South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari

Intrepid Travel · 18 days
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
18 Days
From AUD $39691 Was AUD $46695
Trip Type
Group Tour
Activity Level
Light

Rating

South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari

South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari

Intrepid Travel · 18 days
View Map
Duration

18 days

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

See thousands of penguins on the seldom visited South Georgia Island and the 7th Continent- Antarctica.

Highlights

  • See South Georgia’s incredible wildlife – both on deck and during daily Zodiac excursions to iconic landing sites, abundant with birdlife and busy penguins.
  • Follow in the wake of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyages to South Georgia and pause for a moment at his gravesite as you learn about the history of these islands.
  • Explore the Antarctic Peninsula by ship, Zodiac and foot and witness icebergs in a hundred shades of blue – you might even see and hear the ice crashing into the ocean!
  • Learn about local wildlife, history, glaciology and geology during informational presentations by your onboard polar experts.
  • Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Antarctic with an optional paddling excursion, hiking adventure, sea-kayaking or an invigorating Polar Plunge!

Trip Details

Duration

18 days

Transportation

Expedition cruise ship,zodiac

Tour Type

Group Tour

Guide Language

English

Starts

Ushuaia, Argentina, Antarctica

Finishes

Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Antarctica

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Polar

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
Welcome to Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica. Located at the southern tip of Argentina, these parts are known as Tierra del Fuego, often called ‘The End of the World’, but this is just the beginning of your Antarctic adventure. Those with a day or two may want to head to Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure, or if you've only got a few hours to kill, why not stroll around town and visit the waterfront overlooking the Beagle Channel. You might also like to sample some handcrafted chocolate at a local cafe in town. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at the hotel, then have free time to get ready for tomorrow!

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Embarkation in Ushuaia
This afternoon, you’ll board your ship and your epic adventure south will begin! Take some time to settle into your cabin as you begin cruising the stunning Beagle Channel, named after the famed vessel 'The Beagle' that facilitated some of Charles Darwin's most significant voyages. The channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, and you’ll wave goodbye to Argentina with the knowledge that the next time you see land, you’ll be gazing upon the White Continent of Antarctica.

Accommodation:

  • Expedition Ship (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3-6: At Sea
Over the next few days at sea, make the most of the many activities on offer – learn to identify the different seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend the informational presentations led by your expedition team. You’ll be prepped on the Zodiac cruises and shore landings with safety briefings and be given instructions for getting the most out of your optional sea kayaking adventures – highly recommended as it’s a truly intimate way to experience Antarctica. If conditions are right, the first indication of South Georgia is the sight of birds around a group of rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Have your binoculars ready to capture these spires rising out of the ocean and keep a look out for breaching whales!

Accommodation:

  • Expedition Ship (Number of Nights: 4)
4
Day 7-9: South Georgia
South Georgia is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife and the beaches here are home to many penguins and seals. It won’t take you long to realize that you’re in a birdwatcher’s paradise! During landings, you’ll see seabirds, albatross and petrels 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 ago. Visit old whaling stations and enjoy presentations on the South Georgia of then and now. One of the most significant sites you will visit on the island is Grytviken. This settlement 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.

Accommodation:

  • Expedition Ship (Number of Nights: 3)
5
Day 10-11: At Sea
Say goodbye to the colonies of penguins as you sail for Antarctica – the White Continent. Your next two days at sea will be filled with presentations and workshops led by your expedition team, who will prepare you for the wildlife and vast landscapes that will soon surround you. Make the most of the onboard amenities and sea views as you sail towards the blanket of white.

Accommodation:

  • Expedition Ship (Number of Nights: 2)
6
Day 12-15: Antarctic Peninsula
The next couple of days bring you to the 7th Continent, the White Continent – Antarctica. Sailing through the Antarctic Peninsula, you’ll discover a land of extremes. One moment, you’ll be overcome with complete isolation and silence, and the next you’ll be overwhelmed with inspiration as calving glaciers crash into the brilliant blue sea. Your expedition team will be by your side as you go Zodiac cruising, visit historical sites and observe the amazing penguin colonies on land and ice. Chinstrap, Adelie 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 your daily Zodiac rides. You might even decide to treat yourself to an optional paddling excursion (at an extra cost) or jump into Antarctic waters for the Polar Plunge!

Accommodation:

  • Expedition Ship (Number of Nights: 4)
7
Day 16-17: Crossing the Drake Passage
After days full of unique wildlife encounters and remarkable landscapes, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake Passage is your unofficial rite of passage and over the next two days, you can spend time on deck watching for seabirds and whales, enjoying presentations by your expedition team, or simply relaxing and reminiscing with your group about your wild experiences.

Accommodation:

  • Expedition Ship (Number of Nights: 2)
8
Day 18: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
After breakfast, it’s time to part ways and say goodbye to your expedition team. If you’d like to extend your stay in Ushuaia, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time, or fly home from here.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $46695

AUD $39,691
(Tour only)
Offer ends 18 Sep, 2025 Per Person Twin Share
15% Off

Duration: 18 days

Trip Type: Group Tour

Activity Level: Light

See thousands of penguins on the seldom visited South Georgia Island and the 7th Continent- Antarctica.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 24 Jan 2026

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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