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Spirit of Shackleton
21 days, Ushuaia to Ushuaia
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Experience vast penguin rookeries and seal colonies on this awe-inspiring voyage to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. This 21-day voyage illuminates Ernest Shackleton’s legend and recounts his courageous exploration of Antarctica. You’ll visit historical sites of past explorers, as well as Shackleton’s final resting place — the wildlife-rich island of South Georgia. Antarctica is beyond comprehension and sure to amaze any traveller seeking a true adventure to the world’s most remote wilderness.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: Marine
Small-ship adventures on the world’s great seas, rivers, and other places only accessible by boat.
Physical Rating: 2 - Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Age requirement: 10+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
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Trip Code: XVSHSX
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Itinerary Notes
This trip is assigned a Physical Rating of 2. It is accessible to most fitness levels and for those able to do extended walks and light hiking on various terrain. It is important to note that for landings in Antarctica we use Zodiacs and wet beach landings in what sometimes can be extreme environments. This will require you to be able to safely navigate ice and snow on uneven ground, to lift your leg over the side of a Zodiac and push yourself up, walk on wet, rocky beaches and stand throughout the landing with no place to sit. Our expedition team is there to assist you if needed but having good mobility is important for your safety and enjoyment. Please also note that the G Expedition does not have an elevator and thus staircases must be used to move between decks, and depending on the weather the ship can sometimes find itself navigating rough and choppy sea conditions. For visual examples of the zodiac landings and activities please refer to the Excursions image gallery on the Expedition landing page here.
Itinerary
Day 1Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.
Day 2Ushuaia/Beagle Channel
Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping, explore the town, or visit the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the G Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 3Beagle Channel/Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
As the G Expedition makes passage east, become acquainted with the ship. Begin lectures and information sessions about the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDays 4–5Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)/Southern Ocean
The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Penguins are abundant here, and the Falklands have the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world. In Stanley, meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colourful houses provide contrast to the long, dark winters.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDays 6–7Southern Ocean/South Georgia
Sailing east, set course for South Georgia. Days at sea are filled with lectures to prepare for landings. Watch for the many whales that inhabit these waters.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDays 8–11South Georgia/Scotia Sea
Home to many interesting sights (including the grave of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton), South Georgia has several former whaling stations and boasts plenty of wildlife. Visiting a huge colony of king penguins is a major highlight of this part of the journey. Weather permitting, spend four full days exploring the island.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDays 12–13Scotia Sea/Antarctic Peninsula
Sail for two days, retracing Shackleton's route backwards on course towards Elephant Island and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDays 14–18Antarctic Peninsula/Drake Passage
Experience some of the most unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery in the world while setting foot on the Antarctic continent. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting), and encounter Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. The peninsula also has a remarkable human history.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDays 19–20Drake Passage/Ushuaia
Reflect on a memorable adventure and take in some final lectures en route back to Ushuaia. Keep a careful lookout for a last chance to spot whales.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 21Ushuaia
Disembark in the morning.
Meals included:
BreakfastWhat's Included
- 19 nts aboard the G Expedition
- 1 nt hotel in Ushuaia, on a twin share basis
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
- Lectures and educational programs
- Waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16
- Expedition parka
Accommodations
Twin-share hotel (1 nt), aboard the G Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 19 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.
Meals
20 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 19 dinners
Allow USD25-35 for meals not included. Drinks and tips on board not included.
Transportation
G Expedition, Zodiac, private bus, walking.
Staff & experts
One expedition team member per 10 guests.