Spirit of Shackleton

Day 1

Ushuaia

Arrive into Ushuaia and transfer to your hotel (arrival transfer included). Spend the rest of the day enjoying the sights in the world's most southerly city. There will be a welcome desk in the hotel providing more information on the upcoming Expedition.

Day 2

Ushuaia/Drake Passage

Spend the morning exploring some more of Ushuaia before embarking the MS Expedition at around 4pm at the port in Ushuaia. Take a guided hike in the Martial Glacier or the Tierra del Fuego National Park or if you prefer do some shopping before boarding. The rest of the day can be spent getting to know your way around the ship and enjoying the sunset over the Beagle Channel from the deck in the evening.

(Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 3-4

Drake Passage/South Shetland Islands  

The adventure begins with an 1000km (600mi) crossing of the passage named in honour of the 16th-century English sea captain and privateer, Sir Francis Drake. Take in daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for the first sightings of icebergs, whales and albatross following in the G Expedition's wake.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 5-9

South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula

Experience some of the most unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery in the world while setting foot on the Antarctic continent. Weather and ice conditions permitting, our goal is to attempt memorable shore landings daily and encounter Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. The peninsula also has a remarkable human history.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 10-11

Antarctic Peninsula/Scotia Sea

Sail for two days, retracing Shackleton's route from Elephant Island and the Antarctic Peninsula towards South Georgia.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 12-15

Scotia Sea/South Georgia

South Georgia is the resting place of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton and the home of many fascinating sites. You’ll visit the former whaling stations and seek out the amazing wildlife found here, as well as visit the vast colony of king penguins which will serve as one of the major highlights of this trip. Weather permitting, you’ll have four full days to explore the island.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 16-17

South Georgia/Southern Ocean

Sailing west, set course for the Falkland Islands. Days at sea are filled with lectures to prepare for landings. Watch for the many whales that inhabit these waters.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 18-19

Southern Ocean/Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Penguins are abundant here, and the Falklands have the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world. In Stanley, meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colourful houses provide contrast to the long, dark winters.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 20

Falkland Islands/Beagle Channel/Ushuaia

Reflect on your memorable adventure and take in some final lectures as you head back to Ushuaia. There may even be some last minute chances to see some whales. Make sure to ask the experts on hand all of your unanswered questions – we’re sure you’ll have many and there’ll be more than happy to provide you further insight.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 21

Depart Ushuaia

Disembark in the morning.

(Breakfast included)