HIGHLIGHTS
- Marvel at the enormous tabular icebergs that escape the
Weddell Sea into the Antarctic Sound, also known as ‘Iceberg
Alley.’
- Learn about the fascinating history of
Shackleton’s Endurance expedition, including the 2022
discovery of the shipwreck.
- Experience South Georgia, an incredible wildlife sanctuary
where fur seals, elephant seals and four species of penguin coexist in
harmony.
- Hike from Fortuna Bay to the abandoned Stromness whaling
station, repeating the final leg of Shackleton’s remarkable
traverse of South Georgia from east to west.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | Stateroom Single | Stateroom Single Superior | Stateroom Triple | Stateroom Twin | Stateroom Superior | Balcony Stateroom C | Balcony Stateroom B | Balcony Stateroom A | Balcony Suite | Junior Suite | Captains Suite |
|---|
| Nov 08, 2026 | Nov 27, 2026 | 36,495 | 40,095 | 30,295 | 31,195 | 32,895 | 33,795 | 35,595 | 38,295 | 41,795 | 49,795 | 56,895 |
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Stateroom Single | (Mid-range)
Balcony Stateroom C | (High-end)
Captains Suite |
|---|
| Nov 08, 2026 | Nov 27, 2026 | 36,495 | 33,795 | 56,895 |
ITINERARY
Day
1 : Ushuaia
Arrive
in Ushuaia, where you will be met by a representative of Aurora
Expeditions and transferred with your fellow expeditioners to your
assigned pre-voyage hotel. If you are already in Ushuaia, we ask you to
make your way to your hotel. Check-in is from 3.00 pm. This afternoon,
visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk in the hotel lobby,
between 3.00 pm and 7.00 pm, to collect your luggage tags, and confirm
if you wish to join our Lake Escondido pre-embarkation tour tomorrow.
Our team will confirm details regarding your embarkation day, answer
any questions and provide you with information on where to dine or
purchase last minute items.
Expeditioners
arriving after 7.00 pm will find a welcome pack waiting for them at
check-in. We ask you to visit our hospitality desk tomorrow between
8.00 am – 8.45 am.
The
remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own
expense.
Assigned
accommodation: To be advised
Day
2 : Embarkation
This
morning, enjoy breakfast and check-out. Please ensure your cabin
luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and
cabin number. Take your cabin luggage to hotel reception, prior to, or
at check-out. Your luggage will be stored and transferred directly to
the port for clearance, to be placed in your cabin ahead of your
arrival on board. Please keep any valuables or personal items with you
throughout the day.
Those
wishing to join our Lake Escondido tour today, please meet in the hotel
lobby at 8.45 am. This tour offers us an unforgettable panoramic drive
through big valleys of glacial origin, evergreen and deciduous forests,
waterfalls and rivers, in the vastness of the Andes Mountain Range. We
will leave Ushuaia city to the northeast of Tierra del Fuego, driving
through peat bog valleys to reach Garibaldi Pass, only accessible by a
winding road that will take us to a panoramic point. From here we will
have amazing panoramic views of Lake Escondido and, if weather
conditions allow, of Fagnano Lake. We will start our descent towards
the northeast to reach Fagnano Lake’s shore where we will
visit a local ranch. After appreciating the landscape, you will have
the chance to enjoy the typical Fuegian Lamb barbecue. Enjoy some free
time there before returning to Ushuaia for ship embarkation.
Alternatively,
enjoy your day at leisure and meet at your hotel lobby or from the
meeting point at the parking lot near the pier (details will be given
by our ground staff at the hotel), to be transferred to the pier for
embarkation.
Once
onboard, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin before
our important mandatory briefings. As the ship pulls away from port,
we’ll gather on the deck to commence our adventure with
spectacular views over Ushuaia and Tierra del
Fuego.
This
evening, get to know your fellow expeditioners and friendly expedition
team and crew at a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling
adventure to Antarctica.
