18 Days | Spot penguin colonies on the white shores of Antarctica during a safari like no other
See thousands of penguins on the seldom visited South Georgia Island and the 7th Continent- Antarctica. On this 19-day adventure to the Antarctic Peninsula, you’ll sail through ice floes, photograph massive albatross and watch the pintado petrels as they soar around the ship, guiding you to South Georgia. Make Zodiac excursions to beaches teeming with penguins and elephant seals, and pay your respects to the famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Go further into the Antarctic Sea on your Zodiac boats and get as close as you can to the inquisitive Gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins. Maybe even experience the rugged peninsula from a sea kayak, undertake an exhilarating hike up a glacier or sign up for an optional paddling excursion – this is the adventure you’ve been searching for!
Trip overview
- Start
- Ushuaia, Argentina
- Finish
- Ushuaia, Argentina
- Theme
- Polar, Wildlife
- Destinations
- Argentina, South Georgia Island, Antarctica
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Comfort
- Ages
- Min 8
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 172
- Trip code
- GQMP
- See South Georgia’s incredible wildlife – both on deck and during daily Zodiac excursions to iconic landing sites, abundant with birdlife and busy penguins.
- Follow in the wake of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyages to South Georgia and pause for a moment at his gravesite as you learn about the history of these islands.
- Explore the Antarctic Peninsula by ship, Zodiac and foot and witness icebergs in a hundred shades of blue – you might even see and hear the ice crashing into the ocean!
- Learn about local wildlife, history, glaciology and geology during informational presentations by your onboard polar experts.
- Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Antarctic with an optional paddling excursion, hiking adventure, sea-kayaking or an invigorating Polar Plunge!
- World Explorer and Ocean Explorer both are ice-strengthened ships – large, sturdy and suited to the unpredictable Antarctic waters. Some people may experience seasickness in occasional rough seas however, we do have a doctor on board should you need assistance. Over-the-counter seasickness medication is usually an easy fix.
- Temperatures in the Antarctic can get very cold, but it also can get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out. We recommend dressing in layers when you journey outside. We’ll provide you with waterproof boots on loan that are sturdy and warm, as well as a jacket that is yours to keep. Please see the Essential Trip Information for notes on what to pack.
- Depending on the weather, you’ll be travelling around in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the area and search for wildlife. It can get cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. A fair level of mobility is needed for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces.
- The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and, although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area like the Antarctic. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to other locations – which are just as interesting and beautiful! We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather, but there are plenty on onboard resources and activities. The ship’s library and educational lectures are ideal ways to stay entertained, while the fitness center, spa, and pool will keep you fresh for when the weather clears.
Boats
Itinerary
Inclusions
17 breakfasts, 15 lunches, 16 dinners
Expedition cruise ship, zodiac
1 night comfortable hotel, 16 nights expedition cruise ship
Dates and availability
Important notes
This trip is operated on either the World Explorer or Ocean Explorer ship. Please check the dates and availability section to see which which ship is used on each voyage.
Your voyage is operated by our sister company, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.
One nights pre expedition hotel is included in Ushuaia. The exact hotel will be provided on your final documentation.
Your trip finishes in Ushuaia at the port on day 18 in the morning after breakfast, please do not book onwards flights on this day untill after 12 pm midday.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
To confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.
Please refer to our ""Booking terms and conditions"" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions, http://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions"
ADVENTURE OPTIONS
Sea kayaking and Padding excursions are available to book on the Ocean Explorer ship.
Sea kayaking, Stand Up Paddle boarding and Padding excursions are available to book on the World Explorer ship.
Some activities must be booked prior to departure and incurs an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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