South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
18 Days Starting and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina
Visiting: Ushuaia, Beagle Channel, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PTF
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 189
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari," exploring the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife of South Georgia, Argentina, and Antarctica. This expedition offers a unique opportunity to witness the world's largest King penguin rookeries and reflect at the resting place of the legendary explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. Travel aboard a small, ice-rated expedition vessel, accompanied by highly qualified Expedition Staff, ensuring an intimate and enriching experience. Discover abandoned whaling stations, learn about the history of South Georgia, and marvel at the abundant wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales. The adventure continues as you explore the iconic landing sites of the Antarctic Peninsula, where each day presents new wildlife encounters and stunning natural beauty. Enjoy full board accommodation on the ship, with all meals included, and savor the camaraderie of like-minded travelers on this once-in-a-lifetime polar adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Ushuaia, Argentina
Location: Ushuaia
Begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a cafe´ in town.
Day 2 : Embarkation Day
Location: Beagle Channel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart!
Day 3 - 6 : At Sea
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
There are many activities to keep you engaged while at sea. Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend dynamic presentations by the Expedition Team. You will be prepped on safety procedures for Zodiac cruises and shore landings.
Day 7 - 9 : South Georgia
Location: South Georgia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The first indication that you are approaching South Georgia is the sight of birds around a group of rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Have your binoculars and cameras ready to photograph these rocks rising out of the icy ocean waters. Shags and prions often rest here. After enjoying South Georgia from a distance, we’ll head toward its numerable beaches to find a protected bay for your first land excursion. Landing sites on South Georgia are varied, largely determined by the weather conditions of your voyage. Whichever sites we visit, they’ll provide you with wildlife encounters unrivaled anywhere else on earth. This is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for subantarctic wildlife, with beaches blanketed with penguins. It won’t take you long to realize that South Georgia is a paradise for bird lovers, as burrowing seabirds, albatross and petrels can be seen in abundance. You’ll find that South Georgia, once a popular base for whalers and sealers, is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries gone by. The Expedition Team will help bring those days to life while you visit old whaling stations and enjoy presentations on the South Georgia of then and now. One of the most significant sites you will visit on the island is Grytviken. This settlement is one of the first whaling stations established in subantarctic waters. Many travellers find that this place has a special appeal, as it is home to the remains of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the most famous Antarctic explorers.
Day 10 - 11 : At Sea
Location: South Orkney Islands
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Say goodbye to the King penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Days at sea are filled with presentations and lectures led by the Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife that will greet you upon your arrival. In between activities, spend time chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.
If conditions allow, we may attempt landfall on the South Orkney Islands, our first official stop in Antarctica.
Day 12 - 15 : Antarctic Peninsula
Location: Antarctic Peninsula
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, since few places are as untouched, unique and enduring as Antarctica.
Discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete desolation and silence, and at the next moment, you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear.
The Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and Gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, Fur, Crabeater and Leopard seals. Keep a lookout for curious whales, such as minkes, while on a Zodiac cruise. Each day and each landing will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.
Day 16 - 17 : Crossing The Drake Passage
Location: Drake Passage
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure on land or catch your flights home.
Day 18 : Disembark In Ushuaia
Location: Ushuaia
Meals Included: Breakfast
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure on land or catch your flights home.
What's Included
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners. -
All meals while on the ship
All meals are provided while on the ship, ensuring you are well-fed throughout the journey.
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Beer and wine during dinner
Enjoy beer and wine during dinner as part of your dining experience on the ship.
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All accommodation
All accommodation is included, providing comfortable lodging throughout the tour.
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All transport and listed activities
All transport and listed activities are included, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
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Tour leader throughout and qualified Expedition Staff
A tour leader and qualified Expedition Staff will accompany you throughout the journey.
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Flights from the UK
Flights from the UK can be included upon request. Please contact us for a quote.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Single accommodation
Single accommodation is not included but is available on request.
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Visas or vaccinations
Visas or vaccinations are not included and should be arranged independently.
Food
All meals while on the ship included. Typical Meals The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide variety of drinks from around the world on sale. Breakfast: Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal. Lunch: Three course set meal or buffet, or the occasional BBQ. Dinner: Three or four courses with a starter of soup and/or salad, a choice of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a dessert, with tea and coffee. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday - please do inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so that our local team can be well prepared.
Accommodation
The South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari is offered on the Ocean Explorer and the World Explorer, which are Polar Adventure Ships. One night in a standard hotel in Ushuaia included. Full board accommodation on the ship, generally on a twin share basis in a variety of cabin types, all with en suite facilities.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on the South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula tour?
You can expect to see a variety of wildlife including King penguins, Chinstrap, Adélie, and Gentoo penguins, as well as Weddell, Fur, Crabeater, and Leopard seals. There are also opportunities to see whales such as minkes, and a variety of seabirds including albatross and petrels.
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What activities are available during the days at sea?
During the days at sea, you can engage in activities such as learning to identify seabirds, attending dynamic presentations by the Expedition Team, and preparing for Zodiac cruises and shore landings. There are also opportunities to relax and chat with fellow travelers.
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What is the significance of Grytviken on the South Georgia tour?
Grytviken is one of the first whaling stations established in subantarctic waters and is home to the remains of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the most famous Antarctic explorers. It holds historical significance and offers insights into the whaling history of the region.
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What kind of accommodation is provided on the tour?
Accommodation is provided on the Ocean Explorer and World Explorer, which are Polar Adventure Ships. The accommodation is generally on a twin share basis in a variety of cabin types, all with en suite facilities. One night in a standard hotel in Ushuaia is also included.
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What is included in the meals on the ship?
All meals on the ship are included, with beer and wine served during dinner. The ship's galley offers international menus including vegetarian options, with buffet-style breakfasts, three-course lunches, and three or four-course dinners.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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