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Crossing the Circle via Falklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia: Epic Antarctica

Example 23 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Endeavour
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Explore Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, with a convenient charter flight in between, before embarking on the cruise portion of your once in a lifetime adventure. In this diverse 23-day expedition, experience the spectacular flora and fauna of the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) before immersing yourself in the unique history and exquisite, rare wildlife of South Georgia. 
Kayaking around AntarcticaElephant seal on the coastKing Penguins at Fortuna Bay, South GeorgiaWhale sighting in Polar waters!Fur seal paradise in AntarcticaGentoo penguin
Highlights
  • Learn about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife
  • Follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton's and visit his gravesite
  • Explore the quaint British town of Stanley in the Falkland Islands
  • Visit a beach dotted with thousands of fur or elephant seals
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Arrive in Buenos Aires anytime during the day. Upon your arrival, independently transfer to the group hotel (pre-night hotel is part of the additional Buenos Aires flight and transfer package).

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, the group transfers to the airport and boards a private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, explore this quaint port town before heading to the pier.

Embark the Ocean Endeavour in the late afternoon, after which your vessel sails down the historic Beagle Channel. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart — the next time you see land you are in the world’s most southern continent!

Day 3: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
There are many activities to keep you engaged while at sea. Take advantage of the library of books available on the ship, hang out at the bar chatting to other travelers, or spend time out on deck, admiring the sea. Your Expedition Team conducts a series of presentations to familiarize you with how to prepare for Zodiac cruises and shore landings.

Day 4-5: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
The Falkland archipelago contains two main islands, East and West, which you can explore by Zodiac excursions and daily landings. These rugged islands have a frontier feel to them, especially at Port Stanley — the largest settlement on the islands. It’s an interesting British outpost–type place, where you may just as easily wander into a pub as a church or museum.

With your camera at hand, wildlife sightings in the Falklands (Malvinas) should include at least three species of penguins and two endemic bird species — Cobb’s wren and the Falkland’s flightless steamer duck. Your team of lecturers and specialists are sure to educate you on the local flora and fauna so that you have the most memorable time.

Day 6-7: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Enroute to South Georgia cross the invisible biological boundary unique to Antarctica – the Antarctic Convergence. This meeting of oceans is what creates the abundance of krill and marine life that attract large cetaceans such as humpback whales.

Day 8-11: South Georgia

  • Ship
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Evidence of the old whaling and sealing heydays is still found throughout the island. You may be surprised to learn that whale and seal populations were once decimated here, as today their populations are strong, with massive rookeries to be seen.

One significant and historic site that of interest is the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. Visiting his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station and a research station, is a day for reflecting on what it must have been like to be one of the first explorers to this unforgiving, yet beautiful environment.

While South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the islands, it is the wildlife that you and your shipmates may find most captivating. Often referred to as the ‘Galapagos of the Poles,’ South Georgia contains an exceptional quantity of wildlife. Each landing you make on South Georgia opens your eyes to a new wonder of wildlife. One day you may see rookeries with a 100 thousand pairs of king penguins waddling on the beach. The next day you may visit another beach with thousands of fur or elephant seals.

The grasses, mountains, and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different bird and animal species. Your Expedition Team are happy to share their knowledge of how these vulnerable relationships all play out on the island.

Day 12-13: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Antarctica awaits, along with its own penguin and seal species. While at sea, you can enjoy quiet time or take in presentations by the Expedition Team, who cover everything from the history and geology of Antarctica to tips on identifying different species and what makes each of them unique.

Day 14-16: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
The most common reaction to arriving at the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words. Antarctica is a land of extremes: at one moment you are overcome with a feeling of complete silence and loneliness, the next you are laughing at the comical antics of a curious penguin.

Glacier hikes, visits to research bases and, of course, communing with seals and penguins are sure to keep you smiling each and every day. Perhaps catch sight of the fearless penguin-eater, the leopard seal, or come eye–to–eye with a curious minke whale while on a Zodiac. Each day and each landing presents a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera busy.

