The Polar Travel Company

Explore Antarctica and South Georgia. See South Georgia's distinctive wildlife, such as king penguins.

�A21

Duration: 18 days / 17 nights
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ends: Punta Arenas, Chile
Language: English speaking voyage

Included

Optional

This 18-day expedition is a unique Air-Cruise experience that combines the rugged beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula with the incredible wildlife abundance of South Georgia. The journey begins by embarking in Ushuaia, Argentina, and sailing along the Beagle Channel towards South Georgia. Days 5 through 9 are spent exploring South Georgia, an island famous for its diverse landscape of majestic mountains, massive glaciers, and deep fjords. You will have the chance to visit the former whaling outpost of Grytviken and pay respects at the grave of Ernest Shackleton. Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with potential landings at St. Andrew's Bay, home to a staggering 150,000 king penguins, or Cooper Island, known for black-browed albatrosses and macaroni penguins.

After two days at sea, the expedition reaches Elephant Island, where Shackleton's crew found refuge. The final four days are dedicated to exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, where your route is shaped by nature's shifting conditions, allowing the Expedition Team to select sites in the Gerlache Strait that showcase Antarctica's rich and diverse landscapes. Each day, guests disembark by Zodiac to explore the landscape with expert polar guides. The expedition concludes with a scheduled flight from King George Island in Antarctica back to Punta Arenas, Chile

Highlights:
Explore two main polar destinations: Antarctica and South Georgia.
Sail early to South Georgia from Ushuaia.
Visit Grytviken and the grave of Ernest Shackleton.
See massive wildlife colonies, including 150,000 king penguins at St. Andrew's Bay.
Spend four days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, making daily Zodiac landings.

�A21

Day 1: Start of the air-cruise
Embarkation on your boutique vessel in Ushuaia, Argentina
In the afternoon, embark on your boutique vessel at the pier in Ushuaia, Argentina. Sail along the Beagle Channel towards South Georgia.

Days 2-4: At sea, sailing to South Georgia
Ocean crossing and preparations
Spend three days at sea sailing to South Georgia.

Days 5-9: Explore South Georgia
Grytviken, wildlife, and expedition sites
Spend five days exploring South Georgia. You may pay your respects at the simple grave of Ernest Shackleton at the former whaling outpost of Grytviken. Landings may include St. Andrew's Bay (king penguins), Cooper Island (albatrosses/macaroni penguins), Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plains, Prion Island, and Elsehul Bay.

Days 10-11: At sea, sailing to the Antarctic Peninsula
Crossing the Scotia Sea
Spend two days at sea sailing from South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Day 12: Elephant Island
Stop where Shackleton's crew found refuge
Sailing south, the ship hopes to stop at Elephant Island, where the crew of Shackleton's Endurance found refuge.

Days 13-16: Explore Antarctica
Zodiac landings and exploration of the Gerlache Strait
Spend four days cruising between the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, navigating icy fjords and striking icebergs. The Expedition Team selects sites in the Gerlache Strait that showcase Antarctica's rich and diverse landscapes. Each day, land by Zodiac to explore with expert polar guides.

Day 17: Scheduled flight from Antarctica to Punta Arenas
Transfer to the airport and return to Chile
Scheduled flight from King George Island (Antarctica) to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program).

Day 18: End of the air-cruise
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.