- Sea Spirit
- Luxury Expedition Ship
- 112 Capacity
- 16 Days
-
View Departure>
- Price from
- $999,999,999
Summary : This expedition offers the opportunity to witness massive numbers of polar wildlife, spectacular scenery, and historically significant sites from early explorations to the Antarctic region. See spectacular King Penguin rookeries, reflect for a moment at the resting place of the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, and visit abandoned whaling stations and learn stories of inhabitants who called this island home. With more than 30 species of seabirds including four species of penguins, South Georgia is often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles. Experience the quintessential wildlife experience of South Georgia on this expedition that will inspire any wildlife enthusiast or history buff.
Activities : Birding, Culture, Hiking, Kayaking
PRICING
Prices from
$999,999,999 to $0
Itinerary
Day 1
Ushuaia, Argentina
Begin your adventure with an overnight stay in Ushuaia—capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province and the southernmost city in the world.
Day 2
Embarkation Day
Embark in the late afternoon, after which the vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel on the way out to the open sea. Think of the Beagle Channel as the tasty appetizer before your main course arrives. You will want to get out on deck and keep your eyes peeled, as there are several bird species here that will capture your attention and give your photography skills a test.
Day 3 – 4
At Sea
The Expedition Team will keep you busy by testing your knowledge of seabirds, penguins and history of South Georgia as they begin their educational lecture program. Enjoy the time at sea to get acquainted with fellow travelers and learning about the shore landings, Zodiac excursions, and kayaking opportunities that await you in South Georgia.
Day 5 – 13
South Georgia
The first indication that you are approaching South Georgia is the sighting of birds around a group of rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Rising out of the icy ocean waters, have your binoculars and cameras ready to photograph these rocks and the shags, prions and wandering albatross that often rest here. Landing sites on South Georgia are varied, and are largely determined by the weather conditions of your voyage. Whatever landing sites are visited, they’ll provide wildlife encounters that cannot be enjoyed anywhere else on Earth. This is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches littered with penguins—in particular king and macaroni penguins. Many rookeries number into the hundreds of thousands! It won’t take you long to realize that South Georgia is a paradise for bird lovers as burrowing seabirds, albatross and petrels can all be seen in abundance.
South Georgia is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries gone by. Once a popular base for whalers and sealers, Captain James Cook first reported on the abundance of wildlife here in 1775. The Expedition Team will help bring those days to life, as you’ll visit old whaling stations and enjoy lectures and presentations on the South Georgia of then and now. One of the most significant sites you will visit on the island is located on Grytviken. This is one of the first whaling stations established in sub-Antarctic waters. Many travelers find this place of special appeal as it is home to the remains of one of the best known Antarctic explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Day 14 – 15
At Sea
The return crossing will be time to reminisce about the incredible sights and sounds witnessed on South Georgia. Sharing laughs and enjoying a final drink with your shipmates and Expedition Team is the perfect way to bring your South Georgia adventure to a close.
Day 16
Ushuaia, Argentina
After breakfast, you disembark the ship and are free to explore Ushuaia or take a complimentary transfer to the airport for homeward flights.
Notes
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife you encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition.
Sea Kayaking Option: $950 per person (10/28/2012); minimum age 16 years. Please contact ExpeditionTrips for additional details.
Mandatory Travel Insurance:
All guests are required to have comprehensive travel insurance coverage. Due to the remoteness of the areas in this itinerary, travelers must have a minimum $50,000 of emergency medical coverage. Proof of coverage is required prior to embarkation. The shipping company will not be held responsible for delays due to force majeure. Any additional costs accrued will be the responsibility of the traveler. ExpeditionTrips strongly recommends that the travel insurance policy covers trip cancellation insurance, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage and repatriation. ExpeditionTrips can assist you with this.
Included:
One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation at a four-star hotel with breakfast, as indicated in the itinerary (The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Travelers who reserve a Suite on board the ship may be accommodated in a Suite at the hotel based on availability at time of booking.); five-star hotel for guests in Superior class cabins and Suites for pre-expedition night; shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage, including a selection of wines, beers, juices, and soft drinks (please inform of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.); a selection of wines, beers, liquors, mixed drinks, juices, and soft drinks in the bar; all shore landings per the daily program; leadership throughout the voyage by your experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities; formal and informal presentations by your Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled; photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; a pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings; an official parka to keep; coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin; a 10 Mb card for access to the ship’s wireless internet connection; comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader; group transfers in Ushuaia from the airport to any local hotel; group transfers from a designated location in Ushuaia to the ship on embarkation day; group transfers from the ship to the local airport on disembarkation; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling aboard ship; Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $100,000 per person*.
Not Included:
Any airfare; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before embarkation; baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance; excess baggage charges; laundry and other personal charges; telecommunications charges; voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew; supplements for adventure options.
*Emergency Evacuation Insurance:
Emergency evacuation coverage to a maximum benefit per paying passenger of $100,000 is included in the cost of this expedition. Included coverage is applicable only to travel between the first and last day of the expedition purchased. Additional days of travel prior to the expedition and/or after the expedition are not covered by the included emergency evacuation insurance. We strongly advise all passengers to purchase medical, cancellation and baggage insurance, and additional emergency evacuation coverage.
