Cruise/Fly back – South Georgia and Antarctica
Itinerary Map
Summer comes to South Georgia’s remote, untamed landscape like a freight train. Famed for its abandoned whaling stations and Shackleton’s heroic journey, South Georgia is home to millions of fur seals and penguins, wallows of elephant seals, and nesting albatross. We arrive at the breeding cycle peak, as chicks become juveniles, parents shuttle fish and seal pups thrill with mock charges. Retracing Shackleton’s boat voyage, we visit Elephant Island before continuing south along the Antarctic Peninsula. Days remain long, and filled with humpback and minke whales, penguins and leopard seals, historic sites and scientific stations
Voyage Highlights
South Georgia
- Witness the incredible wildlife of South Georgia, one of the greatest wildlife concentrations on the planet
- Visit some of the world’s largest king penguin rookeries and search for wandering albatross on nests
- See beaches thick with elephant and fur seals
- Cruise past Elephant Island’s dramatic north coast (weather permitting)
- Trace the final leg of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous journey from Fortuna Bay to Stromness
- Pay your respects to the great explorer at a visit to his gravesite at Grytviken
Antarctica
- Explore the most accessible and wildlife-rich region of Antarctica
- Daily shore visits and Zodiac cruises offer close encounters with penguins, whales, seals and sea birds
- Visit historic research huts and working scientific stations
- Cruise past massive icebergs and ancient glaciers
- Enjoy the pristine beauty and vast landscapes
- Witness the endless sunlight of the midnight sun
- Learn about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife from our expert team
- Kayakers will glide through narrow sheltered waterways and fjords, paddle amongst ice floes and drift quietly alongside wildlife
Length of Travel: 17 days
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Sail from Ushuaia, Argentina.
- Days 2-3: At Sea bound for South Georgia
- Days 4-8: South Georgia
- Days 9-10: Sailing to the Antarctic Peninsula
- Day 11: Elephant Island
- Days 12-15: Antarctic Peninsula
- Day 16:Antarctica and scheduled return flight to Punta Arenas
- Day 17: End of the Air-Cruise
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Sail from Ushuaia, Argentina.
Board your ship in the afternoon and sail along the Beagle Channel towards South Georgia.
Days 2-3: At Sea bound for South Georgia
As you sail toward South Georgia, the historians and our naturalists offer a series of presentations. ere is time to socialize in the ship’s lounge, while keeping an eye out for the region’s birdlife.
Days 4-8: South Georgia
The island of South Georgia is a diverse landscape of majestic mountains, massive glaciers, grassy uplands, and deep fjords. Visit the former whaling outpost of Grytviken, where you may pay your respects at the simple grave of Ernest Shackleton. Depending on conditions, possible stops can include St. Andrew’s Bay where you could be overwhelmed by the sight of 150,000 king penguins and Cooper Island to see the nesting home of thousands of black-browed albatrosses and a large colony of macaroni penguins. If the weather is favorable, visits are also planned at Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plains, Prion Island, and Elsehul Bay.
Days 9-10: Sailing to the Antarctic Peninsula
As the ship heads to Antarctica, the program of presentations continues. Use this time to enhance your understanding of the region and its history.
Day 11: Elephant Island
Sailing south, we hope to stop at Elephant Island.
It was here that the crew of Shackleton’s Endurance found refuge while he and five handpicked men carried on to South Georgia. While stormy conditions rarely allow a shore landing, you will see the island from the ship.
Days 12-15: Antarctic Peninsula
Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula and sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs. Each day disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides.
No journey is the same and flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team plans the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature. You will explore several sites in the Gerlache Strait that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.
Day 16:Antarctica and scheduled return flight to Punta Arenas
Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay. A 2-km (1.25-miles) walk takes you through Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to the aircraft. Bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program).
Day 17: End of the Air-Cruise
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
