When to go
October
Price
From £13,950 pp (excluding flights)
Flight time
7hrs 51mins
Introduction
Relive Ernest Henry Shackleton’s epic expedition of the South Atlantic in this engaging, educational, and memorable photographic expedition. You will be joined by two famed photographers, Paul Goldstein and Andy Parkinson, who will accompany you on a 20-day private boat cruise through South Georgia and Antarctica. You will explore the Falkland Islands and surrounding areas, enjoying the various photographic opportunities for wildlife and stunning scenery.
At a Glance
Duration
20 days & 19 nights
Guide price
Group: £13,950pp (excluding flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Port Stanley, Falkland Islands – Saunders Island – West Point Island – Volunteer Point – At Sea – Elsehul Bay and Right Whale Bay – Salisbury Plain and Prion Island – Stromness, Hercules Bay, and Grytviken – St Andrews Bay – Gold Harbour and Cooper Bay – Weddell Sea, Erebus, and Terror Gulf – Antarctic Sound – Half Moon Island and Deception Island – Wilhelmina Bay and Cuverville Island – Paradise Harbour and Neko Harbour
Tour Type
Experienced local tour manager and guided sightseeing
Tour Theme
Group Tour
Activity Level
4 out of 7 - Moderate / Challenging
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
96 group size
Start/Finish
Port Stanley, Falkland Islands – Ushuaia
Extensions
Highlights
Unique Photography Departure
Enjoy a 20-day private boat cruise with two professional photographers. They will show you the best vantage points for wildlife and scenery. And they will educate you on the current state of the landscape, and how climate change is impacting the region.
Travel Aboard the Magellan Explorer, a 96-Capacity Expedition Vessel
The Magellan Explorer is a new expedition vessel, designed specifically for large-scale arctic adventures. It has capacity for 96 people, a wide variety of single cabins and grand suites, 10 Zodiac boats for embarking on wildlife watching opportunities, and even a fitness center.
Land on and Explore South Georgia, the Falklands, and Antarctica
During your Arctic adventure, you will have the chance to disembark and explore different regions. These include South Georgia, the Falklands, and Antarctica itself. These landing opportunities will let you explore parts of the islands that are difficult to observe while on the boat.
Recommended Hotels
Private ship
Sample Itinerary
Antarctica Photographic Expedition
In this sample itinerary, you will be joined by Paul Goldstein and Andy Parkinson, two famous photographers and wildlife experts. By combining their love of the arctic wildlife and nature, with their passion for photography, they will show you the best vantage points, where you can capture memorable snapshots of the arctic region. You will also get the chance to explore different parts of the arctic along the way, including the Falklands and South Georgia.
Day 1: Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
Your journey begins at Port Stanley Airport. From there, you will be transferred to town and board the ship.
(D)
Day 2: Saunders Island and West Point Island
On your first official day aboard the Magellan Explorer, you will explore two different landings: Saunders Island, and West Point Island. Whilst there you will encounter penguins, albatrosses, and other land and marine wildlife.
(B, L, D)
Day 3: Volunteer Point
Enjoy the sightings of beautiful native penguins, of which they number in the hundreds and thousands.
(B, L, D)
Days 4 - 5: At Sea
Make your way to South Georgia. Along the way, your Expedition Team will share their knowledge of the history, culture, and wildlife of the Arctic region. You may also encounter a large number of native birds in the Magellan’s wake.
(B, L, D)
Day 6: Elsehul Bay and Right Whale Bay
Take an early morning Zodiac ride to Elsehul, a harbour with an abundance of marine wildlife, such as seals and penguins. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the afternoon, and then visit the Right Whale Bay, which has many photogenic vantage points.
(B, L, D)
Day 7: Salisbury Plain and Prion Island
Head to Salisbury Plain, a famous beachhead surrounded by gorgeous snowcapped mountains. If there is time, you may also visit Prion Island, which has a large number of native birds.
(B, L, D)
Day 8: Stromness, Hercules Bay, and Grytviken
If the level of snow is relatively low, you will have the chance to follow in the footsteps of Shackleton’s famous final walk. In the afternoon, go on a mandatory trip to get your passport stamped in Grytviken. And visit the local museums whilst you’re there, learning more about the legacy of Shackleton’s ambitious arctic expedition, which helped set a precedent for future arctic expeditions to come.
(B, L, D)
Day 9: St Andrews Bay
St Andrews Bay is a beautiful destination to visit. There is a huge population of local and migrating birds, and plenty of photographic vantage points.
(B, L, D)
Day 10: Gold Harbour and Cooper Bay
In the morning, visit your next landing at Gold Harbour. The region is famous for its jousting elephant seals, stunning glaciers, and marching King penguins. Then visit Cooper Bay via a Zodiac boat, where you will see the rare Macaroni penguin.
(B, L, D)
Days 11 – 12: At Sea
Take the next 2 days to relax, unwind, and recharge aboard your private boat. You can also watch onboard presentations and enjoy the onboard facilities.
(B, L, D)
Day 13: Weddell Sea, Erebus, and Terror Gulf
Head south to marvel at the tremendous icebergs in Weddell Sea, some of which are as large as small islands. You’ll then encounter the Erebus and Terror Gulf, which has a large population of Adelie penguins.
(B, L, D)
Day 14: Antarctic Sound
Explore the icy cold waters of the Antarctic Sound, where you will encounter more icebergs and Adelie penguins.
(B, L, D)
Day 15: Half Moon Island and Deception Island
Half Moon Island is home to the Chinstrap penguin, the most abundant of all penguin species in the Antarctic, who gather in larger numbers to establish breeding colonies. You may then visit Deception Island, which is home to one of two active volcanoes in Antarctica.
(B)
Day 16: Wilhelmina Bay and Cuverville Island
At Wilhelmina Bay, you will encounter the majestic Orcas and other whales. And you will marvel at the incredible mountain scenery; perfect for memorable photographs.
(B, L, D)
Day 17: Paradise Harbour and Neko Harbour
Paradise Harbour and Neko Harbour are widely considered the highlights of this Arctic adventure. Paradise Harbour has an incredible, high-altitude vantage point that is a sight to behold, while Neko Harbour has a large colony of Gentoo penguins. Gentoos typically build nests on beaches, and vigorously defend their turf all year round.
(B, L, D)
Days 18 – 19: At Sea
In the last days of your Arctic adventure, marvel at the last glimpses of the massive bird population, including prions, pintados, and albatrosses.
(B, L, D)
Day 20: Ushuaia
Disembark in Usuaia, where your journey will officially come to an end.
(B)
