Experience Overview
Experience vast penguin rookeries and seal colonies on this awe-inspiring voyage to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. This 21-day voyage illuminates Ernest Shackleton’s legend and recounts his courageous exploration of Antarctica. You’ll visit historical sites of past explorers, as well as Shackleton’s final resting place — the wildlife-rich island of South Georgia. Antarctica is beyond comprehension and sure to amaze any traveller seeking a true adventure to the world’s most remote wilderness.
Highlights
- Meet hardy locals and spot unique wildlife in the Falkland Islands
- Explore abandoned whaling stations and visit Shackleton’s grave
- Walk quietly amongst king penguins and watch them surf onto the beach
- Learn about the environment and ecology from industry experts
- Spot whales and seals while cruising past icebergs aboard Zodiacs
- Set foot on the continent of Antarctica
Trip Details
Product Code: 3097
Tour Type:
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: G Expedition, Zodiac, private bus, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Budget
Supplier Code: XVSHSX
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina
Finishes: Ushuaia, Argentina
Duration: 21 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Light
Includes
Activities
- 19 nts aboard the G Expedition
- 1 nt hotel in Ushuaia, on a twin share basis
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
- Lectures and educational programs
- Waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16
- Expedition parka
Accommodation
- Twin-share hotel (1 nt), aboard the G Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 19 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.
- 20 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 19 dinners
Transport
- G Expedition, Zodiac, private bus, walking.
Group Leader
- One expedition team member per 10 guests.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 25999 (CAD 1238 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.
Day 2: Ushuaia/Drake Passage
Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping, explore the town, or visit the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the G Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.
Opt to visit the magnificent Tierra del Fuego National Park today before boarding the ship.
Day 3-4: Drake Passage/South Shetland Islands
The adventure begins with an 1000km (600mi) crossing of the passage named in honour of the 16th-century English sea captain and privateer, Sir Francis Drake. Take in daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for the first sightings of icebergs, whales and albatross following in the G Expedition's wake.
The G Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded never ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic.
As the Expedition crosses the passage there will be time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship's crew and expedition staff.
Begin lectures and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.
Day 5-9: South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula
Experience some of the most unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery in the world while setting foot on the Antarctic continent. Weather and ice conditions permitting, our goal is to attempt memorable shore landings daily and encounter Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. The peninsula also has a remarkable human history.
Welcome to the Great White Continent! Over the next few days, the Expedition will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Our goal is to attempt shore landings daily while we navigate through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter.
The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands abound with wildlife activity. Take plenty of time to enjoy the sheer beauty and the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, blue and white icebergs, impressive glaciers and rugged snow-capped mountains.
The Peninsula also has a remarkable history and, during the voyage, opt to learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.
Day 10-11: Antarctic Peninsula/Scotia Sea
Sail for two days, retracing Shackleton's route from Elephant Island and the Antarctic Peninsula towards South Georgia.
These waters are rich with nutrients and the long summer days provide the ingredient that is missing most of the year. The result is a complex food chain topped by several species of whales, seals, and seabirds.
Day 12-15: Scotia Sea/South Georgia
Home to many interesting sights (including the grave of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton), South Georgia has several former whaling stations and boasts plenty of wildlife. Visiting a huge colony of king penguins is a major highlight of this part of the journey. Weather permitting, spend four full days exploring the island.
Weather permitting, four full days will be spent exploring this island. On nearby islands look out for the wandering albatross in their nesting grounds.
Day 16-17: South Georgia/Southern Ocean
Sailing west, set course for the Falkland Islands. Days at sea are filled with lectures to prepare for landings. Watch for the many whales that inhabit these waters.
Day 18-19: Southern Ocean/Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Penguins are abundant here, and the Falklands have the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world. In Stanley, meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colourful houses provide contrast to the long, dark winters.
Enjoy the last opportunity to see penguins, including the Magellanic, rockhopper, gentoo, and king penguins. With a little luck, spot elephant seals, sea lions, king cormorants, black-browed albatross, skuas, night herons, giant petrels, striated caracaras and of course sheep.
