Spirit of Shackleton - 21 Days

From £18,399£876 per day

Trip Snapshot

Genders

  • Female50%
  • Male50%

Average age

50
10 Min100 Max

Start / End

  • Ushuaia
  • Ushuaia

Physical rating

2/5

Group size

1 - 134

Meals included

57

Highlights

  • Meet hardy locals and spot unique wildlife in the Falkland Islands
  • Explore abandoned whaling stations and visit Shackleton’s grave
  • Walk quietly amongst king penguins and watch them surf onto the beach
  • Learn about the environment and ecology from industry experts
  • Set foot on the continent of Antarctica
  • Spot whales and seals while cruising past icebergs aboard Zodiacs
Recommended

Free Brochure

Uncover insider tips, see a packing list and view a detailed itinerary and accommodation information.

Summary

Experience vast penguin rookeries and seal colonies on this awe-inspiring voyage to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. This 21-day voyage illuminates Ernest Shackleton’s legend and recounts his courageous exploration of Antarctica. You’ll visit historical sites of past explorers, as well as Shackleton’s final resting place — the wildlife-rich island of South Georgia. Antarctica is beyond comprehension and sure to amaze any traveller seeking a true adventure to the world’s most remote wilderness.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Ushuaia

    Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.

  • Day 2

    Ushuaia/Drake Passage

    Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping, explore the town, or visit the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel. Opt to visit the magnificent Tierra del Fuego National Park today before boarding the ship.

  • Day 3

    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 Expedition's wake. The Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded never ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic.

    As the Expedition crosses the passage there will be time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship’s crew and expedition staff.

    Begin lectures and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.

  • Day 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 Expedition's wake. The Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded never ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic.

    As the Expedition crosses the passage there will be time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship’s crew and expedition staff.

    Begin lectures and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.

  • Day 5

    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. Welcome to the Great White Continent! Over the next few days, the Expedition will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula.

    Our goal is to attempt shore landings daily while we navigate through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter.

    The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands abound with wildlife activity. Take plenty of time to enjoy the sheer beauty and the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, blue and white icebergs, impressive glaciers and rugged snow-capped mountains.

    The Peninsula also has a remarkable history and, during the voyage, opt to learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.

  • Day 6

    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. Welcome to the Great White Continent! Over the next few days, the Expedition will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula.

    Our goal is to attempt shore landings daily while we navigate through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter.

    The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands abound with wildlife activity. Take plenty of time to enjoy the sheer beauty and the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, blue and white icebergs, impressive glaciers and rugged snow-capped mountains.

    The Peninsula also has a remarkable history and, during the voyage, opt to learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.

  • Day 7

    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. Welcome to the Great White Continent! Over the next few days, the Expedition will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula.

    Our goal is to attempt shore landings daily while we navigate through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter.

    The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands abound with wildlife activity. Take plenty of time to enjoy the sheer beauty and the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, blue and white icebergs, impressive glaciers and rugged snow-capped mountains.

    The Peninsula also has a remarkable history and, during the voyage, opt to learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.

  • Day 8

    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. Welcome to the Great White Continent! Over the next few days, the Expedition will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula.

    Our goal is to attempt shore landings daily while we navigate through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter.

    The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands abound with wildlife activity. Take plenty of time to enjoy the sheer beauty and the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, blue and white icebergs, impressive glaciers and rugged snow-capped mountains.

    The Peninsula also has a remarkable history and, during the voyage, opt to learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.

  • Day 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. Welcome to the Great White Continent! Over the next few days, the Expedition will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula.

    Our goal is to attempt shore landings daily while we navigate through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter.

    The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands abound with wildlife activity. Take plenty of time to enjoy the sheer beauty and the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, blue and white icebergs, impressive glaciers and rugged snow-capped mountains.

    The Peninsula also has a remarkable history and, during the voyage, opt to learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.

  • Day 10

    Antarctic Peninsula/Scotia Sea

    Sail for two days, retracing Shackleton's route from Elephant Island and the Antarctic Peninsula towards South Georgia. These waters are rich with nutrients and the long summer days provide the ingredient that is missing most of the year. The result is a complex food chain topped by several species of whales, seals, and seabirds.

