In Shackleton’s Footsteps

In Shackleton’s Footsteps

Trip Summary

Dates: Mar 16, 2025 – Apr 4, 2025
Duration: 20 Days
Adventure Options: Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Snorkelling
Starting at $22,595.00View Prices

About the South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari Itinerary

At sea, photograph massive albatross and pintado petrel as they swoop and soar around the ship, guiding us toward South Georgia. Beaches teeming with king penguins and elephant seals greet us on this fabled island, where we’ll pay our respects to famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Antarctica awaits, with its geographic contradictions and overwhelming enormity. […]

Itinerary Map

Pricing Information

$22,595 - Aurora Stateroom Triple Share
$23,195 - Aurora Stateroom Twin Share
$25,195 - Balcony Stateroom Cat C
$26,495 - Balcony Stateroom Cat B
$28,495 - Balcony Stateroom Cat A
$31,195 - Balcony Suite
$39,095 - Junior Suite
$46,395 - Captain's Suite

About the South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari Itinerary

At sea, photograph massive albatross and pintado petrel as they swoop and soar around the ship, guiding us toward South Georgia. Beaches teeming with king penguins and elephant seals greet us on this fabled island, where we’ll pay our respects to famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Antarctica awaits, with its geographic contradictions and overwhelming enormity. Relax on a Zodiac ride, hike glistening glaciers, share comical moments with inquisitive penguins, or witness the rugged peninsula from a sea kayak. Antarctica will surprise and delight, and never disappoint. Expedition in Brief: • Experience the quintessential wildlife experience of the “Galapagos of the Poles” • Visit South Georgia’s king penguin rookeries – the largest in the world • Reflect at the resting place of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton • Visit abandoned whaling stations and learn stories of inhabitants who called this island home • Enjoy on-board lecturers and educational presentations from polar specialists • Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the tango capital of the world, and let us take care of the rest of the journey

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1 — Ushuaia, Argentina

You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port at the tip of South America. It’s the ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.


Day 2 — Embarkation

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. Think of the Beagle Channel as the tasty appetizer before your main course arrives. You will want to get out on deck and keep your eyes open as there are several bird species to capture your attention and test your photography skills.


Days 3 to 5 — At Sea

The expedition team will keep you busy by testing your knowledge of seabirds, penguins and the history of South Georgia as they begin their educational lecture program. Your first days will include time to get acquainted with fellow travelers and learning about the shore landings, Zodiac excursions and kayaking opportunities that await you.


Days 6 to 8 — South Georgia

The first indication that you are approaching South Georgia is the sighting of birds around a group of rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Rising out of the icy ocean waters, have your binoculars and cameras ready to photograph these rocks. Shags, prions and wandering albatross often rest here.

After enjoying South Georgia from a distance, we’ll head towards its dark sandy beaches to find a protected bay for your first land excursion. Landing sites on South Georgia are varied, and are largely determined by the weather conditions of your voyage. Whichever landing sites we visit, they’ll provide you with wildlife encounters that cannot be enjoyed anywhere else on earth.

This is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches littered with penguins – in particular king and macaroni penguins. Many rookeries number into the 100s of thousands! It won’t take you long to realize that South Georgia is a paradise for bird lovers as burrowing seabirds, albatross and petrels can be seen in abundance.

You’ll find that South Georgia is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries gone by. Once a popular base for whalers and sealers, Captain James Cook first reported on the abundance of wildlife here in 1775. His report resulted in an almost complete decimation of fur seals and a drastic decline in both whale and elephant seal populations.

Your expedition team will help bring those days to life for you, as you’ll visit old whaling stations and enjoy lectures and presentations on the South Georgia of then and now. Thankfully, you’ll witness that many species have seen a remarkable population rebound on the island.

One of the most significant sites you will visit on the island is located on Grytviken. This is one of the first whaling stations established in sub-antarctic waters. Many travelers find this place of special appeal as it is home to the remains of one of the best known Antarctic explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton.


