Antarctica with Adventure Canada!
Price: From $14,699 to $25,999 USD Per Person
(Price per person, based on double occupancy.)
Offer: Save 15%
Departure Date: October 30, 2024
Return Date: November 19, 2024
Photo: King Penguins, Fortuna Bay, South Georgia Island. Photo by Dennis Minty.
Embark on a legendary journey following in Shackleton's footsteps, as you discover the incredible variety of wildlife in Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands.
Immerse yourself in history as you visit Point Wild, the harsh and wild-struck spit on the north coast, where Shackleton's crew sought refuge during the Trans Antarctic Expedition. Sail to South Georgia, often referred to as the “Galapagos of the South" and witness the greatest concentration of wildlife on the planet, including hundreds of thousands of penguins. Uncover the rugged beauty of the Falkland Islands, with their fascinating history and diverse bird species. Join us on this extraordinary journey, where adventure and discovery await at every turn.
Included:
- Airport transfers (Day 1 and Day 21)
- All meals on board the Ocean Endeavour including snacks
- On-board lecture program from expedition team and naturalists
- All shore excursions and Zodiac cruising (except paid adventure options that have an additional cost)
- Use of rubber boots on land and waterproof outer shell jacket
- Insulated inner jacket, yours to keep at the end of your voyage
- Transfer from Puerto Madryn Airport to hotel (Day 1) and pre-night hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Transfer from hotel to the Ocean Endeavour for embarkation (Day 2)
- Transfer to Ushuaia Airport on return to port
- All port taxes
- Use of on-board gym, sauna, pool, jacuzzi and yoga
Not Included:
- International or internal flights unless specified
- Taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified
- Meals other than those specified in the pre-departure information
- Visa and passport fees
- Travel insurance
- Paid adventure options and all personal expenses
- Tobacco, alcoholic or special beverages
- Miscellaneous extras
- Laundry and communication charges
- Medical care
- Life jackets, waterproof outer shell jacket, insulated inner jacket, and boots for minors under sixteen years of age at time of travel
- Waterproof outer shell jacket, insulated inner jacket, and rubber boots for guests who require larger sizing
- Gratuities for expedition team and crew
Photo: Map of the itinerary
Day 1: Puerto Madryn, Argentina
Welcome to Puerto Madryn, Argentina! Located in northern Patagonia, the gateway to the Peninsula Valdes is known for its abundant marine wildlife. On arrival at El Tehuelche Airport, please make your way through to the Arrivals Hall where our representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. Explore the town, try one of the local Argentinian delicacies, or take a seat on the coast and stare out to sea. You are free to explore independently until a mandatory expedition meeting in the evening.
Day 2: Puerto Madryn
Enjoy a morning of independent exploration in Puerto Madryn and the surrounding area before boarding the Ocean Endeavour in the afternoon. Once settled in, we’ll set sail towards the Falkland Islands, where your journey in Shackleton’s footsteps begins. Sir Ernest Shackleton is known as one of the greatest polar explorers, with one of the best survival stories that has ever touched the Antarctic (or the world). Shackleton led the British Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition between 1914 and 1916, planning to cross Antarctica from a base on the Weddell Sea towards McMurdo Sound, via the South Pole. Unfortunately, their ship Endurance became trapped in ice off the Caird Coast, and this began the epic story of survival for Shackleton and his men—all of whom survived due to the skill, optimism, and extraordinary leadership of their team and captain.
Day 3–4: At Sea
As our comprehensive lecture program gets underway, you will have the opportunity to get to know your expedition team experts. Our polar experts will share their knowledge of the Antarctic region so you can gain a deeper understanding of its wildlife, history, and geology and help prepare you for the adventure that lies ahead. The expedition team comprises experts on the marine life that inhabits these parts and will be actively scouting for sightings. You can join them on the bridge and spacious outer decks maximizing your chances of encountering the diverse marine species that inhabit these waters.
Image Caption: Elephant seals, Falkland Islands. Photo by Dennis Minty.
Day 5–6: Falkland Islands
Have your camera and binoculars ready as we approach the ruggedly beautiful Falklands archipelago to capture not only the abundant wildlife but also the incredible scenery. Over the next couple of days, we’ll explore East and West Island by Zodiac and on foot as we make daily shore landings and maybe even discover smaller inlets by kayak. Learn about the intriguing and controversial history of the Falkland Islands as we explore the quaint capital of Port 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. As we explore the islands, look out for the five species of penguins found here, large populations of black-browed albatross, elephant and fur seals, Peale’s and Commerson’s dolphins, orcas, and a myriad of bird species including the Falkland’s flightless steamer duck, imperial shags, and Cobb’s wrens.
Day 7–8: At Sea
After our exploration of the Falkland Islands, we set sail on a course further east and eagerly anticipate what lies ahead in South Georgia—fascinating history, geology and of course, wildlife! As we sail, scan the horizon for seabirds and underwater silhouettes. Enjoy the opportunity to learn from our expert team who will deliver informative presentations that highlight the area's dramatic history, remarkable marine wildlife encounters, and other insightful topics. Take the opportunity to swap stories with your fellow expeditioners, whether that be in the on-board jacuzzi or over lunch at Polaris restaurant.
Image caption: South Georgia. Photo curtesy Intrepid Travel.
Day 9–12: South Georgia
South Georgia captivates every traveller who 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’ll spend three days exploring this stunningly beautiful place—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—known as the “Galapagos of the South”— is home to over thirty 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 the planet. If the wildlife is not enough, the spectacular scenery against which it is set can only enhance your visit: emerald green bays, snow-covered peaks, and blue glacier ice. 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 13–14: At Sea
Saying goodbye to the wildlife of South Georgia, we head southwest towards the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, where the silence is broken only by the call of birds. Attend lectures and presentations by the expert expedition team, relax and unwind in the sauna and spa, and take advantage of all the other amenities on board.