Day
3-4 : Drake Passage crossing
Settle
into your stateroom and make yourself comfortable! The onboard gym,
wellbeing centre and well-equipped library are yours to discover, and
your expedition team will offer a series of presentations on
Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment to help enrich
your experience. You will also be invited to collect your Muck Boots
and attend important briefings on biosecurity, wildlife-watching
guidelines and Zodiac safety, in preparation for your first landing in
Antarctica.
On
day four the excitement is palpable as you near the South Shetland
Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, with everyone
converging on the observation decks to spot their first iceberg. Now
that you’re south of the Antarctic Convergence the ocean
takes on a whole new character, as you’re surrounded by
porpoising penguins and dramatic icebergs. The memory of your first
iceberg sighting is likely to remain with you for a lifetime. Time and
weather permitting, we may attempt our first Antarctic landing in the
late afternoon.
Days
5-7 : Antarctic Peninsula
It
is almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica.
Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the
most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you
forever.
Once
we arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South
Shetland Islands are ours to explore, and we have a host of choices
available to us. Because we are so far south, we will experience
approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as
you wish.
While
on the Peninsula, we generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice
a day. Make sure you rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along
spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for
whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you
from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover
historic huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the
peninsula.
While
ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or
perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains
towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. If you have chosen an
optional activity, you will have the option to do participate in the
activity whenever conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers
will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters -
conditions permitting!
In
addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise
some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from
the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or
feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make
your way to the bridge (open at the captain’s discretion) for
uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour. Listen out for
the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve into sea. Take a
quiet moment to experience the wonder of the pristine paradise of the
splendid white continent.
Day
8 : Weddell Sea
The
famed Weddell Sea is central to the story of Sir Ernest
Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, which we
are here to retrace. In the summer of 1914 Shackleton and his crew of
27 men sailed into the Weddell Sea to attempt the first overland
crossing of Antarctica. As they approached their starting point, their
ship the Endurance became trapped in sea ice, sinking any hopes they
may have had of completing their objective. Little did they know, this
was the beginning of a completely unexpected and remarkable journey.
The incredible series of events that followed have made
Shackleton’s voyage one of the most celebrated in polar
history.
Remote and inaccessible, entry into the Weddell Sea is highly prized
among polar adventurers. Your passage begins at the northernmost
extreme of the Antarctic Peninsula, in the beautifully barren Antarctic
Sound. In this seldom-visited part of the Peninsula volcanic peaks
tower above penguin colonies, and wave-sculpted icebergs parade through
the deep channels leading to the Weddell Sea.
Continuing further east, embrace the expedition spirit as you forge
your way as far as possible into the Weddell Sea. The Weddell Sea is
renowned for its breathtaking tabular icebergs and expansive sea ice,
which attracts an abundance of wildlife, including crabeater seals,
Weddell seals and an array of seabirds. Take some time out on deck to
observe the flight of storm petrels, prions and Antarctic cormorants
drawn here by the rich blooms of Antarctic krill that flourish in the
shelter of this ice-covered sea.
As you travel, take a moment to reflect on the truly historic seas
you’re sailing. It wasn’t so far from here that the
wreck of the Endurance was discovered, mostly intact, on March 5, 2022.
Researchers aboard the polar research vessel S.A. Agulhas II were
astonished to find the well-preserved vessel only 6.4km (4 miles) south
of the position calculated by Captain Worsley in 1915, when he last
laid eyes on his ship.
Day
9 : Elephant Island
Today
we set a course for Elephant Island, the lonely outpost where 22 of
Shackleton’s men survived several winter months under the
shelter of two upturned boats.
In
the morning, join your expedition team in the lecture room to hear the
awe-inspiring story of Shackleton and his men, who spent 9 months stuck
in Weddell Sea pack ice and 6 months camping on drifting sea ice before
making a desperate escape from the sea ice in three open boats. They
spent almost a week battling the wind, currents, swell and treacherous
ice to finally make landfall on Elephant Island, a striking,
ice-covered extremity of the South Shetland Islands, after 497 days at
sea.
