Penguin Safari: South Georgia & Antarctica

From Ushuaia to Ushuaia
  • All Antarctic Cruises
  • South Georgia & The Falkland Islands
  • Small Ship Cruising
  • Wildlife and Nature
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Tour Description

Join us on a wildlife safari to the wildlife meccas of South Georgia and Antarctica. This cruise offers so much in 18 days.

Want to see wildlife including some penguins and seals? South Georgia is where it is at with around 300,000 breeding king penguins, 50 million other seabirds and 5 million seals! View rugged and remote beaches covered in King penguins living alongside with elephant seals. Don't forget to pay your respects to the famous Antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, whilst here. Then a visit to the 7th continent is of course, a must! Voyage south to discover more awe inspiring sites, vast almost untouched landscapes, ice filled bay, creaking glaciers and narrow channels filled with ice burgs. Visit an Antarctica research station, check out some more penguin colonies, there are chinstraps, Adelies, gentoos to discover, leopard seals and Minke whales to watch out for.

Antarctica will surprise and delight, and never disappoint.

Video Highlights

Viva's Best Bits...

"If you are going to Antarctica, you really must add South Georgia...else you have to go back! And this itinerary gives you both, in a relatively short length of time." Tara, Team Viva

Wildlife heaven! Land in Antarctica and make new friends.

...You wanted to see some penguins!

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Ushuaia

Your journey starts in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an 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.
Overnight in Ushuaia

Day 2
Ushuaia - 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!

Day 3-6
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.

Day 7-9
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.

Day 10-11
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.

Day 12-15
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!

Day 16-17
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 18
Disembark in Ushuaia

Today you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and fellow travelers, disembarking in the morning to catch your homeward flights

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 Cabin onboard with ensuite
  • Included Copy 31 Cabin upgrades available
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Activities / sightseeing as mentioned, zodiacs and shore landings
  • Included Copy 20 Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader
  • Included Copy 20 Photographic journal documenting the expedition
  • Included Copy 20 Rubber boots for shore landings (to borrow)
  • Included Copy 20 Parka for your warmth & comfort (to keep)
  • Included Copy 20 On-board lectures and educational presentations from polar specialists
  • Included Copy 20 Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person
  • Included Copy 7 Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance — strongly recommended
  • Included Copy 7 International flights, Gratuities, Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges
  • Included Copy 31 Flight in a twin engine helicopter (additional activity on Ultramarine only)
  • Included Copy 31 Kayaking, paddling, stand up paddle boarding (additional charge. select departures)
Transportation

World Explorer

125 Passengers

Ocean Explorer

138 Passengers

Activities

  • Included Lectures on all things Antarctica history, geology and wildlife
  • Included Land, walk, hike in Antarctica, the 7th continent
  • Included Optional activities: kayak, stand up paddle board
  • Included Option for a twin engine heli flight on the Ultramarine
  • Included Photographer onboard to help you get the best out of your photos
  • Included Do something crazy - take a polar plunge!
  • Included Amazing wildlife encounters: King penguins, elephant seals and more
Tour on Special!
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Duration

18 days

Price from

$25,295 $17,074 USD

Per person, sharing

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