Explore the South Shetland Islands and the spectacular waters of the Antarctic Peninsula on this 12-day Antarctic cruise. Fly to King George Island, then enter the Weddell Sea, the ice-choked region made famous by the saga of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his men from the Endurance Expedition. Explore the Antarctic peninsula, then sail north to the beautiful Falkland Islands, spending several days on this western archipelago in search of penguins.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Punta Arenas and transfer to the airport for your two-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Antarctica (included in the price of your voyage). Upon arrival on King George Island, board the Akademik Sergey Vavilov via zodiac and settle into your cabin. Enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner as you begin sailing.
Having flown directly into the South Shetland Islands, chart a southwesterly course along this dramatic island chain and visit a number of well-established chinstrap and gentoo penguin rookeries, as well as southern elephant seal haul-outs. Weather permitting, visit Deception Island and it's old buildings and rusting remnants from the whaling era. For those wanting to stretch their legs, a spectacular hike to the crater rim offers a challenge. In the evening, cross the Bransfield Strait and approach the majestic white continent of Antarctica for the first time.
Enter the steely blue waters of Antarctica’s Gerlache Strait. Protected by two large offshore islands, the waterways are home to deep bays, pristine coves and numerous small islands. The landscape features heavily glaciated mountains which are permanently covered in ice and snow. Rocky outcrops are home to gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguin rookeries and the waters are rich in marine life. Break into small groups of just 10-12 travelers and enjoy guided walks on shore, visits to wildlife colonies, and zodiac cruising among the ice. Planned visits include Cierva Cove, Danco Island, or a cruise through the Errera Channel to visit the penguin rookeries at Cuverville Island.
At 25 nautical miles long and 10 nautical miles wide, the Antarctic Sound separates Joinville Island from the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. Sail into the sound and witness the vastness and majesty of the Antarctic icecap. Heading into the Weddell Sea, notice a significant increase in the number of tabular icebergs and the presence of sea ice. These massive icebergs break from the huge ice shelves to the south and drift north on the currents.
Maximize your time on shore and in the zodiac boats, absorbing as much of the wilderness as possible. Weather permitting, excursions may include Paulet Island, Brown Bluff and even the southerly Snow Hill Island, where you can observe Weddell and elephant seals, skuas and other seabirds as well as a staggering abundance of penguins. Weather permitting, spend the nights camping on the peninsula.
Hope to visit Nordenskjöld’s winter hut on Snow Hill Island, which was built in 1902 and remains intact. The Shackleton story also plays a part, as it was here that he and his men drifted north on the ice after their ship was lost in the ice months earlier.
Approach Elephant Island from the south at Point Lookout - home to an impressive macaroni penguin colony. Gentoo penguins are also known to nest on the island, and there are often sizeable numbers of Antarctic fur seals hauled out on the beaches. Enjoy shore landings at the fabled Point Wild on the north coast of Elephant Island, where Shackleton and his men were encamped under their upturned life boats.
Arrive in the Falkland Islands overnight and spend the day exploring the islands of West Point and Saunders. West Point is known for its sizeable rookeries of rockhopper penguins and nesting black browed albatross. Nearby Saunders Island, with its white sand beaches, features no less than four penguin species including gentoo, magellanic, rockhopper, and the impressive king penguin.
Day 12: Port Stanley / Punta Arenas
1 Breakfast
In the early morning, navigate through the narrows and into the harbor of Port Stanley. Take a transfer to the airport for your return flight to Punta Arenas (included in the price of your voyage). Upon arrival, continue on your independent journeys.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$12,995
Select a Date
Triple Share
Select a Date
Twin Semi-Private
Deck 4. Two lower berths (one which can be converted to a sofa during the day), a writing desk/chair, bookshelf and tall wardrobes with internal shelving for storage. Facilities are semi-private (one bathroom between two cabins) and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
Select a Date
Twin Private
Deck 3, 4 and 5. Two lower berths (one which can be converted to a sofa during the day), a writing desk/chair, bookshelf and tall wardrobes with internal shelving storage. Facilities are private and all cabins have a window that can be opened.
Select a Date
Shackleton Suite
Deck 4 & 5. One double bed, one sofa bed, separate sleeping quarters, up-graded bedding, a writing desk/chair, IPod alarm clock, mini stereo, capsule coffee maker, mini bar. Private facilities. Large window that can be opened.
Notes
- Single Supplement: 1.5x for twin and superior cabins and 2x for suites. Single supplement is not available in the triple cabin category.
- Child and Youth Prices: 25% discount for young people aged up to 17 years, and 20% off for those aged from 18-21 years who can prove they are in full-time education.
Initial deposit is $1700 , and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.