In Shackleton's Footsteps: Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula

Follow in the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton on an epic 18-night journey. Explore the Falkland Islands, marvel at massive penguin colonies in South Georgia, and sail among the majestic icebergs of the Antarctic Peninsula.


Falklands and Antarctica
© SWA

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

The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.


Included
Optional


Live out your Antarctica dream on this exceptional voyage aboard a luxury ice-class expedition ship. Your journey to this icy wilderness starts with the notorious Drake Passage crossing, following in the footsteps of legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton to South Georgia. Often called the 'Galapagos of the Poles,' here you will clamber onto beaches crammed with millions of penguins and elephant seals, taking home everlasting memories. The expedition continues around the Antarctic Peninsula, providing unparalleled photo opportunities of captivating glaciers and monumental icebergs rising from the frigid waters.

This immersive cruise is the ultimate Antarctica journey, perfect for travellers who like peace of mind that everything is taken care of. During the voyage, you can enjoy state-of-the-art facilities such as a sauna, gym, and hot tubs, or participate in educational programs led by knowledgeable experts. From the historic whaling station of Grytviken to the photogenic Lemaire Channel, each day presents a new opportunity to explore scientific bases and snowy landscapes in what will surely be the trip of a lifetime.

Highlights:
Visit to South Georgia to observe colonies of millions of King and Gentoo penguins.
Tour of historic sites such as Grytviken, the final resting place of Ernest Shackleton.
Exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula, including the majestic Lemaire Channel.
Diverse wildlife sightings in the Falkland Islands, such as black-browed albatross.
Luxury onboard facilities including a sauna, gym, and polar expert lecture programs.

Itinerary

© SWA
© SWA
© SWA

Day 1: Ushuaia
The gateway to the White Continent
Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range in Argentina's Patagonia region, Ushuaia’s colourful streets cascade from the imposing mountains to the shores of the Beagle Channel. Often described as 'the End of the World', the city carries the reputation well.

Day 2: Day at sea
Relaxation and learning on board
Spend your day enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym, or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views. Listen to informative talks or have a chat with our knowledgeable experts.

Day 3: West Point Island & Saunders Island
Birdlife sanctuaries in the Falklands
At West Point, observe rockhopper, gentoo, and Magellanic penguin colonies, and black-browed albatross. On Saunders Island, look for Commerson's dolphins in the waters and imperial cormorants nesting amid the cliffs of Cliff Mountain.

Day 4: Port Stanley
A British outpost in the South Atlantic
The tiny capital of the Falkland Islands is small enough to get around on foot. Visit the Historic Dockyard Museum devoted to maritime history. Magellanic penguins gather at nearby Gypsy Cove, and sea lions and dolphins frolic in the harbour.

Day 5-6: Day at sea
Crossing towards the deep south
Continue to enjoy the onboard facilities as we sail towards more southern latitudes. Take the opportunity to chat with the expedition team specialists or relax on the decks while scanning the marine horizon for wildlife.

Day 7-10: South Georgia
The Galapagos of the Poles
Explore landing sites with tens of thousands of King Penguins and elephant seals. Visit Grytviken, the historic whaling station where legendary British explorer Ernest Shackleton is laid to rest. It is one of the most biodiverse places in the polar world.

Day 11: Day at sea
Heading to the Antarctic Peninsula
A day dedicated to navigation and preparation for the arrival at the White Continent. Enjoy the sauna or the gym as the landscape begins to transform with the presence of the first large Antarctic icebergs.

Day 12-16: Antarctic Peninsula
Living the Antarctica dream
Sail among captivating glaciers and snowy islands. Shore excursions might include the Lemaire Channel or Mikkelsen Harbour, where gentoo penguins and Antarctic Weddell seals haul out. Visit scientific bases and marvel at the scale of the frozen landscape.

Day 17-18: Day at sea
Final reflections and return
As the ship begins its return journey, take the time to review your photographs, attend the final expert lectures, or relax in the hot tub under the southern sky, sharing experiences with fellow travellers.

