Antarctic Peninsula & South Georgia Island: Expedition Cruise |16 Days

Day 1 - Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina

You will begin your Antarctic Peninsula & South Georgia Island journey in Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica. Prior to your trip this is an ideal base to explore Patagonia of both Argentina or Chile and your Totally Latin America expert adviser will be glad to share the best options.

Day 2 - Embarkation Day

Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel through the Tierra del Fuego. This is the Land of Fire as discovered by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in the year 1520. As the archipelago grows more distant your gaze turns southbound and thoughts are sure to anticipate your imminent discovery of the remote seventh continent of Antarctica.

Days 3 to 6 - Sea Crossing

Our Antarctic Peninsula & South Georgia Island, starts with the crossing from Ushuaia to South Georgia, where you will have much to do and learn. These activities include keeping watch for the seabirds that give a guard of honour to your ship en route. Also, you can visit the auditorium for insightful presentations by your expedition leaders. The lectures include education on your destinations and all safety procedures for Zodiac cruises and shore landings. In addition, you will learn the secrets to maximise your enjoyment of the optional sea kayaking adventures. These are an additional charge but offer a more in-depth option to get up close and personal with the best of the superb landscapes and wildlife. Upon nearing South Georgia, there is great opportunity for bird sightings at a group of imposing outcrops called the Shag Rocks. Have your binoculars and cameras ready to capture these rocky spires rising out of the icy ocean waters. Shags and Prions often rest here, and whales, sometimes in large schools, are common due to the rich sea bounty of Krill.

Day 7 & 8 - South Georgia Island

South Georgia has a maritime climate, so it does not experience the extreme temperatures of continental Antarctica. Your arrival will be via a beach landing, but the exact location will be determined by the captain as the island can experience strong winds. The isle is a premiere breeding ground to thousands of penguins and seals and birds including an abundance of Albatross and Petrel.
A highlight of our Antarctic Peninsula & South Georgia Island cruise is the island of Grytviken which is located on the west of King Edward Cove in Cumberland Bay. This settlement was the first whaling station established by the Norwegian Carl Anton Larsen in 1904 and operated there until 1965. The catches landed included the largest recorded Blue Whale of 111 feet in length. Grytviken was the last port of call for the Endurance in 1914 and the burial site of Ernest Shackleton, who died on board the Quest in King Edward Cove on 5 January 1922. The renowned Everest mountain pioneer Sir Edmund Hillary also called at Grytviken on the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition in 1955. The setting of Grytviken is a place of contemplation and is often a highlight of any Antarctic visit. Profound moments on this to ponder the trials and tribulations of those gone before us.

Day 9 & 10 - Sea Crossing

Today we depart the relative warmer climes of South Georgia and set course for the Antarctic Peninsula. We continue with the educational series of presentations and workshops from the expedition leaders. This will ensure you are best prepared for your upcoming explorations of the Antarctic Peninsula itself.

Day 11 to 13 - Antarctic Peninsula

We voyage into the beautiful white continent. Many people feel this milestone as quite a rapturous event; solemn and yet an immense frozen natural grandeur. The serenity can be dashed by thunderous calving of icy glaciers to the sea, but this just adds to the surreal environment. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each excursion, whether you are Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site or vying with penguins as they waddle to inspect your strange feet! Chinstrap, Adélie and Gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, Fur, Crabeater and Leopard seals. Minke Whales are a common sight on your Zodiac cruise excursions. Optional Antarctic experiences include paddling or lose your rationality and take the Polar Plunge to the icy Antarctic waters!

Day 14 & 15 - Crossing the Drake Passage

The final portion of this Antarctic Peninsula & South Georgia Island itinerary is now upon us as the Ultramarine sets course for Ushuaia. This 600-mile sea crossing is named after the British navigator Sir Francis Drake who journeyed here on his famed circumnavigation of the world from 1577 to 1580. This opened a new route to the Pacific Ocean. Your cruise will spend two days crossing and you can enjoy the wildlife on these plankton rich waters. It is also a perfect time to reminisce on the splendours your amazing Antarctic adventure. The crossing can be calm or with heavy seas, but rest assured your Ultramarine vessel and crew are the best quipped to make that passage sail by with consummate ease.

Day 16 – Disembarkation Ushuaia

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning to disembark. There are two options here, connect to your flight home or talk to your Totally Latin America travel adviser and explore deeper into Latin America. Patagonian Chile and Argentina are popular choices.