Epic Antarctica: Circle, Falklands & South Georgia | Ultramarine
23 Days
Save Up To 28%
WAS From AUD 62,000 Now From AUD 45,032
STYLE: Small Ship Luxury Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACQEUTP
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Finish: Buenos Aires, Argentina
SHIP: Ultramarine
Destination
Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Circle, Falkland Islands and South Georgia
Accommodation
Cabin on board ship
DEPARTURE DATES
Enquire Now
OVERVIEW
Save up to 15% on Antarctica 24/25 Departures
$1450p/p AUD Flight Credit & $250p/p USD onboard credit available on selected 24/25 season departures and cabins.
Experience all the major Antarctic highlights on this incredible 23 day epic journey. From the sandy Cape Cod on the Falkland Island to the breeding grounds of over 300 000 king penguins on South Georgia before finally exploring the indescribably sights of Antarctic Peninsula. Starting in 2021 you will experience this voyage on board the Ultramarine. This purpose-built vessel extends the boundaries of polar expedition, even including a helicopter flight-seeing tour as part of your package*.
*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—the next time you see land, you’ll be in a wildlife wonderland!
There are many activities to keep you engaged while we’re at sea. You can take advantage of the library of books available on your ship, hang out at the bar chatting to other travelers or spend time out on deck, admiring the sea. Your Expedition Team will also conduct a series of presentations to familiarize yourself with how to prepare for Zodiac cruises and shore landings.
The Falkland archipelago contains two main islands - East and West, which we will explore by Zodiac excursions and daily landings. These rugged islands have a frontier type feel to them, especially at Port Stanley - the largest settlement on the islands. It’s an interesting British outpost type place, where you may just as easily wander into a pub as you will a church or museum.
With your camera at hand, our wildlife sightings in the Falklands should include at least three species of penguins and two endemic bird species - Cobb’s wren and the Falkland’s flightless steamer duck.
Your team of lecturers and specialists will be sure to educate you on the local flora and fauna so that you get the most out of a memorable time in the Falklands.
En-route to South Georgia you’ll cross the invisible biological boundary unique to Antarctica, the Antarctic Convergence. This meeting of oceans is what creates the abundance of krill and marine life that attracts large cetaceans, such as humpback whales.
Evidence of the old whaling and sealing heydays is still found throughout the island. You’ll be surprised to learn that the whale and seal populations were once decimated here, as today their populations are strong, with massive rookeries to be seen.
One significant and historic site that will be of interest is the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. His grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station and a research station, is a day for reflecting on what it must’ve been like to be one of the first explorers to this unforgiving, yet beautiful environment.
While South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the islands, it is the wildlife on South Georgia that you and your shipmates will likely find the most captivating. Often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, South Georgia contains an exceptional quantity of wildlife. Each landing you make on South Georgia will open your eyes to a new wonder of wildlife. One day you may see rookeries with a hundred thousand pairs of king penguins waddling on the beach. The next day we may another beach with thousands of fur or elephant seals.
The grasses, mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different bird and animal species. Your Expedition Team will be happy to share their knowledge of how these vulnerable relationships all play out on the island.
Antarctica awaits, along with its own penguin and seal species. While you’re at sea, you can enjoy some quiet time or take in presentations by the Expedition Team, which will cover everything from the history and geology of Antarctica to tips on identifying different species and what makes them each unique. With good weather conditions, a landing at the South Orkney Islands may mark your official landing on Antarctica.
The most common reaction to arriving at the white continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes; at one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete silence and loneliness, then the next you’ll be laughing at the comical antics of a curious penguin.
Glacier hikes, visits to research bases and, of course, communing with the seals and penguins are sure to keep you smiling each and every day. Perhaps you’ll catch sight of the fearless penguin-eater, the leopard seal, or come eye to eye with a curious Minke whale while out on a Zodiac ride. Each day and each landing will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera shutter busy.
