g expedition antarctic peninsula cruise

Spirit of Shackleton

  • Overview

    Onboard the G Expedition you will experience vast penguin rookeries and seal colonies on this awe-inspiring voyage to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. This 21-day voyage illuminates Ernest Shackleton’s legend and recounts his courageous exploration of Antarctica. You’ll visit historical sites of past explorers, as well as Shackleton’s final resting place – the wildlife-rich island of South Georgia. Antarctica is beyond comprehension and sure to amaze any traveller seeking a true adventure to the world’s most remote wilderness.

    Duration: 21 days
    Passengers: 130 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Disembarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 1.7x - 1.75x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Ushuaia

      Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.

      There will be a welcome desk in the lobby of the start hotel that will provide more specific information on the G Expedition and your upcoming adventure.

    • Day 2 - Ushuaia; Embarkation Day

      Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping or explore the town or the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the G Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.

      Expedition travel can be full of surprises! While it is our intention of adhere to the itinerary described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On the first day onboard, the Expedition Leader will give an expedition overview outlining what the specific plans are for the trip.

    • Day 3 - Beagle Channel/Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

      As the Expedition makes passage east, become acquainted with the ship. Begin lectures and information sessions about the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.

      On the passage east visit the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall and meet the guides, ship’s crew and lecturers.

      Begin the lectures and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.

      Daily lectures and educational program
      Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on everything from local wildlife to geology to history. The G Expedition has one of the highest ratios of expedition team members to guests – with one expert for every ten guests there is always someone on hand to answer questions and provide greater insight and appreciation of the world at its extremes. The expedition team is comprised of professional and highly skilled historians, marine biologists, and naturalists who offer keen insight and a unique personal perspective to each and every adventure.

    • Day 4/5 - Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)/Southern Ocean

      The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Penguins are abundant here, and the Falklands have the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world. In Stanley, meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colourful houses provide contrast to the long, dark winters.

      Enjoy the last opportunity to see penguins, including the Magellanic, rockhopper, gentoo, and king penguins. With a little luck, spot elephant seals, sea lions, king cormorants, black-browed albatross, skuas, night herons, giant petrels, striated caracaras and of course sheep.

    • Day 6/7 - Southern Ocean/South Georgia

      Sailing east, set course for South Georgia. Days at sea are filled with lectures to prepare for landings. Watch for the many whales that inhabit these waters.

    • Day 8/11 - South Georgia/Scotia Sea

      Home to many interesting sights (including the grave of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton), South Georgia has several former whaling stations and boasts plenty of wildlife. Visiting a huge colony of king penguins is a major highlight of this part of the journey. Weather permitting, spend four full days exploring the island.

      Weather permitting, four full days will be spent exploring this island. On nearby islands look out for the wandering albatross in their nesting grounds.

    • Day 12/13 - Antarctic Peninsula/Scotia Sea

      Sail for two days, retracing Shackleton's route from Elephant Island and the Antarctic Peninsula towards South Georgia.

      These waters are rich with nutrients and the long summer days provide the ingredient that is missing most of the year. The result is a complex food chain topped by several species of whales, seals, and seabirds.

    • Day 14/18 - South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula

      Experience some of the most unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery in the world while setting foot on the Antarctic continent. Weather and ice conditions permitting, our goal is to attempt memorable shore landings daily and encounter Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. The peninsula also has a remarkable human history.

      Welcome to the Great White Continent! Over the next few days, the Expedition will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula.

      Our goal is to attempt shore landings daily while we navigate through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter.

      The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands abound with wildlife activity. Take plenty of time to enjoy the sheer beauty and the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, blue and white icebergs, impressive glaciers and rugged snow-capped mountains.

      The Peninsula also has a remarkable history and, during the voyage, opt to learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.

    • Day 19/20 - Drake Passage/Ushuaia

      Reflect on a memorable adventure and take in some final lectures on route back to Ushuaia. Keep a careful lookout for a last chance to spot whales.

      Heading north across the Drake Passage, spend two days enjoying the beauty of the sea while sailing for Ushuaia. In between bird watching, whale watching, and enjoying some final lectures by our expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia.

      Remember, the best way to experience the wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out for Albatross, Prions, and Whales!

    • Day 21 - Ushuaia; Disembarkation

      Disembark in the morning.

      Our adventure comes to a close. Have a final breakfast on the ship before saying goodbyes before disembarking in Ushuaia in the morning.

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your Captain and Expedition Leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities

    Camping

    Follow in the footsteps of bold explorers and experience this land’s awe-inspiring splendours first-hand. Our Antarctica camping experience includes time to enjoy the beauty of Antarctica near your campsite with ample photography options.

