South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
The South Georgia and Antarctica: Penguin Safari itinerary is the fastest way to get to the rarely visited South Georgia Island while also stepping foot on the 7th Continent. As we set sail, photograph massive albatross and beautiful pintado petrels 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 soaring peaks and overwhelming enormity. Relax on a Zodiac ride, hike to overlooks of glistening glaciers, share comical moments with inquisitive gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, or witness the rugged peninsula from a sea kayak. Antarctica will surprise and delight, and never disappoint.
Expedition in Brief:
• See South Georgia’s incredible wildlife, including 30 breeding bird species and four penguin species
• Follow in the wake of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyages to South Georgia and pause for a moment at his grave site
• Explore the Antarctic Peninsula by ship, Zodiac and foot
• Learn about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife with our onboard lecturers
• Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Antarctic, with an optional paddling excursion
Day 1 | Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina |
Day 2 | Embarkation Day |
Days 3 to 6 | At Sea |
Days 7 & 8 | South Georgia |
Days 9 & 10 | At Sea |
Days 11 to 13 | Antarctic Peninsula |
Days 14 & 15 | Crossing the Drake Passage |
Day 16 | Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina |
Tour Dates
Day 1 ― Arrive in 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 Day
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart!
Days 3 to 6 ― At Sea
There are many activities to keep you engaged while you are at sea. Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend dynamic presentations by your expedition team. You will be prepped on safety procedures for Zodiac cruises and shore landings, and also be given instructions for getting the most out of your optional sea kayaking adventures (extra cost), a truly intimate way to experience Antarctica.
If conditions are right, the first indication that you are approaching South Georgia is the sight of birds around a group of rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Have your binoculars and cameras ready to capture these rocky spires rising out of the icy ocean waters. Shags and prions often rest here, and due to nutrient rich upwellings around the rocks it can be a good place to keep a lookout for whales.
Days 7 & 8 ― South Georgia
After enjoying South Georgia from a distance, we’ll head toward its numerous beaches to find a bay for your first excursion. Landing sites are varied, largely determined by the weather conditions of your voyage. Whichever sites we visit, they’ll provide you with wildlife encounters unrivaled anywhere else on earth.
South Georgia is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches blanketed with penguins and seals. It won’t take you long to realize that you are in a bird paradise, as burrowing seabirds, albatross and petrels can be seen in abundance.
You’ll find that South Georgia, once a popular base for whalers and sealers, is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries gone by. Your expedition team will help bring those days to life while you visit old whaling stations and enjoy presentations on the South Georgia of then and now.
One of the most significant sites you will visit on the island is Grytviken. This settlement is the first whaling stations established in sub-Antarctic waters. Many travelers find that this place has a special appeal, as it is the site of the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the most famous Antarctic explorers.
Days 9 & 10 ― At Sea
Say goodbye to the king penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with presentations and workshops led by your expedition team, who will prepare you for the wildlife and landscapes that will surround you upon your arrival.
Days 11 to 13 ― Antarctic Peninsula
The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica.
You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence, and at the next moment you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear.
Your expedition team will take care of you at each excursion, whether you are Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. Keep a lookout for Antarctic whales, such as minkes, while on a Zodiac cruise. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.
As exciting as the Zodiac excursions and landings are, perhaps you’ll treat yourself to an extra-special Antarctic experience by partaking in an optional paddling excursion (at an extra cost) or cast reason aside and jump into Antarctic waters for the Polar Plunge!
Days 14 & 15 ― Crossing the Drake Passage
After more than a dozen days of unique wildlife encounters and remarkable landscapes, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage. Spend time on deck watching for seabirds and whales, enjoy presentations by your expedition team, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.
Day 16 ― Disembark in Ushuaia
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure onward or catch your flights home.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.
