Emporer penguins on gray-sand beach with grassy tussocks behind, on South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari expedition.
A group of people paddle stand-up boards on calm waters in the ocean in antarctica
Baby king penguin with brown fuzzy coat approaches camera on South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari voyage.
Kayakers paddle a yellow tandem kayak through icy blue waters with snowcapped peaks in the background on a sunny day in Antarctica.
A polar traveler in a yellow jacket stands and observes a penguin rookery with sea and icebergs in the background on an overcast day in Antarctica.
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Polar Regions Antarctica Cruise

South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari

The 18-day South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari itinerary is a fast way to get to the rarely visited South Georgia Island while also stepping foot on the 7th Continent. Highlights include experiencing the quintessential wildlife experience of the “Galapagos of the Poles,” visiting South Georgia’s king penguin rookeries–the largest in the world, reflecting at the resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton, visiting abandoned whaling stations and learning stories of their inhabitants.

While cruising, photograph massive albatross and pintado petrel as they swoop and soar around the ship, guiding her toward South Georgia. Step ashore onto beaches teeming with king penguins and elephant seals on this fabled island, where there’s time to pay respects to famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Antarctica awaits, with its geographic contradictions and overwhelming enormity. Relax on a Zodiac ride, hike glistening glaciers, share comical moments with inquisitive penguins, or witness the rugged peninsula from a sea kayak. Antarctica will surprise and delight, and never disappoint.

Passage is aboard a selection of small ships. The 172-guest World Explorer is a purpose-built, all-suite polar expedition ship featuring private balconies in every cabin and a focus on health and wellness throughout her six passenger decks. The 138-guest Ocean Explorer is a refined ship with cutting edge technology and design for efficient and sustainability-minded cruising. From your ship home base, enjoy opportunities for Zodiac cruising, hiking, photography, daily lectures by onboard polar experts and even the polar plunge. Added-cost activities include sea kayaking, one-time paddling excursions and stand-up paddleboarding.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and South Georgia cruises.



Itinerary

South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari Itinerary

The main 18-day South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari cruise operates round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, uniquely adding a day at South Georgia and exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.

Route map of Penguin Safari expedition, operating round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with visits to South Georgia Island, the South Shetland Islands & the Antarctic Peninsula.
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Day 1
Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina

Begin the journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port at the tip of South America. It’s the ideal gateway to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for the adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.

Accommodations

Hotel TBD (Hotel Las Lengas, Hotel Los Acebos, Albatros Hotel or similar)

Meals

n/a

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Day 2
Embark Ushuaia

Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which the vessel will cruise down the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation while departing!

Accommodations

Ocean Explorer, World Explorer

Meals

dinner

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Days 3 - 6
At Sea

There are many activities while at sea. Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend dynamic presentations by the expedition team. Be prepped on safety procedures for Zodiac cruises and shore landings, and also be given instructions for getting the most out of optional sea kayaking adventures (extra cost), a truly intimate way to experience Antarctica.

If conditions are right, the first indication that the ship is approaching South Georgia is the sight of birds around a group of rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Have binoculars and cameras ready to capture these rocks rising out of the icy ocean waters. Shags and prions often rest here, and due to nutrient rich upwellings around the rocks, it can be a good place to keep a lookout for whales.

Accommodations

Ocean Explorer, World Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 7 - 9
South Georgia

After enjoying South Georgia from a distance, the ship will head toward its numerable beaches to find a bay for the first land excursion. Landing sites are varied, largely determined by the weather conditions. Whichever sites are visited, they’ll provide wildlife encounters unrivaled anywhere else on earth.

South Georgia is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches blanketed with penguins. It won’t take long to realize that you are in a bird paradise, as burrowing seabirds, albatross and petrels can be seen in abundance. South Georgia, once a popular base for whalers and sealers, is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries gone by.

The expedition team will help bring those days to life while you visit old whaling stations and during presentations on the South Georgia of then and now. One of the most significant sites you will visit on the island is Grytviken. This is one of the first whaling stations established in sub-Antarctic waters. Grytviken possesses a special appeal largely because it’s the site of the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the most famous Antarctic explorers.

