Spirit of Shackleton - 21 Day Antarctica Voyage

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.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Ushuaia
Arrive at any time, arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.

Day 2 Ushuaia
Embarkation on the MS Expedition begins late in the afternoon, around 4pm at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.

Day 3 At Sea
As you make the passage east, become acquainted with the ship. Lecture and information sessions about the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region begin.

Day 4-5 Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Penguins and albatross 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.

Day 6-7 At Sea
Sailing east, you'll set course for South Georgia. Days at sea are filled with lectures to prepare you for landings. Keep your eyes peeled for the many whales that inhabit these waters.

Day 8-11 South Georgia
Home to many interesting sites (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, we will have three full days to explore this island.

Day 12-13 At Sea
We turn south and sail for two days, retracing Shackleton's route backwards as we head towards Elephant Island and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Day 14-18 Antarctica
Experience some of the most unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery in the world as you set foot on the Antarctic continent. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting), 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; during the voyage we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.

Day 19-20 Drake Passage
Reflect on your memorable adventure and take in some final lectures as you head back to Ushuaia. Keep a careful lookout for your last chance to spot whales.

Day 21 Depart Ushuaia
Disembark in the morning.

What's Included

19 nts aboard the MS Expedition. Arrival transfer from airport in Ushuaia to hotel. 1 nt accommodation with breakfast in Ushuaia. Zodiac cruises and shore landings with our expert expedition team. Lectures and educational programs. Waterproof boots supplied for men's USA sizes 8-14 and women's USA sizes 3-9. Expedition parka. Antarctica destination guidebook.
All meals included aboard the MS Expedition. Breakfast included at the hotel.
Twin-share hotel (1 nt), aboard the MS 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 1 queen-size bed.
MS Expedition, Zodiac, private bus.
1 Expedition team member per 10 guests.