* Itinerary may be subject to change
Per Person USD Rates Antarctica 2021-22 |
Triple
|
Twin Obstructed View
|
Single Port Hole
|
Twin Window
|
Single Obstructed View
|
Suite
|
Balcony Suite
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kayak 10% savings if paid in full by Mar 31st 2021 (Prices in Red). | $16,995$15,296Full | $24,495$22,046 | $29,995$26,996Full | $25,995$23,396 | $29,995$26,996Full | $27,995$25,196Full | $28,995$26,096Full |
Kayak Save 20% (Excludes Triple & Singles) Expires Jan 31st 2021 PLUS additional 10% savings if paid in full by Mar 31st 2021 (Combined savings shown in Red). | $13,495$12,146 | $19,495$14,036 | $23,995$21,596 | $20,495$14,756 | $23,995$21,596 | $22,495$16,196 | $22,995$16,556 |
Camp, Kayak 10% savings if paid in full by Mar 31st 2021 (Prices in Red). | $19,495$17,546 | $27,995$25,196 | $34,495$31,046 | $29,495$26,546 | $34,495$31,046 | $31,995$28,796 | $33,495$30,146 |
Camp, Kayak Save 15% (Excludes Triple & Singles) Expires Jan 31st 2021 PLUS additional 10% savings if paid in full by Mar 31st 2021 (Combined savings shown in Red). | $8,995$8,096 | $12,495$9,559 | $15,495$13,946 | $13,495$10,324 | $15,495$13,946 | $14,495$11,089 | $14,995$11,471 |
Kayak Save 15% (Excludes Triple & Singles) Expires Jan 31st 2021 PLUS additional 10% savings if paid in full by Mar 31st 2021 (Combined savings shown in Red). | $8,995$8,096 | $12,495$9,559 | $15,495$13,946 | $13,495$10,324 | $15,495$13,946 | $14,495$11,089 | $14,995$11,471 |
Kayak Save 15% (Excludes Triple & Singles) Expires Jan 31st 2021 PLUS additional 10% savings if paid in full by Mar 31st 2021 (Combined savings shown in Red). | $8,995$8,096 | $12,495$9,559 | $15,495$13,946 | $13,495$10,324 | $15,495$13,946 | $14,495$11,089 | $14,995$11,471 |
Kayak Save 5% (Excludes Triple & Singles) Expires Jan 31st 2021 PLUS additional 10% savings if paid in full by Mar 31st 2021 (Combined savings shown in Red). | $10,495$9,446 | $14,995$12,821 | $18,495$16,646 | $15,995$13,676 | $18,495$16,646 | $16,995$14,531 | $17,995$15,386 |
Kayak Save 15% (Excludes Triple & Singles) Expires Jan 31st 2021 PLUS additional 10% savings if paid in full by Mar 31st 2021 (Combined savings shown in Red). | $7,995$7,196 | $11,495$8,794 | $13,995$12,596 | $12,495$9,559 | $13,995$12,596 | $12,995$9,941 | $13,495$10,324 |
Cruise Price does not include international airfare. Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
Drinks included. Soft drinks & juices all the time. House wine & non-premium beer at dinner.
Single cabin prices are 1.7 times the cost of the appropriate twin-share prices listed above except for suites and balcony suites which are 2x the price listed above. If you are a solo traveler requesting to share a cabin note that suites and balcony suites can not be shared.
Adventure Options: Kayaking - $995 (for those who want to kayak during entire voyage & have previous experience) OR paddling - $295 (for those w/o experience who want to kayak one time during the voyage), Camping - $295, Snowshoe-Included. Adventure options must be pre-booked and paid for prior to start of the trip. Space is subject to availability. Camping is limited to 60, Kayaking 16. Some activities require experience.
All trips subject to possible fuel surcharge.