Days 9 & 10 — At Sea

Antarctica awaits, along with its own penguin and seal species. While you’re at sea, you can enjoy quiet time or take in presentations by the expedition team, which will cover everything from the history and geology of Antarctica to tips on identifying different species and what makes each of them unique.


Days 11 to 13 — Antarctic Peninsula

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. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes: at one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete silence and loneliness, the next you’ll be 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 you’ll catch sight of the fearless penguin-eater, the leopard seal, or come eye–to–eye with a curious minke whale while out on a Zodiac. Each day and each landing will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera busy.

If you find yourself wanting more, then perhaps you’ll treat yourself by booking our 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!


Days 14 & 15 — Crossing the Drake Passage

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 completion on your Antarctic adventure.


Day 16 — Disembarkation in Ushuaia and Charter Flight to Buenos Aires

We will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning after breakfast. After disembarkation, we will taste a little of Patagonia by touring Tierra del Fuego National Park before we transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.


Welcome Aboard the Greg Mortimer


At just 340 feet (104 meters) long, the Greg Mortimer carries a maximum of 120 expeditioners to the polar regions. As one of the smallest ships in the polar expedition cruising fleet, its size and modern ice-strengthened hull (Class 1A, one category below a full ice-breaker) give you the ability to explore those places that larger ships can’t reach.

Exclusively designed for expedition cruising, the Greg Mortimer provides an authentic, small-ship experience. Thanks to its unique, patented X-Bow®, it is capable of fast, comfortable transit speeds with less fuel consumption and reduced emissions.

Designed to the latest Polar Code for non-intrusive, low-impact voyages, the Greg Mortimer features:
• Fuel-efficient Ulstein X-Bow®
• Reduced air emissions and light pollution
• Virtual anchoring for protection of the sea floor
• Reduced onboard plastic use
• Onboard water production
• Strict, onboard waste management

 

Technical Specs

Capacity: 132
Staff: 15-18
Crew: 47-56
Cabins: 80
Decks: 8
Length: 104.4 m
Breadth: 18.2 m
Draught: 5.3m
Cruising Speed: 12 Knots
Full Speed: 15.5 Knots
Gross tonnage: 7400
Registry: Bahamas
Active Stabilizers

 

Cabins & Amenities

The Greg Mortimer offers eighty comfortable staterooms ranging from porthole to balcony categories, all with en suite bathrooms and plenty of storage space. All staterooms feature twin or king bedding configuration, 80% include a private balcony, and 60% can accommodate a third person.

  • Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner including house wines, beer and soft drinks, afternoon tea and snacks
  • Pre-dinner drinks including canapés and bar snacks
  • 24-hour complimentary coffee, tea and snacks
  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
  • Large dining room/restaurant with family style dining
  • Two bars/lounges
  • Wellness Center (Gym, Massage Room, Sauna & Spa)
  • Observation points: Indoor 180-degree lounge, Outdoor 360-degree open deck & 270-degree open sundeck
  • Two hydraulic viewing platforms
  • Open bridge policy
  • Fleet of 15 zodiacs
  • Spacious Lecture Room
  • Library

Notes

  • Flights included for Fly/Cruise itineraries
  • All Antarctic voyages include one night’s pre-voyage accommodation and arrival airport transfer (on selected preferred flights)
  • Single costs are 1.7 times the twin rate in all cabin categories
  • Please note that emergency evacuation insurance is mandatory for all passengers joining an expedition to Antarctica.
  • Adventure options must be pre-booked and paid for prior to start of the trip. Space is subject to availability. Some activities require experience.

Optional Adventure Activities:

  • Kayaking
  • Snowshoeing
  • Ski/ Snowboard Touring
  • Alpine hiking/climbing
  • Polar Diving
  • Stand-up paddleboarding
  • Shackleton Crossing in South Georgia
  • Camping
  • Photography

Ask us about pricing for your preferred adventure option!

Book now for early bird discounts on the 2024-25 season

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