The Epic Antarctica and South Georgia Adventure

The Epic Antarctica and South Georgia Adventure | Ocean Albatros | Antarctica Tours The Epic Antarctica and South Georgia Adventure | Ocean Albatros | Antarctica Tours

This epic expedition cruise takes you to some of the most remote and pristine parts of the world. You will see penguins, seals, and whales in their natural habitat, explore the Antarctic Peninsula and the Weddell Sea, and visit South Georgia, a wildlife-rich island. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget.

18 Day Antarctica Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia & Beagle Channel

Ushuaia has been called "the gateway to Antarctica". Ushuaia is a popular harbor for both luxury cruise ships and large, rugged icebreakers. Its location on the Beagle Channel, at the southernmost tip of Argentina makes it a great place to visit. Ushuaia, a vital port that supplies many Antarctic research bases is also an incredibly beautiful city. It feels like you're at the end of the earth.

Ushuaia, with its rugged mountains and steam train named the "Train and the End of the World", as well as the fascinating cultural and museum centers, is an amazing destination. Boat trips on the Beagle Channel are a great way to see penguins and sea seals up close.

Day 2 & 3: Drake Passage

Drake Passage refers to the notorious stretch of ocean that runs between South America's tip and the South Shetland Islands, and ends at the Antarctic Peninsula.

The Drake Passage usually takes two or three days, so this is the perfect time to get to know your Antarctic Naturalist Guides. You'll learn about Antarctica through a series fascinating lectures and talks.

You can always count on your guides to identify seabird species, whales or other cetaceans en route towards the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

Day 4: South Shetland Islands

South Shetland Islands, often overlooked by those who want to visit the Antarctic Peninsula are an amazing destination.

Many people find themselves captivated by these beautiful islands, which are often the first or last stop on an Antarctic Cruise. It's a great way to get acquainted with Antarctica by landing on this beach surrounded by Gentoo Penguins.

South Shetlands is home to many Antarctic animals, such as elephant seals and humpbacks whales.

South Shetland Islands is a great first stop for an Antarctic cruise. It has active volcanoes as well as remnants of whaling history and beautiful mountain scenery.

Day 5: Antarctica Peninsula

Many of the best landing sites are located in the North-West part of the Antarctic Peninsula, which is visited most often by cruises. Gerlache Strait has a stunning landscape with mountains covered with snow, like icing, and glaciers that tumble down into the ocean.

The Peninsula is the northernmost part of Antarctica, and enjoys milder conditions. Winter temperatures average a balmy (-20°C) -4°F! The summer temperatures are just above freezing. In the early seasons, large areas of this peninsula are free of ice. These areas serve as important breeding grounds and feeding grounds of many Antarctic wildlife species.

You can visit some of these bases if the weather permits. The dry, cold climate has preserved these remarkable artifacts.

Day 6, 7 & 8: Antarctic Sound & Weddell Sea

The Antarctic Sound, a spectacular destination that is home to beautiful icebergs and the Weddell sea is at the entrance to this area.

As you pass Joinville Island, this 30-mile-long stretch of water cuts through the Antarctic Peninsula.

The Sound, which has only been visited by cruises on expeditions since 2005 is sometimes referred to as "iceberg Alley", and cruises can be stopped if the ice shelves surrounding the Sound calve in great numbers.

The Antarctic Sound, with its imposing, towering icebergs, and breathtaking glaciated mountains is one of the most stunning sights on the peninsula.

Day 9 & 10: South Georgia

A 2-day sail is required to get to South Georgia from or to the Falklands. Your expert guides will entertain you on your journey to South Georgia with lectures and talks about the incredible concentrations of Antarctic animals that are found there.

You'll learn more about the history and geology of the island as well as its significance in exploring (and exploiting) the Southern Ocean.

Your guides can help identify bird species, cetaceans, and any other marine life that you may see en route.

Day 11, 12, 13, 14 & 15: South Georgia

It might appear barren, as it is a remote mountainous island with no trees. The snow covers the land for most of the year. South Georgia, despite its barren appearance, is alive with activity!

South Georgia Pipit, the Antarctic's sole songbird, as well as the South Georgia pintail duck, are only found in this area.

Cruise the South Georgia coast and you'll be amazed by its high, rugged mountains.

Relics from this early-20th-century sealer industry can be found in various locations around the island. They are reminders of human history and the exploitation of Antarctica's natural resources.

Day 16 & 17: Falkland Islands

Falkland Passage refers to a stretch of Southern Ocean that runs between South America's mainland and the Falkland Island. It is usually 2 days of sailing.

Your naturalist guide will give a series informative lectures and talks about wildlife, geology and other fascinating topics that make the Falklands so special.

You can also rely on your guides to identify the different species of birds you encounter as you travel to the next location. They will use their expertise to detect whales, dolphins, and other cetaceans.

Day 18: Montevideo

You disembark the vessel after breakfast, and bid a fond farewell.

Itinerary Map

The Epic Antarctica and South Georgia Adventure

18 Day Antarctica Itinerary Includes

  • Embarkation shuttle transfer to the vessel from Ushuaia city centre
  • Shuttle transfer after disembarkation from the ship to Ushuaia city centre or airport
  • All Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary, guided by our Expedition Team
  • Expedition parka
  • Rubber boots loan scheme
  • Briefings and lectures by our Expedition Leader and Team
  • English-speaking Expedition Team
  • Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
  • Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served at our a-la-carte dinners)
  • Free tea and coffee available 24 hours
  • Taxes and landing fees
  • Special photo workshops
  • Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Parties

18 Day Antarctica Itinerary Does not Include

  • Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
  • Meals not on board the ship
  • Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
  • Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day)
  • Personal expenses (e.g. Albatros Polar Spa services, Albatros Ocean Boutique purchases)

18 Day Antarctica Itinerary Highlights

  • Seeing penguins, seals, and whales in their natural habitat
  • Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the Weddell Sea
  • Visiting South Georgia
  • Making a landing on the Antarctic continent

Meals Included

  • Breakfast Served Daily
  • 17 Dinners
  • 18 Lunches
Carcass Island  | Falkland |  Antarctica
Prion Island | South Georgia |  Antarctica
+12
 | Lemaire Channel  |  Antarctica

18 Day Antarctica cruise activities

Sea Kayaking
Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.
Ice Camping
Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.
Snowshoeing
Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.
Photography
Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.
Explorer Boats
Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.
Yoga
It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.
The Epic Antarctica and South Georgia Adventure
18 Days
From $14,995.00 per person


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Book your 18-day Antarctic tour now and create memories to last a lifetime!