Shackleton's Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Explorer
Highlights
- Explore the penguin colonies, famous sites and glaciers of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.
- Marvel at the breathtaking scenery and enormous King penguin colonies of South Georgia.
- Explore Grytviken and Elephant Island—sites written into the legend of Shackleton’s historic Antarctic voyage.
This is an epic voyage of discovery aboard the Ocean Endeavour, as you follow in the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton and unearth the secrets of Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands. Marvel at spectacular rugged scenery, mingle with thousands of King penguins, seals and observe soaring albatross in the wildlife meccas of South Georgia and the Falklands. Glide through ice floes in a zodiac with expert guides among Antarctica’s towering icebergs and majestic glaciers in search of whales and predatory leopard seals.
With optional adventures including camping, kayaking, snowshoeing and photography workshops; together with luxury touches thanks to an on board saltwater pool, sauna, hot tub and spa treatments this journey of discovery will be etched in your memory forever.
Ships

Ocean Endeavour
Standard Activities
About the Shackleton's Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Explorer
This is an epic voyage of discovery aboard the Ocean Endeavour, as you follow in the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton and unearth the secrets of Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands. Marvel at spectacular rugged scenery, mingle with thousands of King penguins, seals and observe soaring albatross in the wildlife meccas of South Georgia and the Falklands. Glide through ice floes in a zodiac with expert guides among Antarctica’s towering icebergs and majestic glaciers in search of whales and predatory leopard seals.
With optional adventures including camping, kayaking, snowshoeing and photography workshops; together with luxury touches thanks to an on board saltwater pool, sauna, hot tub and spa treatments this journey of discovery will be etched in your memory forever.
Itinerary Day to Day
Ushuaia, Argentina
On arrival at Ushuaia Airport, please make your way through to the Arrivals Hall where our representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. He/she will be holding a sign with your name on it.
The first night of your voyage is spent in the quaint town of Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world and the capital of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire).
The remainder of the day is at leisure and you are free to explore, maybe making a few last-minute purchases from the many shops or artisan markets or relaxing in a café. Avenida San Martin is the main street and there are some excellent museums to visit or you may prefer to wander the streets taking in the town’s dramatic setting, with views of the mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south.
Embarkation in Ushuaia
At Sea, Crossing the Drake Passage
South Shetlands Islands and Antarctic
Elephant Island & At Sea
At Sea
South Georgia
At Sea
Falkland Islands
At Sea
Disembarkation in Ushuaia
Route Map
Paul Kelly – a musician whose songs dig deep into Australia: how it feels, looks, tastes, sounds. In the 40 years since releasing his first album, the human condition has been his special subject. Kelly’s Order of Australia in 2017 acknowledged distinguished service to the performing arts and the promotion of the national identity through his contributions as singer, songwriter and musician. Paul will be performing exclusively to travelers onboard whilst in Antarctica.
Paul will also be joined by some other exciting special guests:
Ben Quilty – an artist who explores the problematic relationship between the personal and the cultural. He will be running a 2 part workshop for budding or accomplished artists who wish to capture Antarctica guided by his artistic prowess.
Andrew Denton – an award-winning writer, performer and producer whose TV programs include The Money or the Gun, Enough Rope, CNNNN (The Chaser), Hungry Beast, and The Gruen Transfer;
Jennifer Byrne – an Australian journalist and award-winning broadcaster who has worked in all forms of publication, including radio, print, and television as a Foreign Correspondent, and has also appeared on Celebrity Mastermind.
Andrew and Jennifer will light up your Antarctic entertainment with interviews and Antarctica reveals.
An altogether different Antarctica activity is sea kayaking, an ethereal experience that is hard to describe. You can paddle your way through the tranquil waters of Antarctica no matter your level of fitness, always accompanied by experienced guides and a small group of fellow kayakers. One of the most relaxing yet overwhelming excursions on offer, sea kayaking comes with an added level of quietness which, coupled with the gargantuan landscapes, makes for a soul-stirring experience.
This is, unsurprisingly, one of the most popular optional activities on Antarctica cruises and most guests book their slot even before boarding their ship. You may want to do the same as this is the one amazing activity you won’t want to miss.
Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explore Boat excursion with our dedicated expert Photography Guides on Zodiac cruises and landings.
Limited spots. Must be pre-booked.
When you’re visiting the Great White South, there are certain experiences that can take your adventure to the next level. Stepping off a Zodiac to go camping on the Antarctic Peninsula is undoubtedly one of them. Fall asleep amid the snow-capped mountains as you watch the colors of the Antarctic twilight bounce off the ocean and surrounding glaciers. The only locals you may be sharing your home with for the night are the Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap penguins who keep a low profile, nesting nearby. This is an experience like no other which allows you to completely connect with the landscape, feeling its power into the early hours.
Is Ice Camping for you?
