Spirit of Shackleton

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enquire now 21 Days From NZD $24,899 pp twinshare
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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.

Travel Style: Marine

Small-ship adventures on the world’s great seas, rivers, and other places only accessible by boat.

Physical Rating: 2 – Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Age requirement: 10+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Itinerary 

Map of the route for Spirit of ShackletonDay 1 Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world’s most southerly city.

Day 2 Ushuaia/Drake Passage

Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping, explore the town, or visit the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the G Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.

Days 3–4 Drake Passage/South Shetland Islands

The adventure begins with an 1000km (600mi) crossing of the passage named in honour of the 16th-century English sea captain and privateer, Sir Francis Drake. Take in daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for the first sightings of icebergs, whales and albatross following in the G Expedition’s wake.

Days 5–9 South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula

Experience some of the most unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery in the world while setting foot on the Antarctic continent. Weather and ice conditions permitting, our goal is to attempt memorable shore landings daily 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.

Days 10–11 Antarctic Peninsula/Scotia Sea

Sail for two days, retracing Shackleton’s route from Elephant Island and the Antarctic Peninsula towards South Georgia.

Days 12–15 Scotia Sea/South Georgia

Home to many interesting sights (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, spend four full days exploring the island.

Days 16–17 South Georgia/Southern Ocean

Sailing west, set course for the Falkland Islands. Days at sea are filled with lectures to prepare for landings. Watch for the many whales that inhabit these waters.

Days 18–19 Southern Ocean/Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Penguins 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 20 Falkland Islands/Beagle Channel/Ushuaia

Reflect on a memorable adventure and take in some final lectures en route back to Ushuaia.

Day 21 Ushuaia

Disembark in the morning.

Itinerary Notes

This trip is assigned a Physical Rating of 2. It is accessible to most fitness levels able to do extended walks and light hiking on varied terrain.  Having good mobility is important for your safety and enjoyment.  It is important to note that for shore excursions in Antarctica we use zodiacs with wet beach landings, which require you to exit the zodiac onto wet rocky beaches on uneven terrain with no place to sit. Our expedition team is there to assist and advise you if needed.

What’s Included

  • 19 nts aboard the G Expedition
  • 1 nt hotel in Ushuaia, on a twin share basis
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
  • Lectures and educational programs
  • Waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 – 16
  • Expedition parka

Accommodations

Twin-share hotel (1 nt), aboard the G 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 one queen-size bed.

Meals

20 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 19 dinners
Allow USD25-35 for meals not included. Drinks and tips on board not included.

Transportation

G Expedition, Zodiac, private bus, walking.

Staff & experts

One expedition team member per 10 guests.

 

 

 

Images Courtesy of G Adventures

“Antarctica Antarctic Sound Penguin – Daniel Sendecki 2013

GADV – XVSHSX

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