Itinerary

Day 1
We board our ship Polar Pioneer mid-afternoon, then slip away from the dock in the early evening. The cruise down the Beagle Channel provides a fine view of the mountains and beech forests of Tierra del Fuego.

Day 2
While crossing the Drake Passage, accompanied by albatross and petrels, we are busy with lectures and briefings.

Day 3
By mid-afternoon, we should have crossed the Antarctic Convergence cold water boundary to Antarctica, and hope to see our first icebergs near the South Shetland Islands.

Day 4 - 5
We make contact with penguins, seals and whales in the beautiful Gerlache Strait, using our Zodiacs to cruise among the ice or make landings.

Day 6
At the northern end of the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Sound is often choked with icebergs but this waterway provides a wildlife-rich corridor into the Weddell Sea. We begin to retrace Shackleton's path near Paulet Island.

Day 7
If the weather is kind we will land on the steep slopes of Elephant Island, the unexpected home for Shackleton's men for many months.

Day 8
We cruise among the mountainous South Orkney Islands.

Day 9
Cruising the Scotia Sea towards South Georgia.

Day 10
We enter King Haakon Bay on South Georgia, hopefully stopping for a ceremonial landing at Cave Cove where Shackleton made his first landfall after the epic open boat voyage.

Day 11 - 15
Exploring the whaling stations, bays and promontories of South Georgia. These will be busy days as we immerse ourselves in South Georgia's extraordinary wildlife diversity - at places like Salisbury Plain, St Andrews Bay and Gold Harbour, where hundreds of thousands of king penguins line the beach, or Albatross Island, where the lords of the Southern Ocean, the wandering albatross, nest among tussock grasses.

Day 16 - 17
While at sea we have time to reflect on our days on South Georgia and enjoy the delights of birdwatching from the outer decks.

Day 18
We visit the southern islands of the Falklands, bristling with nesting birds.

Day 19
We complete our lecture program during the short hop to the South American coast.

Day 20
We dock in Ushuaia after cruising back along the Beagle Channel in the early morning. Transfer to a city hotel or commence your homeward journey.

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 Polar Clothing

Antarctica Recommended Reading

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 (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.

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.