Shackletons Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands

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

This is an epic voyage of discovery aboard the Ocean Endeavour, as you follow in the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton and unearth the secrets of Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands. Marvel at spectacular rugged scenery, mingle with thousands of King penguins, seals and observe soaring albatross in the wildlife meccas of South Georgia and the Falklands. Glide through ice floes in a zodiac with expert guides among Antarctica’s towering icebergs and majestic glaciers in search of whales and predatory leopard seals.  

This unforgettable journey to Antarctica is aboard the Ocean Endeavour, which has one of the best guide to passenger ratios in Antarctica (1:8). The ship is equipped with a large Zodiac fleet  designed for maximum comfort & uninterrupted views. Amenities onboard include an expedition lounge, restaurant, bar, pool, jacuzzi, library, gym, sundeck, spa facilities and sauna. There is also dedicated single occupancy cabins with no single surcharge

**Paul Kelly, Songs of the South: The 8th January 2024 departure will have special guests onboard including Australian musician, Paul Kelly**

Viva's Best Bits...

The best opportunities to view huge numbers of Antarctic wildlife on many different islands, remote coves and incredible hikes...this trip visits South Georgia, the Falklands and Antarctica itself 3 weeks!

"Aside from the magic of Antarctica, this journey allows you to explore the history of Ernest Shackleton and his crew. Learn about their expedition and one of the greatest survival stories of all times" Tara, Team Viva

Plenty of walks and zodiac rides into the vast frozen wilderness that is hauntingly beautiful, with magical vistas and untamed wildlife.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Ushuaia

On arrival at Ushuaia Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel.
The first night of your voyage is spent in the quaint town of Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world and the capital of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire).
The remainder of the day is at leisure and you are free to explore, maybe making a few last-minute purchases from the many shops or relaxing in a café. Avenida San Martin is the main street and there are some excellent museums to visit or you may prefer to wander the streets taking in the town’s dramatic setting, with views of the mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south.

Day 2
Embarkation in Ushuaia

This morning is free for you to explore Ushuaia, giving you time to wander the streets of this quaint port town, or discover Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Transfer to the pier of Ushuaia for embarkation in the late afternoon and you will be welcomed on board the Ocean Endeavour by the Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers.
This evening we set sail through the Beagle Channel that was named after the British ship the HMS Beagle. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, and is rich in wildlife. Keep a look out for Magellanic penguins, rock cormorants, petrels and black-browed albatross from the deck as well as sea lion colonies.
Enjoy your first taste of life at sea and a welcome dinner. The air is likely to be filled with anticipation, as your next view of land will be of Antarctica - the White Continent.

Day 3-4
At Sea

The infamous Drake Passage, named after the famous English explorer, Sir Frances Drake, separates the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from the southernmost tip of South America.
Enjoy the fabulous on board facilities, maybe join a yoga class, or attend a presentation or two given by the Expedition Team to prepare you for what lies ahead - from the geology of Antarctica to the history, wildlife and even the ice!
As we sail towards Antarctica, there is a fall in temperature as we cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. The Antarctic Convergence is marked by an increased number of seabirds, whales and other species that are attracted by the nutrient-rich waters pushed to the surface by the colder waters of the polar region flowing north and meeting the warmer equatorial waters flowing south.
Head out on deck to look for the mighty albatrosses that fly overhead, scan the waters for breaching whales and icebergs, or gaze out from the panoramic windows of the observation deck.
We continue our course south and hope to make landfall by the evening of Day 4, depending on the weather conditions. Keep on the look out for the first sighting of land - that heralds your arrival to the White Continent!

Day 5-7
South Shetland Islands and Antarctica

Day five will see the Ocean Endeavour sailing among the icebergs and penguin colonies of the world’s last true wilderness – the Antarctic Continent.

Set your eyes on the incredible terrain of the world’s most southern land. Get ready for onshore exploration over the next four days, stepping off the Ocean Endeavour and into a
Zodiac and taking your first steps on the Antarctic Peninsula.

To begin the true Antarctic wildlife experience, you will immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of a gentoo or chinstrap penguin colony – a chance to marvel at these aquatic birds and witness their brief summer activities in this frozen land.