Accommodations

Ocean Explorer, World Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 10 - 11
At Sea

Say goodbye to the king penguins, as the next destination is Antarctica! These days at sea are filled with presentations and workshops led by the expedition team, who will prepare you for the wildlife and landscapes that will surround upon the ship’s arrival.

Accommodations

Ocean Explorer, World Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 12 - 15
Antarctic Peninsula

The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment, be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence, and at the next moment be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to observe you.

The expedition team will take care of you at each excursion, whether you are Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical
site or observing penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell,
fur, crabeater and leopard seals. Keep a lookout for Antarctic whales, such as minkes, while on a Zodiac cruise. Each day and each excursion will present a new array of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy. As exciting as the Zodiac excursions and landings are, perhaps you’ll treat yourself to an extra-special Antarctic experience by booking an optional paddling excursion (at an extra cost) or cast reason aside and jump into Antarctic waters for the Polar Plunge!

Accommodations

Ocean Explorer, World Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 16 - 17
Drake Passage

After more than a dozen days of unique wildlife encounters and remarkable landscapes, the journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is an unofficial rite of passage. Spend time on deck watching for seabirds and whales, enjoy presentations by the expedition team, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.

Accommodations

Ocean Explorer, World Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 18
Disembark Ushuaia, Argentina

Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, disembark the ship and continue the adventure onward or catch flights home.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Leadership throughout the voyage by experienced expedition leader, including shore landings and other activities; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per daily program; shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout voyage; beer, wine, standard spirits and cocktails during dinner and bar service hours; complimentary WiFi; coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; all shore landings per daily program; formal and informal presentations by expedition team and guest speakers as scheduled; photographic journal documenting the expedition; a pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings and Zodiac excursions; official Quark Expeditions parka to keep; hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling aboard ship; emergency evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person; group transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on day 1; one night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast; group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day; group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from ship to local airport or luggage storage facility.

Exclusions

International airfare; passport and applicable visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned; meals ashore unless otherwise specified; baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance (strongly recommended); excess baggage fees on international flights; mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned; laundry, bar, massage services and other personal charges, unless specified; phone charges; voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew; additional overnight accommodation; arrival and departure transfers, except when explicitly stated; adventure options on expeditions (all weather dependent) that are not included in the cost of the voyage (e.g., sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, etc.).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required when booking 181 days or more prior to departure. A second deposit of 25% of trip cost is due 180 days prior to departure. Bookings made 180 days or less prior to departure require a deposit of 50% of total trip cost. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days prior to departure. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 121 days – 100% of deposit
120 to 91 days – 75% of total trip cost
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

(For expeditions booked prior to October 15,2024: Please refer to your invoice for your payment and cancellation terms.)

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The main South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari voyage begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina (USH). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Ushuaia at any time on Day 1. If arriving on Day 1, a group arrival transfer from the Ushuaia airport to the group hotel is included and a ship representative will be available to answer questions in the lobby during the optional pre-departure briefing on Day 1, at 6:00pm.

Plan flights to depart Ushuaia no earlier than 12:00pm noon on disembarkation day. A group departure transfer is included from the ship to the airport on the final day of your itinerary. If your flight is later in the day, you may opt to transfer to the luggage storage facility instead and enjoy further activities in Ushuaia on your own. Access to luggage storage is available until 6:00pm on the disembarkation day only. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Various optional activities may be available on your South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari cruise, for guests aged 16 and older. Per-person prices for the 2024-25 & 2025-26 season: kayaking $1,995; photography included; stand-up paddleboarding $295. One-time paddling excursions are available for $395 per person, per outing, for those who want something less in-depth than the full sea kayaking program; no experience is necessary. Each departure’s first paddling excursion may be pre-booked and all subsequent outings are booked on the ship. Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x (2x for Premium cabins) the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. Premium Cabins are as follows:
Ocean Explorer: Grand & Royal Veranda Stateroom; Studio Veranda Single; Explorer, Junior & Owner’s Suite
World Explorer: Superior Suite, Deluxe Suite & Owner’s Suite.

