Embark on a one-of-a-kind Penguin Safari aboard the Ocean Explorer, discovering the wild wonders of South Georgia and Antarctica. Encounter majestic albatross, playful seals, and up to five species of penguin amidst stunning landscapes.
A multitude of seabirds gracefully guide your vessel towards South Georgia where king penguins and elephant seals populate the beaches, creating a bustling spectacle. Teeming with wildlife, from cetaceans and pinnipeds to a dazzling array of birdlife, this wild archipelago is home to some of the world's largest penguin colonies. With gatherings of king penguins numbering in their hundreds of thousands, this remote paradise is also home to a thriving population of 50 million seabirds and 5 million seals.
Beyond South Georgia, Antarctica awaits with its soaring peaks, spectacular icebergs, and pristine ice. Whether you choose to delve deeper into the icy waters aboard a Zodiac, embark on a guided hike among glistening glaciers, or simply share a quiet moment with curious gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins, every experience in Antarctica promises to delight and inspire you.
As your vessel navigates through the icy polar waters, you are likely to encounter no less than five penguin species - king, macaroni, gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie – each with their own distinct character and charm. The excitement of encountering these playful and diverse penguin species adds an extra layer of excitement to your Antarctic adventure. This extraordinary journey takes place during peak summer months, when macaroni, gentoo, and chinstrap penguin chicks congregate on South Georgia, and multiple penguin species can be seen on the Antarctic Peninsula.
This unique expedition takes place on board Ocean Explorer, a modern, purpose-built polar vessel featuring state-of-the-art technology and stylish Scandinavian interiors. You'll enjoy spacious cabins, an impressive two-story library, and ample outdoor viewing areas, perfect for long-view photography and wildlife viewing.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Ushuaia
On arrival in the most southerly city in the world, you are met and transferred to your accommodation where you spend the night before embarkation the following day
Day2: Embarkation
This morning is free before embarkation this afternoon. After settling into your cabin, the ship will set sail along the famous Beagle Channel.
Days3-6: Southern Ocean
Cross the Southern Ocean and sail towards the Falkland Islands. Keep watch for several species of albatross that are likely to follow the vessel. You may also see playful dolphins riding the bow wave. Your expedition team will prepare you for your first landing and there will be a variety of workshops and lectures to help you learn more about Antarctica’s history, wildlife and the environment.
Days7-9: South Georgia
Explore the untamed wilderness of South Georgia, observing the region's remarkable wildlife either by excursions ashore or onboard Zodiacs. Highlights will include huge king penguins colonies, hundreds of enormous southern elephant seals and curious fur seals. An abundance of birdlife can also be seen, with likely species including marauding brown skuas, southern giant petrels, and several albatross species.
Other likely penguin species here include social gentoo penguins, chinstrap, so named due to the thin black band under their chin, and macaroni, the largest of the crested penguins, with their distinct orange feathers.
Days10-11: Southern Ocean
Sail onwards to Antarctica! Your expedition team will continue to share their wealth of knowledge as part of the onboard lecture series. You will have ample time to enjoy observing seabirds from the stern of the ship, keeping a close watch for whales and other marine wildlife, or simply enjoying the many facilities available to you on board.
Days12-15: Antarctic Peninsula
Over the next few days, the Antarctic Peninsula’s west coast is yours to explore. Chinstrap, Adélie, macaroni and gentoo penguins can all be found on the Antarctic Peninsula, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. Daily excursions will be planned to visit penguin colonies, historic settlements, a working scientific station or a Zodiac cruise through a sculpture garden of grounded icebergs. During Zodiac cruises, keep an eye out for Antarctic whales, such as minkes, as you may get a chance for an intimate experience with these majestic animals. Each day and each excursion will present wonderful opportunities for wildlife encounters, whether observing curious gentoo penguins waddling by, or perhaps Adelie penguins darting through the frigid waters, bubbles cascading behind.
Days16-17: Drake Passage
After endless wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. A comprehensive programme of lectures and workshops will continue to be provided, and there will be plenty of opportunity for birdwatching and a chance of sighting cetaceans from one of the observation areas or outside on deck.
Day18: Disembark in Ushuaia
After breakfast on board, bid farewell before disembarking in Ushuaia.
Please note: Exact itinerary and duration will depend on your chosen vessel, departure date and local conditions.
Key info
Duration and price excluding international flights: 18 daysfrom £21,100 pp
South Georgia is a remote, rugged and hauntingly beautiful sub-Antarctic island. Its scenery ranges from impressive mountains and mighty glaciers to deep fjords and low-lying grassland. Renowned as an excellent birdwatching destination, it has more wildlife than virtually anywhere else on the planet.
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Ideal for viewing: wandering albatross, elephant seal, king penguin, macaroni penguin, sperm whale
The Antarctic Peninsula is the most accessible part of the great white continent with some of its best wildlife and scenery. Ice-choked waterways, sculpted icebergs, imposing glaciers and rugged mountains provide the backdrop to an area with more whales and dolphins than anywhere else on earth.
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The Ocean Explorer is modern, elegant, and purpose-built for polar exploration. It features spacious and luxurious cabins, ample outdoor viewing areas, and the latest sustainability technology. The ship offers a luxurious and comfortable sailing experience, allowing you to intimately connect with the polar wilderness.
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