When to go
January
Price
From £30,950 pp (excluding flights)
Flight time
14hrs 18mins
Introduction
On this epic 23-day Arctic adventure, you will discover everything that the Antarctic region has to offer. Your Antarctic voyage will take you to the most important parts of the area, including the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula. You will get the chance to retrace the journey that past explorers have taken, including Sir Francis Drake, Sir Martin Frobisher, Jacques Cartier, and Captain James Cook. And you will do it aboard the Ultramarine, a purpose-built vessel that is designed to let you travel beyond the Arctic Circle.
At a Glance
Duration
23 days & 22 nights
Guide price
Group: £30,950pp (excluding flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Buenos Aires – Ushuaia – At Sea – Falkland Islands – South Georgia – South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula – Antarctic Circle – Drake Passage – Ushuaia
Tour Type
Experienced local tour manager and guided sightseeing
Tour Theme
Group Tour
Activity Level
1 out of 7 - Leisurely
Age Range
18+
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accommodation
Private ship
Board Basis
Varied - please see the sample itinerary for details
Min|Max Group Size
199 group size
Start/Finish
Buenos Aires – Buenos Aires
Extensions
Highlights
Encounter the Rockhopper, King, and Gentoo Penguins in the Falklands
The Falkland Islands is home to a wide variety of penguin species, including King, Rockhopper, and Gentoo penguins. The King penguin was once near extinction, with only 31 breeding pairs in existence in 1971, but there are now more than 1,500 breeding pairs. Meanwhile, there are around 120,000 breeding pairs of Gentoo penguins, all of which live on the Falkland Islands.
Cross the Antarctic Circle at 66° 33’ S
The Antarctic Circle is the southernmost of the five major circles of latitude that mark the maps of the Earth. This means that very few people have been able to cross the Antarctic Circle, as it is considered to be an impressive achievement. Fortunately, you will be one of the rare few to travel beyond the Arctic Circle, which you can your crew will celebrate with a toast.
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula occupies around 1,300 kilometers of space, with sprawling mountain ranges and impressive scenery. There is also a large number of land and marine wildlife, including seals, penguins, and whales. With the help of a Zodiac boat, you’ll be able to cruise past the mammoth glaciers and other historic sites, such as an isolated post office in the south.
Recommended Hotels
Private ship
Sample Itinerary
Epic Antarctica
Go on a memorable 23-day Arctic adventure through the Antarctic Peninsula. Traverse past the large hanging glaciers, abundance of penguins, seals, and whales, and the many local research stations and villages that will come your way. Your Expedition Team will also educate you on the wildlife, culture, and effects of climate change on the area, giving you a deeper understanding of the region and the current state of it in today’s world.
Day 1: Buenos Aires
Start your journey in Buenos Aires and stay overnight in a hotel.
(N)
Day 2: Ushuaia
After breakfast, head to the airport and take a private charter flight to Ushuaia. You should have some time to explore this quaint port town, and stock up on supplies, before your departure.
Embark on your arctic adventure in the late afternoon. Sail down the iconic Beagle Channel.
(B, D)
Day 3: At Sea
Take the time to get to know your fellow travelers and meet the Expedition Team. There are many optional activities on board your boat, such as hanging out at the bar and visiting the library. You can also watch a series of presentations prepared by the Expedition Team to help you prepare for Zodiac trips and short landings.
(B, L, D)
Days 4 – 5: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Over the next 2 days, you will visit the two main islands in the Falklands: East and West. You will visit these islands via the Zodiac, a small motorboat. On this British outpost you can visit the local pubs, church, or museum.
You can also participate in wildlife sightings in the Falklands, where you may encounter at least 3 species of penguins and 2 endemic bird species, including the Cobb’s wren and flightless Steamer duck.
(B, L, D)
Days 6 – 7: At Sea
Continue your journey to South Georgia. Along the way, you will cross the Antarctic Converge, an invisible biological boundary (or a meeting of 2 oceans) that produces an abundance of marine wildlife such as krill and humpback whales.
(B, L, D)
Days 8 – 11: South Georgia
South Georgia is home to the gravesite of Sir Ernest Shackleton, a greater explorer whose arctic journeys helped set a precedent for future arctic endeavours. You will also see the old whaling station and research station – remnants of a time where whaling and sealing were prevalent.
South Georgia also contains an impressive range of wildlife, where you may encounter thousands of King penguins, strolling across the beach in unison. The surrounding beaches, grass, and mountains encourage a diverse ecosystem, promoting the survival of various bird and animal species.
(B, L, D)
Days 12 – 13: At Sea
Proceed to the main attraction: Antarctica. Enjoy quiet time over the next 2 days, watching more presentations by the Expedition Team to learn how to identify different animal species.
(B, L, D)
Days 14 – 16: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Arrive at the White Continent. This region has been known to elicit a strong emotional response from visitors. It is unique for its distinct landscape, eerie silence, and occasional penguin sightings.
You’ll also participate in local landings, where you can go on glacier hikes, visit the research bases, and go wildlife spotting to watch the seals and penguins.
(B, L, D)
Days 17 – 18: The Antarctic Circle
Cross the Antarctic Circle and celebrate your achievement with a toast to the crew. There is also the potential for incredible iceberg sightings here, too.
(B, L, D)
Days 19 – 20: Northbound Along Peninsula
Start your return journey home by making your way back to Drake Passage. The Expedition Team will continue to notify you of potential scenic and wildlife sightings.
(B, L, D)
Days 21 – 22: Crossing Drake Passage
Continue your journey home and cross through Drake Passage once more.
(B, L, D)
Day 23: Ushuaia – Buenos Aires
Arrive back in Ushuaia in the morning. Disembark and go on a tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park. Then transfer to the airport and take a flight back to Buenos Aires.
Your journey will officially end in Buenos Aires.
(B)
