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Extended Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle (Ocean Albatros)

Extended Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle (Ocean Albatros)

From $ 43,090 AUD

Description

Travel further south than most adventurers ever do on a journey to the Great White Continent. On this 23-day trip, you’ll enjoy extended time in the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. This means more opportunities for Zodiac expeditions to see the incredible wildlife that thrives in this fascinating ecosystem – see penguins, seals, whales and seabirds, with an expert Expedition Team to guide your way. Encounter five species of penguin in the Falkland Islands, make the storied journey across the Drake Passage and set sail through the Lemaire Channel to hopefully cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°33’S. With this trip, you’ll become a true polar adventurer – what are you waiting for?

Trip Name
Extended Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle (Ocean Albatros)
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
23
Capacity
187
Highlights
  • Enjoy extended time in the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula with six days to explore these incredible landscapes. Take advantage of more opportunities for Zodiac expeditions to wildlife hotspots, famous landing sites and scientific bases.
  • Set sail for the less-travelled Antarctic Circle at latitude 66°33’S, journeying where few have gone before.
  • Observe penguin rookeries and hundreds of thousands of rare seabirds on a visit to South Georgia, known as the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’. Plus, see whales breaching, albatross soaring overhead and seals lazing about on the shoreline.
  • Cruise on Zodiacs to historic sites, explore rugged landscapes on foot and go wildlife spotting, always surrounded by colossal glaciers and icebergs.
  • Visit the historic Grytviken whaling station and the gravesite of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, where you’ll learn about the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration from your knowledgeable Expedition Team.

Itinerary

No two Polar voyages are the same and this is part of the excitement of travelling in these remote regions. Weather, ice conditions and wildlife will all affect where your ship is able to access, and most importantly, where your Expedition Team think you will get the best possible experience from your trip. Onboard, daily updates are given to advise what the specific itinerary will be for the next day based on local conditions. Published itineraries cannot be guaranteed but an amazing voyage full of adventure and once-in-a-lifetime experiences is.

Day 1 - Ushuaia
Welcome to Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your comfortable hotel for the night. This evening, you’ll have a welcome meeting with the other travellers who will be joining you for your journey. If you arrive in Ushuaia with time to spare, why not head out to explore the southernmost city in the world – maybe visit the Maritime Museum, browse the souvenir shops for the perfect keepsake or try an Argentinian snack or two.
Day 2 - Ushuaia
Spend the morning either exploring more of Ushuaia or relaxing at the hotel until you board your ship this afternoon. Meet the Expedition Team and settle into your cabin, then have a safety and orientation briefing. Tonight, you’ll join the captain and your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner on board. Raise a glass as you set sail on your Antarctic adventure!
Day 3 - Southern Ocean
As you sail south, make the most of the program of educational talks given by the Expedition Team. Learn about the wildlife, history and geology of the areas you’ll soon be exploring. You’ll also have an expedition safety briefing to prepare you for your upcoming Zodiac excursions.
Day 4 - Falklands Islands
Gear up for two days of wildlife spotting in the Falkland Islands. This archipelago is home to the world’s largest black-browed albatross colony and five species of penguin! You’ll do plenty of birdwatching – kelp gulls, dolphin gulls, black-crowned night herons, red-backed hawks, peregrine falcons and turkey vultures all call these islands home. Weather permitting, you’ll explore Saunders Island – the second largest island in the Falklands – and the Neck, a narrow peninsula with beaches overlooked by cliff faces, where the black-browed albatross colonies nest.
Day 5 - Falklands Islands
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Day 6 - Southern Ocean
Travel east across the Antarctic Convergence, officially entering Antarctic waters. Have your binoculars to see if you can spot the largest bird in the world – the wandering albatross. Southern giant petrels and the tiny Wilson’s storm petrel are also likely sights as you traverse these waters. Keep your eyes on the horizon for whale blows and your very first glimpse of an iceberg.
Day 7 - Southern Ocean
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Day 8 - South Georgia
Learn why South Georgia is known as the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’ as you spend three days exploring this island’s rich biodiversity. See tens of thousands of penguins, seals and seabirds going about their daily lives and witness huge glaciers and icebergs as you travel down the island's coast. You’ll also visit the former Grytviken whaling station and the gravesite of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton – Shackleton is known for leading the ill-fated Endurance expedition which ended with the astounding rescue of all 27 crew members after they were stranded in Antarctica for almost two years.
Day 9 - South Georgia
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Day 10 - South Georgia
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Day 11 - Scotia Sea
Continue to sail south, watching as the icebergs become bigger and more plentiful. Join the Expedition Team on deck for wildlife spotting and more educational talks to deepen your understanding of the natural wonders you'll soon encounter.
Day 12 - Scotia Sea
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Day 13 - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Embark on Zodiac expeditions twice daily, crossing iceberg-filled channels and encountering an abundance of wildlife as you explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Uncover the diverse landscapes of the South Shetlands – you might walk along the black sands of Deception Island, where you can visit the ruins of a Norwegian whaling station and scientific bases from the 1960s, or maybe you’ll sail into the calmer waters of Yankee Harbour, home to a huge colony of 4000 breeding pairs of gentoo penguins. You might also visit active scientific bases, scenic bays and historic landing sites. Watch seals lazing on ice floes, chinstrap and gentoo penguins waddling about and whales breaching.
Day 14 - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
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Day 15 - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
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Day 16 - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
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Day 17 - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
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Day 18 - Antarctic Circle
Get ready to make the crossing of a lifetime. Over these two days, weather permitting, you’ll venture into the Lemaire Channel – an 11-km-long, iceberg-filled channel bordered by towering peaks up to 1000 m high. Then, you’ll hopefully cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°33’S. Join your fellow travellers for a toast to celebrate this achievement that’s held by few adventurers and soak in the feeling of being in the vast, unspoiled wilderness of Antarctica.
Day 19 - Antarctic Circle
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Day 20 - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Return to the South Shetlands and Antarctic Peninsula for more Zodiac expeditions. Put your new wildlife knowledge to the test as you try to identify fur, leopard and Weddell seals during your excursions. Have your camera handy for plenty of photo ops as you continue to explore new landscapes.
Day 21 - Drake Passage
Cross the infamous Drake Passage, making your way back towards Ushuaia. Celebrate the adventure of a lifetime as you join your group for a slideshow of memories from the trip and a photography contest, then sit down for one final celebratory dinner. Raise a glass as you reflect on the memories you’ve made!
Day 22 - Drake Passage
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Day 23 - Ushuaia
Your adventure comes to an end as you disembark in Ushuaia this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
09-02-202802-03-2028AUD $ 43,090-
09-02-202802-03-2028AUD $ 97,590-
09-02-202802-03-2028AUD $ 53,160-
09-02-202802-03-2028AUD $ 90,335-
09-02-202802-03-2028AUD $ 64,565-
09-02-202802-03-2028AUD $ 80,260-
09-02-202802-03-2028AUD $ 68,860-
09-02-202802-03-2028AUD $ 66,045-
09-02-202802-03-2028AUD $ 57,455-
09-02-202802-03-2028AUD $ 60,270-
09-02-202802-03-2028AUD $ 55,680-
09-02-202802-03-2028AUD $ 50,200-

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (21 nights)

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, zodiac

Map