Antarctica & South Georgia Abridged - 16 - $9,995
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
- 6 days ‘off ship’ exploring - South Georgia (3) & Antarctica (3)
- An unusual voyage with its shorter length and focus on just two destinations
- Travel aboard a comfortable medium-sized ship offering a wide cabin choice, including Single cabins
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding (additional cost)
- Complimentary Buenos Aires hotel stay, return charter flights Buenos Aires-Ushuaia + parka jacket
Landmarks potentially visited on Antarctica & South Georgia Abridged
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina
You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of the itinerary. Upon your arrival in this splendid city, known for its rich architecture and European heritage, you will independently transfer to the group hotel (pre-night hotel included).
Day 2: Ushuaia, Argentina and Embarkation
After breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina.
Upon arrival, you will have a little time to explore this quaint port town before heading to the pier.
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Think of the Beagle Channel as the tasty appetiser before your main course arrives. You will want to get out on deck and keep your eyes open as there are several bird species to capture your attention and test your photography skills.
Days 3-5: At Sea towards South Georgia
The Expedition Team will keep you busy by testing your knowledge of seabirds, penguins and the history of South Georgia as they begin their educational lecture programme. Your first days will include time to get acquainted with fellow travellers and learning about the shore landings, zodiac excursions and kayaking opportunities that await you.
Days 6-8: South Georgia
The first indication that you are approaching South Georgia is the sighting of birds around a group of rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Rising out of the icy ocean waters, have your binoculars and cameras ready to photograph these rocks. Shags, Prions and Wandering Albatross often rest here.
After enjoying South Georgia from a distance, we'll head towards its dark sandy beaches to find a protected bay for your first land excursion. Landing sites on South Georgia are varied and are largely determined by the weather conditions of your voyage. Whichever landing sites we visit, they'll provide you with wildlife encounters that cannot be enjoyed anywhere else on earth.
This is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches littered with penguins King and Macaroni penguins in particular. Many rookeries number into the 100s of thousands! It won't take you long to realise that South Georgia is a paradise for bird lovers as burrowing seabirds, albatross and petrels can be seen in abundance.
You'll find that South Georgia is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries gone by. Once a popular base for whalers and sealers, Captain James Cook first reported on the abundance of wildlife here in 1775. His report resulted in an almost complete decimation of Fur seals and a drastic decline in both whale and Elephant seal populations. Your Expedition Team will help to revive those days for you, as you'll visit old whaling stations and enjoy lectures and presentations on the South Georgia of then and now. Thankfully, you'll witness that many species have seen a remarkable population rebound on the island.
One of the most significant sites you will visit on the island is located on Grytviken. This is one of the first whaling stations established in sub-Antarctic waters. Many travellers find this place of special appeal as it is home to the remains of one of the best known Antarctic explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Days 9-10: At Sea towards Antarctica
Antarctica awaits, along with its own penguin and seal species. While you're at sea, you can enjoy quiet time or take in presentations by the Expedition Team, which will cover everything from the history and geology of Antarctica to tips on identifying different species and what makes each of them unique.
Days 11-13: Antarctic Peninsula
The most common reaction to arriving at the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes: at one moment you'll be overcome with a feeling of complete silence and loneliness, the next you'll be laughing at the comical antics of a curious penguin.
Glacier hikes, visits to research bases and, of course, communing with seals and penguins are sure to keep you smiling each and every day. Perhaps you'll catch sight of the fearless penguin-eater, the leopard seal, or come eye-to-eye with a curious Minke whale while out on a zodiac. Each day and each landing will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera busy.
If you find yourself wanting more, then perhaps you'll treat yourself by booking our kayaking adventure option (reserve in advance when booking your trip), or if you're feeling a bit overwhelmed, a little shock therapy courtesy of a Polar Plunge might be what you need!
Days 14-15: At Sea towards Ushuaia
After more than a dozen days of memorable wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, putting a final stamp of completion on your Antarctic adventure.
Day 16: Disembark in Ushuaia & Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina
We will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning after breakfast. After disembarkation, we will taste a little of Patagonia by touring Tierra del Fuego National Park before we transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise.

What our customers think of Antarctica & South Georgia Abridged
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About The Ship
- A mid-sized 4* ship for 199 guests
- Well-appointed, offering comfort & stability
- Refurbished in 2015
- 1B ice class rating
- The widest choice of adventure activities
- Complimentary jacket & loan of rubber boots
Prices, Departures and Inclusions
Prices quoted below are per person based on 2 people sharing. Cabin availability changes all the time so please contact us for up-to-date details and information on specific cabin availability.
This trip can run as a group trip, with prices starting from $9,995 per person for a complete group. If you are looking to join a group or you are a solo traveller we will help to form likeminded groups of travellers. Please let us know your travel plans.
The trip can also run on a private basis to fit around your plans. Departures may be tailored and can be set up on a date of your choice. Please note that there is a higher price for smaller groups. Please enquire for further details.
Additional Notes
This voyage requires a compulsory $800 flight and hotel package, added to the cost of the voyage. Please contact us for details.
There are more cabin categories available than in the above matrix, please contact us for details.
Single Supplement And Child Policy
For those travelling solo and want their own cabin, this ship has a good number of dedicated single cabins, please contact us for details. However, there is no single supplement for passengers willing to share a cabin.
Children 8 years old or over are welcome. Please contact us for details.
Optional Adventure Activities
Enhance your trip with the following add ons. Limited places per activity.
Get in contact to check availability.
Includes
- 1 night's hotel stay with breakfast
- Transfers as indicated
- DVD Photo Journal of voyage
- Complimentary parka jacket
- Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- Accommodation & meals during the voyage on full board
- All shore excursions and zodiac activities
- Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
- Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
- Loan of rubber boots for the voyage's duration
- Comprehensive pre-departure information
- Port taxes & any entry fees to landing sites
Excludes
- Any flights to & from points of embarkation/disembarkation
- Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
- Transfers not specified in the itinerary
- Optional non-complimentary adventure activities (e.g. kayaking)
- Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Personal Travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature, e.g. laundry, beverages & communication
- Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
- Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)