Itinerary

Voyage options: All South Georgia voyages have similar itineraries. On Voyages 1 and 3, we fly from Santiago to join the ship in Stanley. Voyage 2 boards in Ushuaia and operates in the reverse direction to Voyages 1 and 3. Voyage 1 includes a night in Stanley, while Voyage 3 spends an extra day on South Georgia.

Day 1

Fly from Santiago, Chile, to Stanley, for a fascinating tour of the Falkland Islands capital, before transferring to our group hotel.

Day 2

We visit colonies of king, magellenic and gentoo penguins, a museum depicting island life and the Falklands war, and a traditional ‘camp’ or working sheep farm. At 1745 we meet at the Jetty Visitors Centre for a Zodiac ride to our ship. After a warm welcome, we set sail for South Georgia.

Days 3-4

Cruising the Scotia Sea affords us time to settle in, meet fellow expeditioners and some of our Russian crew. The wildlife, geology and history of the subantarctic islands come alive in illustrated talks by our expedition staff. Environmental and Zodiac briefings prepare us for landings, and because the Scotia Sea is one of the richest ecosystems in the Southern Ocean, we should see plenty of seabirds and seals, whales and icebergs.

Days 5-8

Surrounded by krill-rich waters, South Georgia is one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife oases. During the brief summer, the islands’ beaches are packed with elephant seals, fur seals and penguins hurrying to raise their young. Snow-capped peaks and glaciers dominate the skyline, while broad expanses of tussock grass harbour albatross nests, and burrows of petrels and prions. We plan to land as often as prevailing conditions allow, take extended hikes, or sit quietly enjoying busy beach activity. At Grytviken we pay homage to Shackleton and tour the whaling museum.

Day 9

We sail southwest on the next leg of our grand adventure, a time to relax, reflect on our South Georgia experiences and gear up for our next landings.

Day 10

If pack ice allows, we visit the dramatic South Orkney Islands, where Adélie penguins adorn jade icebergs, and lichen-covered rocks sport autumn hues. A warm welcome awaits if we reach the Argentine base of Orcadas.

Day 11

South Orkneys and Elephant Island. Weather Blue whales feed in the waters between the and ice permitting, we Zodiac cruise along Point Wild, hoping to land where Shackleton’s men spent a winter under upturned boats.

Day 12-14

From the South Shetland Islands, through spectacular Gerlache Strait, we explore the ice-draped west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Highlights include gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries, and historic sites. We hope to make a continental landing, hike to glorious vantage points, maybe even bumslide back down. Our Zodiacs provide magic rides amongst exquisite icebergs, per- haps close encounters with whales and seals.

Day 15-16

We head north to cross Drake Passage, where prions, petrels and majestic albatross frequently circle the ship. Time to relax, tune into the sea and recap our many experiences.

Day 17

In the wee hours we sail up the Beagle Channel to dock in Ushuaia.

Activities

How to Prepare

To ensure you have an enjoyable and safe expedition we have developed some import pre-departure information to help you prepare for your voyage. We strongly recommend you download the documents below and read carefully. Our reservation staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Before you depart for your expedition we will send you a detailed pack including your itinerary, travel documents and any other essential information relevant to your voyage.

Is your passport valid?
Your passport will be required to have validity that will extend to six months after the date of your return.

Visa arrangements?
Your visa arrangements are your responsibility. Please contact our reservations staff for assistance, or if you are unsure if you require a visa.

Travel insurance?
All passengers are required to provide travel insurance details including policy number and emergency contact number to Aurora Expeditions prior to departure. We strongly recommend insurance coverage that includes emergency medical evacuation from the vessel.

Emergency contact details?
So that you can be contacted in the case of an emergency, remember to provide your family or friends with a copy of your travel documents as well as Aurora Expeditions’ and your Ship’s contact numbers.

Remember to pack any valuables or essential items such as medication in your hand luggage to avoid issues in the case of lost baggage.

Antarctica Landing & Wildlife Viewing Guidelines

Antarctica Photography Hints

Antarctica What To Bring Checklist

How to Book

Contact us

If you are interested in an Aurora Expeditions voyage, please contact our sales team to check availability.
Either email an expert here or call our experienced consultants direct on + 61 2 9252 1033 or 1800 637 688 (Freecall within Australia).

Complete a booking form

Once availability is confirmed, please download, print and complete the booking form. Please return it to us, along with your deposit to secure your berth.  Please ensure you read the Terms and Conditions of contract before sending us your signed booking form.

Download the booking form here.

Terms & Conditions

Click here to view the terms and conditions.

Preparation for your voyage

On receipt of the booking form, we will contact you to confirm your booking and our reservations staff will send you a comprehensive pre-departure kit. This kit will contain all necessary pre-departure information including visa information, insurance information, a medical and personal details form, comprehensive gear list and information tailored to your voyage.

Aurora Expeditions - Your Personal Travel Agent

Aurora Expeditions is a licensed travel agent. Our experienced reservations consultants all have specialised expertise on the destinations we travel to. Each voyage has a dedicated travel expert solely working on developing dynamic itineraries for our passengers.  Contact our reservations team and allow us to create a personal itinerary to compliment your voyage, including airfares, accommodation, travel insurance and pre and post voyage travel options.

We look forward to assisting you with your journey of a lifetime.

Extend your Holiday

TOUR	DESCRIPTION
	Iguazu Falls Visit the world’s most spectacular falls, flying from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
	Patagonia Sightseeing and rewarding walks in the magnificent Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares national parks.
	Lakes District Travel through the stunning Lakes District of Chile and Argentina – including Puerto Montt and Bariloche, the Switzerland of South America.
	Buenos Aires From the Rio Plata to Recoleta, fine art museums to tango bars, a whirlwind of experiences awaits you in a city renowned for its sensual elegance.
	Cuzco & Machu Picchu Explore the haunting beauty and cultural wonders of the Peruvian Andes and visit the fabled lost city of the Incas.