trip specifics

price

Decades of exploring Antarctica and the surrounding region have given your expedition staff the expertise and time needed to uncover important landing sites beyond the Antarctic Peninsula that we now call on with ease: the South Orkney Islands, the wildlife-rich Falkland Islands and South Georgia, perhaps the ultimate destination for jaw-dropping scenery, boundless wildlife and the captivating history of Ernest Shackleton and his crew. Walk wild beaches as a hundred thousand king penguins go about their busy lives: calling for mates, flashing their bright colors in their courtship ritual. Take a rugged hike and go by Zodiac and kayak where few have gone before. This voyage will affect the way you tell stories about travel and wildlife adventures for years to come.

Day 1 - U.S./Santiago, Chile

Depart the United States this evening on an independently arranged overnight flight to beautiful Santiago, Chile. We've found that Miami is a convenient gateway for most, but other air alternatives are available.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: n/a

Day 2 - Santiago

This morning we arrive in Santiago, backed by the soaring Andes. Check into the gracious Grand Hyatt Santiago. In the afternoon, have a panoramic overview of the city including a visit to the Pre-Columbian Museum. Return to the Hyatt for dinner.

Accommodations: Santiago Hotel
Included Meals: lunch, dinner

Day 3 - Santiago/Ushuaia, Argentina

The morning's LAN charter flight offers some rare views of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. We'll have lunch during a catamaran cruise of the scenic Beagle Channel before embarking our expedition ship and setting sail.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - At Sea

Whales beneath, birds above, as you settle in to shipboard life. Spend time on deck or the bridge watching the sea. The ever-changing light presents endless photo possibilities.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 5-10 - Antarctica

With nearly 24 hours of daylight at this time of year, we make the most of our days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands. Our schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected. We’ll sail through the incomparable Lemaire Channel and land on the “White Continent.”

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 - Elephant Island

We pass the speck of land that is the legendary Elephant Island, an unforgettable part of the Shackleton story, where the crew of Endurance finally landed on April 24, 1916. From here, Shackleton and five men set sail for one of the most incredible stories of survival at sea: 700 miles across the Southern Ocean in a 22' long wooden sailboat.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12 - At Sea

As we voyage south, watch for icebergs or head to the Bridge for a lesson in navigation. There'll also be time to enjoy a wellness treatment in the spa, work out in the fitness center, catch up on a book or simply relax. Each day our Naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 13-17 - South Georgia

Renowned for its beauty and vast colonies of king penguins, this is also the final resting place for the legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Teeming wildlife, breathtaking scenery and soaring cliffs filled with bird life greeting our ship. Hundreds of young Antarctic fur seals are on hand as our Zodiacs make landfall. At St. Andrew's Bay, you may come upon 100,000 king penguins.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 18-19 - At Sea

These days at sea give us a chance to reflect on all that we have seen iand experienced n South Georgia , and prepare for the exciting days ahead in the Falkland Islands. There'll be time to hear talks from our staff, read in the ship's cozy library, and search for whales from the Bridge. For the more indulgent, enjoy a rejuvenating massage with our licensed therapist, work out in the gym--or simply relax.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 20 - Port Standley, Falklands

See the photogenic tin-roofed, Victorian-style houses of Port Stanley. Visit the Anglican Cathedral with its organic archway of whalebones and the Falkland Islands Museum.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 21 - Falkland Islands

The Falklands boast the largest albatross colony in the world, irresistible Magellanic penguins in their burrows amid the green tussock grass and herds of enormous elephant seals.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 22 - At Sea

Our last day at sea gives us a one more opportunity to watch for marine life, and a chance to reflect on all we have seen and heard, hearing talks from our staff and bringing to summary the colossal scope of this voyage.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 23 - Disembark Ushuaia

We disembark in Ushuaia and have some time to explore before boarding our exclusively chartered LAN flight to Santiago, and the subsequent overnight flight to the U.S.

Accommodations: National Geographic Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast

Day 24 - Arrive Home

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: n/a

Photo of penguins courtesy of Ralph Lee Hopkins
Photo of vessel courtesy of Linblad Expeditions

Notes on Itinerary: 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.

Single Travelers: We will make arrangements for roommate shares for solo travelers at the double occupancy rate in categories 1 and 2. We match you with a cabin mate(s) of the same gender. Even if we are unable to find a cabin mate for you, no single supplement will be charged.

Children Age Requirments: There are no age requirements for children. Children under the age of 17 are eligible for $500 off the cost.

Cost Includes: One night pre-cruise hotel in Santiago; Shipboard accommodation, meals, shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage; Leadership by experienced expedition staff; Presentations by noted naturalists and other experts; Zodiac cruising and transfers to and from the ship for shore excursions; Comprehensive pre-departure information kit and Antarctica handbook; Group transfers and baggage handling as per itinerary; All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges; Sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits; use of kayaks (where available); taxes and service charges; services of a ship physician on most voyages.

Not Included: Any airfare, whether international or required charter flights from Santiago to Ushuaia and back; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals in Santiago; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (strongly recommended); 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).

Payment and Cancellation Policy: A deposit of $1800 per person is required to confirm a reservation with final payment due 90 days prior to departure. All prices and payments are in US dollars and no other currencies can be accepted. A special cancellation policy applies to all Antarctica trips, which is stricter than the AdventureSmith Explorations policy. All requests for cancellations must be received in writing.
Cancellations received 120 days prior to departure are fully refunded less an administrative fee of $250 per person ($150 of which is a Travel Certificate).
Between 119-90 days, per person deposit amount is forfeited.
Between 89-60 days, per person cancellation fee of 25% of trip cost.
Between 59-30 days, per person cancellation fee of 50% of trip cost.
Between 29-0 days, no refund.
Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with
For your party of 8 or more, you will each receive 5% off your expedition. A 10% deposit is due at time of reservation, and an additional 25% is required 120 days in advance.

Accommodations Aboard: The Endeavour accommodates 110-passengers in comfortable twin and triple cabins each with a desk and ample storage space. Public areas include a Lounge and bar with facilities for slide shows and lectures; Library; Swimming pool; Fitness Center; Sauna; Hair Salon; Gift Shop. Views are excellent from the large, open decks and the navigation bridge, where we are always welcome. The chefs produce a varied menu and the comfortable bar is stocked with a good selection of wine. The ship officers and crew are all highly experienced in ice navigation. The atmosphere aboard is relaxed and informal, more like a private expedition than a cruise.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health, has full mobility and leads an active life. Passengers must be able to navigate the 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.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

return to top of page

AdventureSmith Explorations

Travel Specialists  |  Contact Us