  • Day 11

    Antarctic Peninsula/Scotia Sea

    Sail for two days, retracing Shackleton's route from Elephant Island and the Antarctic Peninsula towards South Georgia. These waters are rich with nutrients and the long summer days provide the ingredient that is missing most of the year. The result is a complex food chain topped by several species of whales, seals, and seabirds.

  • Day 12

    Scotia Sea/South Georgia

    Home to many interesting sights (including the grave of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton), South Georgia has several former whaling stations and boasts plenty of wildlife. Visiting a huge colony of king penguins is a major highlight of this part of the journey. Weather permitting, spend four full days exploring the island. Weather permitting, four full days will be spent exploring this island. On nearby islands look out for the wandering albatross in their nesting grounds.

  • Day 13

    Scotia Sea/South Georgia

    Home to many interesting sights (including the grave of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton), South Georgia has several former whaling stations and boasts plenty of wildlife. Visiting a huge colony of king penguins is a major highlight of this part of the journey. Weather permitting, spend four full days exploring the island. Weather permitting, four full days will be spent exploring this island. On nearby islands look out for the wandering albatross in their nesting grounds.

  • Day 14

    Scotia Sea/South Georgia

    Home to many interesting sights (including the grave of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton), South Georgia has several former whaling stations and boasts plenty of wildlife. Visiting a huge colony of king penguins is a major highlight of this part of the journey. Weather permitting, spend four full days exploring the island. Weather permitting, four full days will be spent exploring this island. On nearby islands look out for the wandering albatross in their nesting grounds.

  • Day 15

    Scotia Sea/South Georgia

    Home to many interesting sights (including the grave of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton), South Georgia has several former whaling stations and boasts plenty of wildlife. Visiting a huge colony of king penguins is a major highlight of this part of the journey. Weather permitting, spend four full days exploring the island. Weather permitting, four full days will be spent exploring this island. On nearby islands look out for the wandering albatross in their nesting grounds.

  • Day 16

    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.

  • Day 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.

  • Day 18

    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. Enjoy the last opportunity to see penguins, including the Magellanic, rockhopper, gentoo, and king penguins. With a little luck, spot elephant seals, sea lions, king cormorants, black-browed albatross, skuas, night herons, giant petrels, striated caracaras and of course sheep.

  • Day 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. Enjoy the last opportunity to see penguins, including the Magellanic, rockhopper, gentoo, and king penguins. With a little luck, spot elephant seals, sea lions, king cormorants, black-browed albatross, skuas, night herons, giant petrels, striated caracaras and of course sheep.

  • Day 20

    Falkland Islands/Beagle Channel/Ushuaia

    Reflect on a memorable adventure and take in some final lectures en route back to Ushuaia. Begin the journey to the home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of the Antarctic experience with the lecturers and staff.

  • Day 21

    Ushuaia

    Disembark in the morning. Our adventure comes to a close. Have a final breakfast on the ship before saying goodbyes before disembarking in Ushuaia in the morning.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Twin-share hotel (1 nt), aboard the Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 19 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 20, Lunches: 18, Dinners: 19

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Airport Transfers

    Arrival Only

    An airport transfer to the start of the tour is included. Please contact our team if you require a quote for a return transfer.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Jan 2027

    from £18,399
  • Jan 2028

    from £18,699
  • Monday 11 Jan 2027to Sunday 31 Jan 2027
    6+ spaces of 134 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £18,399
    Pay MonthlyBest offer
    Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
    Solo Room from +£23,674

Customer reviews & ratings

(5 out of 5)
Based on 99 reviews
  • your attention to detail, sticking to itinerary and including extras where possible, good accommodation and beautifully presented great food with variation and taste,neat comfortable attire acceptable.

    Roxalainne Apr, 2019 Verified
  • Can only speak on the Antarctica cruise (based on personal experience) but the overall experience exceeded my expectations. From the facilities, to the staff , and overall organisation the trip was faultless.

