24 Day Tour
Walk from Stromness to Fortuna Bay in the footsteps of Shackleton, Crean and Worsley. See wandering albatross on their nests. Marvel at icebergs carved into hypnotic shapes by the wind and water.
Spend time on deck watching wandering albatross circle the boat whilst keeping an eye open for whales. Kayak or trek in peace through untouched regions. Sit among a king penguin colony with over 100,000 birds.
DAY 1: International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Buenos Aires.
DAY 2: Buenos Aires
Arrival in Buenos Aires and transfer to your hotel. You will have the afternoon to take in the city at your leisure. We can make expert recommendations to make the most of your brief time here.
Stay At: Legado Mitico Buenos Aires
DAY 3: Ushuaia & Tierra del Fuego
Flight to Ushuaia and transfer to your pre-expedition hotel. In the afternoon you will need to be at your hotel for a pre-departure briefing, but otherwise the small frontier city is worth a stroll around and there are several interesting museums that can be visited.
Stay At: Arakur
DAY 4: At sea
Free time in the morning to explore the city before you board the ship and set sail, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, along the Beagle Channel. We recommend spending time on deck to take your first chances at spotting wildlife before dinner and the evening lecture.
Stay At: Quark Expeditions
DAY 5: At sea
Today will be spent at sea approaching the Falklands. Birdwatching opportunities today include spotting albatrosses, prions, and petrels as they follow the ship. Lectures will begin tonight and there will be briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety.
Stay At Quark Expeditions
DAY 6: At sea
Arrive in the westernmost islands where you will have your first opportunity to see penguins. Rockhopper, King, and Magellanic penguins all have their rookeries here. You will also visit a local homestead and learn about life on these remote islands.
Stay At: Quark Expeditions
DAY 7: At sea
Spend the day in the capital of Stanley and visit its post office, shops and pubs. More wildlife is also on offer from town including sea lions and dolphins in the harbour.
Stay At: Quark Expeditions
DAY 8: At sea
Sail east and officially cross into Antarctic waters. On-board lectures and presentations will continue with a focus on the history and wildlife of the approaching South Georgia islands.
Stay At: Quark Expeditions
DAY 9: At sea
The journey continues to South Georgia. As you make this crossing it’s worth remembering that Shackleton and his men sailed this in an open lifeboat 100 years ago with just a sextant and Frank Worsley to guide them.
Stay At: Quark Expeditions
DAY 10 At sea
Today the ship will reach Elephant Island where the famed polar explorer, Ernest Shackleton, left the majority of his men under the command of Frank Wild while he sailed to South Georgia for help.
Stay At: Quark Expeditions
DAY 11: At sea
Today you will reach South Georgia and start exploring this startling landscape. Some of the world’s most nutrient-rich waters swirl around this speck of rock which supports the abundance of wildlife you are about to encounter.
Stay At Quark Expeditions
DAY 12: At sea
Wildlife has claimed back the island that was once home to whalers, and now it is a teeming paradise for a vast array of species. Along the way you should see magnificent king penguin colonies and sea lions challenging one another for space on the rocky beaches,
Stay At: Quark Expeditions
DAY 13: At sea
Today you will reach South Georgia and start exploring this startling landscape. Some of the world’s most nutrient-rich waters swirl around this speck of rock which supports the abundance of wildlife you are about to encounter.
Stay At: Quark Expeditions
DAY 14: At sea
A day at sea on the way to Antarctica. Lectures will focus on recapping what you’ve experienced in South Georgia and what lies ahead on Antarctica. If the conditions allow you may be able to stand on deck to watch the seabirds effortlessly soar through the air, using the ship’s currents to gain momentum.
Stay At: Quark Expeditions
DAY 15: At sea
By now you will have had your first glimpses of Antarctica which is a moment you will never forget as a sense of camaraderie and celebration sweeps over the vessel. Having reached the White Continent you will continue on with daily landings and Zodiac cruising.
Stay At: Quark Expeditions
DAY 16: At sea
Today you may find yourself inside an explorer’s hut learning about the conditions those early adventurers endured or take in the sight, smell, and sound of a lively penguin colony.
Stay At: Quark Expeditions
DAY 17: At sea
Another day of exploration today. Zodiac cruising through fields of icebergs or spending time with researchers at far-flung outposts are some of the possibilities.
Stay At Quark Expeditions
DAY 18: At sea
More opportunities for wildlife spotting will present themselves as you explore the Antarctic Peninsula. Adelie, Chinstrap, and Gentoo penguins will all be busy in their colonies while Weddell, Crabeater, and Elephant Seals may be found laying out on the ice.
Stay At: Quark Expeditions
DAY 19: At sea
You may also have the chance to camp on the ice or go kayaking. More and more adventure options are being added to Antarctic expeditions so please do ask if you are interested.
Stay At: Quark Expeditions
DAY 20: At sea
As you say goodbye to Antarctica and begin crossing the notorious Drake Passage you will have a final chance to see icebergs as you approach the South Shetland Islands.
Stay At: Quark Expeditions
DAY 21: At sea
You’ll spend the day at sea on the way to Argentina. Though the journey is coming to an end there is still an air of excitement on board as you enjoy the last night celebrating with the crew and fellow passengers.
Stay At Quark Expeditions
DAY 22: Buenos Aires
Landing back in Argentina you will disembark and fly back to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires you will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel in a private vehicle. You will be able to rest up for the remaining journey home or venture out to savour any of the comforts of civilisation you missed while on board your expedition vessel.
Stay At: Legado Mitico Buenos Aires
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DAY 23: International return flight
You will take a private transfer back to the airport today for your flight home.
DAY 24: International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
24 days from £16170 pp
The price reflects the suggested accommodation in this itinerary. This will depend on when you travel and is subject to change. All of our Wildlife holidays are completely tailor-made to your requirements. We are happy to make recommendation to meet the quality and experience you are looking for, within your given budget.