    USD$ 305 per person

    Kayaking

    If you're feeling mighty adventurous (we think that's likely) you can take on an additional challenge by considering a kayaking excursion in the Polar regions. Before you ask yourself why, let us ask "Why not?"

    USD$ 1,318 per person

    Penguins

    Taking centre stage on your Antarctic Peninsula expedition, are the Brushtail penguin species. These photogenic and intriguing species include, Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins. The species are in abundance across Peninsula and are always performing.

    On board voyages in our other details you may come across Rockhopper, Macaroni, Magellanic, King and Emperor penguins.

    South Georgia; Wildlife Mecca

    One of the true wildlife experiences on our planet, often the wildlife displays here are referred to as the greatest on Earth. Set amongst awe inspiring scenery and home to King penguins, Wondering albatross and Elephant seals, it’s hard to imagine how early pioneers survived in this harsh landscape.

  • Inclusions

    Accommodation & Transfers

    Transfers are provided pre and post-cruise by the expedition team and one night accommodation is provided on Day 1 of your itinerary at hotel.

    Expedition Gear

    Comfortable expedition boots (USA sizes 6-16) and a high quality expedition parka. Specifically designed for the polar regions the expedition parkas feature; breathable waterproof fabric, 5cm Thinsulate liner, reflective taping, large storage pocket and cuff pocket.

    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Accommodation aboard the G Expedition
    - Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
    - Lectures & educational programs

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Trip interruption / cancellation insurance
    - Travel medical insurance including medical repatriation (mandatory)
    - Medical expenses - fees / prescriptions / medications
    - Postage / telephone calls / email
    - Personal laundry
    - Soft drink and alcoholic beverages
    - Personal expenses
    - Pre & post cruise transfers and hotel
    - Airport taxes
    - Visa and passport fees
    - International & internal airfares
    - Gratuities
  • Map
    Screen shot 2017 07 05 at 3.45.09 pm
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    G EXPEDITION

    The G Expedition provides an intimate small-ship cruising experience. Completely refurbished in 2009, she boasts spacious cabins, each featuring ocean-facing windows or portholes and private en-suite facilities. Large common areas and observation decks provide panoramic views of the distinctive landscapes of some of the world's most remote regions. The Expedition's spacious confines can hold up to 134 passengers. Many expedition cruise operators offer you a choice of space, comfort or expertise; the Expedition delivers all three at a price few can top. With a focus on safety, comfort and the unique demands of polar travel, the crew of the Expedition is committed to the ship’s continued safe operation.

    Features & Facilities
    • Recently refurbished
    • Lounge/Bar
    • Lecture room
    • Expedition mud room
    • Library
    • Computer room
    • Internet/Wifi
    • Gym
    • Sauna
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 3
    Guests #: 130
    Crew #: 69
    Ice Class: 1B
    Speed: 15
    Refurbished: 2009
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 1972
    Length: 105m
    Width: 18
    Draft: 4
    Tonnage: 6334
    Registry: Liberia
    Elec Outlets: 220V / 2 Round Pin
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
All available dates
Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.
g expedition quad cabin antarctica cruise

Quadruple Porthole

11 Jan 2024 - 31 Jan 2024
Cabin features 2 x upper and 2 x lower bunks, porthole and private bathroom facilities.
USD$ 15,299pp
USD$ 15,299pp
g expedition triple cabin antarctica cruise

Triple Porthole

11 Jan 2024 - 31 Jan 2024
Cabin features 1 x upper bunk, 2 x lower bunks, porthole and private bathroom facilities.
USD$ 17,203pp
USD$ 17,203pp
g expedition twin cabin antarctica cruise

Twin Porthole

11 Jan 2024 - 31 Jan 2024
Twin cabin with porthole and private facilities. These cabins are among the best value Twin private cabins. But you'll have to be quick, there's only a few and they're always the first to go!
USD$ 19,991pp
USD$ 19,991pp
g expedition twin cabin antarctica cruise

Twin Window

11 Jan 2024 - 31 Jan 2024
Twin private cabin with lower bunks and a good size window.
USD$ 21,555pp
USD$ 17,245pp
g expedition twin superior cabin antarctica cruise

Superior Twin

11 Jan 2024 - 31 Jan 2024
Twin cabin with huge panoramic window and private facilities.
USD$ 23,793pp
USD$ 23,793pp
g expedition suite cabin antarctica cruise

Suite

11 Jan 2024 - 31 Jan 2024
Suites feature queen beds, separate living area with two-seater couch and armchair. Bathrooms feature misting showers. Get in quick to secure 1 of the 2 Suites which boast floor-to-ceiling windows.
USD$ 26,315pp
USD$ 26,315pp