Epic Antarctica: Circle, Falklands & South Georgia | Ultramarine
23 Days
Save Up To 25%
WAS From NZD 64,400 Now From NZD 48,650
STYLE: Small Ship Luxury Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACQEUTP
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Finish: Buenos Aires, Argentina
SHIP: Ultramarine
Destination
Argentina, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Circle, Falkland Islands and South Georgia
Meals
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage. select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Transport
Return charter flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia & group transfers to/from the airport and ship as specified
Accommodation
Cabin on board ship
DEPARTURE DATES
Enquire Now
Included Sightseeing
Heli flightseeing & Daily Antarctica Excursions, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team
Includes Personal Butler
Includes private helicopter
Designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and immerse you in the best the region has to offer.
Whale watching
8:1 Passenger : Expedition staff ratio
This means you can do more. More activities, more zodiacs rides and more land adventures.
OVERVIEW
Experience all the major Antarctic highlights on this incredible 23 day epic journey. From the sandy Cape Cod on the Falkland Island to the breeding grounds of over 300 000 king penguins on South Georgia before finally exploring the indescribably sights of Antarctic Peninsula. Starting in 2021 you will experience this voyage on board the Ultramarine. This purpose-built vessel extends the boundaries of polar expedition, even including a helicopter flight-seeing tour as part of your package*.
*Discounts, promotions and dynamic pricing are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn or changed at any time and subject to availability on selected cabins and departure dates. Discounts are subject to change, availability will be confirmed at time of booking. Some current in market offers may be combinable and Shackleton Club Past Passenger and multi trip discounts may be applied subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Prices are subject to change based on currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, and other external factors. No discount applies to any transfer packages, additional activities or pre/post services.. The advertised prices may also include a 'Pay in full at time of booking' which is a 5-10% early payment bonus. Further conditions may apply, contact us for more information.
ITINERARY
You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier.
After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you see land, you’ll be in a wildlife wonderland!
There are many activities to keep you engaged while we’re at sea. You can take advantage of the library of books available on your ship, hang out at the bar chatting to other travelers or spend time out on deck, admiring the sea. Your Expedition Team will also conduct a series of presentations to familiarize yourself with how to prepare for Zodiac cruises and shore landings.
The Falkland archipelago contains two main islands - East and West, which we will explore by Zodiac excursions and daily landings. These rugged islands have a frontier type feel to them, especially at Port Stanley - the largest settlement on the islands. It’s an interesting British outpost type place, where you may just as easily wander into a pub as you will a church or museum.
With your camera at hand, our wildlife sightings in the Falklands should include at least three species of penguins and two endemic bird species - Cobb’s wren and the Falkland’s flightless steamer duck.
Your team of lecturers and specialists will be sure to educate you on the local flora and fauna so that you get the most out of a memorable time in the Falklands.
En-route to South Georgia you’ll cross the invisible biological boundary unique to Antarctica, the Antarctic Convergence. This meeting of oceans is what creates the abundance of krill and marine life that attracts large cetaceans, such as humpback whales.
Evidence of the old whaling and sealing heydays is still found throughout the island. You’ll be surprised to learn that the whale and seal populations were once decimated here, as today their populations are strong, with massive rookeries to be seen.
One significant and historic site that will be of interest is the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. His grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station and a research station, is a day for reflecting on what it must’ve been like to be one of the first explorers to this unforgiving, yet beautiful environment.
While South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the islands, it is the wildlife on South Georgia that you and your shipmates will likely find the most captivating. Often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, South Georgia contains an exceptional quantity of wildlife. Each landing you make on South Georgia will open your eyes to a new wonder of wildlife. One day you may see rookeries with a hundred thousand pairs of king penguins waddling on the beach. The next day we may another beach with thousands of fur or elephant seals.
The grasses, mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different bird and animal species. Your Expedition Team will be happy to share their knowledge of how these vulnerable relationships all play out on the island.
Antarctica awaits, along with its own penguin and seal species. While you’re at sea, you can enjoy some quiet time or take in presentations by the Expedition Team, which will cover everything from the history and geology of Antarctica to tips on identifying different species and what makes them each unique. With good weather conditions, a landing at the South Orkney Islands may mark your official landing on Antarctica.
The most common reaction to arriving at the white continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes; at one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete silence and loneliness, then the next you’ll be laughing at the comical antics of a curious penguin.
Glacier hikes, visits to research bases and, of course, communing with the seals and penguins are sure to keep you smiling each and every day. Perhaps you’ll catch sight of the fearless penguin-eater, the leopard seal, or come eye to eye with a curious Minke whale while out on a Zodiac ride. Each day and each landing will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera shutter busy.
If you find yourself wanting more, then perhaps you’ll treat yourself by booking our kayaking adventure option (reserve in advance when booking your trip) or if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, a little shock therapy courtesy of a polar plunge might be what you need!
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not come close to reaching this far south.
With a toast to the first explorers who ventured here, you can raise a glass of champagne and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world still visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home to the midnight sun, with potential for some fantastic iceberg sightings.
If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time we return to the Drake Passage. We’ll continue to journey onto land and out by Zodiac twice daily. Your Expedition Team will also be on the lookout for any species of penguins, seals and whales that may have eluded you on the journey south.
After more than a dozen days of memorable wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake Passage is your unofficial rite of passage, putting a final stamp of approval on your Antarctic adventure.
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a little taste of Patagonia with a Tierra del Fuego National Park tour before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?
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Undertake a complete Antarctic journey witnessing the incredible sights of the peninsula, Antarctic Circle, Falkland Islands and South Georgia.