If you find yourself wanting more, then perhaps you’ll treat yourself by booking our kayaking adventure option (reserve in advance when booking your trip) or if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, a little shock therapy courtesy of a polar plunge might be what you need!
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not come close to reaching this far south.
With a toast to the first explorers who ventured here, you can raise a glass of champagne and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world still visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home to the midnight sun, with potential for some fantastic iceberg sightings.
If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time we return to the Drake Passage. We’ll continue to journey onto land and out by Zodiac twice daily. Your Expedition Team will also be on the lookout for any species of penguins, seals and whales that may have eluded you on the journey south.
After more than a dozen days of memorable wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake Passage is your unofficial rite of passage, putting a final stamp of approval on your Antarctic adventure.
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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Undertake a complete Antarctic journey witnessing the incredible sights of the peninsula, Antarctic Circle, Falkland Islands and South Georgia.
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Encounter the incredible wildlife of Antarctica from Albatross on the Falkland Islands to the colony of 300 000 king penguins on South Georgia and a number of whale, seal and penguin species in the peninsula.
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This itinerary can be easily tailored to include a land based tour of South America.
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.
Learn More
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!
Learn MorePricing per person
 | Explorer TripleFeatures:-
| AUD 48,500Unavailable Enquire Now
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 | Solo PanoramaFeatures:-
| AUD 69,100Unavailable Enquire Now
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 | Explorer SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off AUD 64,400 AUD 48,650Available Enquire Now
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 | Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off AUD 70,700 AUD 53,375Available Enquire Now
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 | Deluxe Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off AUD 83,300 AUD 62,825Available Enquire Now
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 | Terrace SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off AUD 86,400 AUD 65,150Unavailable Enquire Now
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 | Penthouse SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off AUD 92,900 AUD 70,025Unavailable Enquire Now
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 | Owner's SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off AUD 114,900 AUD 86,525Available Enquire Now
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 | Ultra SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off AUD 127,400 AUD 95,900Unavailable Enquire Now
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| Explorer TripleFeatures:-
| 10 % off AUD 52,500 AUD 47,390Available Enquire Now
|
| Solo PanoramaFeatures:-
| 10 % off AUD 86,100 AUD 77,630Available Enquire Now
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| Explorer SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off AUD 62,000 AUD 45,032Available Enquire Now
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| Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off AUD 67,900 AUD 49,280Available Enquire Now
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| Deluxe Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off AUD 80,300 AUD 58,208Unavailable Enquire Now
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| Terrace SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off AUD 83,200 AUD 60,296Unavailable Enquire Now
|
| Penthouse SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off AUD 89,000 AUD 64,472Available Enquire Now
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| Owner's SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off AUD 110,100 AUD 79,664Unavailable Enquire Now
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| Ultra SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off AUD 121,800 AUD 88,088Unavailable Enquire Now
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| Explorer TripleFeatures:-
| 12 % off AUD 55,150 AUD 48,475Available Enquire Now
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| Solo PanoramaFeatures:-
| 11 % off AUD 90,150 AUD 79,975Available Enquire Now
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| Explorer SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off AUD 65,150 AUD 49,071Available Enquire Now
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| Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off AUD 71,550 AUD 53,967Available Enquire Now
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| Deluxe Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off AUD 83,750 AUD 63,300Available Enquire Now
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| Terrace SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off AUD 87,250 AUD 65,977Available Enquire Now
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| Penthouse SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off AUD 93,050 AUD 70,414Available Enquire Now
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| Owner's SuiteFeatures:-
| 24 % off AUD 115,150 AUD 87,321Available Enquire Now
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| Ultra SuiteFeatures:-
| 24 % off AUD 128,050 AUD 97,189Unavailable 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 (Buenos Aires to Ushuaia return) - $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
- 2 (light adventure)
Available upon request, contact us for more details.
Please note this itinerary depends on weather and ice conditions.
Excludes Mandatory flight package (Buenos Aires to Ushuaia return) - $1,400 AUD / $995 USD per person *subject to change
Departure dates, seasonality, availability & currency fluctuation