Antarctica First Light: Into the kingdom of king penguins and the Seventh Continent

See Antarctica at the start of the season, when fresh snow and pristine landscapes create a striking polar atmosphere. Explore South Georgia’s vast king penguin colonies and sail into the heart of the Seventh Continent from Mar del Plata to Ushuaia.


South Georgia and Antarctica
© 66E

Duration: 19 days / 18 nights.
Starts: Mar del Plata, Argentina
Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyage

Complimentary transfers (Air2Sea) are available from Puerto Madryn Airport and to Ushuaia Airport with pre-reservation.
The itinerary is highly flexible and subject to change based on weather, sea conditions, and the decisions of the Captain and Expedition Leader.
October is highlighted as the best time to see newly hatched penguin chicks.
Biosecurity protocols, including cleaning clothing and boots, are mandatory before landings.
Guests are advised to book return flights from Ushuaia after 12:00 PM.


Included


This unique polar expedition sets sail from the coastal city of Mar del Plata, venturing deep into the South Atlantic toward the most extraordinary corners of the planet. The voyage offers an immersive exploration of the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia, a territory of towering mountains and sweeping glaciers home to immense king penguin colonies and southern elephant seals. Traveling early in the season provides the exclusive opportunity to witness the island's famously fluffy king penguin chicks. Furthermore, these shores are forever linked to the legendary survival story of Sir Ernest Shackleton, adding a powerful human history to the island's natural beauty in Grytviken.

The adventure continues into the heart of the Seventh Continent itself, entering through the South Shetland Islands. The itinerary includes a visit connected with Great Wall Station, offering a meaningful link to multinational science and ongoing polar research. As the vessel travels deeper into the Antarctic Peninsula, passengers will be surrounded by an immersive landscape of sculpted icebergs and quiet bays home to surfacing whales and Weddell seals. Through daily Zodiac cruising, guided shore landings, and optional sea kayaking, this expedition delivers a profound and personal perspective on Earth's last great wilderness.

Highlights:
Explore South Georgia and witness massive king penguin colonies alongside their endearing fluffy chicks.
Visit iconic historical sites of polar exploration, including Sir Ernest Shackleton's grave in Grytviken.
Navigate the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands during the pristine early polar season.
Gain perspective on multinational polar research through a visit connected to the Great Wall Station.
Enjoy daily guided shore landings and Zodiac cruises among massive icebergs and active glacier fronts.

Itinerary

© 66E
© 66E
© 66E

Day 1: Arrive in Mar del Plata, Argentina
Starting point on the Atlantic coast
Located on Argentina’s Atlantic coast, Mar del Plata is a lively seaside city serving as the starting point of this adventure. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax.

Day 2: Mar del Plata, Argentina (Embarkation)
Setting sail into the South Atlantic
After breakfast, a group transfer to the port for embarkation will be arranged. Your expedition begins as we board the ship and set sail southward. Settle into your cabin, become familiar with the ship, and attend essential safety briefings.

Day 3-6: At Sea
Ocean crossing and polar preparations
As we sail south across the vast South Atlantic, sea days become an essential part of the experience. The expedition team will offer lectures on South Georgia’s wildlife, Shackleton’s story, and the natural history of Antarctica as the polar world draws near.

Day 7-10: Explore South Georgia
Sub-Antarctic wildlife sanctuary
Explore towering mountains, sweeping glaciers, and wildlife-rich shores. Weather permitting, we will explore sites such as Right Whale Bay, Salisbury Plain, Fortuna Bay, Grytviken historic site, St Andrews Bay, and Gold Harbour to observe majestic king penguin colonies.

Day 11-12: At Sea
Sailing toward Antarctic waters
Leaving South Georgia behind, the ship continues south toward the Antarctic region. The atmosphere shifts toward a colder world. These sea days offer time to continue learning with the expedition team and watch for seabirds and whales from the deck.

Day 13-16: Explore South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Venture into the Seventh Continent
Enter the Antarctic world surrounded by peaks, glaciers, and floating ice. Flexible operations may include Elephant Island, Deception Island, Mikkelsen Harbor, Neko Harbour, Cuverville Island, Brown Bluff, Port Lockroy, and a view of Great Wall Station.

Day 17-18: Crossing the Drake Passage (At Sea)
Northbound return crossing
Leave Antarctica behind and begin the return journey. A final day at sea offers time to reflect on the journey, attend recap presentations, review photographs, or spend quiet time on deck watching the Southern Ocean.

