Shackleton's Quest

19 - 20 day cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands and South Georgia.

Starting in Ushuaia set sail for the Falklands, home to Flightless Steamer Ducks, Magellanic, Gentoo and Rockhopper Penguins as well as the Black-browed Albatross and Blue-eyed Shags. The itinerary includes time to explore Stanley before travelling on towards the awe-inspiring scenery of South Georgia. The wildlife spectacular doesn't stop as at Salisbury Plain there are thousands of King Penguins and elephant seals and Gentoo Penguins may be seen at Gold Harbour.

The itinerary also includes a visit to Ernest Shackleton's grave at Grytviken on South Georgia, one of the most remote areas that can be visited. From South Georgia head for Elephant Island in the South Shetland Islands where Shackleton's men found refuge during the epic journey of the Endurance. Visit one of the research bases here and navigate the narrow passage to Deception Island and on to the white continent of the Antarctic Peninsula, home to Chinstrap and Adelie Penguins as well as Kelp Gulls, Cape Petrels and Weddell seals. Humpback and Mink Whales are frequently seen at close range. Weather permitting we aim to navigate Antarctic Sound, or "Iceberg Alley" and land on Paulet Island.

At Port Lockroy you will visit the one-time British research station, now transformed as a museum (and post office!) Then sail through the narrow waterways of Neumayer and Lemaire Channels before returning across Drake's Passage to Argentina. The cruise ends in Ushuaia.

Please note that a measure of flexibility is needed in the Antarctic region, the destinations listed above are a guideline only as each boat may have a slightly different itinerary and adverse weather conditions can mean unavoidable last minute changes.

Last Updated: Tuesday May 13 2008