Great Antarctic Voyage
- Echo the journeys of great explorers and follow in the footsteps of Shackleton as you view some of the most exciting wildlife in the world.
- Visit the Falkland Islands, famed for their amazing bird and marine life.
- Explore the history, stunning scenery and abundant wildlife of sub-Antarctic South Georgia
This is a magnificent Antarctic voyage visiting the best wildlife hotspots and exploring some of the most dramatic wilderness areas in Antarctica. First to the sub-Antarctic islands and the Falkland Islands which are home to great concentrations of wildlife, before being accompanied by great wandering albatrosses across the Antarctic convergence to the remote, hauntingly beautiful island of South Georgia. This sub-Antarctic island has its own astonishing concentrations of wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery. And finally, your exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula will include visits to penguin rookeries and encounters with marine mammals in iceberg-filled channels.
This certainly is the voyage of a lifetime and the wildlife encounters are endless. In the Falklands, you will no doubt come across flightless steamer ducks, magellanic and gentoo penguins on Carcass Island, while nearby West Point boasts fantastic rockhopper penguin colonies. Peale's and Commerson's dolphins are often seen along the coast and you may find them bow-riding or playing alongside the ship.
South Georgia is renowned as a destination for birders and is one of the most beautiful and inspiring places on earth. The island has more wildlife than virtually anywhere else on the planet. Many species breed here including wandering albatross, southern giant petrels and fur seals. Hiking glaciated terrain to hilltops will give you magnificent views of king penguin rookeries. Finally, your journey will take you to the Antarctic Peninsula where the scenery ranges from impressive mountains and mighty glaciers to deep fjords and low-lying grassland.
- ITINERARY
- Most voyages are 19 or 20 days* in duration; a typical itinerary is illustrated below.
- Day 1
- Embark in Ushuaia.
- Day 2
- At sea, start your journey towards the Falkland Islands.
- Days 3-4
- Learn the history of the Falklands at the capital Stanley, as well as enjoying landings at different wildlife sites for views of nesting albatross and rockhopper penguins.
- Days 5-6
- Sail towards the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia.
- Days 7-10
- Glacier-covered South Georgia is an island of contrasts with stunning landscapes, fantastic wildlife habitats and mountain scenery, plus abandoned whaling stations and a haunting history. The island played a significant role in Ernest Shackleton's epic journey after the sinking of his ship the 'Endurance', and you will visit his grave at Grytviken, a once-active whaling station.
- Days 11-12
- Journey to the wildlife haven of the Antarctic Peninsula.
- Days 13-16
- Spend time in the Antarctic Peninsula, a wondrous world of wildlife, icebergs and mountainous scenery that makes a perfect finale to your Antarctic adventure.
- Days 17-18
- Your final traverse to Ushuaia, a time when you can swap tales with fellow passengers and remember the journey of a lifetime.
- Day 19
- Arrive in Ushuaia and disembark.
- *Some departures are available to fly in one direction to/from Antarctica (instead of sailing the Drake Passage) - please ask for details.
- Note: Itineraries will vary according to vessel, departure date, local ice and weather conditions, the availability of landing sites and opportunities to see wildlife.
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Dates & Prices:
Aboard Plancius - Click here
Aboard Polar Pioneer - Click here
Aboard Ortelius - Click here
Aboard Akademik Ioffe - Click here
Akademik Sergey Vavilov - Click here - Embark: Ushuaia
- Disembark: Ushuaia
- Voyage Duration: 19 or 20 days
- Departures: November to early February
- Single supplement: Please ask about our share programme which enables solo travellers to share a cabin with another solo traveller.
- What's included: Voyage based on twin-share cabin; all meals on board; guided shore and zodiac excursions; transfers; expedition jacket on selected ships.
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Flight & accommodation package: Please check with us for the latest flight prices to Ushuaia via Buenos Aires and accommodation before and/or after the cruise. 1 night pre-cruise in Ushuaia is essential, and you may wish to add extra nights in Buenos Aires or Ushuaia.
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