Join us on an unforgettable Antarctic expedition aboard the Greg Mortimer, a state-of-the-art vessel accommodating up to 130 guests. As part of this voyage, our exclusive small group of 14 passengers, led by two dedicated Wildlife Worldwide tour leaders, offers a more personal experience.
Travelling as part of our group allows for intimate exploration beyond the Antarctic Circle, with tailored wildlife encounters and enriching experiences amidst majestic icy vistas. Discover a rarely seen, isolated world, littered with gigantic icebergs, snow-clad mountains and swathes of pack-ice, alive with the sights and sounds of nature's most fascinating creatures. As we thread through narrow channels and cruise among dramatic straits, we hope to encounter a variety of whale species, such as humpback, fin, sei and minke, plus playful dolphins, and numerous seal species.
Penguin colonies are bustling at this time of year, with species such as Adelie, gentoo and chinstrap, in the midst of their chick-rearing period and adorable moulting phase. Penguin chicks are inquisitive and nearby seals are ready and waiting to take advantage of this curiosity. Our landings ashore will include intimate interactions with these curious creatures, providing superb opportunities for photography.
With endless wildlife watching, photography and exploration opportunities, we enjoy the privilege of two dedicated Zodiacs for all our excursions. One Zodiac will be led by tour leader Helen Bryon and focus on the breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife, while the second Zodiac will be tailored for photography enthusiasts and escorted by our photography tour leader, Emma Healey. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced photographer, you will be made to feel very welcome. The aim is to create a light-hearted and relaxed environment in which to learn, explore, and celebrate the wonders of the natural world.
This unique itinerary grants us additional time on the Antarctic Peninsula allowing the opportunity to push further south and cross the Antarctic Circle - a momentous achievement! We celebrate in style on board our start-of-the-art expedition vessel, Greg Mortimer. With spacious observation areas, plenty of on board amenities, and two unique hydraulic viewing platforms offering unobstructed views of the passing marine life, this small-group expedition promises an intimate and immersive Antarctic experience and once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart the UK, arriving the next day
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Day 2:
Arrive in Buenos Aires and overnight
We arrive in Buenos Aires and transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore.
Accommodation: Dazzler by Wyndham Buenos Aires Palermo, 1-night
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Day 3:
Fly to Ushuaia and overnight
Today, we fly to Ushuaia ready for embarkation tomorrow. The rest of today's free to explore and relax.
Accommodation: Arakur Ushuaia Resort, 1-night
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Day 4:
Embark & set sail!
Enjoy breakfast and spend the remainder of the morning at leisure. This afternoon, there is an option to join a Beagle Channel and Isla de Los Lobos Cruise. Embarkation will occur later this afternoon. Once onboard, we settle into our cabins and join a welcome briefing. We set sail this evening, with spectacular views over Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego.
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Day 5:
Drake Passage
Today, we commence our Drake Passage crossing towards the Great White Continent. There will be a variety of workshops and lectures available throughout our voyage, and this is a great opportunity to learn more about Antarctica. In between presentations, you may like to spend time on deck looking for wildlife. We are likely to encounter many seabirds, including majestic albatross, giant petrels and skuas. We may also start to see icebergs and possibly whales, including humpback, sei and fin.
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Day 6:
Drake Passage & South Shetland Islands
We continue crossing the Drake Passage and as we approach the South Shetland Islands, the ocean transforms into a mesmerising landscape adorned with drifting ice sculptures. If conditions allow, we may attempt our first landing this afternoon.
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Days 7-12
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Antarctica Peninsula & Crossing the Antarctic Circle
Over the next six days, we sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of penguins, seals, whales and a variety of seabirds. At this time of year, we expect to experience approximately 18–22 hours of daylight, providing us with endless opportunities for wildlife watching, photography and exploration.
On a typical day, we enjoy two excursions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. On shore excursions, we visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts, and have time to wander along pebble-covered beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to view points above. We may also explore by Zodiac, cruising along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins.
Whales are at their most active at this time of year, with possible sightings including blue, fin, sei, orca and humpback. With luck, we hope to witness a variety of captivating behaviours, such as breaching, diving, lobtailing, and spy hopping. While ashore, we have plenty of time to observe waddles of penguins, with parents coming and going, and moulting chicks looking for food.
While the Antarctic scenery will undoubtedly leave us spellbound, our time aboard the Greg Mortimer allows us to relax in style, indulge in creature comforts, or hone our photography skills. Our small group allows us to tailor each excursion to maximise wildlife encounters, photography opportunities, and polar adventure!
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Day 13:
South Shetland Islands & Drake Passage
This morning, we enjoy a final excursion in the South Shetland Islands before beginning our return journey across the Drake Passage towards Ushuaia. A haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike, these islands are home to an abundance of wildlife, including colonies of chinstrap, gentoo, and Adélie penguins, as well as seals and seabirds. This afternoon, retreat to the warmth of the observation lounge, enjoy the sauna and hot tub, or use this opportunity to edit and organise the countless photographs you've captured over the course of our expedition.
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Day 14:
Drake Passage
Continuing our journey north, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean. Seabirds soar overhead and below the surface whales breach and dive.
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Day 15:
Disembark in Ushuaia and fly to Buenos Aires
This morning, we sail along the Beagle Channel to Ushuaia. We enjoy our last breakfast on board, disembark and fly to Buenos Aires.
Accommodation: Dazzler by Wyndham Buenos Aires Palermo, 1-night
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Day 16:
Travel back to the UK
Today we transfer to the airport for our journey home.
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Day 17:
Arrive back in the UK
Please note: Exact itinerary and duration will depend on your departure date and local conditions.
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS
To enhance your Antarctic adventure, why not extend your journey and discover more of South America’s natural and cultural wonders? Soak up the vibrant energy of
Buenos Aires, feel the spray of the mighty
Iguazú Falls, or explore the windswept wilderness of Patagonia. You could search for elusive pumas in
Torres del Paine or embark on a self-drive adventure through jaw-dropping Andean landscapes.
Ask us for ideas or more information on how to make the most of your time in the region.
LUXURY VESSEL
