In Shackleton’s Footsteps | Greg Mortimer Expedition Ship

In Shackleton’s Footsteps

Join a classic expedition to Antarctica, and retrace the iconic route of 'The Boss,' from tranquil southern ice, all the way up to South Georgia, the wildlife paradise in subantarctic South Georgia. You'll begin your adventure on the Antarctic Peninsula. After stepping foot onto the continent, you will proceed to the majestic Antarctic Sound at the entrance to the Weddell sea. As you travel eastward, push as far as possible to the Weddell sea, the scene of Shackleton’s Endurance Expedition. Elephant Island is your next stop, an isolated island where Shackleton's crew reached land finally after 497 days on the sea. Follow the route of the James Caird to South Georgia where Shackleton ended his remarkable journey. Your experienced team of expedition guides will accompany you on this journey through history, providing tips for wildlife spotting and stories about Shackleton’s legend.

Day by day

Day 1: Ushuaia

A representative will meet you upon your arrival and take you directly to the hotel you have chosen for your pre-voyage, unless your are already in Ushuaia in which case, you can proceed straight to your hotel. Check-in begins at 3:00 pm. Visit the Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort's hospitality desk between 8 am and 12 pm or 3 pm and 7 pm to collect your luggage tags. You can also express interest in participating in tomorrow's Beagle Channel Cruise and Isla de Los Lobos Cruise. They will answer your questions, provide information on the cruise, as well as offer advice about dining and last-minute shopping.

When you arrive after 7.00pm, we will provide a welcome package at the check-in desk. We ask that you visit our hospitality desk the next day between 8.00am and 10:00am. All meals are at your expense. The remainder of the day will be free to enjoy leisure activities.

Accommodation: Your accommodation will either be at the Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort Hotel or Los Acebos Ushuaia Hotel.

Day 2: Embarkation

Enjoy your breakfast in the morning and then complete your checkout. Be sure to label your luggage with a clear tag that includes your name and your cabin number. Bring your cabin luggage with you to the reception of the hotel during or prior to check-out. The luggage is stored securely and transferred to the port to clear it. It will then be put in your cabin when you arrive on board. Keep any personal or valuable items on you at all times.

You can explore Ushuaia in the morning at your leisure.

For those who are interested in an afternoon catamaran trip, gather in the lobby of the hotel at 12:45pm to prepare for the transfer from the hotel to the port. The ferry will depart at 1pm. We'll travel across the Beagle Channel on the catamaran. Passing the famous Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and sea lions basking in the sun, we will slow down and observe the colonies. Bird species such as gulls and rock cormorants are frequently seen. This cruise offers stunning views of both the city of Vancouver and its surrounding mountain range, while also sharing the stories of locals and their communities.

You can also enjoy the day at leisure and meet at your hotel at 3:45pm for transport to the dock for embarkation.

You'll be able to get settled into your cabin once you arrive onboard before the mandatory briefings. We'll meet on deck as the ship leaves the port to begin the journey, enjoying the breathtaking views of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, and the South American continent.

Join your fellow adventurers, friendly team members, and crew at a welcoming dinner in the evening to begin the journey.

Day 3 & 4: Drake Passage

Day 5, 6 & 7: Antarctic Peninsula

Day 8: Weddell Sea

Day 9: Elephant Island

Day 10 & 11: Scotia Sea

Day 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16: South Georgia

Day 17, 18 & 19: At Sea

Day 20: Ushuaia

St. Andrews Bay | South Georgia | King penguins

+12

Neko Harbour | Antarctic Peninsula | Zodiac landing

Highlights

Marvel at massive tabular icebergs in the Antarctic Sound, known as 'Iceberg Alley.'

Discover Shackleton's Endurance expedition history, including the 2022 shipwreck find.

Explore South Georgia, a wildlife sanctuary where various seals and penguin species coexist.

Hike from Fortuna Bay to Stromness whaling station, following Shackleton's iconic South Georgia journey.

Activities

Sea Kayaking

Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.

Ice Camping

Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.

Snowshoeing

Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.

Photography

Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.

Explorer Boats

Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.

Yoga

It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.