Shackleton Odyssey - South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula Overview
Late November 1915, Shackleton’s ship Endurance succumbed to Weddell Sea ice, kicking off polar history’s greatest survival epic. Departing from Ushuaia, we sail to the Antarctic Peninsula, where fledging penguin chicks feather rookeries and humpback and minke whales feed. We pick up Shackleton’s story at Elephant Island, tracing his incredible voyage to South Georgia, where we may land a party to attempt his famous island crossing. The rest of us enjoy superb alpine scenery, hillsides of king, macaroni and rockhopper penguins, and the rare chance to see nesting wandering albatross before a brief stop in the Falkland Islands.
“If you love nature, this trip will awake the senses like no other. Teeming with wildlife from elephant seals, humpback whales, and albatross, to literally millions of penguins, South Georgia and the Falklands are among the most precious wildlife oases on the planet.”
Sales Manager, Aurora Expeditions
dates & prices
February Voyage
Name: 20 Day Voyage
Dates:
28-Feb-12 to 18-Mar-12
Embark: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ship:
Polar Pioneer
Inclusions: View inclusions for this trip
Activities: Alpine Crossing
| DECK | CABIN | PRICE |
| Main | Triple, shared facilities | US$10,500 |
| Main | Twin, shared facilities | US$12,510 |
| Upper/Captain's | Twin, private facilities | US$14,690 |
| Captain's | Mini Suite, private facilities | US$16,270 |
| Captain's | Suite, private facilities | US$17,350 |
Prices quoted in US dollars, per person. Single berths available. Sole use cabins are 1.7 times the twin share rate. Fuel surcharge may apply in the event of significant fuel price increases. Alpine Crossing surcharge, US$750.
Itinerary
Day 1
Embark Polar Pioneer at 4 p.m. to a warm reception from Aurora Expeditions staff and Russian crew before we cast off and sail down the Beagle Channel.
Day 2
Crossing Drake Passage, our historian breathes life into Shackleton’s epic adventure, while our expedition staff prepare us with environmental and Zodiac briefings and natural history talks. We have time to enjoy the petrels and albatross that often accompany our ship.
Day 3
We mark our entry into Antarctica’s biologically rich waters by crossing the Antarctic Convergence. Excitement builds as icebergs and the South Shetland Islands appear. We hope for an evening landing.
Days 4-7
We make use of daylight to explore the Antarctic Peninsula’s spectacular western side. We visit penguin rookeries, sites of historic interest and cruise in Zodiacs amongst grounded icebergs, listening for courting leopard seals. As autumn arrives, penguin chicks fledge and the waters are alive with humpback and minke whales.
Day 8
Shackleton’s story comes to life at Elephant Island. We hope the often tempestuous seas will allow a landing at Cape Wild, where 22 men spent a winter beneath upturned boats, awaiting the return of the Boss.
Day 9
We deviate from Shackleton’s James Caird route long enough to visit the wild and remote South Orkney Islands. Fantastic icebergs often collect along the shores and we hope to land and stretch our legs.
Day 10
Today we traverse some of the most productive waters in the world, keeping an eye out for fin, sei and possibly even blue whales.
Days 11-15
We aim for King Haakon Bay, where Shackleton made landfall, to disembark those adventurous souls keen to recreate the Boss’s South Georgia crossing. We enjoy extraordinary wildlife landings as we make our way around to meet them in Fortuna Bay, with many of us hiking the final stretch to Stromness. South Georgia is breathtakingly beautiful. Abandoned whaling stations, myriad penguins, albatross and endearing fur seals pups hold sway against a glorious backdrop of glaciated mountains.
Days 16-17
We sail west across the Scotia Sea and pass Shag Rocks. We reflect on our South Georgia experience and enjoy relaxed days, with plenty or seabirds and possibly whales to keep our attention.
Day 18
We visit the Falkland’s southern islands, perhaps meeting up with sea lions, elephant seals and an astounding variety of birdlife including magellenic penguins.
Day 19
At sea, our final day is a flurry of shared photos, memories and a farewell drink with the Captain.
Day 20
In the early hours we sail up the Beagle Channel and disembark in Ushuaia.
Activities
| TRIP | DATES | ACTIVITIES |
| February Voyage | 28-Feb-12 to 18-Mar-12 | Alpine Crossing |
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.
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.
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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. |
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Cuzco & Machu Picchu Explore the haunting beauty and cultural wonders of the Peruvian Andes and visit the fabled lost city of the Incas. |