If you find yourself wanting more, then perhaps treat yourself by booking a kayaking Adventure Option (reserve in advance when booking your trip) or if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, a little shock therapy courtesy of a Polar Plunge might be what you need!

Day 17-18: The Antarctic Circle

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not come close to reaching this far south.

With a toast to the first explorers who ventured here, you can raise a glass of champagne and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home to the midnight sun, with the potential for fantastic iceberg sightings.

Day 19-20: Northbound Along the Peninsula

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time you return to the Drake Passage. Continue to journey onto land by Zodiac twice daily as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula.

Your Expedition Team is always on the lookout for species of penguins, seals and whales that may have eluded you on the journey south.

Day 21-22: Crossing the Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
After more than a dozen days of memorable wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, putting a final stamp of approval on your Antarctic adventure.

Day 23: Ushuaia | Disembark | Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina

  • 1 Breakfast
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning after breakfast. After disembarkation, taste a little of Patagonia by touring Tierra del Fuego National Park before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Endeavour

Enjoy fine dining in the Polaris Resturant
Relax in the Aurora Lounge
Listen to live entertainment in the Nautilus Lounge

Buenos Aires - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$14,995
Triple cabin aboard the Ocean Endeavour
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Triple
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.
Twin Porthole (cropped)
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Twin Porthole
Approximately 95 to 105 sq. ft. (9-10 sq. m), a Twin Porthole on Deck 4 features a porthole window, two lower berths and a private bathroom.
Twin Window  (cropped)
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Twin Window
Approximately 95 to 105 sq. ft. (9-10 sq. m), a Twin Window on Deck 5 features a picture window, two lower berths and private bath.
Upper Deck Cabin (cropped)
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Upper Deck Twin
Approximately 140 sq. ft. (13 sq. m), an Upper Deck Cabin on Deck 7 features a window (obstructed view), one double or two lower berths and a private bathroom.
Twin Porthole Cabin (under renovations)
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Twin Porthole Plus
Approximately 190 to 200 sq. ft. (18-20 sq. m), a Twin Porthole Suite on Deck 4 is twice the size of a Twin Porthole, with one bathroom. It features two single beds, a separate living area with a pull out sofa bed, two porthole windows, and one private bathroom.
Single Interior Cabin aboard the Ocean Endeavour
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Single Interior
Approximately 95 to 105 sq. ft. (9-10 sq. m), a Single on Deck 5 is an interior cabin with a lower berth and private bath.
Twin Window Plus (cropped)
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Superior Twin
A superior cabin on deck five features a large picture window, one double or two lower beds and a pull out sofa bed and private bathroom. Approximately 19 m² (205 sq ft).
Top Deck Cabin (cropped)
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Top Deck Twin
Approximately 155 sq. ft. (14.5 sq. m), a Top Deck Cabin on Deck 8 features two large windows (one window with partial obstruction), one double or two twin beds and a private bathroom.
Twin Window Plus Cabin aboard the Ocean Endeavour
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Twin Window Plus
Approximately 190 to 200 sq. ft. (18-20 sq. m), a Twin Window Suite on Deck 5 is twice the size of a Twin Window, with one bathroom. It features two single beds, a separate living area with a pull out sofa bed, two windows, and one private bathroom.
Junior Suite Cabin aboard the Ocean Endeavour
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Junior Suite
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, one double bed and private bath.
Owner Suite (cropped)
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Owner´s Suite
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

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.

Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7x the double occupancy rate for cabin types except for Premium cabins (2x the double occupancy rate).

Mandatory medical insurance: Travelers should have a minimum of 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.
Included
  • 22 Breakfasts, 21 Lunches, 22 Dinners
  • 22 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
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Buenos Aires Hotel tax (up to $2 per person/night) - paid at checkout
  • 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

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle

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