HIGHLIGHTS
- Photograph
curious seals as you Zodiac-cruise through glassy waters, marvelling at
the iridescent blues of icebergs
- Marvel
at enormous king penguin colonies in South Georgia
- Walk
along beaches lined with elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | Stateroom Triple | Stateroom Twin Or Superior | Balcony Stateroom C | Balcony Stateroom B | Balcony Stateroom A | Balcony Suite | Junior Suite | Captains Suite |
|---|
| Oct 22, 2025 | Nov 11, 2025 | 25,495 | 26,195 | 28,495 | 39,895 | 32,195 | 35,195 | 44,195 | 52,395 |
| Mar 04, 2026 | Mar 27, 2026 | 28,895 | 29,795 | 32,295 | 33,995 | 36,595 | 39,995 | 50,095 | 59,495 |
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Stateroom Triple | (Mid-range)
Balcony Stateroom A | (High-end)
Captains Suite |
|---|
| Oct 22, 2025 | Nov 11, 2025 | 25,495 | 32,195 | 52,395 |
| Mar 04, 2026 | Mar 27, 2026 | 28,895 | 36,595 | 59,495 |
ITINERARY
Day
1 Arrive 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 lobby at Las Hayas
Ushuaia Resort, Luis Fernando Martial 1650, between 8.00 am and 12.00
pm, or 3.00 pm and 7.00 pm, to collect your luggage tags, and confirm
if you wish to join our Beagle Channel and Isla de Los Lobos Cruise
(sea lion island) 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 – 10.00 am.
The
remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own
expense.
Assigned
accommodation: Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort or Los Acebos Ushuaia Hotel
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.
Your
morning is at leisure to explore Ushuaia.
Those
wishing to join our afternoon catamaran cruise, meet back at the hotel
lobby at 12.45 pm ready to transfer to the port at 1.00 pm. Here we
board our catamaran and sail the Beagle Channel, towards the
city’s iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. Crossing the Bridges
Archipelago we’ll slow down to watch colonies of sea lions
and imperial cormorants sun themselves on the rocky outcrops, while
gulls, rock cormorants, skuas, petrels, albatrosses and cauquenes are
often sighted. Our cruise offers panoramic views of the city and the
surrounding mountain range, in addition to hearing tales of the people
and communities of the region.
Alternatively,
enjoy your day at leisure and meet at your hotel lobby at 3.45 pm 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.
Days
3-4 Drake Passage Crossing
As
we commence the Drake Passage crossing, we make the most of our time
getting comfortable with the motions of the sea. Our expedition team
prepare you for our first landing with important wildlife guidelines
and biosecurity procedures and start our lecture program to help you
learn more about Antarctica’s history, wildlife and
environment.
Our
wildlife experiences begin as we enjoy watching and photographing the
many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels
following our vessel. On sea days, you may can enjoy the facilities on
board the vessel including the gym, wellness centre or the relaxing in
one of the observation lounges.
Nearing
the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on
the afternoon of day four, the excitement is palpable with everyone
converging on one of the observation decks watching for our first
iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once we are below
the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of
floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first big iceberg sighting
is likely to remain with you for a lifetime. Time and weather
permitting, we may attempt our first landing in Antarctica by late
afternoon.
Days
5-8 Antarctic Peninsula
It’s
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. Your experienced expedition team, who have made
countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design
your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the
prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.
We
generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. You will want
to 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 that 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 marvel at sculptural icebergs
and photograph spectacular scenery. 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. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of
glaciers as they carve into the sea. Take a quiet moment to experience
the wonder of this incredible white continent.
Days
9-10 Scotia Sea
As
we make our way to South Georgia we will cross the Scotia Sea,
following the route that Shackleton and five of his men took in order
to find help for the rest of their crew. On 24 April, 1916, they piled
into the James Caird, the most seaworthy of their open boats, to
attempt this perilous journey to South Georgia, some 1,290 kilometres
(802 miles) distant. Shackleton hoped to reach South Georgia in two
weeks. There he would enlist the help of the whalers to return to
Elephant Island and rescue the men who had been left behind.
