For an extraordinary 21 day journey of epic proportions, combine the unequaled wonders of the Galapagos Islands with the delights of a classic Antarctic Explorer expedition. Pair these itineraries to witness some of world’s rarest wildlife and scenery, Equator to Pole!
Highlights
Snorkel with sea lions, marine iguanas, and sea turtles
Walk among giant Galapagos tortoises
scout for humpback and minke whales
Visit a chinstrap penguin colony high up on a ridge
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Fly independently to Guayaquil, Ecuador, and transfer to the pre-expedition hotel.
Day 2: Embark|Playa Ochoa|Kicker Rock
1 Dinner
Fly to the islands, landing on San Cristobal, and board the Evolution. Stroll along the beach at Playa Ochoa, where a nearby tidal lagoon plays host to flamingos, finches, and Chatham mockingbirds. At sunset, cruise around Kicker Rock.
Day 3: South Plaza Island
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
At only 426 feet (130 m) wide, South Plaza is one of the smallest islands in the archipelago. Look for yellow land iguanas on a walk to a grove of pricklypear cactus. Non-hikers can enjoy a Zodiac cruise, watching for swallowtailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds and blue-footed boobies. Since there is no true trail on Mosquera Islands, you are able to stroll at your leisure.
Day 4: Sombrero Chino Island|Santiago Island
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The tiny uplifted island of Sombrero Chino – or Chinese Hat – features a primeval landscape of volcanic rubble and lava tubes. The “land” is made of a few adjacent craters and old, fragile pahoehoe lava flows. Vegetation is just starting to take hold, including colorful carpetweed plants. Enjoy a Zodiac cruise and swim before lunch. This afternoon, search the tide pools of Puerto Egas for sea life. During low tide, see marine iguanas feeding on algae. Your naturalists will point out the birdlife, including great blue herons, lava herons, oystercatchers and yellowcrowned night herons.
Day 5: Genovesa Island
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Genovesa is often referred to as “Bird Island” for the vast numbers of pelagic seabirds that come here to nest. And while Genovesa harbors one of the Galapagos’ largest and most diverse bird populations, there are no land reptiles — with the exception of some very small marine iguanas. This is due to the direction of the ocean currents, which couldn’t carry the terrestrial animals here. Climb Prince Philip’s Steps to an area with colonies of red-footed boobies. Watch for short-eared owls which feed on the petrels that fly about. Explore Darwin Bay, home to the rare lava gull. While anchored at Genovesa, enjoy an opportunity to swim, kayak and snorkel in the calm caldera of this partially eroded volcano.
Day 6: North Seymour Island|Santa Fe Island
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
North Seymour is the nesting site for a large population of magnificent frigate birds and the only place where you can always find males showing their red pouches to attract females. Plus, you are sure to see blue-footed boobies perform their comical courtship dance in the open areas. Hike to a scenic lagoon, where you may observe Galapagos hawks, mockingbirds and a variety of Darwin’s finches. You may kayak and snorkel from the beach.
Day 7: Floreana Island
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Hike to Post Office Bay, once used by navigators to send mail with homebound messengers. Swim and kayak in the bay before a walk along the olivine beaches of Punta Cormorant. After hiking to a flamingo lagoon, spot fish and sea turtles during a relaxing stroll along the beach. Enjoy superb snorkeling at Devil’s Crown, where sea water has filled the sunken cone of an extinct volcano.
Day 8: Santa Cruz Island
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Begin at the Charles Darwin Research Station, learn about the work being done to preserve Galapagos wildlife. Head into the forested highlands, with ample opportunity to see giant tortoises in their verdant habitat. Walk through the forest surrounding a pair of pit craters, an excellent place to spot vermillion flycatchers. Time permitting, walk underground to explore a lava tube.
Day 9: Disembark|Guayaquil, Ecuador
1 Breakfast
Enjoy a Zodiac cruise through Black Turtle Cove, drifting silently through this area of mangroves. Fly to Guayaquil, with time to relax at the post-expedition hotel.
Day 10: Fly from Ecuador to Buenos Aires, Argentina
Today you will be transferred back to the Guayaquil airport to board your independently booked flight to Buenos Aires. Once there, please make your way to your hotel (not included, must be booked separately).
Day 11: Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
This morning, board a domestic flight to Ushuaia (not included, must be booked separately).
With a population of more than 63,000 people, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. The city has grown over the past few years, yet has retained an easy going and accessible feel. With the sea to the south and mountains to the north, Ushuaia is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruise. If you arrive early, you can spend time in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, enjoy Argentinean wines and barbecues in the city, or visit the many boutiques and cafés before you leave for your expedition to Antarctica.
Day 12: Embark|Ushuaia
1 Dinner
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail 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’ll be in the world’s most southern continent!
Day 13-14: Crossing the Drake Passage
2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Prepare yourself for potentially rough water, but hope for a smooth sailing as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing. You’ll spend these first days getting to know your shipmates, while we’ll provide safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead.
Day 15-18: South Shetland Islands|Antarctic Peninsula
4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
We will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore bays, channels and landing sites each day. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales and search for a number of southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal.
The majesty of the Peninsula’s mountains will enchant you as you scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360° views of your surroundings. One of these in particular, in Orne Harbour, gives the opportunity to visit a chinstrap penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here you’ll have the choice between mountain hiking or spending time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach enjoying the antics of curious penguins. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, participating in the Polar Plunge swim is about as crazy as it gets!
Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team so as to entertain and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.
Day 19-20: Crossing the Drake Passage
2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air.
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 21: Diembark in Ushuaia
1 Breakfast
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning allowing for you to continue your adventure on land or catch your flights home.
Dates & Prices
Per person starting at
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.
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
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.