Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands

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Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands 18 days

Prices From £12,166pp
1 DEC, 2018 | Up to 17 nights
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Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands 18 days

Aboard: Polar Pioneer

Explore the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula, photographing penguins, seals, whales and historic sites, hopefully stepping onto the continent itself, before sailing on to Elephant Island and South Georgia where, as the days grow longer, the mountains shed their snowy mantle, king penguins shuffle eggs on their feet, elephant seals pup and fur seals are rambunctious. Currents of krill sweep up from the Weddell Sea, providing food for one of the greatest wildlife concentrations on the planet. Immerse yourself in whaling history and visit Shackleton’s grave. Finish off by calling at the Falkland Islands before returning to the South American continent.

Highlights

  • Spectacular Antarctic and South Georgia scenery
  • Amazing wildlife including penguins, birds and whales
  • Photography workshop & 1 on 1 instruction
  • Antarctic kayaking option
  • Zodiac amongst sculpted icebergs
  • Visit historical and scientific sites

What's Included

  • Full board accommodation on board ship
  • Flight from Santiago, Chile (or Punta Arenas) to Stanley, Falkland Islands
  • Transfer from Falkland Island's airport to ship
  • Stanley town tour (time permitting)
  • Zodiac landings and excursions
  • Programme of expert lectures
  • Loan of rubber boots
  • Polar parka

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Santiago to Stanley
1Day

Santiago to Stanley

Flight from Santiago to Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands. Time permitting we will join a tour of this fascinating town before embarkation and setting sail towards South Georgia.

At Sea
2 - 4Days

At Sea

Sailing towards South Georgia. If time and weather permits, we may pass Shag Rocks - the six small islands in the westernmost extremity of South Georgia. We will come close to this amazing birdlife refuge and, hopefully, spend time observing birds from our Zodiacs.

South Georgia
5 - 8Days

South Georgia

Spring brings an explosion of life to South Georgia and we have ample time to explore the island. We visit wildlife havens that include the world’s largest king penguin rookeries, majestic albatross nests and beaches cluttered with basking elephant seals, feisty fur seals and penguins. Inspired by Shackleton’s epic, we hope to retrace the expedition’s final steps from Fortuna Bay to Stromness, and also visit the explorer's grave at Grytviken.

At Sea
9 - 10Days

At Sea

We bid farewell to South Georgia and begin our crossing towards Antarctica. You'll have time to unwind and reflect as you prepare for the next leg of our adventure.

Elephant Island
11Day

Elephant Island

Conditions permitting, we approach Cape Wild, a bleak, rocky spit along Elephant Island’s dramatic north coast. If conditions allow, we’ll Zodiac cruise, possibly even step ashore, to pay tribute to Shackleton’s 22 men who survived 4 months here.

Antarctica
12 - 15Days

Antarctica

We cruise from the South Shetland Islands and through spectacular Gerlache Strait, passing the western flank of the Antarctic Peninsula - where you'll step foot on the continent. We may encounter pack ice, and penguin rookeries alive with courtship, mating and nest-building. Leopard seals and South Polar skuas are on the hunt, while shy giant petrels incubate their eggs. With nearly 24 hours daylight, we pack in as much as possible, visit historic sites, attempting to land on the continent proper and Zodiac cruising amongst spectacular icebergs

Drake Passage
16 - 17Days

Drake Passage

The Drake Passage offers excellent birdwatching from the outer decks or the warm bridge. A time to celebrate and reflect on our time in Antarctica as we head north towards Ushuaia.

Ushuaia
18Day

Ushuaia

Dawn greets us in the Beagle Channel. We dock in Ushuaia for disembarkation and transfer to airport or town.

See All Itinerary

A view from Above

All Aboard

Polar Pioneer
Adventure vessel

Polar Pioneer

Polar Pioneer was built in Finland as an ice-strengthened research ship with ice class 1A Super, making it perfect for navigation in Polar areas with heavy sea ice. With a legendary reputation as a strong and capable veteran expedition ship, it was refurbished in 2022 with a modernised lounge and upgraded cabins allowing for up to 48 guests to travel in comfort and in an intimate setting that offers an authentic expedition adventure. There is a mixture of cabins and suites, including suites and cabins with ensuite bathrooms and twin and triple cabins with shared facilities. All cabins have portholes or windows. Public areas include a refurbished lounge with bar, newly refurbished dining saloons, a sauna, and multiple viewing decks and raised decks for photography. There is an Open Bridge policy and, owing to its small guest numbers, all passengers are able to fit into the 5 Zodiacs at one time so there is no waiting to go on shore. This ship features the highest ice-class capable of exploring in ice and offers the smallest group size available for trips to Antarctica and South Georgia.

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we work hard to earn passionate reviews from our clients.

4.9
44 Google reviews

Now that I am back from my odyssey voyage, I thought I would let you know that after all that planning it really did exceed my expectations – we managed landings everywhere even on Tristan da Cuhna and had great bird sightings. The guides all knew what they were talking about too and made sure I got some great photos – still sorting them all out! Thanks for everything and see you at Birdfair!

Dave Martin

Overall I think that it was an excellent trip that was well worth the price paid and I would have no hesitation recommending your company to others.

Steve Sutton

Just a quick note to express my sincere thanks to you and all your staff for making this an epic adventure of immense proportions. Everything went smoothly, pickups, hotels and most of all the expedition itself. Truly a mind blowing experience unlike any I have ever taken.

Mr J Borg, Malta

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Antarctica adventure for you.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

Simon’s deep passion for and first-hand knowledge of a vast range of destinations all over the world gives him the ideal skills to help you create a truly unforgettable wildlife inspired adventure to the most exciting places on the planet.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.

Amy Lucas Travel Specialist

Amy’s abiding love of adventure travel has taken her to some of the most incredible wildlife-rich places on Earth. Her vast experience and genuine desire to share her knowledge makes her an outstanding and invaluable person to help you organise your wildlife adventure trip.

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43 + 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

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callback

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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