We
plan to sail past Cape Valentine to see the beach where the men first
put ashore over 100 years ago, then follow the coastline west to the
exposed promontory of Point Wild. This is where Shackleton’s
22 men survived several bitter winter months under their upturned
boats, hoping for rescue. Weather permitting, we will take a Zodiac
cruise or make a landing at historic Point Wild.
Days
10-11 : Scotia Sea
After
an exciting program of excursions and activities in Antarctica, relax
and enjoy the slower pace of sea days as you sail towards South
Georgia.
As
you make your way across the Scotia Sea you’re following the
route taken by Shackleton and five of his men when they sailed from
Elephant Island in search of rescue. In their open wooden boat, the
James Caird, they spent 17 days sailing into the unknown across this
perilous patch of ocean. This boat journey, which concluded with their
safe arrival in King Haakon Bay on the west coast of South Georgia,
remains one of the greatest stories of maritime navigation and survival
in polar history.
As
you sail the onboard lecture program continues, with a series of
entertaining presentations on South Georgia’s wildlife,
geology and history in the lecture room. Or you might prefer to simply
unwind: take a long lunch, catch up on your gym sessions, or curl up
with a book from our polar library.
The
Scotia Sea is known for its abundant wildlife including fin, humpback
and blue whales. Keep watch for these gentle giants and elusive orca,
which patrol these waters. Venture out on deck with your camera to
capture cape petrels and prions wheeling, and albatross soaring
gracefully amidst the swell.
Of
course, thoughts of Shackleton and his voyage are never far
away.
“Nearly
always there were gales. So small was our boat and so great were the
seas that often our sail flapped idly in the calm between the crests of
two waves. Then we would climb the next slope and catch the full fury
of the gale where the wool-like whiteness of the breaking water surged
around us.”
-
Ernest Shackleton
Days
12-16 : South Georgia
As
you near the rugged island of South Georgia, spare a thought for
Captain James Cook, who arrived here in 1775 and believed it to be the
northern tip of a great southern continent! In fact, it is a small
island only 176 km (110 mi) long, but with a 3,000 m (9,842 ft)
snow-capped mountain range, some of the world’s largest
congregations of wildlife and a truly fascinating human history, South
Georgia is an island of incredible riches.
As
you approach, jagged mountain peaks rise steeply, while seabirds are
often spotted soaring around the ship. You will sail along the coast,
taking in the spectacular glaciated scenery and enjoying a little
shelter from the prevailing westerly winds. This enchanting coastline
is yours to explore!
Zodiac
cruise around craggy coves and along the rocky coastline in search of
penguins, seal haul-outs and bird cliffs. Remember to keep an eye out
for South Georgia’s kelp forests—these remarkable
underwater ecosystems are quite mesmerising as their fronds sway back
and forth on the water’s surface.
Zodiacs
will also shuttle you from ship to shore, where you can visit some of
the largest king penguin colonies on Earth, take a guided walk among
fur seals and elephant seals (making sure you listen to your guides and
keep your distance!) and wander along pebbled streams and grassy
glacial outwash plains. We also hope to visit the remnants of South
Georgia’s thriving whaling stations and visit the final
resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose incredible voyage of
survival is synonymous with this island.
In
addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship-cruise
through fjords with towering cliffs of ancient stone, or into deeply
indented bays towards dramatic glacier fronts. This is a great time to
find a comfy spot in the observation lounge to enjoy uninterrupted
views of South Georgia’s majestic coast.
For
some intrepid Shackleton fans, the optional hike from Fortuna Bay to
Stromness will be a highlight. This route follows the final stage of
Shackleton, Worsely and Crean’s improbable traverse of South
Georgia, from their landing place in King Haakon Bay on the east coast
to Stromness in the west, where they finally found safety after 24
harrowing months at sea.
