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Day 1: Arrival in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Welcome to Montevideo, Uruguay! Your adventure begins in this vibrant capital city, rich with culture and history. You can arrive at any time today.
Transfer to your hotel, settle in, and enjoy some free time to explore the city’s charming streets. Stroll along the Rambla, visit the bustling Mercado del Puerto, or relax in one of the many picturesque parks.
After settling in, perhaps join some fellow travelers for dinner at a local parrilla, where you can share your excitement about the journey ahead.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
An arrival transfer in Montevideo from Carrasco International Airport (MVD) is included if you arrive on Day 1. On arrival at the airport, please make your way through to the Arrivals Hall where our representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel.
Day 2: Embarkation in Montevideo, Uruguay
Today, you’ll hop aboard the Ocean Endeavour – your home for
the next 21 days. Set sail towards the Falkland Islands, where your
journey in Shackleton’s footsteps begins. Sir Ernest Shackleton is
known as one of the greatest polar explorers, with one of the
best survival stories that has ever touched the Antarctic (or the
world). Shackleton led the British Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition
between 1914 and 1916, planning to cross Antarctica from a base on
the Weddell Sea towards McMurdo Sound, via the South Pole.
Unfortunately, their ship Endurance became trapped in ice off the
Caird Coast, and this began the epic story of survival for Shackleton
and his men – all of whom survived due to the skill, optimism and extraordinary leadership of their team and Captain.
Day 3-5 At Sea
Day 6-7 Falklands
Have your camera ready as you approach the ruggedly beautiful Falklands archipelago to capture not only the abundant wildlife, but also the incredible scenery. The two main islands (East Falkland and West Falkland) have much to offer and provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity, extraordinary landscape and history of the southern islands. The Falklands are a wildlife photographer’s dream and have the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world, as well as five species of penguins that breed on the islands. Learn about the intriguing and controversial history of the Falkland Islands as you explore the quaint capital of Stanley. Near the town, you may see southern giant petrels, Falkland steamer ducks, kelp gulls or dolphin gulls (calling all birdwatchers!). There are also black-crowned night herons, red-backed hawks, peregrine falcons and turkey vultures. Witness dramatic landscapes, including wetlands, lakes and some rolling peaks, as you explore the other stunning islands in the archipelago. Weather permitting, this will include Saunders Island, the second largest island in the Falklands. The Neck, which is a narrow peninsula with sandy beaches and subtle cliffs, is home to gentoo, Magellanic, king and rockhopper penguins.
DAY 8-9: At Sea
Day 10-13 South Georgia
Arrive in South Georgia, where across the island, dark volcanic beaches are backgrounded by hanging glaciers and local king penguins nest among tussock grass. Over the next few days, explore the island, once the homestead of whalers and isolated explorers – now, a protected area with dedicated Antarctic research teams. Learn more about Sir Ernest Shackleton’s story on your various excursions to land. It’s on these very shores in South Georgia that Shackleton landed his crew of the James Caird in search of help for his party who were stranded back on Elephant Island. You’ll spend several days retracing Shackleton’s steps, as well as visiting his grave at the ex-whaling station of Grytviken, located on the east side of the island. Wander among hundreds of thousands of king penguins in the dramatic South Georgian light, as you consider the extraordinary feat that was Shackleton’s (and his crew’s) fight for survival. Your Expedition Team will help bring these days to life, with educational presentations, daily excursions and the option of paid activities, like day paddling and photography lessons.
Day 14-15 At Sea
Day 16-19 South Shetland & Antarctica Peninsula
Voyage south towards continental Antarctica. Your days will begin with a wake-up call from your Expedition Leader around 7 am, which gives you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow expeditioners for breakfast. You’ll usually have two excursions per day – one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with lunch served in between. For the next four days, enjoy copious wildlife, small group outings on the Zodiacs and unforgettable vistas at every turn. With multiple landing sites available, your Ocean Endeavour crew will work out the best places to stop, considering the elements, accessibility and potential for wildlife sightings. There may also be the chance for snowshoeing, sea kayaking or a camping adventure – the paid excursions (which are all weather and time-of-year dependent) can make for some of the greatest memories. Well-known sites like Neko Harbour, Orne Harbour and Paradise Bay will also be on the Captain’s radar.
Day 20-21. At Sea
Day 22. Disembarkation in Ushuaia
This morning, say goodbye to the Ocean Endeavour as you disembark in Ushuaia. A transfer to the airport or downtown is included in your fare.