The Great Austral Loop - Antarctic Cruise

The Great Austral Loop | L'Austral | Antarctica ToursThe Great Austral Loop | L'Austral | Antarctica Tours
This 18-day Antarctic expedition begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, with several days at sea to enjoy onboard amenities. The journey explores the Falkland Islands, where you'll encounter penguins, albatrosses, and rugged landscapes. Next, South Georgia offers a chance to see large king penguin colonies and seals. The highlight is the Antarctic Peninsula, featuring stunning glaciers, wildlife, and daily zodiac excursions. The adventure concludes with the Drake Passage crossing back to Ushuaia.

18 Day Antarctica Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia

Ushuaia, the capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, is often seen as the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Known as “the end of the world,” this city is nestled among mountains and surrounded by plains that serve as a refuge for wildlife. With its striking location where the Andes meet the sea, Ushuaia is a captivating destination, symbolizing journeys to remote and inaccessible places.

 

Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner

Day 2: At Sea

While at sea, enjoy a range of services and activities aboard the ship. Relax in the spa, stay active in the fitness center, or, depending on the season, take a dip in the pool or sunbathe. This part of the journey also offers opportunities to attend lectures or shows, explore the boutique, or meet photographers. For those drawn to the open ocean, the upper deck provides a view of the waves and the chance to spot marine life, blending comfort, relaxation, and entertainment.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 3: New Island & Grave Cove

New Island

This rugged island on the western edge of the Falkland Islands hosts a tiny village. Stroll along its beaches lined with flowers, passing by an old stone house, and you'll feel like you're in a natural haven. A short walk will lead you to a colony of penguins, albatrosses, and shags, offering the perfect chance to watch seabirds glide over the cliffs and waves.

Grave Cove

After passing through the turbulent strait, you'll arrive at the calm bay of Grave Cove. Known for the graves of past whalers, the area is home to dolphins, green plains, and a large colony of penguins. You may also spot sea lions hunting in the surrounding waters.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4, 5 & 6: At Sea

Continue to enjoy the onboard services while at sea. Whether you relax, attend shows, or explore the deck for glimpses of marine life, this part of the trip provides a peaceful blend of comfort and entertainment.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7, 8 & 9: South Georgia

South Georgia, part of an underwater mountain range, is home to diverse wildlife, including penguins, seals, and seabirds. If conditions allow, you may visit glaciers and expansive plains, witnessing the incredible gatherings of penguins in places like Salisbury Plain, where over 300,000 king penguins reside.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 10 & 11: At Sea

Enjoy more time aboard the ship with various activities and relaxation options. This phase of the trip offers moments of rest and the opportunity to appreciate the vastness of the ocean.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 12, 13, 14 & 15: Antarctic Peninsula

Discover the captivating Antarctic Peninsula, a region known for its breathtaking scenery in shades of blue and white. Penguins, whales, and seals are just a few of the animals you'll encounter. Depending on ice conditions, daily zodiac outings or landings will provide the chance to explore glaciers, volcanic beaches, research stations, and other Antarctic landmarks.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 16 & 17: Drake Passage

Crossing the Drake Passage, located between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, is considered a rite of passage for travelers to Antarctica. Known for its rough waters and diverse marine life, it offers opportunities to spot albatrosses and petrels as you sail through the convergence of cold and warm water masses.

 

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 18: Ushuaia

Returning to Ushuaia, the journey concludes in this remote city at the edge of the world, surrounded by mountains and plains that serve as a sanctuary for wildlife, marking the end of a remarkable adventure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
 | Chilean Fjords |  Antarctica
 | Falkland | Commerson’s dolphins
+12
 | Lemaire Channel  |  Antarctica
Grytviken | South Georgia |  AntarcticaSt. Andrews Bay | South Georgia | King penguins | Paradise Bay |  Antarctica | Paulet Island |  Antarctica | Falkland | BirdFortuna Bay | South Georgia | King Penguins | Faroe Islands | Puffin | Faroe Islands |  AntarcticaFortuna Bay | South Georgia | Fur sealsFortuna Bay | South Georgia |  Antarctica | Falkland | Rockhopper, Black-browed Albatross colonySalisbury Plains | South Georgia | King Penguins

18 Day Antarctica Itinerary Includes

  • All-inclusive dining (gourmet French cuisine)
  • 24-hour room service
  • Free Wi-Fi (location-dependent)
  • Zodiac excursions
  • Entertainment: live music, shows, lectures
  • Spa access (limited free services)

18 Day Antarctica Itinerary Does not Include

  • Shore excursions (varies by destination)
  • Premium spa services and treatments
  • Alcoholic beverages (some exclusions)
  • Personal shopping expenses
  • Tips for the local guide

18 Day Antarctica Itinerary Highlights

  • Zodiac excursions around glaciers and icebergs.
  • Observing massive penguin colonies and seals on South Georgia.
  • Exploring the Falkland Islands' pristine natural beauty and wildlife.

Itinerary Map

The Great Austral Loop

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.

Animals you might see on this itinerary

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

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