The Polar Travel Company

The fastest way to South Georgia and Antarctica, focusing on maximum wildlife encounters. Walk among vast colonies of King Penguins and Elephant Seals in South Georgia, follow Shackleton's wake, and explore the soaring peaks of the Antarctic Peninsula by Zodiac.

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Duration: 18 days / 17 nights
Starts: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ends: Buenos Aires, 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.
The 18-day itinerary includes a pre-expedition hotel night in Buenos Aires and round-trip private charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia.

Included

Optional

Our 18-day South Georgia and Antarctica: Penguin Safari itinerary offers the fastest and most efficient way to immerse yourself in the greatest wildlife spectacles of the Southern Ocean, combining the remote majesty of South Georgia with the overwhelming enormity of the 7th Continent. The adventure begins and ends with private charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, saving significant time at sea. South Georgia Island awaits as a wildlife paradise, where you can walk beaches teeming with hundreds of thousands of King Penguins and massive Elephant Seals. You'll follow the historical wake of Sir Ernest Shackleton, visiting his gravesite and the abandoned relics of old whaling stations.

The journey continues to the Antarctic Peninsula, a land of soaring peaks, glistening glaciers, and serene isolation. Here, daily Zodiac excursions and shore landings bring you face-to-face with Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Ad�lie penguins, and a variety of seals (Weddell, Fur, Crabeater, Leopard). Your experience is enhanced by onboard polar experts, who provide dynamic presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology, and geology. For the truly adventurous, an optional paddling excursion or the Polar Plunge offers an intimate way to witness the rugged peninsula's icy realm.

Highlights:
See South Georgia�s incredible wildlife, including four penguin species (King, Gentoo, Chinstrap, Ad�lie) and Elephant Seals.
Follow in the wake of Sir Ernest Shackleton�s perilous voyages to South Georgia and pause for a moment at his grave site.
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula by ship, Zodiac and foot, with four full days dedicated to the continent.
Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by our onboard polar experts.
Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Antarctic, with an optional paddling excursion.

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Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Arrival and Transfer to Group Hotel
Upon arriving in this cosmopolitan city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel. The pre-expedition hotel night is included as part of your Charter Flight and Hotel Package.

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
Charter Flight, City Exploration, and Beagle Channel Sailing
After an early breakfast, the group transfers to the airport to board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, transfer to a central downtown location for free time to explore the quaint port town before heading to the pier for a late afternoon embarkation. You will then sail along the historic Beagle Channel, departing with a sense of anticipation for the remote Antarctic wilderness ahead.

Days 3�6: At Sea
Navigating to South Georgia and Polar Briefings
These days are dedicated to sailing towards South Georgia Island. Onboard, activities include learning to identify the seabirds (Shags and Prions) that glide alongside the ship and attending dynamic presentations by your Expedition Team on safety procedures, Zodiac operations, and the history and wildlife of the region. If conditions are favorable, you may sight the rocky spires of Shag Rocks, a key indicator of your proximity to South Georgia. Look out for potential whale sightings around these nutrient-rich upwellings.

Days 7�9: South Georgia
Wildlife Safari and Shackleton�s History
We dedicate three days to exploring South Georgia, where landing sites are varied and weather-dependent. Prepare for wildlife sightings unrivaled anywhere else on Earth: beaches are blanketed with King Penguins, Elephant Seals, and various breeding bird species, making it a birder�s paradise. You will visit significant historical sites, including abandoned whaling stations and relics of human activity. A highlight is visiting Grytviken, one of the first whaling stations and the solemn grave site of Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose perilous voyages will be brought to life by your Expedition Team.

Days 10�11: At Sea
Sailing to Antarctica and Polar Preparation
Bid farewell to South Georgia as the ship sails toward the Antarctic Peninsula. These days are filled with presentations and workshops led by your Expedition Team, preparing you for the dramatic wildlife and landscapes of the 7th Continent, including glaciology and marine biology lectures.

Days 12�15: Antarctic Peninsula
Reverence, Exploration, and Optional Adventures
Upon reaching Antarctica, experience a profound sense of reverence and awe. We dedicate four days to exploring this land of extremes: from the silence of isolation to the inspiration of calving glaciers and curious penguins. Your Expedition Team will lead daily excursions, whether Zodiac cruising, visiting historical sites, or observing colonies of Chinstrap, Ad�lie, and Gentoo penguins, along with Weddell, Fur, Crabeater, and Leopard seals. Keep an eye out for Minke whales during Zodiac cruises. Optional activities like the paddling excursion (extra cost) or the exhilarating Polar Plunge are offered when conditions allow.

Days 16�17: At Sea
Crossing the Drake Passage
Sail north across the legendary Drake Passage, marking the final stage of your journey. (Note: The provided itinerary skips from Day 15 to Day 18. Assuming the two days at sea are Day 16 & 17 for a total of 18 days.)

Day 18: Disembark in Ushuaia and flight to Buenos Aires
Morning Disembarkation and Return Charter Flight
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. Your Charter Flight and Hotel Package includes a transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires, where your expedition concludes.