Falkland, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula

Shackleton's Discovery 18 Days

Prices From £14,809pp
October to November | 17 nights

Shackleton's Discovery 18 Days

Aboard: SH Minerva SH Vega

Dream big on the epic 18-day Falklands & Antarctica Discovery cruise on board our boutique ship that takes you places you will never forget. Our trip also includes the two-day sea crossing of the notorious Drake Passage. Taking in the sights of the Falkland Islands, as well as South Georgia and Elephant Island, you will visit beaches crammed with penguins which will stir the emotions as you get up close. Magnificent icebergs provide a phenomenal backdrop to your days at sea. The exceptional landscape and incredible wildlife encounters make your voyage the ultimate Antarctica trip leaving few places left to visit on your bucket list.

Highlights

  • Experience incredible penguin encounters as you get up close to these polar rockstars
  • Take in this vast frozen wilderness as it changes colour from glassy white to turquoise and green
  • Keep an eye out for black-browed albatross in the Falklands as we come ashore to these remote communities
  • Listen to our engaging polar experts and learn tips from our on-board photographers
  • Kayaking options available (select departures - fees apply)

What's Included

  • Return regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation (where specified)
  • Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
  • One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
  • All meals onboard
  • 24-hour room service
  • Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
  • Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
  • Standard WiFi
  • Onboard gratuities and port taxes
  • One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call
  • Expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions


Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Buenos Aires
1Day

Buenos Aires

Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital is known as "The Paris of South America". But this metropolis is as much about its neighbourhoods (barrios) and cafe culture. Each district has its own character - none more so than colourful and lively La Boca, where tango dancers perform in the streets. Ships dock into the regenerated waterfront barrio Puerto Madero. Be sure to also visit the handsome district of Recoleta, famous for the cemetery where Eva “Evita” Peron is buried.

At sea
2 - 4Days

At sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

West Point Island & Saunders Island
5Day

West Point Island & Saunders Island

Black-browed albatross soar above this rugged weather-beaten island in the west of the Falklands, while Commerson’s dolphins swim below. With a sparse population of people and sheep, this inhabited island is also home to fur seals, burrowing rockhopper penguins, magellanic penguins and imperial cormorants who roost in the jagged cliffs and the striking Cliff Mountain towering above the dramatic coastal scenery. As you hike across the moss, keep an eye open for pink-petalled Felton’s flowers. Birdlife is the big draw on this lush sheep-farming island, where thousands of rams and ewes roam. Settled by British explorers in 1765, the island’s unique scenery includes the beaches at The Neck filled with the cacophony of rockhopper, gentoo and king penguin colonies, and you might spot the pillar-shaped nests of black-browed albatross. Nine of the Falklands’ 14 endemic plants, including silvery buttercup and hairy daisy, grow here and are a real treat.

Port Stanley
6Day

Port Stanley

Anyone familiar with Britain’s trademark red post boxes might spot a resemblance in this British outpost. Port Stanley, on East Falkland, is the tiny capital of the Falkland Islands and is small enough to get around on foot. You can visit The Historic Dockyard Museum devoted to maritime history and exploration or pop into the post office. Magellanic penguins gather in hordes at nearby Gypsy Cove, and sea lions and dolphins frolic in the harbour.

At Sea
7 - 8Days

At Sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

South Georgia
9 - 10Days

South Georgia

Often called the “Galapagos of the Poles”, South Georgia has a number of landing sites where you get up close to half a million king penguins or three million breeding pairs of macaroni penguins, making up the largest population in the world. If you are lucky you will also see harrumphing elephant seals - from a distance! We also visit Grytviken, the historic whaling station where legendary British explorer Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922) is buried.

At Sea
11Day

At Sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

South Shetland Islands
12Day

South Shetland Islands

While the South Shetlands’ proximity to Antarctica makes the ice-bound sea impassable during winter (April to November), these are the first islands to see snow melt in spring (March) and the slightly warmer temperature means that the fauna is also different from what you see in Antarctica proper. As we go ashore by Zodiac, notice ferns, grasses, lichens and native flora that have more in common with Patagonia than they do with Antarctica.

Antarctic Peninsula
13 - 14Days

Antarctic Peninsula

Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent will live out their Antarctica dream. The Antarctic Peninsula, the most accessible area of the continent, hosts several scientific bases and some of the most interesting wildlife scenery, such as the extremely photogenic Lemaire Channel. Shore excursions might include Petermann Island, where among Adelie penguins, blue-eyed shags and skuas, huge, lumbering elephant seals haul out.

