Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Explorer

Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Explorer | Ocean Endeavour | Antarctica Tours Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Explorer | Ocean Endeavour | Antarctica Tours
Join us aboard the spacious and well-appointed Ocean Endeavour on this epic 21-day voyage that introduces you to the wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. This is a once in a lifetime adventure that will appeal to wildlife enthusiasts, history buffs, adventure-seekers and photographers alike.
After several days of excursions among the snow and ice of the Antarctic Peninsula, we follow in the footsteps of the heroic polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, tracing his route north via Elephant Island to the rugged and breathtaking archipelago of South Georgia. It’s on this remote island that the majestic King Penguins congregate - numbering in the hundreds of thousands and carpeting beaches as far as the eye can see. South Georgia is home to the greatest concentration of wildlife on Earth and also boasts the final resting place of Shackleton himself. To round out the final part of our voyage, the rolling hills and windswept albatross colonies of the Falkland Islands await us on the journey west. Here we will land on whitesand beaches, enjoy a beer in downtown Stanley and witness the history of this contested archipelago

Day by day

Day 1 & 2: Ushuaia, Argentina
Named after the vessel on which famous naturalist Charles Darwin sailed through the area, the rugged Beagle Channel will greet you from the plane window on the approach to Ushuaia. It’s here, in this scenic seaside village that your journey to South Georgia and the Antarctic begins.

On arrival at Ushuaia Airport, please make your way through to the Arrivals Hall where our representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. He/she will be holding a sign. Should you not be able to contact them, please refer to the emergency contact details of our representative office.

After settling into your hotel, enjoy one of the city’s many restaurants serving local seafood and Argentine cuisine or stretch the legs with a hike to the Martial Glacier taking in views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. From the wharf in Ushuaia you will board the Ocean Endeavour before setting sail to enjoy the pastel colours and fleeting wildlife of an afternoon and dusk on the Beagle Channel
Day 3 & 4: At Sea
Sailing east, your time at sea can be spent learning from your on-board team of experts and guides through talks, workshops or casual conversation.
Or take to the Ocean Endeavour’s esplanade deck for panoramic views of the southern skies and the rare albatross that frequent them. These wanderers of the ocean will guide us toward our next destination while lecturers in ornithology, geology, glaciology and biology will prepare you to understand this remote and unique wilderness.
Day 5, 6, 7 & 8: South Shetlands & Antarctica
Day five will see the Ocean Endeavour sailing among the icebergs and penguin colonies of the world’s last true wilderness - the Antarctic continent.
As we approach the peninsula from the north, we’ll begin the immersive Antarctic experience with more zodiac excursions cruising among the brash ice or landing at some of the area’s most celebrated vantage points.
Across the following days, the Ocean Endeavour will venture even further south, our captain seeking the most prized of pristine Antarctic wilderness and aiming to access such famous sites as Neko Harbour, Port Lockroy and the Lemaire Channel. Along the way, our experts on the vessel’s bridge will be scanning for seals and the marine leviathans that call these waters home during the austral summer.
Here, among the ice, we’ll continue our exploration with snowshoeing, ice camping, sea kayaking and even take the chance for a polar plunge - a concise swim in Antarctic waters.
Day 9 & 10: At Sea
En route to South Georgia, weather and sea conditions permitting, we may attempt to call at Elephant Island, a half-submerged mountain cloaked with an ice sheet at the outer limits of the South Shetlands. We’ll learn the story of Shackleton and hear how his ship, the Endurance, was crushed in pack ice in the Weddell Sea, before him and his men climbed into three open boats, spending 16 months at sea, before finally making landfall on this tiny toe of rock and ice in the vastness of the Southern Ocean on 14 April 1916.
Attend lectures and presentations by the Expedition Team as they prepare you for what lies ahead on South Georgia - from the history and geology to the incredible wildlife. Take in the panoramic views from the observation lounge and spacious decks or make the most of the on board facilities that include a spa, saunas, pool, gym and yoga classes.
Day 11, 12, 13 & 14: South Georgia
On day 11 of our expedition, hanging glaciers and the echoing howls of adolescent fur seals will emerge from the morning fog of South Georgia.
It’s on these very shores that famed Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackelton landed his crew of the James Caird in search of help for his party stranded on Elephant Island. We will spend the next several days retracing some of Shackleton’s steps, visiting his grave at the ex-whaling station of Grytviken and wandering among hundreds of thousands of king penguins in dramatic South Georgian light.
Across the island, dark volcanic beaches are backgrounded by hanging glaciers and penguin species nest among tussock grass along hikes to alpine lakes. For keen birders, one might even spot the South Georgia pipit - the world’s most southerly endemic passerine.
 
