Marine: Spirit of Shackleton (XVSHSX)

Countries Visited: Antarctica, Argentina, United Kingdom
Trip Style: Marine - Small-ship adventures on the world's great seas and rivers The poles of the Earth, the wonders of the Galapagos, the mysteries of the Amazon, out-of-the-way Greek Islands and other great places are best (and sometimes only) accessed by boat. Marine trips get you there aboard small ships, exclusive yachts and catamarans.
Service Level: Information Not Available
Physical Demands Rating: 2 - There'll be some light walking and hiking. Suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Group Size: Max 134 aboard the G Expedition.
Meals Included: 20 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 19 dinners
Accommodations: Twin-share hotel (1 nt), aboard the MS Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window) (19 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have 1 queen-size bed.

Highlights
Meet hardy locals and spot unique wildlife in the Falkland Islands, explore abandoned whaling stations and visit Shackleton's grave, walk quietly 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

Description
Experience vast penguin rookeries and seal colonies on this awe-inspiring voyage to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. This 21-day voyage illuminates Ernest Shackleton's legend and recounts his courageous exploration of Antarctica. You'll visit historical sites of past explorers, as well as Shackleton's final resting place - the wildlife-rich island of South Georgia. Antarctica is beyond comprehension and sure to amaze any traveller seeking a true adventure to the world's most remote wilderness.

Call (510) 656-6582 for more information or to book today! Mention code 12772153

Tour Operator
G Adventures
Duration
21 Days
Escorted
Escorted - Yes
DayDestinationDescription
Day 1UshuaiaDay 1 Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the worlds most southerly city. Additional Notes: There will be a welcome desk in the lobby of the start hotel that will provide more specific information on the G Expedition and your upcoming adventure. Transport: Included arrival transfer. Private Vehicle
Day 2Beagle ChannelDay 2 Ushuaia/Beagle Channel (1B, 1D)
Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping, explore the town, or visit the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the G Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel. Additional Notes: Expedition travel can be full of surprises! While it is our intention of adhere to the itinerary described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On the first day onboard, the Expedition Leader will give an expedition overview outlining what the specific plans are for the trip. Included Activities: Embarkation of the G Expedition Transport: G Expedition
Day 3Falkland IslandsDay 3 Beagle Channel/Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) (1B, 1L, 1D)
On the passage east visit the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall and meet the guides, ship's crew and lecturers. Begin the lectures and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region. Included Activities: Daily lectures and educational program Transport: G Expedition
Days 4-5Falkland IslandsDays 4-5 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)/Southern Ocean
Catch our first glimpses of penguins, including the Magellanic, rockhopper, gentoo, and king penguins. With a little luck, spot elephant seals, sea lions, king cormorants, black-browed albatross, skuas, night herons, giant petrels, striated caracaras and of course sheep. Included Activities: Visit with Stanley Locals Transport: G Expedition
Days 6-7South GeorgiaDays 6-7 Southern Ocean/South Georgia
Sailing east, set course for South Georgia. Days at sea are filled with lectures to prepare for landings. Watch for the many whales that inhabit these waters. Included Activities: Daily lectures and educational program Transport: G Expedition
Days 8-11Scotia SeaDays 8-11 South Georgia/Scotia Sea
Weather permitting, three full days will be spent exploring this island. On nearby islands look out for the wandering albatross in their nesting grounds. Included Activities: South Georgia Island Exploration Transport: G Expedition
Days 12-13Tierra de OHiggins, PeninsulaDays 12-13 Scotia Sea/Tierra de OHiggins, PenInsula
These 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. Included Activities: Daily lectures and educational program Transport: G Expedition
Days 14-18Drake PassageDays 14-18 Tierra de OHiggins, PenInsula/Drake Passage
Finally a chance to step foot on the Great White Continent! Over the next four days, the Expedition will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula. Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day while we navigate through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter. The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands abound with wildlife activity. Take a chance to visit scientists working in modern research bases, with plenty of time to enjoy the sheer beauty and the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, blue and white icebergs, impressive glaciers and rugged snow-capped mountains. The Peninsula also has a remarkable history and, during the voyage, opt to learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Included Activities: Scientific Research Station Visit Transport: G Expedition
Days 19-20UshuaiaDays 19-20 Drake Passage/Ushuaia
Heading north across the Drake Passage, spend two days enjoying the beauty of the sea while sailing for Ushuaia. In between bird watching, whale watching, and enjoying some final lectures by our expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia. 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! Included Activities: Daily lectures and educational program Transport: G Expedition
Day 21UshuaiaDay 21 Ushuaia (1B)
Our adventure comes to a close. Have a final breakfast on the ship before saying goodbyes before disembarking in Ushuaia in the morning. Included Activities: Departure Day
Dates/Pricing

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Disclaimer

Local Flights: Local flights are not included in the price of this trip. Please make sure that you arrive into Ushuaia on Day 1. If you require assistance booking local flights please contact your G Adventures representative. From our experience we have found that there are regular delays in flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and we highly recommend you fly into Ushuaia at least 1 day prior to the sailing of the expedition ship.

Please note that internal flights in Argentina generally allow less luggage than international flights.

Dossier Disclaimer:The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
  
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