Across the following days, you will venture even further south, your captain seeking the most prized of pristine Antarctic wilderness and aiming to access such famous
sites as Neko Harbour, Port Lockroy and the Lemaire Channel. Along the way, join your captain and expedition team on the Ocean Endeavour’s bridge, where you’ll
scan for seals and the marine creatures that call these waters home during the austral summer. Enjoy Zodiac cruises to get closer to marine life such as whales and seals, onshore exploration at penguin rookeries and paid adventure options such as kayaking and day paddle excursions, as well as snowshoeing and overnight ice
camping on selected voyages.

Wildlife encounters on the Antarctic Peninsula are likely to include Weddell, crabeater and Leopard seals, Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap penguins, and Elephant seals. On board the Ocean Endeavour, the Expedition Team will keep the education going with a range of
wildlife and history presentations and documentary screenings, or you can make the most of the onboard wellness facilities including a spa, saltwater pool, sauna and gym, or perhaps join a yoga class with the incredible backdrop of Antarctica!

An average day onboard begins with a wake-up call from your expedition leader around 7am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow expeditioners for breakfast in the Polaris restaurant.

You will usually have two excursions per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with a delicious lunch served on the Ocean Endeavour in between excursions.

Day 8
Elephant Island

Retrace explorer Ernest Shackleton’s path to South Georgia and look out for seabirds,
whales and other wildlife.

Listen to sessions from the onboard Antarctic experts and take in the shapes of the seascape from the comfort of the Ocean Endeavour.

You’ll head towards Elephant Island, where sea and weather conditions permitting, we may be able to offer a Zodiac cruise at Point Wild before we head east towards South Georgia that afternoon. Elephant Island is where Sir Ernest Shackleton left 24 of his men
after being shipwrecked in 1917, then embarked on one of the greatest survival stories of all time on a mission to South Georgia.

Day 9-10
At Sea

En route to South Georgia, weather and sea conditions permitting, we may attempt to call at Elephant Island, a half-submerged mountain cloaked with an ice sheet at the outer limits of the South Shetlands. We’ll learn the story of Shackleton and hear how his ship, the Endurance, was crushed in pack ice in the Weddell Sea, before him and his men climbed into three open boats, spending 16 months at sea, before finally making landfall on this tiny toe of rock and ice in the vastness of the Southern Ocean on 14 April 1916.
Attend lectures and presentations by the Expedition Team as they prepare you for what lies ahead on South Georgia - from the history and geology to the incredible wildlife.

Day 11-14
South Georgia

South Georgia captivates every traveller that steps foot on its shores. Home to the greatest concentration of wildlife on the planet, here penguins number in the hundreds of thousands, blanketing beaches as far as the eye can see.
We aim to spend four days exploring this stunningly beautiful island, an island that is not only overrun with an incredible array of fauna, but one that is steeped in history. South Georgia was an intrinsic part of Sir Ernest Shackleton's ill-fated Endurance Expedition and was once the centre of the whaling industry.
South Georgia is home to over 30 million breeding birds, thousands of seals, the introduced Norwegian reindeer, nesting sites of the wandering albatross, four breeding species of penguin and the largest colony of king penguins on this planet. It is known as the ‘Galapagos of the South’. If the wildlife is not enough of a draw card - then the spectacular scenery against which it is set can only enhance your visit - emerald green bays, snow-covered peaks and blue glacier ice.
We explore by Zodiac and kayak and on foot, with opportunities to learn more about photography from one of our expert guides.
Every day provides a different experience and a different location. Stand in awe amongst tens of thousands of penguins, look out across beaches carpeted with elephant seals, visit the remains of abandoned whaling stations and even the grave of Shackleton himself.

Day 15-16
At Sea

South Georgia captivates every traveller that steps foot on its shores. Home to the greatest concentration of wildlife on the planet, here penguins number in the hundreds of thousands, blanketing beaches as far as the eye can see.
We aim to spend four days exploring this stunningly beautiful island, an island that is not only overrun with an incredible array of fauna, but one that is steeped in history. South Georgia was an intrinsic part of Sir Ernest Shackleton's ill-fated Endurance Expedition and was once the centre of the whaling industry.
South Georgia is home to over 30 million breeding birds, thousands of seals, the introduced Norwegian reindeer, nesting sites of the wandering albatross, four breeding species of penguin and the largest colony of king penguins on this planet. It is known as the ‘Galapagos of the South’. If the wildlife is not enough of a draw card - then the spectacular scenery against which it is set can only enhance your visit - emerald green bays, snow-covered peaks and blue glacier ice.
We explore by Zodiac and kayak and on foot, with opportunities to learn more about photography from one of our expert guides.
Every day provides a different experience and a different location. Stand in awe amongst tens of thousands of penguins, look out across beaches carpeted with elephant seals, visit the remains of abandoned whaling stations and even the grave of Shackleton himself.