Photo: Antarctic Peninsula. Photo curtesy Intrepid Travel.
Day 15–18: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Spend four days exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, a region that has captivated explorers for centuries and now enthrals modern-day travellers. Enjoy exploring by Zodiac, cruising among the magnificently sculpted icebergs. We’ll make the most of every opportunity to go ashore, where friendly penguins and spectacular panoramic views await. There may even be opportunities to kayak and snowshoe and, of course, learn more about photography from on board experts. Antarctica will enchant you with its incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snow-capped peaks, vast icebergs, and ice-strewn channels. Not to mention the wildlife—from extensive colonies of chinstrap, gentoo, and Adélie penguins, to crabeater, Weddell, fur, and elephant seals, and a plethora of fascinating seabirds. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the mighty crack of a glacier calving. Every day brings a new experience and new landing sites. As we cruise from one landing site to the next, enjoy the continued lecture program and take in the views from the outer decks of the Ocean Endeavour. Maybe you will be one of the brave few to take a polar plunge in the icy waters! Make the most of the ship’s health and fitness facilities, from the relaxing spa and saunas to the pool and gym.
Day 19–20: At Sea — Drake Passage
The renowned 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. It is unpredictable—often rough and turbulent, but sometimes as calm as a lake—so be prepared! Head out on deck to look for the mighty albatross that flies overhead, scan the waters for breaching whales and icebergs, or gaze out from the panoramic windows of the observation deck.
Day 21: Ushuaia, Argentina
Disembark in Ushuaia after enjoying your final breakfast on the Ocean Endeavour. You have an included transfer to Ushuaia Airport if you're flying home today, otherwise, enjoy some extra time exploring Tierra del Fuego and its rugged surroundings. A departure transfer to the airport is included in your voyage fare if you are flying out today. Please speak to your agent to organize this. If you are flying out today, please do not book your flight to depart Ushuaia before midday in case of any delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.
Cruise Payments: International Cruise fares are priced in US dollars and are per person, per Cruise. A $2,500 USD deposit per person, per cruise is required to register. Your final balance for the Cruise is due 120 days prior to the scheduled departure date (“Departure Date”). All late payments are subject to a penalty of 1.5% interest per month, or 18% per annum. Adventure Canada reserves the right to cancel your booking if it is not paid within 120 days of the Departure Date or deny boarding due to any unpaid balances, without a refund to you. Name changes are not permitted.
Cancellation by the Passenger: Adventure Canada receiving a written notice of cancellation at least 121 days prior to the Departure Date, you shall receive a refund of the amount paid for the Cruise, less an administrative penalty of $2,500 USD per person, per Cruise. If a written notice of cancellation is received by Adventure Canada between 91 and 120 days prior to the Departure Date, the cancellation penalty is 65% of your total cruise cost. A refund of 35% of the amount paid for the Cruise will be issued provided the passenger is up to date on all payments. In the event of a cancellation made 95 days or less before the scheduled date of departure, you will forfeit any amount paid for the Cruise to that date. For these and other reasons mentioned within these Terms and Conditions, you are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive cancellation insurance at the time of registration.
Travel Insurance: A minimum of Emergency Medical and Evacuation Insurance is mandatory for participation in all Adventure Canada Cruises. You must carry a minimum of $500,000 USD per person emergency medical and evacuation coverage.
Future Travel Credit: Future Travel Credits do not apply to and will not be issued for any cancellation reason by the passenger.
Covid-19 vaccination: COVID-19 vaccination is a pre-embarkation requirement for all guests, staff, and crew on Antarctica voyages. We will request a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination status on Day 1.
Adventure add on's:
Kayaking is available to book on all Antarctic voyages. Some voyages also offer other activities such as snowshoeing. All of these activities must be booked prior to departure and incur an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at the time of booking. For kayaking, previous, recent experience is essential.
- Photography Program - $1,299 USD
- Kayaking Program - $1,299 USD
- Day Paddle - $299 USD
- Stand Up Paddleboarding - $299 USD
- Snowshoeing - $150 USD
- Camping - $399 USD
Photography
Photography workshops are offered as an optional activity on our Ocean Endeavour departures. It is an opportunity for photography enthusiasts of any skill level to fast track their learning on board and make the most of the expert advice that is on offer. Participants will have dedicated Zodiac and photography guided landing where your photography guide will accompany you and give you tips along the way for taking the perfect picture. It is at an additional cost to you and needs to be booked in prior to departure as spaces are limited. If you are interested in taking part, please contact your booking agent for pricing and availability.
Is this trip right for you?
- The Ocean Endeavour is an ice-strengthened ship—large, sturdy and suited to the unpredictable Antarctic waters. Some people may experience seasickness in occasional rough seas however, we do have a doctor on board should you need assistance. Over-the-counter seasickness medication is usually an easy fix.
- Temperatures in the Antarctic can get very cold, but it also can get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out. We recommend dressing in layers when you journey outside. We’ll provide you with waterproof boots on loan that are sturdy and warm, as well as an inner jacket that is yours to keep. Please see the Essential Trip Information for notes on what to pack.
- Depending on the weather, you’ll be travelling around in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the area and search for wildlife. It can get cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. A fair level of mobility is needed for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. The Ocean Endeavour has a lift, but you’ll need to take the stairs to get to the gangway and some other parts of the ship that the lift does not provide access to.