Day 19: Ushuaia
Return to the end of the world
Return to Ushuaia, where this epic expedition ends. The snow-capped mountains and the Beagle Channel welcome you back after completing an immersive and unforgettable journey through the planet's most remote ecosystems.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia
The gateway to the White Continent
Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range in Argentina's Patagonia region, Ushuaia’s colourful streets cascade from the imposing mountains to the shores of the Beagle Channel. Often described as 'the End of the World', the city carries the reputation well.

Day 2: Day at sea
Relaxation and learning on board
Spend your day enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym, or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views. Listen to informative talks or have a chat with our knowledgeable experts.

Day 3: West Point Island & Saunders Island
Birdlife sanctuaries in the Falklands
At West Point, observe rockhopper, gentoo, and Magellanic penguin colonies, and black-browed albatross. On Saunders Island, look for Commerson's dolphins in the waters and imperial cormorants nesting amid the cliffs of Cliff Mountain.

Day 4: Port Stanley
A British outpost in the South Atlantic
The tiny capital of the Falkland Islands is small enough to get around on foot. Visit the Historic Dockyard Museum devoted to maritime history. Magellanic penguins gather at nearby Gypsy Cove, and sea lions and dolphins frolic in the harbour.

Day 5-6: Day at sea
Crossing towards the deep south
Continue to enjoy the onboard facilities as we sail towards more southern latitudes. Take the opportunity to chat with the expedition team specialists or relax on the decks while scanning the marine horizon for wildlife.

Day 7-10: South Georgia
The Galapagos of the Poles
Explore landing sites with tens of thousands of King Penguins and elephant seals. Visit Grytviken, the historic whaling station where legendary British explorer Ernest Shackleton is laid to rest. It is one of the most biodiverse places in the polar world.

Day 11: Day at sea
Heading to the Antarctic Peninsula
A day dedicated to navigation and preparation for the arrival at the White Continent. Enjoy the sauna or the gym as the landscape begins to transform with the presence of the first large Antarctic icebergs.

Day 12-16: Antarctic Peninsula
Living the Antarctica dream
Sail among captivating glaciers and snowy islands. Shore excursions might include the Lemaire Channel or Mikkelsen Harbour, where gentoo penguins and Antarctic Weddell seals haul out. Visit scientific bases and marvel at the scale of the frozen landscape.

Day 17-18: Day at sea
Final reflections and return
As the ship begins its return journey, take the time to review your photographs, attend the final expert lectures, or relax in the hot tub under the southern sky, sharing experiences with fellow travellers.

Day 19: Ushuaia
Return to the end of the world
Return to Ushuaia, where this epic expedition ends. The snow-capped mountains and the Beagle Channel welcome you back after completing an immersive and unforgettable journey through the planet's most remote ecosystems.


© SWA
© SWA
© SWA


INCLUSIONS

Charter flights to the port of embarkation/ disembarkation (Ushuaia)
Group return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel (where included)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel (exemptions apply)
Your selected stateroom
All meals onboard
Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise
24-hour room service
Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers
One selected shore excursion per port of call
All expedition landings
Entry level WI-FI (upgraded packages available)
Gym, sauna, pool
24/7 self service laundry
Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle, yours to keep
In polar regions: branded parka, yours to keep and use of rubber boots
Memory Package
Onboard gratuities & port taxes

EXCLUSIONS

Anything not mentioned in the inclusions


Dates & Rates


Ship: SH Minerva | Date: 30 Nov 2027 - 18 Dec 2027 (5138)
Oceanview M4
$20,975
Balcony D5
$21,975
Balcony M5
$22,975
Balcony D6
$23,975
Suite
$34,950
Premium Suite
$39,950
Ship: SH Vega | Date: 04 Jan 2028 - 22 Jan 2028 (5137)
Balcony M5
$24,625
Balcony D6
$25,675
Suite
$37,450
Premium Suite
$42,800

* 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.

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