Day 19: Ushuaia, Argentina (Disembarkation)
Arrival at the End of the World
Arrival in Ushuaia in the early morning. After breakfast, disembarkation procedures take place, marking the end of this extraordinary expedition from South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Mar del Plata, Argentina
Starting point on the Atlantic coast
Located on Argentina’s Atlantic coast, Mar del Plata is a lively seaside city serving as the starting point of this adventure. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax.

Day 2: Mar del Plata, Argentina (Embarkation)
Setting sail into the South Atlantic
After breakfast, a group transfer to the port for embarkation will be arranged. Your expedition begins as we board the ship and set sail southward. Settle into your cabin, become familiar with the ship, and attend essential safety briefings.

Day 3-6: At Sea
Ocean crossing and polar preparations
As we sail south across the vast South Atlantic, sea days become an essential part of the experience. The expedition team will offer lectures on South Georgia’s wildlife, Shackleton’s story, and the natural history of Antarctica as the polar world draws near.

Day 7-10: Explore South Georgia
Sub-Antarctic wildlife sanctuary
Explore towering mountains, sweeping glaciers, and wildlife-rich shores. Weather permitting, we will explore sites such as Right Whale Bay, Salisbury Plain, Fortuna Bay, Grytviken historic site, St Andrews Bay, and Gold Harbour to observe majestic king penguin colonies.

Day 11-12: At Sea
Sailing toward Antarctic waters
Leaving South Georgia behind, the ship continues south toward the Antarctic region. The atmosphere shifts toward a colder world. These sea days offer time to continue learning with the expedition team and watch for seabirds and whales from the deck.

Day 13-16: Explore South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Venture into the Seventh Continent
Enter the Antarctic world surrounded by peaks, glaciers, and floating ice. Flexible operations may include Elephant Island, Deception Island, Mikkelsen Harbor, Neko Harbour, Cuverville Island, Brown Bluff, Port Lockroy, and a view of Great Wall Station.

Day 17-18: Crossing the Drake Passage (At Sea)
Northbound return crossing
Leave Antarctica behind and begin the return journey. A final day at sea offers time to reflect on the journey, attend recap presentations, review photographs, or spend quiet time on deck watching the Southern Ocean.

Day 19: Ushuaia, Argentina (Disembarkation)
Arrival at the End of the World
Arrival in Ushuaia in the early morning. After breakfast, disembarkation procedures take place, marking the end of this extraordinary expedition from South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula.


© 66E
© 66E
© 66E


INCLUSIONS

Complimentary airport transfer from the Airport to hotel on day 1.
One night pre-cruise hotel on day 1.
Complimentary transfer service from Ushuaia port to Ushuaia Airport (USH) or downtown on day 17.
One waterproof polar expedition jacket.
One reusable water bottle.
10GB WiFi package for personal devices
Onboard accommodation during the voyage, including daily cabin service.
All meals and snacks on board.
Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner onboard the ship.
Coffee/Tea 24 hours a day.
Complimentary in-suite mini-bar replenishment daily with soft drinks.
All included shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
A pair of loaner boots for use during the voyage.
Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.


EXCLUSIONS

Onboard service charge: US$15 per ship night per person is automatically added to your onboard account.
International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
Airport arrival or departure taxes.
Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
Optional excursions and activity surcharges.
All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages (outside of dinner service), laundry services, and personal clothing.


Dates & Rates


Ship: Seaventure 66° | Date: 19 Oct 2026 - 06 Nov 2026 (4832)
Porthole Stateroom
$16,495
$13,196
Triple Stateroom
$14,695
$11,756
Window Stateroom D4F
$17,495
$13,996
Window Stateroom D5F
$18,295
$14,636
Window Stateroom D4M
$18,995
$15,196
Window Stateroom D5M
$19,995
$15,996
Veranda Stateroom
$22,395
$17,916
Owner´s Suite
$28,495
$22,796

* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

Gallery



Other options you will like


 



THE POLAR TRAVEL COMPANY LLC
USA


Tel: +1 (786) 321-5654
WhatsApp: +1 (786) 705-2241
Email: travel@thepolartravelcompany.com

International Travel Awards - 2023 Winner
Trip Advisor Traveler's Choice Awards 2025

© 2020 The Polar Travel Company | All rights reserved | Terms & Conditions
THE POLAR TRAVEL COMPANY LLC is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Registration No. ST42392.

Write us via WhatsApp