Shackleton Odyssey
All content by World Expeditions
17 days (Ushuaia)
Destinations visited: Ushuaia, Antarctica
from
USD$11,900
Celebrated voyage to South Georgia, the Falklands, the South Orkneys and the Antarctic Peninsula
South Georgia is without doubt an island of incomparable beauty. The northern flanks of the island comprise of a series of harbours that once sheltered large fleets of whaling ships and are now home to a staggering variety and profusion of wildlife. Combine this with time to explore the natural wonders of the Falklands, the South Orkneys, the South Shetlands and the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula and you have the essence of this remarkable voyage. Our time in South Georgia will be spent visiting rookeries with literally thousands of King, Macaroni and Rockhopper Penguins. We will continue the voyage to the Antarctic, visiting the South Orkney Islands enroute and attempting to land on the wild and spectacular Elephant Island. Exploring the western flanks of the Antarctic Peninsula provides a further highlight and, as with our other voyages to Antarctica we have time for regular shore excursions to walk among the many penguins and seals and visit the scientific stations.
Highlights
- The most wildlife-rich part of Antarctica - penguins, whales, seals, sea birds
- Narrow sheltered waterways and fjords
- Spectacular mountains rising directly out of the sea
- Historic sites, including Shackleton’s last resting place
- Active scientific stations
- South Georgia and Falkland Islands
- Great variety of terrain over short distances
- Icebergs and active glaciers
Itinerary
Day 1 Embark Ushuaia
You will be warmly greeted by the crew and expedition staff as you embark Polar Pioneer in the afternoon. Sailing down the Beagle Channel, we will settle into shipboard life and enjoy our first meal on board.
Days 2-3 Drake Passage
Cape Horn, the most southerly point of the American continent, has stimulated the imagination of mankind since Sir Francis Drake inadvertently rounded it back in 1580. Some of us will approach this historic crossing with more than a little trepidation. But despite its reputation, there are many times when the Drake Passage resembles a lake, with lazy Southern Ocean swells rolling under the keel. On the other hand, we sometimes encounter rough crossings with large waves. The size of the waves and the force of the gale will take on gigantic proportions when related around the fire back home. The mood on board is definitely casual. A favourite pastime is to stand at the stern deck watching the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels, following in our wake, skillfully using the air currents created by the ship to gain momentum. During our Drake crossing, we will commence our lecture program about the wildlife, geology, history and geography of the Antarctic Peninsula. Our history lectures will largely be focused on Shackleton. Antarctica is a photographers’ paradise, for the professional and amateur alike. There will be discussions about how to protect your equipment from salt water, and tips about taking good pictures. Nearing the tip of the Peninsula towards the end of day three, excitement reaches fever pitch with everyone on the bridge watching for our first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once we are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first big iceberg sighting is likely to remain with you forever.
Days 4-6 Antarctic Peninsula
A peep out of the porthole very early this morning should confirm that we have reached Antarctica. The glaciated mountains of Booth Island may well tower above Polar Pioneer as the captain and crew put us in position to travel down the Lemaire Channel and all going well, sail through and visit Pleneau Island on the other side. A host of choices is now open to us and depending on the ice and weather conditions the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula is ours to explore. Our experienced leaders, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use this expertise to design our voyage from day to day. This allows us to make best use of the prevailing weather and ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. We will use these daylight hours as vigorously as possible. We are always keen to explore new territory, so if the opportunity arises, we will! To get ashore we will use Zodiacs (inflatable rubber boats). Sometimes we will cruise along spectacular ice cliffs, or follow whales that are feeding near the surface. In these situations we will appreciate the distinct advantage of being on a small vessel, which gives everyone the opportunity to experience these very special close encounters with the wildlife. There are many exciting places we can choose to visit such as Half Moon Island, Deception Island, Paradise Harbour, Robert Point and Lemaire Channel.
Day 7 Elephant Island
Today we set course for Elephant Island, a half-submerged mountain cloaked with an ice sheet at the outer limits of the South Shetlands. En route, our recaps and lectures will resume and there will be time to gather strength for the busy days ahead. After their ship the ‘Endurance’ was crushed in pack ice in the Weddell Sea, Ernest Shackleton and his men climbed into three open boats and finally, on 14 April 1916, made landfall on this tiny toe of rock and ice in the vastness of the Southern Ocean. We may sail past Cape Valentine to see the beach where the men first put ashore. Weather permitting; we hope to follow the coastline six miles west to Point Wild. We will attempt to make a landing where the men eventually set up camp under two of their upturned open boats and some old tents, while Sir Ernest, Worsley and four other crew members sailed to South Georgia for help. Conditions are often unsuitable for landing due to the large swells surging around hidden rocks, but it is always worth a try! Just to set eyes on this hallowed site sends shivers down the spine. Leaving Elephant Island, we will head across the Scotia Sea in a southwesterly direction towards the South Orkney Islands, a stunning group of islands, remote and alone jutting out of the sea.
Day 8 South Orkney Islands
Today we hope to make landings on and around the South Orkney Islands. We may visit beautiful Shingle Cove on Coronation Island, where we will have our first view of Adelie penguins. Or we may visit the Argentinean station of Orcardas, where the remains of the 1904 Bruce Expedition hut can still be seen.
Day 9 Cruise to South Georgia
Our lecture program will continue, and we can share our experiences from visiting Elephant Island and the South Orkneys.
Days 10-13 Arrive at South Georgia
We have ample time to explore the network of harbours along South Georgia’s spectacular northern coast, visiting wildlife havens that include the world’s largest king penguin rookeries and majestic albatross nests. Kayakers revel in paddling the coastline’s nooks and crannies, accompanied by playful seals. In Stromness and Grytviken harbours, 3000-metre peaks form dramatic backdrops to the remains of whaling stations. Kelp-strewn beaches are cluttered with basking elephant seals, feisty fur seals and a plethora of penguins.
Days 14-16 Sailing towards the Falkland Islands
We cross the Scotia Sea. Entertained by our expert naturalist and historian we have time to reflect on our journey so far.
Day 17 Disembark Falkland Islands
Awake in the British capital of the Falkland Islands. Enjoy a last breakfast before you bid farewell to friends and crew. If you have chosen the optional flight from Port Stanley to Punta Arenas you will be transferred to the airport.
Additional Information
Inclusions
- 16 breakfasts, 15 lunches and 16 dinners
- Comfortable cabin accommodation and use of all public areas on cruise
- Specialist expedition staff
- All sightseeing and shore excursions from the ship including the use of Zodiacs
- Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services
- Medical services (there is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board)
- Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities
- Pre-departure information
Summary
- 17 day voyage
- 16 nights aboard Polar Pioneer
Trip Main Activities
- Cruising
- Wildlife Viewing
- Walks
Group Size Min
1
Group Size Max
50
Accommodation Summary
Equipment Required
A comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking.
What You Carry
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Book this trip with World Expeditions on their site
from
USD$11,900
Why we recommend World Expeditions
- Pioneers in responsible travel.
- No local payments.
- True adventures in every sense.
- Expert guides and support.
- Quality facilities and transport.
Customer care
World Expeditions is a global company with offices in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Canada, all staffed with experienced adventure travellers.
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