ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION

Marine (small ship) - 11 days

The Antarctic Peninsula is anything but a world of white desolation. Join us on a true adventure to a world of immense scale and visual splendor. Passing huge icebergs in the flat calm of a polar morning will reshape the way you look at your world. Encounter huge whales, enormous rookeries of penguins, and stunning landscapes few have ever witnessed. This 11-day expedition will introduce you to the magic of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Itinerary

DAY 1 - Ushuaia, Argentina

Arrive in Ushuala at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world’s most southerly city. Included arrival transfer.

DAY 2 - Ushuaia / drake passage

Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping, explore the town, or visit the surrounding countryside, or take an optional excursion and enjoy lunch ashore. Embarkation on the G Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.

DAYS 3 AND 4 - drake passage / south shetland islands

The adventure begins with an 1000km (800ml) crossing of the passage named in honor of the 16th-century English sea captain and privateer, Sir Francis Drake. Take in daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for the first sightings of icebergs, whales and albatross following in the G Expedition’s wake.

The G Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded, never ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic.

As the Expedition crosses the passage there will be time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lodge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship’s crew and expedition staff. Not too big, not too little, our 134-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Spend time out on deck and keep an eye out for sea birds and whales that live in these fertile waters. Wandering, Black-browed and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Prion’s and Cap Petrels are among some of the species of seabirds that may follow the Expedition on the journey towards Antarctica.

Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on everything from local wildlife to geology to history. The G Expedition has one of the highest ratios of expedition team members to guests - with one expert for every ten guests so there is always someone on hand to answer questions and provide greater insight and appreciation of the world at its extremes. The expedition team is comprised of professional and highly skilled historians, marine biologists, and naturalists who offer keen insight and a unique personal perspective to each and every adventure.

DAYS 5 TO 8 - South Shetland Islands / Antarctic Peninsula

This is what we’ve all been waiting for - a chance to explore, step foot on the Great White Continent! Over the next 4 days the Expedition will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands, then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Hop into one of the Expedition’s 14 Zodiacs and take the quick, safe trip from the ship to the shore to encounter the awe-inspiring wilderness of Antarctica. Get up close to towering icebergs, glaciers and amazing wildlife. Experience some of the most unique wildlife viewing and inspiring scenery in the world. Attempt two shore landing per day (weather permitting) and encounter Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries, Weddell, crab eater and leopard seals, and orca, humpback and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters.

During the voyage, learn about the peninsula’s remarkable history and about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY

You remembered to pack your bathing suit, right? Depending on weather conditions, opt to do the polar plunge and jump into the frigid waters of the Antarctic.

DAYS 9 AND 10 - Drake Passage / Ushuala

Begin the journey north to the home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of the Antarctic experience with the lecturers and staff. Keep sharp eyes on the observation deck for some last-minute whale sightings.

Leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by the expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuala.

Remember, the best way to experience the wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out for Albatross, Prions and Whales.

DAY 11 - Disembarkation in Ushuaia

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure on land or receive a complimentary transfer to catch your flights home. 

Adventure Options

Booking an Adventure Option as part of your expedition is a great way to enhance your polar experience. These options are subject to availability and fill up quickly, so be sure to book yours early. Please note that Adventure Options are weather dependent.

SEA KAYAKING - (request current fee)

Weather permitting, you will head out in kayaks on days where zodiac landing are also available. Kayaking as part of a group led by experienced and skilled leaders allows an opportunity to experience these remote regions from another vantage point. No other activity gets you as close to the natural environment! This activity is offered on all departures and must be booked prior to your trip.

antarctica CAMPING - (request current fee)

Follow in the footsteps of bold explorers and experience this land’s awe-inspiring splendors first-hand. Our Antarctica camping experience includes time to enjoy the beauty of Antarctica near your campsite with ample photography options. Experience the sounds of heaving ice, the fresh scent of the sea, and the stars at night. Nothing gets you closer to the humbling forces of nature than spending a night ashore! This activity is offered on select departures and must be booked prior to your trip.

What’s Included

THIS EXPEDITION INCLUDES

• 9 nights aboard the G Expedition

• 1 night hotel in Ushuaia

• 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

• 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

  Please allow USD $25-$35 for meals not included. Drinks and tips on board not included.