Families & Children

At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 8 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 64lbs or 29kg and 48 in. or 1.2 m. tall) must be met. Children under 16 years of age must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times and may not participate in adventure options.

Travel Insurance

Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of up to $500,000 USD per paying traveler provides coverage between the first and last day of ship-based travel and is included in the cost of this trip. For ship- and land-based trips, additional days of travel pre- and post-expedition are not covered. Travelers are responsible for having adequate international medical coverage prior to embarkation, with a minimum benefit of $50,000 USD. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers also protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditionswildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Jan 06 - Jan 23, 2025
World Explorer • 18 days
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option brown stand up paddleboarder icon
From $18476USD
Per Person
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Feb 16 - Mar 05, 2025
Ocean Explorer • 18 days
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option
From $22871USD
Per Person
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Jan 24 - Feb 10, 2026
Ocean Explorer • 18 days
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option
From $23979USD
Per Person
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Feb 01 - Feb 18, 2026
World Explorer • 18 days
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option brown stand up paddleboarder icon
From $19376USD
Per Person
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brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity Kayaking
A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option One-Time Paddling
brown stand up paddleboarder icon Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Accommodations

Learn About the Small Ships on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
World Explorer

The 2019-built, 172-guest World Explorer is designed with distinction, comfort and refinement in mind. This 1B ice-class vessel boasts private walk-outs or Juliet balconies for each cabin and a glass-domed lounge for unimpeded ocean viewing.

Expedition Ship
Ocean Explorer

The 138-guest Ocean Explorer offers refined spaces, a relaxed atmosphere, state-of-the-art technology, a design optimized for smooth and efficient cruising, an elevator servicing all decks, and a private balcony in most cabins. Come aboard this polar ship for amenities like Jacuzzis and a sauna, plus tenured guides.

Deal

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires December 31st, 2024
Save Up To 25% On Select 2025-26 Antarctica Expedition Cruises

Book your select 2025-26 Antarctica expedition and save up to 25%, depending on departure and cabin type.

Expert Reviews

Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect

Andrew Browning • December 1st, 2020
Expert Review: The South Georgia Expedition Experience

An AdventureSmith expert returns to Antarctica—this time stopping at the wildlife Mecca of South Georgia Island. Learn all about the Island's wildlife, landscape, trip highlights to differences and see if South Georgia should be part of your Antarctica expedition.

Kevin Marshall • April 23rd, 2024
Expert Aboard: World Explorer Ship Review

Get aboard with an AdventureSmith expert as he showcases his top spaces and cabins on the 172-guest World Explorer. Then read reviews and ratings from other travelers.

Testimonial

Hear It From Others Who Have Explored With Us

"Worth The Two Year Wait!"

This was a trip that was re-arranged several times due to COVID. We really enjoyed the trip and it was worth the two year wait! The quality of service and accommodations on the Ultramarine were first class. Antarctica is so spectacular you won't believe it!

Overall
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Accommodations
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Meals
4 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
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Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Antarctica Cruise

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5 - 7 Day Land Tour
Patagonia Wildlife Safari

Discover the magic at the end of the world on a 4- to 7-day Patagonia Wildlife Safari! No matter the length of your stay, you will be blown away by the unlimited beauty of the world heritage site Torres del Paine National Park.

From $1235USD
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7 Day Land Tour
Torres Del Paine Trek

The trails amongst the famous Torres del Paine craggy mountains are among the world's classic trekking routes. By day, explore nature in its raw form while winding through these exceptional mountains. By night, enjoy the cozy luxury of EcoCamp's unique dome accommodations, or camping.

From $1940USD
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5 - 7 Day Land Tour
Explora Torres del Paine

This 5-, 6- or 7-day lodge-based trip in the center of Torres del Paine National Park offers over 40 unique explorations to choose from, including Base Torres and Grey Glacier. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Paine Massif and Salto Chico waterfall from home base.

From $2850USD
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South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari

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