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Spirit of Shackleton
21 days, Ushuaia to Ushuaia
Experience vast penguin rookeries and seal colonies on this awe-inspiring voyage to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. This 21-day voyage illuminates Ernest Shackleton’s legend and recounts his courageous exploration of Antarctica. You’ll visit historical sites of past explorers, as well as Shackleton’s final resting place — the wildlife-rich island of South Georgia. Antarctica is beyond comprehension and sure to amaze any traveller seeking a true adventure to the world’s most remote wilderness.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: Marine
Small-ship adventures on the world’s great seas, rivers, and other places only accessible by boat.
Physical Rating: 2 - Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Age requirement: 10+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
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Ushuaia to Ushuaia
From$18199USD
Valid on
Jan 11 2025
Trip Code: XVSHSX
Special Offers
Expires on May 01, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24GAV010ANT04
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Itinerary Notes
This trip is assigned a Physical Rating of 2. It is accessible to most fitness levels and for those able to do extended walks and light hiking on various terrain. It is important to note that for landings in Antarctica we use Zodiacs and wet beach landings in what sometimes can be extreme environments. This will require you to be able to safely navigate ice and snow on uneven ground, to lift your leg over the side of a Zodiac and push yourself up, walk on wet, rocky beaches and stand throughout the landing with no place to sit. Our expedition team is there to assist you if needed but having good mobility is important for your safety and enjoyment. Please also note that the G Expedition does not have an elevator and thus staircases must be used to move between decks, and depending on the weather the ship can sometimes find itself navigating rough and choppy sea conditions. For visual examples of the zodiac landings and activities please refer to the Excursions image gallery on the Expedition landing page here.
Itinerary
Day 1Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.
Day 2Ushuaia/Drake Passage
Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping, explore the town, or visit the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the G Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDays 3–4Drake Passage/South Shetland Islands
The adventure begins with an 1000km (600mi) crossing of the passage named in honour of the 16th-century English sea captain and privateer, Sir Francis Drake. Take in daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for the first sightings of icebergs, whales and albatross following in the G Expedition's wake.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDays 5–9South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula
Experience some of the most unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery in the world while setting foot on the Antarctic continent. Weather and ice conditions permitting, our goal is to attempt memorable shore landings daily and encounter Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. The peninsula also has a remarkable human history.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDays 10–11Antarctic Peninsula/Scotia Sea
Sail for two days, retracing Shackleton's route from Elephant Island and the Antarctic Peninsula towards South Georgia.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDays 12–15Scotia Sea/South Georgia
Home to many interesting sights (including the grave of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton), South Georgia has several former whaling stations and boasts plenty of wildlife. Visiting a huge colony of king penguins is a major highlight of this part of the journey. Weather permitting, spend four full days exploring the island.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDays 16–17South Georgia/Southern Ocean
Sailing west, set course for the Falkland Islands. Days at sea are filled with lectures to prepare for landings. Watch for the many whales that inhabit these waters.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDays 18–19Southern Ocean/Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Penguins are abundant here, and the Falklands have the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world. In Stanley, meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colourful houses provide contrast to the long, dark winters.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 20Falkland Islands/Beagle Channel/Ushuaia
Reflect on a memorable adventure and take in some final lectures en route back to Ushuaia.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 21Ushuaia
Disembark in the morning.
Meals included:
BreakfastWhat's Included
- 19 nts aboard the G Expedition
- 1 nt hotel in Ushuaia, on a twin share basis
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
- Lectures and educational programs
- Waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16
- Expedition parka
Accommodations
Twin-share hotel (1 nt), aboard the G Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 19 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.
Meals
20 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 19 dinners
Allow USD25-35 for meals not included. Drinks and tips on board not included.
Transportation
G Expedition, Zodiac, private bus, walking.
Staff & experts
One expedition team member per 10 guests.
Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)
Antarctica Camping - From $399.00
Follow in the footsteps of bold explorers and experience this land’s awe-inspiring splendours first-hand. Our Antarctica camping experience includes time to enjoy the beauty of Antarctica near your campsite with ample photography options. Experience the sounds of heaving ice, the fresh scent of the sea, and the stars at night. Nothing gets you closer to the humbling forces of nature than spending a night ashore! This activity is offered on select departures and must be booked prior to your trip, see Tour details for more information.
Antarctica Kayaking - From $1499.00
Weather permitting, you will head out in kayaks on days where zodiac landings are also available. Kayaking as part of a group led by experienced and skilled leaders allows an opportunity to experience these remote regions from another vantage point. No other activity gets you as close to the natural environment! This activity is offered on all departures and must be booked prior to your trip, see Tour details for more information.