South Shetland Islands
15Day

South Shetland Islands

While the South Shetlands’ proximity to Antarctica makes the ice-bound sea impassable during winter (April to November), these are the first islands to see snow melt in spring (March) and the slightly warmer temperature means that the fauna is also different from what you see in Antarctica proper. As we go ashore by Zodiac, notice ferns, grasses, lichens and native flora that have more in common with Patagonia than they do with Antarctica.

At Sea
16 - 17Days

At Sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Ushuaia
18Day

Ushuaia

Ushuaia is the gateway to the White Continent. Found at the southernmost tip of South America in Argentinian Patagonia, the city is often described as “the End of the World”. The city’s mountain backdrop rises above the harbour and entrance to the Beagle Channel. The town itself is walkable and has a few small museums as well as pubs, restaurants and cafes - a good place to try Patagonian lamb cooked over open fire pits.

A view from Above

All Aboard

SH Minerva
Luxury  first class vessel

SH Minerva

Recently launched (November 2021) the beautiful SH Minerva is an elegant 5-star boutique ship that has been created in a Scandi-design style to provide ultimate comfort and enjoyment. This intimate ship carries just 152 guests and has been built to allow for exploration in off the beaten path destinations, including the Polar regions. With a PC5 ice-strengthened hull combined with extra-large stabilisers, all journeys are smooth and comfortable.

All areas of the vessel have been decorated and furnished in a sophisticated and elegant style, with wide open public spaces and unobstructed views throughout the ship. Features of this luxury vessel include a wonderful al-fresco dining area surrounding a heated outdoor pool, a wellness area with state-of-the-art gym, jacuzzi and sauna with breathtaking sea views, a beautiful main restaurant, welcoming club lounge and supremely comfortable observation lounge.

The 76 staterooms are equally stylish. From the standard staterooms to amazing suites, each room is luxurious, cosy and expertly designed. Each room features a luxury en-suite bathroom and living area, whilst higher category rooms also feature balconies, spacious walk-in wardrobes and separate living rooms.

SH Vega
Luxury  first class vessel

SH Vega

Launching in April 2022 the magnificent SH Vega will offer elegant 5-star boutique accommodation aboard a ship that has been decorated in a Scandi-design style to provide ultimate comfort and enjoyment. With an intimate atmosphere, the ship carries just 152 guests and has been built to allow for exploration in off the beaten path destinations, including the Polar regions. With a PC5 ice-strengthened hull combined with extra-large stabilisers, all journeys will be very smooth and comfortable.

All areas of the vessel are decorated and furnished in a sophisticated style, with wide open public spaces and unobstructed views throughout the ship. Features of this luxury vessel will include a wonderful al-fresco dining area surrounding a heated outdoor pool, a wellness area with state-of-the-art gym, jacuzzi and sauna with breathtaking sea views, a beautiful main restaurant, welcoming club lounge and supremely comfortable observation lounge.

The 76 staterooms are equally stylish. From the standard staterooms to amazing suites, each room is luxurious, cosy and expertly designed. Each room features a luxury en-suite bathroom and living area, whilst higher category rooms also feature balconies, spacious walk-in wardrobes and separate living rooms.

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

As Senior Travel Expert, Simon has an absolute wealth of experience in adventure travel in some of the most fascinating places in the world. With in-depth knowledge and fantastic organizational skills, Simon’s first-hand experience and genuine passion drive him to work to create your perfect itinerary.

Amy Lucas Travel Specialist

With countless travel experiences and an enduring hunger for adventure, Amy knows exactly what’s needed to craft a holiday of a lifetime. Her experience and generosity of spirit are legendary and she’ll help you build an itinerary that will make all your dreams come true.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike lives and breathes adventure travel and has a wealth of experience in some of the most exciting and inspirational destinations in the world. His expertise and first-hand experience afford him the skills to help build holidays to remember.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

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

Chat Now

Request a
callback

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

text
close

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

Request a
callback

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

Your Details

It would be great to know...

We are always looking for ways to improve the service we offer to our customers, so we would love to know...

1) How do you rate our website?
2) Where did you hear about us:

Tell us about your ideal trip

What are your interests?