Per Person USD Rates Antarctica 2022-23 |
Triple
|
Twin Obstructed View
|
Single Port Hole
|
Twin Window
|
Single Obstructed View
|
Suite
|
Balcony Suite
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kayak Save 20% (Excludes Triple & Singles) Expires Mar 31st 2021 PLUS additional 10% savings if paid in full by May 31st 2021 (Combined savings shown in Red) PLUS additional 5% savings if paid in full at time of booking. | $11,795$10,616 | $16,895$12,164 | $20,395$18,356 | $17,395$12,524 | $20,395$18,356 | $19,895$14,324 | $20,995$15,116 |
Camp, Kayak Save 5% (Excludes Triple & Singles) Expires Mar 31st 2021 PLUS additional 10% savings if paid in full by May 31st 2021 (Combined savings shown in Red) PLUS additional 5% savings if paid in full at time of booking. | $21,995$19,796 | $31,695$27,099 | $38,795$34,916 | $33,195$28,382 | $38,795$34,916 | $38,295$32,742 | $39,795$34,025 |
Kayak Save 15% (Excludes Triple & Singles) Expires Mar 31st 2021 PLUS additional 10% savings if paid in full by May 31st 2021 (Combined savings shown in Red) PLUS additional 5% savings if paid in full at time of booking. | $17,895$16,106 | $25,495$19,504 | $31,195$28,076 | $26,595$20,345 | $31,195$28,076 | $30,595$23,405 | $31,695$24,247 |
Kayak Save 5% (Excludes Triple & Singles) Expires Mar 31st 2021 PLUS additional 10% savings if paid in full by May 31st 2021 (Combined savings shown in Red) PLUS additional 5% savings if paid in full at time of booking. | $11,295$10,166 | $16,395$14,018 | $19,895$17,906 | $17,395$14,873 | $19,895$17,906 | $19,395$16,583 | $20,395$17,438 |
Kayak Save 15% (Excludes Triple & Singles) Expires Mar 31st 2021 PLUS additional 10% savings if paid in full by May 31st 2021 (Combined savings shown in Red) PLUS additional 5% savings if paid in full at time of booking. | $8,695$7,826 | $12,795$9,788 | $15,295$13,766 | $13,295$10,171 | $15,295$13,766 | $14,795$11,318 | $15,895$12,160 |
Kayak Save 15% (Excludes Triple & Singles) Expires Mar 31st 2021 PLUS additional 10% savings if paid in full by May 31st 2021 (Combined savings shown in Red) PLUS additional 5% savings if paid in full at time of booking. | $8,695$7,826 | $12,795$9,788 | $15,295$13,766 | $13,295$10,171 | $15,295$13,766 | $14,795$11,318 | $15,895$12,160 |
Cruise Price does not include international airfare. Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
Drinks included. Soft drinks & juices all the time. House wine & non-premium beer at dinner.
Single cabin prices are 1.7 times the cost of the appropriate twin-share prices listed above except for suites and balcony suites which are 2x the price listed above. If you are a solo traveler requesting to share a cabin note that suites and balcony suites can not be shared.
Adventure Options: Kayaking - $995 (for those who want to kayak during entire voyage & have previous experience) OR paddling - $295 (for those w/o experience who want to kayak one time during the voyage), Camping - $295, Snowshoe-Included. Adventure options must be pre-booked and paid for prior to start of the trip. Space is subject to availability. Camping is limited to 60, Kayaking 16. Some activities require experience.
All trips subject to possible fuel surcharge.
Balcony Suite This suite has one double bed or two twin beds, and a full-size window with a sliding glass door that leads to a private deck with chairs. Located on the Observation Deck, this suite has a private bathroom with bathtub and shower. A refrigerator, TV, and DVD player are included in each cabin. Approximately 325 sq. ft. (30 sq. m) including balcony. |
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Suite These suites have one double bed or two twin beds, and two picture windows. Located on the Main Deck, these suites have a separate sitting area with sofas, two easy chairs, a small table, and a private bathroom with bathtub and shower. A refrigerator, TV, and DVD player are included in each cabin. Approximately 400 sq. ft. (37 sq. m). |
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Single Obstructed View These cabins have one double bed, and a picture window (the view is obstructed by the lifeboats). Located on the Captain’s Deck these cabins have a private bathroom with bathtub and shower. A refrigerator, TV, and DVD player are included in each cabin. Approximately 200 sq. ft. (19 sq. m). |
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Twin Window These cabins have one double bed or two twin beds, and a picture window. Located on the Upper, Main and Captain’s Decks, these cabins have a private bathroom with bathtub and shower. A refrigerator, TV, and DVD player are included in each cabin. Between 183 and 200 sq. ft. (17 and 19 sq. m). |
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Single Porthole These cabins have one double bed and two portholes. Located on the Lower Deck, these cabins have a private bathroom with shower. A refrigerator, TV, and DVD player are included in each cabin. Approximately 200 sq. ft. (19 sq. m). |
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Twin Obstructed View These cabins have one double bed or two twin beds, and a picture window (the view is obstructed). Located on the Captain’s Deck, these cabins have a private bathroom with bathtub and shower. A refrigerator, TV, and DVD player are included in each cabin. Approximately 200 sq. ft. (19 sq. m). |
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Triple This cabin has a two twin beds and an upper bed, and two portholes(Note: cabin 332 has three lower beds). Located on the Lower Deck, these cabins have a private bathroom with bathtub and shower. A refrigerator, TV, and DVD player are included in each cabin. Approximately 200 sq. ft. (19 sq. m). |