From
Fortuna Bay the trail rises to a spectacular alpine plateau, before
angling steeply down towards the abandoned Stromness whaling station.
Conditions permitting, we aim to repeat this final section of their
traverse.
“Bright
moonlight showed us that the interior was tremendously
broken,” Shackleton wrote. “High peaks, impassable
cliffs, steep snow- slopes, and sharply descending glaciers could be
seen in all directions.”
Day
17-19 : At Sea
As
we sail from South Georgia, you will be enthralled by the ceaseless
flight of the many seabirds that follow the vessel, skilfully using the
air currents created by the ship to gain momentum.
If
time and weather conditions permit, we could pass close to Shag Rocks,
a fascinating group of jagged rocky islets protruding from the sea, in
the proximity of South Georgia.
As
we sail on towards Ushuaia you may choose to spend your final precious
moments at sea soaking up the views on deck, enjoying the onboard
facilities, or attending final lectures. There is plenty of time to
enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean, have a drink with newfound
friends and reflect on the voyage you’ve shared.
On
the final night, celebrate your unforgettable voyage with newfound
friends at a special Captain’s farewell dinner.
We
hope you will become ambassadors for the Antarctic region, telling your
family, friends and colleagues about your journey to this magical
place, and advocating for its conservation so that they might one day
visit the region to experience what you have been lucky to see and do
here.
Day 20
: Disembark in Ushuaia
During
the early morning, we cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly
slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where we will be free to disembark
around 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as
we all continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of
the immense power of nature.
Upon
disembarkation, for those continuing their travels in the region,
transportation to the hotel will be arranged exclusively for guests who
have booked their accommodations through Aurora or for those staying in
downtown areas near the port. Expeditioners departing on flights prior
to 12.30 pm will be directly transferred to Ushuaia Airport, those with
flights after 12.30 pm will have the opportunity to explore Ushuaia
before an afternoon airport transfer, and the transfer procedures and
details will be communicated onboard before
disembarkation.
Note: At the
conclusion of the voyage, we do not recommend booking flights departing
Ushuaia prior to 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation in case there
are delays.
Douglas Mawson (Luxury Expedition, 154-guests)
The Douglas Mawson features a host of amenities to help you connect with like-minded travellers and elevate your time onboard our floating base camp for adventure. After a long day of exploring, head to the back deck to swim in the heated outdoor swimming pool, find a sun bed to read on, or soak in one of two Jacuzzis. Work up a sweat in the gym before unwinding in the sauna, resolve to learn something new in the Citizen Science Centre, then enjoy a delicious meal with new and old friends in one of two restaurants. Or, with multiple observation areas throughout the ship, simply relax in comfort while you keep watch for wildlife or incredible landscapes unfold before you.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
- One night’s hotel accommodation including
breakfast, in Ushuaia on Day 1.
- ?Lake Escondido tour in Ushuaia, on Day
2.
- Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin
service.
- All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage.
- Soft drinks and juices throughout all meals.
- Beer and house wine with dinner.
- Captain’s Farewell reception including
four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic
beverages.
- All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
- Educational lectures and guiding services provided by
Expedition Team.
- Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and
medical clinic (initial consultation).
- One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
- Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
- Comprehensive pre-departure information.
- Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
- Wi-Fi*.
* Please
note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be
unreliable.
Excluded
from this voyage :
- International or domestic flights – unless
specified in the itinerary.
- Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Airport arrival or departure taxes.
- Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and
charges.
- Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
- Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified
in the itinerary.
- Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
- All items of a personal nature, including but not limited
to alcoholic beverages (outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry
services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges.
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
Add-on
Activities
- Sea Kayaking : USD 1,745
- Snowshoeing : USD $440
- Shackleton's Crossing on Foot : USD $2220
Included
Activities
- Bird watching
- Lectures on wildlife, our environment, history and
destinations
- Near shore cruises
- Photography
- Polar plunge
- Trips ashore
- Walking
- Whale and mammal spotting
- Zodiac cruises