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Encounter the incredible wildlife of Antarctica from Albatross on the Falkland Islands to the colony of 300 000 king penguins on South Georgia and a number of whale, seal and penguin species in the peninsula.
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This itinerary can be easily tailored to include a land based tour of South America.
Ultramarine
Step onboard the Ultramarine! This premium expedition vessel takes guests to the most isolated and breathtaking wildernesses on the planet. The ship has been purpose-built to meet the specific demands of the polar regions and is well appointed to let guests explore The Arctic and Antarctica safely and comfortably. It offers a robust portfolio of adventure activities. The mix of sustainability features create innovative operations to offer ultra-immersive polar experiences to guests on board .The vessel is one of the few to offer a suite of flight-seeing activities, travelling in one of the two twin-engine helicopters. This really opens up the possibilities to go further and see more. The Expedition Ship can accommodate a maximum of 199 passengers and offers the most spacious suites in its category . The cabins are all elegantly designed and feature oversized windows with sleeping views and spa-inspired bathrooms. Ultramarine offers breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features a best-in-class 70-day operational range, four embarkation points to load and embark zodiacs and get you to shore faster. The ship has a water level Zodiac hangar, which allows for more spontaneous off-ship adventures where the opportunity presents itself. This allows you to get off the ship in less than half the time of some other vessels.
Ice Class:
Length: 128m (420ft)
Breadth: 21.5m (70.5ft)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:199
View Ship Details
Accommodation
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Standard
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Superior
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Deluxe
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.
Kayaking
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.
Learn More
Stand-up Paddle Boarding
Stand-up Paddle boarding, commonly known as SUP originated in Hawaii and is now available as an optional activity in Antarctica. What a way to explore!
Learn More
Hiking
Hiking excursions are among the most popular options in Antarctica as many itineraries are short and suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Guided hikes lead you to amazing vantage points and allow even closer interaction with local wildlife, so don’t forget to pack your camera!
Learn More
Camping
Fall asleep amid the snow-capped mountains as you watch the colours of the Antarctic twilight bounce off the ocean and surrounding glaciers.
Learn MorePricing per person
 | Explorer TripleFeatures:-
| NZD 48,500Unavailable Enquire Now
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 | Solo PanoramaFeatures:-
| NZD 69,100Unavailable Enquire Now
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 | Explorer SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off NZD 64,400 NZD 48,650Available Enquire Now
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 | Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off NZD 70,700 NZD 53,375Available Enquire Now
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 | Deluxe Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off NZD 83,300 NZD 62,825Available Enquire Now
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 | Terrace SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off NZD 86,400 NZD 65,150Unavailable Enquire Now
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 | Penthouse SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off NZD 92,900 NZD 70,025Unavailable Enquire Now
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 | Owner's SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off NZD 114,900 NZD 86,525Available Enquire Now
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 | Ultra SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off NZD 127,400 NZD 95,900Unavailable Enquire Now
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| Explorer TripleFeatures:-
| 25 % off NZD 54,750 NZD 41,425Unavailable Enquire Now
|
| Solo PanoramaFeatures:-
| 25 % off NZD 89,750 NZD 67,675Unavailable Enquire Now
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| Explorer SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off NZD 64,750 NZD 48,925Available Enquire Now
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| Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off NZD 70,850 NZD 53,500Available Enquire Now
|
| Deluxe Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off NZD 83,750 NZD 63,175Unavailable Enquire Now
|
| Terrace SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off NZD 86,750 NZD 65,425Unavailable Enquire Now
|
| Penthouse SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off NZD 92,850 NZD 70,000Unavailable Enquire Now
|
| Owner's SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off NZD 114,850 NZD 86,500Unavailable Enquire Now
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| Ultra SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off NZD 127,050 NZD 95,650Unavailable Enquire Now
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| Explorer TripleFeatures:-
| 28 % off NZD 60,900 NZD 44,296Unavailable Enquire Now
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| Solo PanoramaFeatures:-
| 28 % off NZD 99,600 NZD 72,160Available Enquire Now
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| Explorer SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off NZD 72,000 NZD 52,288Available Enquire Now
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| Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off NZD 79,100 NZD 57,400Available Enquire Now
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| Deluxe Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off NZD 92,500 NZD 67,048Available Enquire Now
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| Terrace SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off NZD 96,500 NZD 69,928Unavailable Enquire Now
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| Penthouse SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off NZD 102,800 NZD 74,464Available Enquire Now
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| Owner's SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off NZD 127,200 NZD 92,032Unavailable Enquire Now
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| Ultra SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off NZD 141,500 NZD 102,328Unavailable Enquire Now
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Important Information
INCLUSIONS
Cabin accommodation on board ship
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
All scheduled landings and excursions
Guiding and lectures by experienced expedition team
Expedition parka (yours to keep)
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
One 10 to 15 minute helicopter flight-seeing excursion (weather permitting)
Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per personMANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE (INCLUDED)
One night pre transfer accommodation in a hotel in Buenos Aires with breakfast
Group flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia on a return basis
Transfers from the hotel to the airport in Buenos Aires
Airport transfer and express bus tour of Tierra Del Fuego national Park after disembarkation in UshuaiaEXCLUSIONS
International flights
Any other pre or post land arrangements not mentioned above
Passport and visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified
Optional Adventure Activities
- 2 (light adventure)
Available upon request, contact us for more details.
Prices are based on per person, and vary from single, quad, triple, and twin cabins.
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Please note this itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.Includes charter flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia on a return basis
Departure dates, seasonality, availability & currency fluctuation