: Up to 41.47m2 - 41.87m2 (446.4ft2 - 450.7ft2) The four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
Captain’s Suite
Cabin & balcony combined size: 45.22m2 (486.7ft2) The largest of all our rooms, the singular Captain's Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you'll need to get in early to secure this suite.
Included
  • 20 Breakfasts, 19 Lunches, 20 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
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information
  • Beer, House Wine, and Soft Drinks with Dinner 
  • Educational Lectures and Guiding Services from Expedition Team 
  • Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
  • Wifi
  • Port Surcharges, Permits, and Landing Fees
  • Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
  • A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
  • Complimentary use of Muck boots during the voyage
  • All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
  • All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
  • On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
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
  • Airport Departure Tax - Airport arrival or departure taxes
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, or phone charges
  • Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
  • Optional activity surcharges
  • Reciprocity and Vaccination Charges
  • Passengers traveling with Aurora Expeditions are required to be covered by a reputable travel insurance policy that includes baggage loss, cancellation & curtailment of the holiday, medical, accident, and repatriation/emergency evacuation coverage worth at least $250,000 USD.

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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.
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