Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands & South Georgia (Ocean Diamond) 2015 - 2016

20 days
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Group Tour
Experience an adventure tour of Antarctica and explore the unique conditions at the end of the Earth. Embark from Ushuaia and travel through the Beagle Channel to the Falkland Islands, where a treasure trove of bird life and cheeky penguins put on a show on the rocky shores. Then head through the Antarctic Convergence on the way to South Georgia, and get your...

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Discover the remote Falkland Islands
    • Settle in on deck and watch weather systems unfold
    • Recount Shackleton’s heroic journey at South Georgia Island
    • Cross the Antarctic Convergence
    • Set foot on the world’s highest, coldest and driest continent
    • Explore the legendary Drake Passage

What's this trip about?

    Experience an adventure tour of Antarctica and explore the unique conditions at the end of the Earth. Embark from Ushuaia and travel through the Beagle Channel to the Falkland Islands, where a treasure trove of bird life and cheeky penguins put on a show on the rocky shores. Then head through the Antarctic Convergence on the way to South Georgia, and get your first taste of Antarctic life on this remote island made famous by Shackleton. Incredible icy bays, abandoned whaling stations and an abundance of noisy wildlife are just some of the sights to greet you before sailing further along the Antarctic Peninsular to spend days exploring the area on zodiacs, witnessing ethereal icebergs and soaking in the incredible landscapes and wildlife of Antarctica. Benefit from the navigational expertise and local knowledge of a professional crew and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 18 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CityBuenos Aires
End CityBuenos Aires

Travel Themes

  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Antarctica

Trip includes

    • Please note that some of our included activities are contingent on weather conditions
    • We'll arrange an alternative if an included activity is deemed unsafe

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Ushuaia

Travel to the bottom of the Earth, and begin the adventure in the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia. Capital of the Tierra Del Fuego Province, this city offers spectacular views out across the Beagle Channel for anyone willing to hike to the top of the steep streets. Enjoy an evening at some of the local haunts before departing tomorrow.

Day 2 Ushuaia

Set foot aboard your floating home for the next week, and commence the cruise through the waters of the beautiful Beagle Channel. This narrow passage of water cuts through the islands of Tierra del Fuego and is a haven for local wildlife like penguins, cormorants and albatross.

Day 3 At Sea

Follow the beckoning horizon and settle in to the relaxing nature of life at sea. With an expedition team of experts, enjoy their onboard presentations as the perfect introduction to the landscapes and habitats that await.

Day 4-5 Falkland Islands

Explore the spectacular landscapes of the Falkland Islands and stay on the lookout for some of the local birdlife. With such a rich diversity of flora and fauna, ‘Les Islas Malvinas’ are a southern paradise.

Day 6 At Sea

Sail across the Antarctic Convergence and enter the polar waters for the first time. Listen to expert presentations to prepare for the upcoming shore landings.

Day 7 At Sea

Day 8-11 South Georgia

Arrive at the remote island of South Georgia and gaze up at the jagged mountains that rise straight from the ocean towards the heavens. Follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton, hiking the inhospitable, rocky crags and mountains around the island, or visit the old whaling station where he met with rescue.

Day 12 At Sea

Continue south towards the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, and make the most of the ongoing presentations and lectures provided by the expedition team.

Day 13 At Sea

Day 14-17 Antarctic Peninsula

Cross into the Antarctic Peninsula, where a myriad of potential adventures are available. Depending on weather conditions, why not take the ‘polar plunge’ into the frigid waters of Paradise Bay, or visit a pebbled beach and wait for the curious penguins to approach.

Day 18-19 Drake Passage

Prepare for the notorious waters of the Drake Passage, where the massive flow of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current travels, unimpeded by land, around the entire latitude.

Day 20 Ushuaia

After a shipboard breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight home. When booking your flight please remember that delays can occur, so we recommend not booking a flight before about midday.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $34,570
Price per day$1,729
Last Updated: 12/7/2021

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for active and adventurous travelers at a range of different price points and service levels.

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Logistics

Guides
On the Ocean Diamond we will have 1 Expedition Leader and 1 Assistant Expedition Leader on board, plus at least 18 additional staff who will be a combination of specialists and Zodiac drivers. Final numbers will depend on the itinerary.
Requirements
These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to. ,POLAR VOYAGES Single occupancy is available in most cabin categories for 1.7 or 2 times the twin berth price (dependent on which cabin category). Some ships have designated single occupancy cabins. Single travellers wishing to share will be matched with another solo traveller of the same sex. Please note that it is not possible to share with a stranger in all cabin types. Please speak to a consultant for full details.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. Please go to our website for links to various travel insurance providers:
Visa requirements
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.
Health & Safety
As a ship registered for international voyages, the Ocean Diamond must comply with a variety of regulations, codes and industry standards. This regime of requirements ensures that internationally accepted standards for safety and environmental protection are developed, implemented and monitored within the company management system onshore and on board the ship. The ship adheres to regulations set by IMO (International Maritime Organisation) including ISM Code (Safety Management System), ISPS Code (for ship and port security), SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and MARPOL (Maritime Pollution Prevention), the flag state and the classification society on an accredited system. In addition, as the Ocean Diamond spends considerable time in the Antarctic waters, Quark Expeditions, Inc is a full member of IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) and a full member of AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators). CHILDREN: The minimum age for travel is 8. If a child is travelling without their parent/legal guardian, their parent/legal guardian will need to fill out a waiver form. Children will also be required to bring their own life jacket and rubber boots as child sizes are not provided on board. On your way to join your voyage, you may take advantage of the opportunity to visit a larger South American city such as Buenos Aires or Santiago. It is worth researching matters of personal safety and security in these places before your departure. Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Meals Included

Meals

19 Breakfasts, 17 Lunches, 18 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Style descriptions Comfort is your style of travel if you want the whole grassroots experience with more inclusions, meals and creature comforts. While accommodation is predominantly tourist class (3-4 star), on some itineraries there is the opportunity to stay with a local family, spend the night on a train or camp out in exotic places (without putting up your own tent of course). Along the way, you'll really experience the destination up close. You'll mingle with locals, enjoy a taste of their way of life and gain special insights from your leader. This is not luxury travel, but real world experiences - just with a softer landing!Finish point Ushuaia Ushuaia ARGENTINA
Trip ID
intrepid-GQMY

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