    Dona Mar, 2019 Verified

Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

Frequently asked questions

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    Accommodation includes one night in a twin-share hotel in Ushuaia, followed by 19 nights aboard the Expedition ship. Cabins on the Expedition are available in quad-, triple-, or twin-share configurations, or as suites, all with en suite bathrooms and a porthole or window. All cabins feature twin-size berths and are ocean-facing, while suites have one queen-size bed.
  • Are meals included in the tour price?

    Yes, 20 breakfasts, 18 lunches, and 19 dinners are included. All meals onboard the expedition ship are gourmet international cuisines prepared by professional chefs. Dining is casual with unassigned tables. Coffee, tea, and water are provided free of charge; other beverages are available for purchase.
  • What is the physical activity level required for this expedition?

    This tour has a physical rating of 2, indicating an average level of fitness and mobility is required. Travelers must be able to walk unassisted, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. A medical questionnaire, signed by a physician, is required for all passengers traveling to Antarctica.
  • What wildlife can I expect to see during the expedition?

    You can expect to encounter vast penguin rookeries (Gentoo, Chinstrap, Adélie, King, Magellanic, rockhopper), various seal colonies (Weddell, crabeater, leopard, elephant, sea lions), and several species of whales (orca, humpback, minke). You'll also have the opportunity to spot albatross (wandering, black-browed) and other seabirds.
  • What is the age range for participants on this tour?

    The tour is open to participants with a minimum age of 10 and a maximum age of 100.
  • How are solo travelers accommodated on this tour?

    Solo travelers who have not selected the Private Cabin option will be paired with another solo traveler of the same gender for all nights, including the hotel in Ushuaia. If you book a Private Cabin, you will receive your own room for the entire cruise, including the hotel night in Ushuaia.
  • What types of transportation are used during the tour?

    Transportation includes the Expedition ship, Zodiac boats for excursions and landings, private buses, and walking.
  • What key services and items are included in the tour price?

    The tour price includes 19 nights aboard the Expedition ship, one night in a hotel in Ushuaia on a twin-share basis, Zodiac excursions with an expert expedition team, daily lectures and educational programs, waterproof boots supplied (USA sizes 4-16), and an expedition parka.
  • What is the recommended amount for tipping the crew and staff?

    The suggested tipping amount is USD $10-15 per person per day spent on board. Tipping is a personal choice, and the suggested amount serves as a guideline. Crew tips can be settled using most major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, AMEX) through the ship's Purser.
  • What currency is used on board the expedition ship, and are credit cards accepted?

    The Expedition ship is cashless and accepts major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, AMEX) for all purchases on board, with USD as the currency. For the Argentinean portion of the tour before and after the cruise, bringing USD cash is recommended, although credit and debit cards are useful for cash advances.
  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, optional activities include a visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park in Ushuaia, and visits to the South Georgia Heritage Trust. For the more adventurous, kayaking and camping excursions are also available on select departures, with advance booking strongly recommended due to limited space.
  • Will there be expert guides and lecturers on the expedition?

    Yes, an international team of professional naturalists and lecturers will lead the voyage. They provide informed interpretations through lectures, daily briefings, and informal discussions covering ornithology, marine biology, geography, geology, history, and the environment. There is one expedition team member per 10 guests.
  • Are there any health requirements or medical facilities on board?

    All passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to submit a medical questionnaire, signed by a physician. The ship is equipped with a small infirmary and a doctor available 24/7 for emergencies. Routine immunizations are suggested, but international health regulations do not currently require specific inoculations for this voyage.
  • What is the tour operator's approach to environmental responsibility?

    The tour operator holds Full Membership Status with IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators), adhering to strict rules for safe and environmentally responsible travel. Efforts are made to reduce single-use plastics on board, and guests are asked to help by bringing reusable water containers and taking plastic waste home for recycling. Rigorous measures are in place to prevent the spread of avian influenza.
  • What kind of electrical outlets are available on board the ship?

    Electricity onboard is 220AC with European 2-pin round holes, and 110-volt shaving sockets are available in bathrooms for electric razors only. Guests may wish to bring an international adapter, though a limited supply is available to borrow.
  • Do I need a special permit to visit South Georgia?

    Yes, the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands requires all visitors to obtain an Entry Permit Electronic Travel Authorization. The tour operator will handle the application process and cover the associated fees for all travelers.
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