Penguin Colonies, Spouting Whales, Towering Icebergs, Dramatic Glacier-Draped Mountains

Antarctica, South Georgia & The Falklands

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The legendary destinations of the Southern Ocean are all a part of this comprehensive expedition cruise to Antarctica, the fabled Terra Australis Incognita. Our journey explores the wildlife-rich oasis of the Falkland Islands, breathtaking South Georgia Island, with its 100,000-strong colonies of penguins and legends of Shackleton, and the epic Antarctic Peninsula itself. Our fleet of “go-anywhere” Zodiacs gives us fantastic access to hidden bays full of drifting icebergs and we walk on shores amid chattering penguins and their chicks, while a team of expert naturalists and historians brings the breathtaking world of Antarctica to life for us.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, download the brochures from the links to the right or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

December 10-11
Ushuaia / Embark

Arrive in Ushuaia for a hotel overnight in the "southernmost town in the world." The following day we embark aboard the Adventurer and journey through the historic Beagle Channel, where Captain Fitzroy and Charles Darwin sailed in the HMS Beagle. We set off for the Falkland Islands, scanning the sky for seabirds along the way.

December 12-14
At Sea / Falkland Islands

En route to the Falklands, we enjoy lectures on Charles Darwin and the unique wildlife that awaits us. Exploring the dramatic, tussock-covered rises of these islands, we observe Magellanic, rockhopper, and gentoo penguins at close range, wander through the nesting grounds of black-browed albatross, and stroll the delightful streets of Port Stanley, a remote outpost of British culture.

December 15-20
South Georgia Island / At Sea

Rising 10,000 feet out of the Scotia Sea and covered with glaciers, South Georgia is a magnificent island teeming with a stunning variety of wildlife, including nesting sites of waved albatross and breeding colonies of fur seals, which have made a remarkable recovery from near extinction by seal hunters at the turn of the century. South Georgia is synonymous with Shackleton's 1916 heroic rescue of the crew of the Endurance. After a grueling 16-day sea journey across 800 miles of ocean in search of rescue for his stranded crew of 22, Shackleton and his five comrades crossed South Georgia's treacherous interior of glaciated mountains, marching without rest for 36 hours and emerging, nearly unrecognizable, at Stromness, a former whaling station. We board our Zodiacs to head ashore to St. Andrew's Bay, whose shore is home to the largest king penguin colony in the world, and at the former whaling station of Grytviken, we visit the simple grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

December 21-26
South Shetland Islands / Antarctic Peninsula

We cross the remote reaches of the Scotia Sea, with fantastic tabular icebergs in view. In the Shetlands, we attempt an average of two landings each day, with a visit to an active research station where scientists track the life cycle of birds and icebergs, and in a penguin rookery, we walk amid throngs of chattering birds. Remembering brave and determined explorers that have preceded us—Ross, Scott, Shackleton, and Amundsen—we set foot on the glorious Antarctic Peninsula, whose massive glaciers are reflected in still, deep blue water.

December 27-29
Drake Passage / Ushuaia / Disembark

We navigate the famed passage named for the renowned explorer, Sir Frances Drake, and watch albatrosses following the wake of our boat. We return to Ushuaia and disembark.

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Tour Costs Per person from $11,200 (depends on cabin type) Based on double occupancy *Prices are for 2008-2009 season **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

Trip Rating Rating Explanation

Departures & Leaders

Cruise length, itinerary, and ship vary by departure. Call for details

Route Map

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