Day 17-18
Falkland Islands

Have your camera at the ready as we approach the ruggedly beautiful Falklands archipelago to capture not only the abundant wildlife but also the incredible scenery.

The two main islands (East Falkland and West Falkland) have much to offer and provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity, extraordinary scenery and
history of the southern islands. The Falklands are a wildlife photographer’s dream and have the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world, as well as five species of penguins who breed on the islands (gentoo, king, macaroni, Magellanic and rockhopper).

Learn about the intriguing and controversial history of the Falkland Islands as you explore the quaint capital of Stanley, with its British outpost feel. Near the town, you may see southern giant petrels, the endemic Falkland steamer ducks, kelp gulls and dolphin gulls. There are also black-crowned night herons, red-backed hawks, peregrine falcons and turkey vultures.

Witness dramatic landscapes, including wetlands, lakes and some rolling peaks as you explore Saunders Island, the second largest island in the Falklands. The Neck, a narrow peninsula with sandy beaches and subtle cliff faces is home to gentoo, Magellanic, king and rockhopper penguins. The rookery stretches along the northern slopes of Saunders
Island and is one of the larger black-browed albatross nesting colonies in the Falklands, where albatross nest in the cliffs around October, with their chicks hatching
approximately ten weeks later.

Day 19-20
At Sea

Cruise towards Ushuaia with time to reflect on the spectacular scenery and the multitude of wildlife you’ve encountered during the last three weeks, as well as on the endeavours of legendary explorers like Shackleton

Day 21
Disembarkation in Ushuaia

We are scheduled to arrive into Ushuaia early this morning, and we disembark after a final breakfast aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
After saying our farewells to our Expedition Team and the crew of the Ocean Endeavour, we transfer you to the airport for your onward flight, or you may like to spend extra days in Ushuaia, giving you time to explore this fascinating town and the surrounding areas.

PLEASE NOTE: You are advised not to book a flight out of Ushuaia before midday on disembarkation day, in case of delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Ushuaia
  • Included Copy 20 20 days aboard Ocean Endeavour
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals whilst on-board including snacks
  • Included Copy 20 Water, coffee and tea
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Group transfer from hotel to pier
  • Included Copy 20 All shore excursions and zodiac cruising (*excluding forward facing zodiac)
  • Included Copy 20 Guiding and lectures by expedition team and team
  • Included Copy 20 English-speaking expedition team
  • Included Copy 20 Free use of rubber boots on land
  • Included Copy 20 Use of gym, sauna, pool and on-board Jacuzzi
  • Included Copy 20 Yoga
  • Included Copy 20 Clients will be provided with a wind and water resistant jacket, for the duration of the voyage
  • Included Copy 20 All Port taxes
  • Included Copy 20 Transfer airport to hotel on day 1 and pier to airport on day of disembarkation
  • Included Copy 7 Domestic and International Airfares & Travel insurance. Personal expenses such as laundry, on-board
  • Included Copy 7 Gratuities for the crew (recommended US$15.00 per person per day)
  • Included Copy 31 Optional Activities whilst on-board; kayaking, private photo workshops
  • Included Copy 31 Camping, snowshoeing, Nov - Dec only, subject to conditions
Transportation

Ocean Endeavour | Antarctic Cruise Ship

200 Passengers

Activities

  • Included Sail through the Beagle Channel
  • Included Exploration and landings by zodiac
  • Included Optional Kayaking
  • Included Optional Snowshoeing
  • Included Optional Photography Workshops
  • Included Incredible wildlife viewing
  • Included Optional camping
  • Included Landings: Antarctic continent, Falkland Islands, South Georgia
  • Included Yoga onboard
  • Included Onboard presentations by the expedition team
  • Included Optional Stand-up Paddleboarding
Click here for dates & prices
Duration

21 days

Price from

$15,749 USD

Per person, sharing

Based On Lowest Cabin, triple

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