Day 20: Falkland Islands/Beagle Channel/Ushuaia
Reflect on a memorable adventure and take in some final lectures en route back to Ushuaia.
Begin the journey to the home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of the Antarctic experience with the lecturers and staff.
Day 21: Ushuaia
Disembark in the morning.
Our adventure comes to a close. Have a final breakfast on the ship before saying goodbyes before disembarking in Ushuaia in the morning.
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Alyson K. - Traveled, January 2024
Everything about our cruise was amazing - from the care taken by the crew and staff to ensure a quality experience, to the knowledge and expertise of the expedition team. Everyone went out of their way to ensure the passengers had a wonderful experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/09/2024
Sandra N. - Traveled, January 2024
The Spirit of Shackleton adventure was the most amazing trip of my life. The team ran a nearly perfect cruise.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/02/2024
Frances G. - Traveled, January 2024
You deliver on every aspect of the trip! Safety first. Adventure, entertainment, food, comfort. A trip of a lifetime that exceeded all expectations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/27/2024
Nicholas R. - Traveled, December 2024
The team, led by Alex, were excellent in all respects, and ensured that everyone on board the ship had the maximum opportunities to enjoy themselves and have am amazing experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/02/2024
Kerrie K. - Traveled, December 2024
Lots of attention to detail and went the extra mile, always. Very dedicated staff. Exceeded expectations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/06/2024
Virginia W. - Traveled, December 2024
professional well organised and worked really hard to enable us to have the best experience possible in what were often challenging conditions eg rough seas and ice hazards.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/20/2024
Elizabeth G - Traveled, December 2024
I had such a great time. It was so well organized and all the Expedition team and staff were so helpful. There was appreciation of the role of all staff. beginning with introduction, and farewell appreciations led by CEO.An unusua lwarmth and ambiance among all the staff.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/19/2024
Gail F, - Traveled, December 2024
creates an experience, not just a trip and it's the staff & crew that make it all happen! The CEO's are always present to interact enhancing a friendly shipboard community. The ship is big enough for comfort & small enough to travel in backwaters, & I loved the zodiac excursions. We saw all the wildlife on the checklist. And don't get me started about the food...definitely diet before you go! I'm already planning my next trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/14/2024
Christine V. - Traveled, January 2024
All the team were enthusiastic & very knowledgeable. They make us aware of all aspect of Health & safety as well as the importance of bio checks on the equipment we used,making sure we were more aware of issues relating to the extraordinary wildlife,the pressures that increased human activity e.g krill fishing can affect the important food chain of these animals & global warming.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2024
Christiana M. - Traveled, December 2023
The trip was superlative in every way & far exceeded any expectations I could have had.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/03/2024
Amy N. - Traveled, January 2024
The team and crew have delivered exceptional products and services for a challenging Antarctica tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/22/2024
Susan S. - Traveled, January 2024
Small boat allowed for personalized service and a flexible itinerary.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/02/2024
Hiltrun R., - Traveled, January 2024
It's been the most amazing trip I have done. I have some experience with land-based groups touring a country, and they were great. But this was something else- probably because it was on my bucket list and it has been extraordinary.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/28/2024
Peter D. - Traveled, January 2024
Professional, always worked to make our experience fantastic and safe.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/23/2024
Malcom M. - Traveled, January 2024
Our voyage to Antarctica exceeded all expectations
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/02/2024
- Traveled, January 2024
Incredible customer service on the trip and attention to detail all wrapped in sustainable values
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/06/2024
Joseph T., - Traveled, January 2024
I have already recommended G Adventures to anyone wanting to have a life changing experience. The Expedition Leader (Alex) did everything in his power to make sure we had a great experience...and we definitely did!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/31/2024
Xerxes M. - Traveled, January 2024
The amount of thought that went into everything.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/16/2024
Jill W. - Traveled, January 2024
My experience with G Adventures was incredible - better than I could have possibly imagined. Everything about my trip was amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/05/2024
Philippa B., - Traveled, January 2024
Huge variety of interesting destinations, itineraries. Superb staff.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/16/2024
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