Antarctic Classic: G Expedition

From Ushuaia to Ushuaia
  • All Antarctic Cruises
  • Antarctic Peninsula
  • Small Ship Cruising
  • Wildlife and Nature
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Tour Description

Embark on a genuine adventure to the world's most remote wilderness on an Antarctic cruise! Our 11-day Antarctic Classic journey focuses on some of the planet's most impressive wildlife and dramatic landscapes of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.

This Antarctica cruise departs from the southern tip of South America across the legendary Drake Passage, and the wildlife spotting begins on deck with whales and scores of sea birds as common companions. The breathtaking scenery of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula awaits. On excursions throughout the Antarctic cruise, you will navigate through the majestic passages and around icebergs and inlets to experience the plentiful wildlife of the area, such as seals, whales and immense penguin colonies. Opportunities to get up close and personal with the local wild inhabitants are frequent with shore landings and zodiac cruising. During our Antarctic expedition, our team of lecturers and guides will share their knowledge of the region's fascinating natural history.

This cruise is the ultimate Antarctica vacation.

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This small expedition ship has a large fleet of zodiacs to quickly get you out and about and exploring, a 10:1 passenger-to-expert ratio as well as the opportunity to set foot on the 7th continent!

Witness immense icebergs and glaciers from the outside decks, land and walk in Antarctica, visit penguin colonies, go exploring by zodiac, perhaps opt to camp, kayak, take a polar plunge, and also take your time to relax quietly be in awe of nature

"I knew I would see lots of penguins in Antarctica, but really there are thousands everywhere, and they are so amusing and curious, I could watch them for hours!" Tara, Team Viva

Tour Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.

Overnight in a hotel in Ushuaia

Day 2
Depart Ushuaia & the Drake Passage

Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping, explore the town, or visit the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the G Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.

Day 3-4
Drake Passage & South Shetland Islands

The adventure begins with an 1000km (600mi) crossing of the passage named in honour of the 16th-century English sea captain and privateer, Sir Francis Drake. Take in daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for the first sightings of icebergs, whales and albatross following in the G Expedition's wake.

The G Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded never ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic.

As the Expedition crosses the passage there will be time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship’s crew and expedition staff.

Begin lectures and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region

Day 5-8
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands

Experience some of the most unique wildlife viewing and inspiring scenery in the world while setting foot on the Antarctic continent. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting) and encounter Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries, Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, and orca, humpback and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. During the voyage, learn about the peninsula's remarkable history.

Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day while navigating through the area but the itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions.

During the voyage, learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.

Day 9-10
Drake Passage to Ushuaia

Begin the journey north to the home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of the Antarctic experience with the lecturers and staff. Keep sharp eyes on the observation deck for some last-minute whale sightings.

Leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by the expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia.

Remember, the best way to experience the wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out for Albatross, Prions, and Whales!

Day 11
Disembark in Ushuaia

This adventure draws to a close. Enjoy your final breakfast on the expedition ship before saying our farewells as we disembark in Ushuaia in the morning.

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What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 9 nights onboard the G Expedition
  • Included Copy 20 1 night hotel in Ushuaia on a twin share basis
  • Included Copy 31 Same sex willing to share cabins available, ideal for solo travellers
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals, tea, coffee and water whilst onboard, breakfast at hotel in Ushuaia
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Arrival and departure transfers
  • Included Copy 20 Lectures and educational program
  • Included Copy 20 Zodiac excursions, landings and shore excursions with our expert expedition team
  • Included Copy 20 Waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16
  • Included Copy 20 Expedition parka to keep
  • Included Copy 31 Camping in Antarctica (additional costs apply)
  • Included Copy 31 Kayaking in Antarctica (additional costs apply)
  • Included Copy 7 International flights, Gratuities, Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges
  • Included Copy 7 Comprehensive Travel/Medical Insurance (Mandatory)
Transportation

G Expedition

134 Passengers

Activities

  • Included Zodiac exploration along the shores and bays of Antarctica
  • Included Camping (additional costs apply)
  • Included Kayaking in Antarctica (additional costs apply)
  • Included Hiking and Walking in Antarctica & South Shetland Islands
  • Included Lectures on all things Antarctica history, geology and wildlife
  • Included Spend time with Antarctic wildlife - meet Adelie, Gentoo and Chinstap penguins
  • Included Dare to take a polar plunge!
  • Included Set foot on Antarctica — the world's least-visited continent
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Duration

11 days

Price from

$7,599 USD

Per person, sharing

Based on a quad cabin

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