G Expedition: Spirit Of
Shackleton
An adventure of unsurpassed majesty, this remarkable three week voyage into the Southern Ocean takes you
through some of the most pristine wilderness anywhere on the planet. Recounting some of the spirit of the
golden age of exploration, this awe-inspiring journey recounts some of the legendary exploits of Ernest
Shackleton, one of the greatest polar explorers of his age.
Departing from Ushuaia, on the southern tip of South America, you’ll venture down the Beagle Channel and
across the open oceans towards the remote Falkland Islands and South Georgia. Here you’ll discover the
resilience and variety of both the human and animal populations in these remote settings and have a chance
to visit former whaling stations, penguin rookeries and the grave of Shackleton himself.
Continuing across the Scotia Sea, you’ll then head for the vast white expanse of the Antarctic Peninsula,
where you will enjoy daily zodiac excursions and have an opportunity to set foot on the world’s southernmost
continent, before heading back through the infamous waters of Drake Passage to the South American
mainland.
Highlights
Meet hardy locals and spot unique wildlife in the Falkland Islands
Explore abandoned whaling stations and visit Shackleton’s grave
Walk amongst king penguins and watch them surf onto the beach
Learn about the environment and ecology from industry experts
Spot whales and seals while cruising past icebergs aboard Zodiacs
Set foot on the continent of Antarctica
Cruise Includes:
19 nights aboard G Expedition cruise ship
19 breakfasts, 18 lunches and 19 dinners
Accompanied by an experienced English speaking local guide
All inclusive program in the Antarctic (including hot drinks and water)
Your own parka jacket to keep
From price is based on a quad share basis
Departure: Set departures November – March
Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia
Embarkation on the MS Expedition begins this afternoon in Ushuaia,
after which you'll depart the southernmost tip of the South American
continent and sail through the Beagle Channel. (D)
Day 2: Beagle Channel
Running through the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago, the Beagle Channel
forms part of the border between Chile and neighbouring Argentina and,
as you sail east, towards the open waters of South Atlantic, you'll be
able to become acquainted with the ship and enjoy some lectures and
informative presentations about the extraordinary human and natural
history of Antarctica. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Falkland Islands
A stop in the Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to discover a
staggeringly rich landscape of scenic and biological diversity. Penguins
and albatross abound here and the islands can boast the largest blackbrowed albatross colony in the world. The Islands are also home to a
resilient human population too and there will be an opportunity during
the visit to meet the locals in Stanley and take in the colourful houses
that provide a stark contrast to the long, dark winters. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Continue exploring the Falkland Islands
Day 5: Southern Ocean
Continuing east, the next two days sees you sailing deep into the heart
of the world's southernmost ocean. The days at sea provide a perfect
opportunity to fill the days enjoying informative lectures, relaxing on the
observation deck looking for whales and seabirds, or preparing for the
shore landings to come. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Continue cruising the Southern Ocean
Day 7: South Georgia
Home to a fascinating array of interesting sites, South Georgia includes
amongst its attractions the grave of polar explorer, Sir Ernest
Shackleton, a number of former whaling stations and an abundance of
local wildlife. The island supports numerous seabird colonies including a
huge colony of king penguins and a collection of species, such as the
Georgia shag and the South Georgia pipit, which are unique to the
archipelago. Weather permitting the aim is to spend three full days here
exploring the island. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Continue exploring South Georgia
Day 9: Continue exploring South Georgia
Day 10: Continue exploring South Georgia
Day 11: Scotia Sea
Retracing Shackleton's route backwards, the next two days will be spent
crossing the cold waters of the Scotia Sea. The journey takes you on
towards the ice-covered mountains of Elephant Island, lying on the outer
extremes of the South Shetlands, and then on to the vast white expanse
of the Antarctic Peninsula. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Continue cruising the Scotia Sea
Day 13: Antarctic Peninsula
Over the coming days you'll discover some of the most unique wildlife
and experience some of the most inspiring scenery on the planet, as you
head for the vast white wilderness of Antarctica. Attempting two shore
landing a day, there will be opportunities to encounter Gentoo, chinstrap
and Adélie penguin rookeries, see Weddell and leopard seals and
hopefully come across orcas and humpbacks in the cold Antarctic
waters. During the voyage you'll also have a chance to learn about the
peninsula's remarkable human history. (B,L,D)
Day 14: Continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
Day 15: Continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
Day 16: Continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
Day 17: Continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
Day 18: Drake Passage
The journey north takes you back across the open waters of Drake
Passage, presenting the perfect time to reflect on the highlights of this
incredible voyage with your crew and fellow passengers. Keep an eye
out from the observation deck for some last-minute whale sightings as
you head back towards the port of Ushuaia and the end of this incredible
adventure. (B,L,D)
Day 19: Continue cruising the Drake Passage
Day 20: Ushuaia
Disembark in Ushuaia early this morning and transfer to the airport for the flight to Buenos Aires. (B)
Accommodation
Ushuaia
G Expedition