No previous experience is required for this popular activity, Ice Camping – a true wilderness experience of Antarctica that everyone can participate in. Forego the comforts of your cabin, connect with nature and enjoy the true silence of Antarctica in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We camp in warm and waterproof bivy bags in Antarctica, so there can be rocks, snow, mud, and frozen surfaces to contend with. But you’ll leave with memories of an overnight adventure you will never forget and bragging rights that you are part of a select few that have camped on the White Continent.
What to expect
If you have booked the camping excursions, after dinner has concluded, you will board a Zodiac and be guided by the expedition team to the camping site. They will stay with you overnight in case you need assistance with anything. After setting up camp, you’ll spend the night onshore (about 10 hours in total) before waking up to return to your ship for breakfast.
What you’ll need?
Participants need to be prepared for Antarctic conditions and wear appropriate clothing when Ice Camping. This includes a hat, gloves, extra thick socks, a windproof, waterproof parka and pants. You will generally be supplied with a bivvy bag, insulating mats and the best view ever from the portable toilet!
Booking in advance
Ice Camping is offered on a selection of Antarctic voyages, so we recommend booking ahead to secure your place. Ice Camping is generally only available at the start of the season during November to January departures when the snow is soft. Please note that Ice Camping numbers are limited on each voyage so we recommend booking ahead to secure your place and avoid disappointment!
Minimum Age
The minimum age for participants is generally 16 years, as young children are more susceptible to hypothermia.
SUPing combines the immersive experience of kayaking but in a standing position. Participants, if they prefer, can kneel, sit or even lie down and stare up at the azure Antarctic sky. Because of their wide base and tail fins, SUP boards are quite stable, enabling participants – after a bit of practice – to stop staring at their feet and admire the surrounding scenery. Imagine seeing Gentoo penguins gliding below you, or making eye contact with a Weddell seal lying on a piece of ice as you paddle by.
Guests receive on-ship and on-water instruction from a qualified SUP guide. In addition, a safety driver (in a Zodiac) stays within range to offer assistance.
Previous experience isn’t necessary but comfortability with water is an asset. SUP’ing adventures are offered in protected bays and channels during calm weather conditions.
You will be provided with all of the gear required to participate and be fitted with a drysuit , waterproof booties and gloves.
Our day paddle excursions are a great way to feel at one with the sea while enjoying some spectacular glacial scenery and perhaps watching penguins swim directly underneath your kayak.
Our stable, inflatable crafts offer you an intimate experience and are ideal to see Antarctica from a different perspective.
They are easy to navigate and don’t require any previous experience. If you want to add some variety to your expedition and have little or no paddle experience, then our day paddle excursion is the perfect addition to your Antarctic voyage.
What to expect
Our day paddle excursions last 1.5 to two hours and are offered to our guests once per voyage. Our experienced guide will lead the small group, consisting of paddlers, one guide and one safety Zodiac driver, safely throughout the paddle excursion while exploring the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. We offer a limited number of Day Paddle excursion spaces per voyage and they can be pre- booked. We recommend you book early to avoid disappointment. Additional spaces may be made available for booking on board via our Expedition Team, subject to itinerary and weather conditions.
Safety precautions
You will be guided by a minimum of one experienced cold-water guide and one safety Zodiac driver. The wind, weather and water conditions will determine the timing and location of the paddle excursion.
For your safety, you will need to verify that your travel and medical insurance covers kayaking and all participants will be required to join a briefing and sign a waiver prior to disembarking for the excursion. The recommended minimum age for participants is 16 years and you must be an efficient swimmer.
Clothing and equipment
On the Ocean Endeavour, we will provide you with instructions and equipment, including dry suits, neoprene booties, waterproof gloves, and PFD (personal flotation device). You will be guided as to what to wear under your dry suit before your first excursion.
What's Included
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All meals onboard the Ocean Endeavour including snacks
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Accommodation onboard the Ocean Endeavour in booked cabin category
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Onboard lecture program from Expeditions Team and Naturalists
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All shore excursions and Zodiac cruising (except paid adventure options with cost)
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Use of rubber boots on land and use of waterproof outer shell jacket
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Insulated inner jacket, yours to keep at the end of the voyage
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Transfer from Ushuaia airport to hotel (Day 1) and prenight hotel with breakfast
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Transfer from Ushuaia hotel accommodation to the Ocean Endeavour for embarkation
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Transports to Ushuaia airport on return to port
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All port taxes
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All landing fees
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Use of onboard gym, sauna, pool and jacuzzi and onboard Yoga
What's Excluded
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International or internal flights unless specified
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Airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified
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Meals other than those specified in the pre-departure information
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Pre or post cruise travel expenses
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Visa (if applicable) and passport fees
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Travel insurance (compulsory)
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Fuel surcharge may be applied to all bookings
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Paid adventure options and all personal expenses
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Tobacco, alcoholic or beverages (other than coffee and tea)
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Miscellaneous extras
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Laundry and communication charges on board
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Gratuities for Expedition team and crew (recommended US$15 per person per day)
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For minors under 16 years of age at time of travel; life jackets, waterproof outer shell jacket, insulated inner jacket and boots
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For guests who require larger sizing; Waterproof outer shell jacket, insulated inner jacket and rubber boots