Day 15 & 16: At Sea
Saying goodbye to the wildlife of South Georgia, we head west towards the isolated and sparsely populated Falklands archipelago, where the silence is broken only by the call of birds.

Attend lectures and presentations by the Expedition Team, relax and unwind in the His and Hers saunas and spa and take advantage of all the other amenities on board.
 
Day 17 & 18: Falkland Islands

Have your camera at the ready as we approach the ruggedly beautiful Falklands archipelago to capture not only the abundant wildlife but also the incredible scenery. Over the next couple of days we explore the Falkland Islands by Zodiac and on foot as we make daily shore landings and maybe even discover smaller inlets by kayak.

Learn about the intriguing and controversial history of the Falkland Islands as we explore the quaint capital of Port Stanley, with its British outpost feel.Near the town you may see Southern giant petrels, the endemic Falkland steamer ducks, kelp gulls and dolphin gulls. There are also black-crowned night herons, redbacked hawks, peregrine falcons and turkey vultures.

As we explore the islands, look out for the 5 species of penguins found here, large populations of blackbrowed albatrosses, elephant and fur seals, Peale’s and Commerson’s dolphins, Orcas and a myriad of bird species including the Falkland’s flightless steamer duck, imperial shags and Cobb’s wrens.

Day 19 & 20: At Sea
Departing from the Falklands, we set our course for Argentina. The next few days are spent at sea, as we head towards Ushuaia, but there are the many on board amenities to enjoy including a spa, saunas, pool and gym and relaxing yoga classes and of course a final presentation or two.
Day 21: Disembarkation In Ushuaia, Argentina
We are scheduled to arrive into Ushuaia early this morning, and we disembark after a final breakfast aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

After saying our farewells to our Expedition Team and the crew of the Ocean Endeavour, we transfer you to the airport for your onward flight, or you may like to spend some extra days in Ushuaia, giving you time to explore this fascinating town and the surrounding areas.

PLEASE NOTE: You are advised not to book a flight out of Ushuaia before midday on disembarkation day, in case of delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.

Itinerary Map

Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Explorer

Includes

  • All meals onboard the Ocean Endeavour including snacks
  • Onboard lecture program from expedition staff and naturalists
  • All shore excursions and zodiac cruising (except optional activities with cost)
  • Use of rubber boots on land and use of waterproof outer shell jacket
  • Insulated inner jacket, yours to keep at the end of the Cruise
  • Transfer from airport to hotel (Day 1) and pre-night hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Transfer from hotel accommodation to the Ocean Endeavour for embarkation
  • Transfers to airport on return to port
  • All port taxes
  • Use of gym, sauna, pool and on-board jacuzzi and onboard yoga

Does not Include

  • International or internal flights unless specified
  • Airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified
  • Meals other than those specified in the pre-departure information
  • Visa and passport fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities and all personal expenses
  • Tobacco, alcoholic or special beverages
  • Miscellaneous extras
  • Laundry and communication charges aboard
  • Medical care
  • Life jackets, waterproof outer shell jacket, insulated inner jacket and boots for minors under 16 years of age at time of travel
  • Waterproof outer shell jacket and insulated inner jacket for guests who require sizing larger than 3XL
  • Boots for guests who require sizing larger than men’s size 14 boots
  • Gratuities for crew and expedition staf

Highlights

  • Unspoiled wilderness, uninhabited by man, where the penguins, seals, whales and seabirds are the true rulers.
  • Take in the Sub-Antarctic South Shetland Islands and the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula
  • Discover the top wildlife destination in the world where you can see penguins, seals, whales and albatrosses.
  • Benefit from a variety of onboard activities including educational lectures on history, geology and ecology by the expedition team
  • Take advantage of optional activities during the voyage such as Sea kayaking and Snowshoeing.

Meals Included

  • Breakfast Served Daily
  • 20 Dinners
  • 21 Lunches
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Activities

Sea Kayaking
Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.
Ice Camping
Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.
Snowshoeing
Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.
Photography
Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.
Explorer Boats
Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.
Yoga
It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.
Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Explorer
21 Days
From $14,449.00 per person


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