As
excitement builds on our approach to South Georgia, catch up with
fellow expeditioners in the bar, keep watch for wildlife alongside our
naturalist from the various observation areas, or learn more of the
Shackleton story from our historian.
"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
11-15 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.
On
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. If you have chosen an optional
activity, you will have the option to participate whenever conditions
allow.
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.
Days
16-17 At Sea
As
we sail towards the Falklands~Malvinas, there is plenty to keep you
occupied on board.
Our
expedition team will continue to share their wealth of knowledge about
the wildlife, history and natural world 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
the ship.
Day
18 At Sea / Falklands~Malvinas
Sea
and weather conditions will determine our arrival time into the
Falklands~Malvinas today.
The
Falklands~Malvinas comprises two large islands (East and West
Falkland), with over 700 islands scattered off the coast. All but seven
of these are uninhabited, with windswept coastlines, white sand beaches
and crystal-clear water. These beautifully barren islands are true
wildlife havens, sheltering an impressive diversity of birdlife,
including the largest black-browed albatross colony on earth. The cold,
nutrient-rich waters surrounding the islands make this a prime location
for spotting marine life.
Day
19 Falklands~Malvinas
There
are many beautiful areas to explore across the Falklands~Malvinas, each
offering a unique perspective on this magnificent archipelago. Your
experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this
area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day,
choosing the best options based on the prevailing winds, weather and
wildlife opportunities.
Even
though we’re north of the Antarctic Convergence it can be
quite chilly here, so you will want to layer up before joining Zodiac
cruises into rocky coves or along sea cliffs, keeping watch for seals,
sea lions, dolphins and penguins. On landings we may visit albatross
colonies, penguin rookeries and perhaps even have a traditional English
‘tea and scones’ at a local cottage.
Conditions
permitting, we aim to land in historic Stanley, the capital of the
Falklands~Malvinas. This charming town has a distinctly British
character, with terraced town houses, pioneer cottages and even an
iconic red telephone box! Colourful buildings house cosy cafes, English
pubs, souvenir shops, a post office and the fascinating Historic
Dockyard Museum, with displays on the maritime history of the Falkland
Islands, natural history and links to Antarctica.
Day
20 At Sea
As
we sail towards Ushuaia, you may choose to spend your precious time
editing photos, enjoying the onboard facilities, or attend final
lectures. Celebrate the end of an unforgettable voyage with newfound
friends at a special Captain’s farewell dinner.
With
lectures and film presentations to complete our Antarctic experience,
there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean
and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and
discussion about what we have seen and experienced. We hope you become
ambassadors for the Antarctic region, telling your family, friends and
colleagues about your journey to this magical place, advocating for its
conservation and preservation so that they might one day visit the
region to experience what you have been lucky to see and do here.
Day
21 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.
On
disembarkation, passengers on flights departing prior to 14:00 will be
transferred directly to Ushuaia Airport, while those fortunate enough
to be continuing their travels in this spectacular region of the world,
will be transferred to their post-voyage Ushuaia accommodation.
Passengers flying after 14:00 will have time to explore Ushuaia, prior
to an afternoon airport transfer, the details of which will be provided
onboard prior to disembarkation.
Greg Mortimer (Luxury Expedition, 120-guests)
Capable of negotiating the strongest winds and waves, the Greg Mortimer is built to world-class polar standards. It is designed in close consultation with expedition specialists, taking advantage of Auroras more than 25 years of experience.
(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.
- Half-day
tour of Ushuaia on Day 2, prior to embarkation.
- Onboard
accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
- All
meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage.
- Beer,
house wine and soft drinks 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.
Exclusions
- 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 and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry
services, personal clothing, medical expenses, wi-fi, email or phone
charges.
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- 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
Add-on Activities (not
all activities are available on all voyages)
- Sea
Kayaking - USD 1,745
- Snowshoeing
- USD 440
- Shackleton
Crossing in South Georgia by Foot - USD 2,220
- Camping
- USD 165
