Shackleton's Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition
Highlights
- Explore the charming British town of Stanley in the Falklands, wander the island, and spot nesting albatrosses and a range of penguin species.
- Witness the amazing vistas of Antarctica during daily Zodiac excursions and paid add-on activities including kayaking, day paddling and camping.
- Marvel at the huge King penguin colonies in South Georgia, learn about Sir Earnest Shackleton's epic journey, and visit his grave.
On this three-week voyage of a lifetime, you will follow the path of the famed survivalist, Sir Ernest Shackleton. Explore the White Continent of Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, following a similar route to the expedition that Shackleton and his men took, many years ago onboard the Endurance.
Antarctica is a land of rugged landscapes and home to a wide range of amazing wildlife. Hone your photography skills and enjoy excursions by Zodiac through ice floes, as well as landings on the continent to explore further on foot. One of the highlights of the trip will be walking among thousands of King Penguins on the island of South Georgia. Onboard the ship you will be regaled with stories of Shackleton and his men, as well as educational lectures by the expert expedition team.
Keep a look out for seals, seabirds and the mighty mammals, humpback whales, scanning the horizon from both land and sea. Witness bright-blue glaciers and massive ice bergs from the ship and by Zodiac and take part in some of the optional activities, such as kayaking, photography workshops and ice camping under the stars.
This adventure will appeal to anyone who loves history, wildlife, and nature, and you will take home many memories to cherish forever.
Standard Activities
About the Shackleton's Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition
On this three-week voyage of a lifetime, you will follow the path of the famed survivalist, Sir Ernest Shackleton. Explore the White Continent of Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, following a similar route to the expedition that Shackleton and his men took, many years ago onboard the Endurance.
Antarctica is a land of rugged landscapes and home to a wide range of amazing wildlife. Hone your photography skills and enjoy excursions by Zodiac through ice floes, as well as landings on the continent to explore further on foot. One of the highlights of the trip will be walking among thousands of King Penguins on the island of South Georgia. Onboard the ship you will be regaled with stories of Shackleton and his men, as well as educational lectures by the expert expedition team.
Keep a look out for seals, seabirds and the mighty mammals, humpback whales, scanning the horizon from both land and sea. Witness bright-blue glaciers and massive ice bergs from the ship and by Zodiac and take part in some of the optional activities, such as kayaking, photography workshops and ice camping under the stars.
This adventure will appeal to anyone who loves history, wildlife, and nature, and you will take home many memories to cherish forever.
Itinerary Day to Day
Puerto Madryn, Argentina
Welcome to Puerto Madryn, Argentina! Your journey begins in northern Patagonia, on a sandy coast known for its abundant marine wildlife. You can arrive at any time today. Transfer to your hotel, settle in and enjoy some free time at ‘the gateway to the Peninsula Valdes’. 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 as an albatross until the optional icebreaker meeting this evening. After your briefing, maybe get together with a few of your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant, where you can theorize on what’s to come on your upcoming Antarctic adventure.
Note: An arrival transfer from the airport on Day 1 is included in your voyage fare.
Embarkation in Puerto Madryn
At Sea
Falklands Islands
At Sea
South Georgia
At Sea
South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
At Sea
Disembarkation in Ushuaia
Route Map
Save up to 30% on the following cabins:
Superior Twin & Double, Junior Suite and Owner’s Suite
Single interior, Triple interior, Twin interior, Twin Porthole, Single Porthole
Terms & Conditions
- — Available until 31 May 2024 unless sold out prior.
- — Not combinable with any other promotion.
- — Offers apply to new bookings only.
- — Cabins are subject to availability and currency fluctuations.
- — Further conditions apply, please contact us.
No single supplement on twin & double window cabin solo use
Terms & Conditions
- — Offer allows one (1) passenger to book a twin & double Window partially/obstructed cabin for solo use at discounted twin-share price.
- — Offer includes a 20% discount on a twin & double window -share price
- — Subject to availability at time of booking. Offer can be withdrawn at any time
Kids travel free with adults when sharing the same cabin
Children 15 years and under travel FREE when accompanying an adult. 1 child free per adult.
Terms & Conditions
- — 1 CHILD (8-15 years) travels free per ADULT when sharing the same cabin
- — Child rate is 50% of adult rate (before discount). Child is 8 to 15yrs inclusive.
- — If 16/17 years olds utilising Upper Berth/Sofabed can travel at child rate. If 16/17 years utilising berth, adult rate applies.
- — Minors Travel Policy means max 2 children (8-15 years) accompanying each adult. Child must always accompany adult and share the same cabin.
- — 16 & 17 year olds can be in own cabin if adjacent or next to Parent/Legal Guardian's cabin. 16 & 17 year olds cannot do Solo Use cabin or 'Willing to Share'
- — Maximum weight of Upper berth is 68kg
- — Sofa beds can be utlised by pax 17 yrs and under only - 1 pax per sofabed (child rate applies)
- — Maximum number of pax 8-15 years capped at 30 pax per departure (required for operational reasons).
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.
*Beginners interested in kayaking should take an introductory course prior to the voyage, including how to complete a wet exit. Regardless of your experience, we recommend you take part in some kayaking practice prior to the voyage to ensure that you are comfortable on the water in icy conditions. Kayaking adventures are only conducted during calm weather
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.
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.
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 pre-night 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