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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 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 traveler seeking a true adventure to the world’s most remote wilderness.

Day 1 - Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina

Arrive at any time; your airport transfer is included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.

Accommodations: Hotel Ushuaia
Included Meals: n/a

Day 2 - Embark Ushuaia

Embarkation on the M/S Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.

Accommodations: M/S Expedition
Included Meals: breakfast and dinner

Day 3 - At Sea

As you make the passage east, become acquainted with the ship. Lecture and information sessions will teach you about the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.

Accommodations: M/S Expedition
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 4-5 - The Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Penguins and albatross are abundant here, and the Falklands have the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world. Port Stanley provides an opportunity to meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colorful houses provide contrast to the long dark winters.

Accommodations: M/S Expedition
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 6-7 - At Sea

Sailing east, set course for South Georgia Island. Days at sea are filled with lectures to prepare you for landings. Keep your eyes peeled for the many whales that inhabit these waters.

Accommodations: M/S Expedition
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 8-11 - South Georgia

Home to many marvels, including Shackleton’s grave, South Georgia is a former whaling station and home to prolific wildlife. Visiting a huge colony of king penguins is a major highlight of this part of the journey. Weather permitting, you will have three full days to explore this island.

Accommodations: M/S Expedition
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 12-13 - At Sea

Turn south and sail for two days, retracing Shackleton's route backwards, heading toward Elephant Island and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Accommodations: M/S Expedition
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 14-18 - Antarctica

Experience some of the most unique wildlife viewing and inspiring scenery in the world as you set foot on the Antarctic continent. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather conditions 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. During the voyage, learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.

Accommodations: M/S Expedition
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 19-20 - The Drake Passage

Reflect on your memorable adventure and take in some final lectures as Expedition heads back to Ushuaia. Keep a careful lookout on your last chance to spot whales.

Accommodations: M/S Expedition
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 21 - Disembark Ushuaia

Have a final breakfast on Expedition before saying your goodbyes and disembarking in Ushuaia in the morning. You are free to fly out of Ushuaia anytime from noon onwards.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast



Itinerary Notes: Read this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife we encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Included: 20 nights on board the M/S Expedition; Arrival transfer from airport in Ushuaia to hotel; 1 night accommodation with breakfast in Ushuaia; Zodiac cruises and shore landings with an expert expedition team; Lecture and educational programs; Ushuaia transfer from airport for flights arriving on Day 1; Ushuaia transfer to airport depending on your departure flight details; Waterproof boots supplied for men's USA sized 8-14 & women's USA sized 3-9; Antarctica destination guide book.

Exclusions: Airfares to the embarkation point and from the disembarkation point; adventure options of kayaking or diving; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; hotel accommodations; supplement for single hotel accommodations; meals while in Ushuaia; Rubber boots on all other vessels not specifically listed above; Trip Cancellation Insurance with emergency medical evacuation insurance (required); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for those who have served you aboard (guidelines will be provided). Note: Should the price of marine fuel increase dramatically, we may have to institute a fuel surcharge.

Room Configurations: Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. For those who desire single occupancy, cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the twin rate.

Families & Children: Minimum age is 12 years old. An adult over the age of 21 must accompany every 2 children under the age of 18. The ratio of adults to children traveling together must be one adult per two children and two adults per four children (17 and under).

Arrival & Departure: The Antarctica Spirit of Shackleton cruise begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina. Plan inbound flights to arrive (USH) at any time on day 1 and outbound flights to depart no earlier than 12 noon on the final day. Upon completion of the 8:00 am disembarkation in Ushuaia, passengers will receive a complimentary transfer to either the airport or a central location where luggage can be stored. When packing your luggage please note that the weight restriction on the domestic flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia is only 15 to 23 kg (33 to 50 lbs) per person, depending on the airline. Please note that the airlines will generally charge for excess baggage. You are able to leave luggage that you do not need at the hotel in Buenos Aires.

Payment & Cancellation: At time of booking a non-refundable deposit of $750 per person is required to confirm a reservation on this Antarctic voyage. The deposit may be paid by bank wire transfer, check, money order or major credit card. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Final payment can be made by check, credit, money order or bank wire transfer. All prices and payments are in US dollars and no other currencies can be accepted.

A special cancellation policy applies to all Antarctic and Arctic trips, which is stricter than the AdventureSmith Explorations policy. All requests for cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received:
90 days or more before departure: Loss of deposit
89 to 60 days before departure: 50% of the cost of services booked
Less than 60 days before departure: 100% of cost of services booked

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Activities: Light walking and hiking on this trip will be suitable for most fitness levels. Camping ($159) and kayaking ($659) are available at an added cost. Contact AdventureSmith for availability and more information.

Qualifications: The Spirit of Shackleton Antarctica cruise aboard Expedition will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health, has full mobility, and leads an active life. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join any off-vessel excursions, passengers must be able to navigate the steep, 30-stair, gang-way, un-assisted both down and up. Daily excursions from the boat will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will take excursions to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist. You are traveling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition, or need daily medical treatment.


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