King Penguins of the Falklands and South Georgia - Expedition

22 days
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Small Group Tour
From Montevideo to the depths of Antarctica - challenge, desolation, unlimited wonder. It's not difficult to grasp what attracted the great explorers to Antarctica. Get a personal appreciation for the struggle to tame the bottom of the world on this 22-day adventure to the land that entranced Shackleton and countless others since. What better year to travel, ...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • An epic Antarctic adventure - in the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton
    • View large colonies of iconic king penguins - on South Georgia
    • Variety of penguins - stand amid magellanic, macaroni and rockhopper penguins in the Falkland Islands
    • Get close to the marine wildlife - see whales and cavorting seals from your Zodiac
    • Montevideo - explore the delights of this vibrant city

What's this trip about?

    From Montevideo to the depths of Antarctica - challenge, desolation, unlimited wonder. It's not difficult to grasp what attracted the great explorers to Antarctica. Get a personal appreciation for the struggle to tame the bottom of the world on this 22-day adventure to the land that entranced Shackleton and countless others since. What better year to travel, than the centenary year of Shackleton's epic journey! After time visiting Montevideo, you'll set sail to explore the Falkland Islands, encounter abandoned whaling stations on South Georgia Island and pay your respects at Shackleton's grave. Elsewhere, you'll catch up with penguins - king, chinstrap and gentoo varieties - and learn all about them through daily lectures, get close to whales and cavorting seals from a Zodiac boat and keep your eyes peeled for towering icebergs and massive glaciers. Prepare to be astonished. An epic Antarctic adventure - in the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton View large colonies of iconic king penguins - on South Georgia Variety of penguins - stand amid magellanic, macaroni and rockhopper penguins in the Falkland Islands

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityMontevideo
End CityUshuaia

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Cycling & Biking
  • Hiking & Walking
  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

  • Georgia
  • South America
  • Argentina
  • Asia
  • Antarctica

Attractions

  • Antarctic Peninsula
  • Britain
  • Falklands Islands
  • Georgia
  • Montevideo
  • Shetland Islands
  • South Shetland Islands
  • Ushuaia

Activities

  • Cycling
  • Hiking
  • Trekking

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Montevideo

Arrive in Montevideo, the capital and largest city of Uruguay and enjoy its rich and vibrant culture. You can arrive at any time and an arrival transfer is included if arriving in on day one of the itinerary. Upon arrival into Montevideo Airport (MVD) or the ferry ...

Day 2 Set sail from Montevideo

Today we embark aboard the Expedition. The group will leave the hotel together in the early afternoon. The morning is free for you to do any last minute shopping or some final exploration of the city. The evening is spent onboard the ship sailing southwards towards th...

Day 3 At Sea

As you make the passage south you have time to become acquainted with the ship and onboard staff and crew. Spend time on deck spotting wildlife including albatrosses and always keeping our eyes peeled for whales and dolphins.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 At Sea

During our first days at sea, we begin our lecture programmes, to learn more about the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 At Sea

Soon to arrive in the Falkland Islands, try and catch a glimpse from deck of a Wandering Albatross in flight - this species has the largest wingspan of any living bird.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 The Falkland Islands

Today, we arrive in the Falkland Islands. From here, you have a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Penguins, elephant seals and sea lions are abundant. Port Stanley provides an opportunity to meet th...

Day 7 The Falkland Islands

There is an abundance of birdlife in the Falklands and we hope to catch our first glimpses of penguins, including the Magellanic, rockhopper, macaroni, gentoo, and king penguins. With a little luck we may also see king cormorants, black-browed albatross, skuas, giant petrels and striated caracaras to name a few ..

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 The Great Southern Ocean

Sailing east now we'll set course for South Georgia Island.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 The Great Southern Ocean

Our days at sea will be filled with lectures to prepare us for South Georgia and we will have plenty of time on deck to identify the abundant sea birds of the south ocean. We keep our eyes peeled for the whales that inhabit these waters.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 South Georgia

We arrive in South Georgia Island, home to many marvels including Shackleton's grave, several former whaling stations, incredible scenery and prolific wildlife. Weather-permitting, we will have three full days to explore this island. A huge colony of king penguins is...

Day 11 South Georgia

South Georgia, Known for its brutal whaling and exploratory history, is an island that is 170 km long and 40 km wide. It is considered the first gateway to Antarctica and was the centre of the huge Southern Ocean whaling industry from 1904 to 1966. The famous captain,...

Day 12 South Georgia

Also important, is the historic value of this area. The British explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, landed at King Haakon Bay on the southwest coast. He and his men, landed here after the 800-mile journey in a 20-foot open boat from Elephant Island. They proceeded to hik...

Day 13 South Georgia

More time to enjoy the island's diversity of wildlife. You will also have the opportunity to visit the fascinating whaling museum at Grytviken, as well as pay your respects to Sir Shackleton, at his nearby grave.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14 The Scotia Sea

Plotting a southwesterly course we make way towards legendary Elephant Island in the South Shetland Islands. The waters are rich with nutrients and the long summer days provide the ingredient that is missing most of the year. The result is a complex food chain topped by several species of whales, seals and seabirds.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15 The Scotia Sea

More on-board lectures will be offerred to prepare for you for your landings in Antarctica.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16 Antarctica and the South Shetland Islands

This is what we've all been waiting for - a chance to step foot on the Great White Continent! Over the next four days we will navigate southwards, making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula. Our goal is...

Day 17 Antarctica and the South Shetland Islands

The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands abound with wildlife activity. Penguins gather with their fast-growing chicks, whales are seen in great numbers, seals haul out onto ice floes and beaches, and numerous albatross and other seabirds trail in our wa...

Day 18 Antarctica and the South Shetland Islands

We continue along the peninsula, visiting the numerous penguin rookeries. Penguins are speedy and agile swimmers, but extremely slow on land - three varieties that can be found here are; the Adelie Penguin, named after French explorer Dumont d'Urville's wife; the Chin...

Day 19 Antarctica and the South Shetland Islands

The scenery can be quite different in the early season. There will be more ice around and much more snow underfoot. Icebergs are just starting to thaw, as the warmer temperatures move in and you really do get a sense of the magnitude of these glacial beasts. Many of t...

Day 20 The Drake Passage

Heading north across the Drake Passage, spend two days enjoying the beauty of the sea as we sail towards Ushuaia.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 21 The Drake Passage

Another day at sea and more time to reflect on the magnificent events of your three-week adventure.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 22 Trip ends in Ushuaia

The trip ends after breakfast on board the ship. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at any time after 9am. You will receive a complimentary transfer at the end of your trip. For those on morning flights, a transfer will take you direc...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $13,520
Price per day$615
Last Updated: 5/3/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Expedition, Zodiac,

Transportation & flights

Expedition, Zodiac
Guides
Expedition Crew, Naturalist(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. USA (If flights transit): you will need to apply for an ESTA if you are transiting the USA as you will have to disembark and clear immigration before re-boarding for the onward flight. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) - where you apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), which applies if you enter the country by sea or by air. This must be done on line - https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. When completing an application for transit you should enter the words 'In Transit' with your final destination location in the address line You must have an electronic passport with a digital chip containing biometric information about the passport owner. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iraq, Syria, Iran or Sudan in the past five years or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel under the Visa Waiver Programme. Instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. For further information please check out the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 21
  • Dinner : 20
  • Lunch : 19
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-ABS

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