Credit David Merron
Credit Sam Crimmin
Credit Acacia Johnson
Credit Nicky Souness
Credit Michelle Sole
Credit David Merron
Credit David Merron
Credit David Merron
Credit Acacia Johnson
Credit Sam Edmonds
Credit Acacia Johnson

South Georgia & Antarctica Peninsula

From

A$28,490 per person

  • Dates

    Jan and Feb

  • Duration

    18 Days

  • Embark

    Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina

  • Disembark

    Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina

Routes

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  • Depart

Route Information

Embark: Ushuaia, Argentina

Disembark: Ushuaia, Argentina

Destinations: The Falkland Islands, South Georgia,  Antarctic Peninsula

Ships: Ocean Explorer

Duration: 20 days

Additional Information: 1 night in Ushuaia included.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina

Your gateway for this expedition is Ushuaia, Argentina, on arrival transfer with the group to your hotel. Nestled within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia has a charming small-town atmosphere with shops, museums, cafés, and restaurants to explore before your voyage. For those seeking adventure, the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park and Martial Glacier provide great opportunities for scenic hiking.

Day 2 Embark

In the late afternoon, you’ll embark and begin sailing along the historic Beagle Channel, which cuts through the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the far south of South America. Anticipation grows as you look forward to your next destination: Antarctica!

Day 3 - 6 At Sea

While at sea, there are plenty of activities to keep you engaged. Learn to identify the seabirds gliding alongside the ship or attend dynamic presentations by the Expedition Team. You’ll be briefed on safety procedures for Zodiac cruises and shore landings and receive guidance on making the most of optional sea kayaking adventures, offering a truly intimate way to experience Antarctica.

If conditions are favourable, the first sign that you’re nearing South Georgia is the sight of birds around a group of rocky spires known as Shag Rocks. Have your binoculars and cameras ready to capture these striking formations rising out of the icy ocean waters. Shags and prions often rest here, and the nutrient-rich upwellings around the rocks make it an excellent spot for whale watching.

Days 7 - 9 South Georgia

This remote, mountainous island was a popular stop for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once a centre for whale and seal hunting. Today, the island’s wildlife populations are rebounding, though remnants of old whaling stations and other abandoned outposts can still be seen.

One of the most significant and moving sites on South Georgia is the burial place of the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which also features an old whaling station, a museum, a gift shop, a church, and a small research station.

While South Georgia’s history is a key attraction, it is the island’s incredible abundance of wildlife that will captivate you and your fellow travellers. Each landing on South Georgia, often called the Galapagos of the Poles, provides opportunities to witness massive wildlife populations.

One day, you might see rookeries with hundreds of thousands of king penguins waddling on shore, and the next, visit a beach dominated by hundreds of fur or elephant seals. The grasses, mountains, and beaches of South Georgia play a crucial role in the breeding and survival of various species. The Expedition Leaders will help you understand and appreciate the delicate balance among these fragile and interconnected relationships.

Days 10 - 11 At Sea

Farewell the king penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with presentations, workshops, and social activities led by your Expedition Team.

Day 12 - 15 Antarctic Peninsula

The experience is challenging to describe, but the most common reaction upon reaching the Antarctic Continent is a profound sense of reverence and awe. You’ll find that Antarctica is a land of extremes: one moment, you’ll be enveloped in complete silence and solitude; the next, you’ll be laughing at the comical antics of a curious penguin.

Your days will be filled with Zodiac cruising, visits to historical sites, and close encounters with seals and penguins. You might even catch sight of the fearless leopard seal or come face to face with an Antarctic minke whale while cruising in a Zodiac. Each day and each excursion will introduce you to a new array of captivating creatures, keeping your camera busy.

If you’re craving more adventure, treat yourself to an optional paddling excursion (reserve in advance when booking your trip) or take the plunge with the Polar Plunge—an unforgettable experience!

Days 16 - 17 Crossing the Drake Passage

After weeks of incredible wildlife encounters and stunning landscapes, your journey home commences. The unpredictable and thrilling Drake Passage offers an adventure all its own. With expert onboard staff ensuring your comfort, you will have ample time to gaze out at the ocean, photograph seabirds swooping around the ship, and reflect on your extraordinary Antarctic expedition.

Day 18 Disembark Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport with the group.

Activities

    Credit David Merron

    Hiking

    Hiking in polar regions offers unique, immersive experiences across tundra, snow, and beaches, with organized hikes ranging from short wildlife visits to longer excursions, guided by experts.

    Credit David Merron

    Polar Plunge

    This rite of passage, scheduled once per voyage, offers you the chance to jump safely into the bracing polar waters under the watchful eye of our trained staff.

    Credit Quark:Michelle Sole

    Paddling Excursion

    The Paddle Excursion Program offers sit-on-top, two-person inflatable kayaks for a unique, intimate experience exploring unforgettable Antarctic locations from a different perspective

    Credit Acacia Johnson

    Sea Kayaking

    Kayaking offers adventurous travellers a unique, intimate connection to the Antarctic wilderness, allowing exploration of the mazes sea ice and glaciers while forging bonds with fellow explorers at water level.

    Credit David Merron

    Zodiac Cruising

    Zodiacs take you places that ships can’t access, allowing you to reach remote shorelines, explore shallow inlets and search for unique wildlife.

    Credit Michelle Sole

    Stand-up Paddleboarding

    Experience a unique view of Antarctica with stand-up paddleboarding in small groups, exploring calm bays and harbours under good weather conditions, guided by a support Zodiac.

    Dates & rates

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    • Dates

      Jan 24 – Feb 10, 2026

    • Embark

      Ushuaia / Ushuaia

    • Ship

      Ocean Explorer

    • Price range (per person)
      A$39,564- $61,366 was A$48,995 - $75,995

    Special Offers

    What's included

    Inclusions

    An official expedition parka to keep.
    Leadership throughout the voyage by an experienced Expedition Team, including shore landings, presentations and other activities.
    Shipboard accommodation in your chosen room with private facilities.
    All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage. Beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails also included during bar service hours and dinner.
    Waterproof expedition boots to borrow for landings and Zodiac cruising. Snowshoes and walking poles are also provided.
    Complimentary Wi-Fi on one device
    Group transfers mentioned through the itinerary.

    Exclusions

    International airfare to join the cruise
    Passport and applicable visa expenses.
    Meals unless otherwise specified.
    Waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned.
    Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified.
    Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew.
    Additional overnight accommodation.
    Adventure options not listed in included activities.