Penguin Safari: South Georgia & Antarctica | Ultramarine
Available until 03 April 2023 unless sold out prior.
16 Days
Save Up To 35%
WAS From USD 26,595 Now From USD 18,282
STYLE: Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACQEUP
SHIP: Ultramarine
Destination
Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia
Accommodation
Cabin on board a ship
DEPARTURE DATES
Enquire Now
OVERVIEW
Departing from Ushuaia you will embark on an incredible journey to Antarctica and the seldom visited South Georgia. Set foot on beaches teaming with elephant seals and the largest colonies of king penguins on Earth before setting out for the legendary frozen white continent. Experience this incredible journey on the Ultramarine, a purpose-built vessel pushing the boundaries of polar expeditions and including a flight-seeing tour that will let you experience these remote locations from an entirely new perspective.
*Offers are correct at the time of publishing and are available for sale on selected cabins and departure until 03 April 2023 or sold out.. Discounts are subject to change, availability will be confirmed at time of booking. Only combinable with Shackleton Club Past Passenger offers. 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. Excludes Triple and Single Cabins. The below 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!
There are many activities to keep you engaged while you are at sea. Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend dynamic presentations by your Expedition Team. You will be prepped on safety procedures for Zodiac cruises and shore landings, and also be given instructions for getting the most out of your optional sea kayaking adventures (extra cost), a truly intimate way to experience Antarctica.
If conditions are right, the first indication that you are approaching South Georgia is the sight of birds around a group of rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Have your binoculars and cameras ready to capture these rocks rising out of the icy ocean waters. Shags and prions often rest here, and due to nutrient rich upwellings around the rocks it can be a good place to keep a lookout for whales.
After enjoying South Georgia from a distance, we’ll head toward its numerable beaches to find a bay for your first land excursion. Landing sites are varied, largely determined by the weather conditions of your voyage. Whichever sites we visit, they’ll provide you with wildlife encounters unrivalled anywhere else on earth.
You’ll find that South Georgia, once a popular base for whalers and sealers, is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries gone by. Your Expedition Team will help bring those days to life while you visit old whaling stations and enjoy presentations on the South Georgia of then and now.
One of the most significant sites you will visit on the island is Grytviken. This settlement is one of the first whaling stations established in sub-Antarctic waters. Many travelers find that this place has a special appeal, as it is home to the remains of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the most famous Antarctic explorers.
Say goodbye to the king penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with presentations and workshops led by your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife and landscapes that will surround you upon your arrival.
The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica.
You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence, and at the next moment you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear.
Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each excursion, whether you are Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. Keep a lookout for Antarctic whales, such as minkes, while on a Zodiac cruise. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.
As exciting as the Zodiac excursions and landings are, perhaps you’ll treat yourself to an extra-special Antarctic experience by partaking in an optional paddling excursion (at an extra cost) or cast reason aside and jump into Antarctic waters for the polar plunge!
After more than a dozen days of unique wildlife encounters and remarkable landscapes, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage. Spend time on deck watching for seabirds and whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.
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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Experience this incredible journey on the Ultramarine the latest of polar expedition vessels, which will include a helicopter flight-seeing experience (weather permitting)
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Undertake a true expedition experience - kayak near giant icebergs, hike sparkling glaciers, sit on rocky beaches home to thousands of endemic penguin species - No experience is the same.
Ultramarine
The newest ship of this expedition fleet; Ultramarine; 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 . Experience the Antarctic in comfort as you sail aboard Ultramarine. 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, flatscreen TV’s and DVD players and spa - inspired bathrooms. Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, 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 and an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards.
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.
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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!
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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!
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Cross Country Skiing
Carving the first tracks down a pristine mountain slope is a dream for most ski enthusiasts, and Antarctica offers one of the most unexplored landscapes in the world. Skiing in Antarctica is an exciting mix of picturesque views, pristine landscapes and a variety of wildlife to keep you company. Many tour operators offer skiing as an optional activity, so if you are planning on visiting Antarctica make sure you add this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to your bucket list!
Learn MorePricing per person
 | Ultra SuiteFeatures:-
| 40 % off USD 53,590 USD 32,552Unavailable Enquire Now
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 | Owner's SuiteFeatures:-
| 40 % off USD 48,490 USD 29,492Unavailable Enquire Now
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 | Penthouse SuiteFeatures:-
| 40 % off USD 39,290 USD 23,972Unavailable Enquire Now
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 | Terrace SuiteFeatures:-
| 40 % off USD 36,690 USD 22,412Available Enquire Now
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 | Deluxe Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 40 % off USD 35,190 USD 21,512Available Enquire Now
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 | Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 35 % off USD 30,090 USD 19,907Available Enquire Now
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 | Solo PanoramaFeatures:-
| USD 29,090Available Enquire Now
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 | Explorer SuiteFeatures:-
| 35 % off USD 27,590 USD 18,282Available Enquire Now
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 | Explorer TripleFeatures:-
| USD 20,890Available Enquire Now
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| Ultra SuiteFeatures:-
| 37 % off USD 45,990 USD 29,341Unavailable Enquire Now
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| Owner's SuiteFeatures:-
| 37 % off USD 40,990 USD 26,191Unavailable Enquire Now
|
| Penthouse SuiteFeatures:-
| 37 % off USD 35,990 USD 23,041Unavailable Enquire Now
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| Terrace SuiteFeatures:-
| 37 % off USD 33,990 USD 21,781Unavailable Enquire Now
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| Deluxe Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 37 % off USD 30,990 USD 19,891Unavailable Enquire Now
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| Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 33 % off USD 27,990 USD 19,216Unavailable Enquire Now
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| Solo PanoramaFeatures:-
| 10 % off USD 35,990 USD 32,490Unavailable Enquire Now
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| Explorer SuiteFeatures:-
| 33 % off USD 25,990 USD 17,866Unavailable Enquire Now
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| Explorer TripleFeatures:-
| 10 % off USD 22,490 USD 20,340Unavailable Enquire Now
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Important Information
Cabin accommodation on board ship
All meals on board
All scheduled landings and excursions
Guiding and lectures by experienced expedition team
Expedition parka (yours to keep)
Loan of expedition boots for duration of voyage
One 10 to 15 minute helicopter flight-seeing excursion (weather permitting)
EXCLUSIONS
International airfare
Mandatory flight package - $1,400 AUD / $995 USD per person
Any activities not mentioned as included
Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable)
Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance
Available upon request, contact us for more details.
Please note this itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.
Departure date, season and availability