Krill-rich waters beckon whales and bathe the Scotia Arc, feeding the planet’s greatest wildlife concentration -- swathes of king penguins and fluffy brown chicks a hundred thousand strong, beaches thick with fur and elephant seals. Colonies of macaroni, chinstrap and magellenic penguins abound. Entertaining historians enlighten you on Shackleton, your naturalists on the creatures you will see. A premier voyage, this combines the best of the subantarctic islands with Antarctica's glory.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Day 1: Santiago, Chile / Fly Port Stanley, Falkland Island
Today board your flight in Santiago. On arrival to Port Stanley passengers will be transferred to the group hotel.
Day 2: Tour Port Stanley, Falkland Island
Today be taken on a tour of Port Stanley. The Falklands undeniably British capital, features an excellent war museum, welcoming shops and pubs. After your tour be transferred to the port in the late afternoon and board your ship, the Polar Pioneer.
Day 3: Falkland Islands
Today aim to visit some of the southern, most isolated islands in the Falklands. Between the penguins' nests are gentle black-browed albatross sitting serenely upon beautifully molded mud nests. The air is filled with soaring albatross, turkey vultures, skuas and many species of sea birds.
Day 4: At Sea
Cruising towards the South Georgia commence your lecture program. During the voyage’s various sea passages, learn about the wildlife, geology, history and geography of the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Day 5-8: South Georgia
Your South Georgia landings are mostly along the northeast coast. You’ll see: the world’s largest king penguin rookeries, wandering albatross on nests, beaches of elephant and fur seals, macaroni and rockhopper penguin colonies, walking Shackleton’s route from Fortuna Bay to Stromness and visiting Grytviken’s whaling museum.
Day 9: At Sea
Sailing south, look out for great whales and possibly your first icebergs!
Day 10-11: South Orkney Islands / Elephant Island
If pack ice allows, go ashore in the dramatic South Orkney Islands, then across whale-rich waters to Elephant Island, hoping to take Zodiacs near Point Wild, where Shackleton’s men wintered over.
Day 12-14: South Shetland Islands
After visiting the South Shetlands, we sail overnight down Gerlache Strait, awakening to the thrill of Antarctica! Weather and ice permitting, visit busy penguin rookeries, historic sites and make a continental landing.
Day 15-16: Drake Passage
North across Drake Passage, you'll be treated to graceful displays by prions, petrels and majestic albatross. Once you've rounded Cape Horn, recap your many experiences with shipboard friends.
Day 17: Ushuaia
In the wee hours sail up the Beagle Channel to Ushuaia where your next adventure begins.
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.
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Twin Shared
Twin Shared Cabins have two lower bunks, a desk, small washbasin, ample storage and hanging space and portholes. Showers and toilets are very close by and are shared with other Main Deck cabins.
Notes
Please note that all of Polar Pioneer itineraries are at the mercy of weather conditions and not all landings are guaranteed. These itineraries are flexible and will change voyage to voyage, allowing the best chance to make the most of surprising wildlife displays and unexpected opportunities.
- Rates represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple 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.
Initial deposit is $2700, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
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 4.6 | 105 reviews
TrustScore 4.6 of 5
Based on 105 reviews on
1 day ago
The ability (of Kassandra) to tailor a guided trip to my exact preferences is very valuable to me, as well as the ability (of Kassandra) to provide expert guidance on destinations and travel dates. I also appreciate the ability of the backup staff (Maria Ignacio, Exito Travel) to coordinate all the details to make the travel logistics easy for the customer.
Mark Whalen
1 day ago
Our Costa Rica trip was amazing! Kassandra planned everything and the excursions, hotels, overall organization were outstanding. Everything worked out smoothly, the excursions guides were knowledgeable allowing us to see so much of the fauna and flora of the country. The hotels were great as well, all in fantastic locations and with beautiful views.
Danny
1 day ago
This is our 7th trip Kassandra has planned and she is wonderful to work with. She is responsive, helpful, patient and knowledgeable. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to work together with her. We love Adventure Life!
Aana Rivlin
2 days ago
Love Adventure Life, Mary is very experienced in the cruise department. Their post follow up after booking is great too.
Rita Shiver
2 days ago
Responsiveness and follow through along with staff being very personable.