South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari

South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari

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16 Days
From

$18196

South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari

16 Days Starting and ending in Ushuaia

Visiting: Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park, ሀመር።, South Georgia Island, South Orkney Islands, Antarctic Great Wall Station, Drake Passage

Tour operator:

Exodus

Tour code:

PTF

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 189

Physical rating:

Leisurely

Age range:

18 to 99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From:
$18196 (USD)

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

On this adventure, massive albatross and Pintado petrel swoop and soar around the ship, guiding us toward South Georgia. Beaches teeming with King penguins and Elephant seals greet us on this fabled island, where we’ll pay our respects to famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Antarctica awaits, with its geographic contradictions and overwhelming enormity. Relax on a Zodiac ride, hike glistening glaciers, share comical moments with inquisitive penguins, and witness the rugged peninsula. Antarctica will surprise and delight, and never disappoint.

Highlights

  • Experience the quintessential wildlife experience of the “Galapagos of the Poles”

  • Reflect at the resting place of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton

  • Visit South Georgia’s King penguin rookeries – the largest in the world

  • Witness abundant Antarctic wildlife, including penguins, seals, whales and more

  • Visit abandoned whaling stations and learn stories of inhabitants who called South Georgia home

  • Accompanied by extremely qualified Expedition Staff

  • Travel on a small expedition vessel

  • Experience western Peninsula highlights and visit iconic landing sites

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Start Ushuaia, Argentina
Location: Ushuaia
Meals Included: No Meals

Begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of
South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the
southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get
active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.

Day 2 : Embarkation Day
Location: Tierra del Fuego National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will
sail down 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!

Day 3 - 6 : At Sea
Location: Tierra del Fuego National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

There are many activities to keep you engaged while at sea. Learn to identify
seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend dynamic presentations by
the Expedition Team. You will be prepped on safety procedures for Zodiac
cruises and shore landings.

Day 7 - 8 : South Georgia
Location: South Georgia Island
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 photograph these rocks rising out of the icy ocean
waters. Shags and prions often rest here.

After enjoying South Georgia from a distance, we’ll head toward its
numerable beaches to find a protected bay for your first land excursion.
Landing sites on South Georgia are varied, largely determined by the weather
conditions of your voyage. Whichever sites we visit, they’ll provide you
with wildlife encounters unrivaled anywhere else on earth.

This is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for
subantarctic wildlife, with beaches blanketed with penguins. It won’t take
you long to realize that South Georgia is a paradise for bird lovers, as
burrowing seabirds, albatross and petrels can be seen in abundance.

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. The 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
subantarctic waters. Many travellers 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.

Day 9 - 10 : At Sea
Location: South Orkney Islands
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Say goodbye to the King penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica!
Days at sea are filled with presentations and lectures led by the Expedition
Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife that will greet you upon your
arrival. In between activities, spend time chatting with your shipmates over
a drink at the bar.

If conditions allow, we may attempt landfall on the South Orkney Islands, our
first official stop in Antarctica.

Day 11 - 13 : Antarctic Peninsula
Location: Antarctic Great Wall Station
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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, unique and enduring as Antarctica.

Discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be
overcome with a feeling of complete desolation and silence, and at the next
moment, you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into
brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear.

The Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, 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 curious whales,
such as minkes, while on a Zodiac cruise. Each day and each landing will
present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera
busy.

Day 14 - 15 : Crossing The Drake Passage
Location: Drake Passage
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After more than a dozen days of memorable wildlife encounters, your journey
home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, to spend
time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy
presentations by the Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about
your experiences.

Day 16 : Disembark In Ushuaia
Location: Ushuaia
Meals Included: Breakfast

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue
your adventure on land or catch your flights home.

What's Included

  • Meals
    7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners.

  • We can include flights from the UK.  Please contact us for a quote.

  • Beer and wine during dinner

  • All meals while on the ship

  • All accommodation

  • Tour leader throughout and qualified Expedition Staff

  • All transport and listed activities

What's Not Included

  • Visas or vaccinations

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

Accommodation

The South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari is offered on the  Ocean Explorer and the World Explorer which are Polar Adventure Ships. One night in a standard hotel in Ushuaia included. Full board accommodation on the ship, generally on a twin share basis in a variety of cabin types, all with en suite facilities. Please visit the Polar Fleet page for Ship Information and Deck Plans.

Polar Adventure Ships

These are small ice rated vessels well qualified for Polar waters. Intimate adventures are always more enjoyable with like-minded passengers and staff, so these voyages are for people who like flexible itineraries and plenty to keep them busy. Activities include frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking, kayaking and many hours on deck in areas that other ships only dream about accessing. Food and staff are excellent and every guest benefits from the technical advances of this superb fleet.  Rest assured our Polar Adventure Ships enable any traveller to maximize their experience sensitively in the Poles.

Food

All meals while on the ship included. *Typical Meals* The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide variety of drinks from around the world on sale. *Breakfast:* Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal. *Lunch: *Three course set meal or buffet, or the occasional BBQ. *Dinner:* Three or four courses with a starter of soup and/or salad, a choice of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a dessert, with tea and coffee. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday - please do inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so that our local team can be well prepared.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    We can include flights from the UK. Please contact us for a quote.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    18+ age people can go on this tour.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this Operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
John Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I went cycling in Albania...

19-Aug-2023

I went cycling in Albania with exodus as my first holiday with them. Such a well organised and wonderful experience where I met multiple fellow travellers who have been advocates of them for many years. You can't argue with happy repeat customers and I'm planning my next adventure with them soon

Rob Burridge (Google Reviewer)  

I'v just come back from...

17-Jul-2022

I'v just come back from an amazing Wildlife & Wilderness trip in Botswana and I highly recommend Exodus Travels. Our guide Brian, was extremely knowledgeable on both the wildlife and history of Botswana and neighbouring countries. The other three staff, Abbis, Chief & Mr T, who accompanied us through out our 2 week trip, put in the hard work and made sure our camp was always prepared and that we we're well fed and looked after. The tour took us to some beautiful places and we saw some amazing wildlife, and on several occasions this was due to Brian's knowledge of the area and wildlife behaviour. Exodus have been very quick to respond to any queries I had, and the whole experience ran smoothly. I was also pleased to hear that during lockdown they provided staff with food packages 👍. I'd normally go on self organised trips, however, with this trip, the tour and guide Brian took us to places not possible otherwise and showed us things that we would'v missed out on. All of which were the highlights of the tour.

Daphne Partridge (Google Reviewer)  

After 14 roup adventure holidays...

26-Nov-2023

After 14 roup adventure holidays with Exofus we would not hesitate to recommend them as an excitingholiday company. They take you off the beaten track but offer great support and expertise :)

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

Dates & Availability

WORLD EXPLORER

Monday - Tuesday

Jan 06, 2025 - Jan 21, 2025
$19796 (USD)
OCEAN EXPLORER

Sunday - Monday

Feb 16, 2025 - Mar 03, 2025
$18196 (USD)
OCEAN EXPLORER

Saturday - Sunday

Jan 24, 2026 - Feb 08, 2026
$18971 (USD)
WORLD EXPLORER

Sunday - Monday

Feb 01, 2026 - Feb 16, 2026
$27895 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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