Compare Spirit of Antarctica by Aurora Expeditions vs Antarctica Classic in Depth by G Adventures
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 12 days | 13 days |
| Price From | $ 8,500 | $ 8,539 |
| Price Per Day | $ 708 | $ 657 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Small ship cruise |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during the voyage |
12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 11 dinners |
| Description |
Antarctic adventures are best enjoyed midsummer, when near-midnight sun powers an explosion of life along the shore and brightens the thought of camping out, early alpine climbing starts or extended kayaking trips. Penguin highways are busy with traffic as parents hurry to fatten chicks and waterways are alive with whales and seals. We visit historic sites and step onto the most spectacular continent on Earth. |
Like our "Antarctica Classic" tour, this 13-day expedition introduces you to the magic of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, but adds on two additional days to better explore its majesty. Part of the reward of arriving in Antarctica is the challenge of negotiating the Drake Passage — and the G Expedition will bring you there safely. Encounter leopard seals lazing on ice floes and immense rookeries of penguins surrounded by towering glaciers. The G Expedition’s expert guides and lecturers offer knowledge and insight that really bring the nature and history of the region to life, creating the adventure of a lifetime. |
Day 1
Fly from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams. Enjoy a guided tour of the rustic port and beautiful surrounds. Embark Polar Pioneer in the late afternoon for introductory and safety briefings, then set sail along the Beagle Channel.
Days 2-3
Our Drake Passage crossing offers cape petrels darting about the ship, black-browed and wandering albatross soaring, and Wilson’s storm petrels flitting above the sea. Learn about Antarctica from our expert naturalist and safety and environmental guidelines from our expedition team as we prepare for our first landing, possibly late on Day 3.
Days 4-9
An overnight passage along Gerlache Strait delivers us to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, an ethereal wonderland of vast proportions. Aboard Zodiacs, we explore penguin rookeries, historic sites and scientific stations and cruise near exquisite icebergs. Our kayakers glide into secluded bays, climbers ascend pristine peaks and our snorkellers delight in marine discoveries. Stepping ashore on the continent creates an everlasting memory. We make the most of every day and a fair bit of each night. A curious leopard seal cruising amongst spectacular icebergs may mean postponing lunch (ours, not the leopard seal’s); loading Zodiacs after dinner for an orca cruise. If the weather allows, we may even sleep-out on the ice – a must for any Antarctic explorer!
Days 10-11
As the Captain steers the ship north across Drake Passage, our minds and souls revel in rich Antarctic experiences. There’s time to watch for seabirds, enjoy entertaining talks, discuss what we’ve seen and learned, exchange photos and stories. With luck, we may make a ceremonial rounding of Cape Horn before sharing a farewell dinner.
Day 12
We enjoy a gentle cruise along the Beagle Channel in the early morning. Disembark after breakfast for onward travel or to savour more time in Ushuaia.
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. Please note that the first night in Ushuaia is on twin share basis. If you're travelling solo or have an odd number of travellers in your group and have not purchased a private cabin, you will be paired with another solo traveller of the same gender.
Day 2 Ushuaia/Drake Passage
Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping, explore the town, or visit 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.
Opt to visit the magnificent Tierra del Fuego National Park today before boarding the ship.
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 your first day onboard, your Expedition Leader will give you an expedition overview outlining what the specific plans are for your trip.
Day 3 Drake Passage/South Shetland Islands
The adventure begins with an 1000km (600 mi) crossing of the passage named in honour of 16th-century English sea captain and privateer, Sir Francis Drake. The ship is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean. Take in daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for icebergs, whales, and albatross following in the G Expedition's wake.
The G Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded never ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic. As the Expedition crosses the passage there will be time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship’s crew and expedition staff. Begin lectures and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.
Day 4 Drake Passage/South Shetland Islands
The adventure begins with an 1000km (600 mi) crossing of the passage named in honour of 16th-century English sea captain and privateer, Sir Francis Drake. The ship is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean. Take in daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for icebergs, whales, and albatross following in the G Expedition's wake.
The G Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded never ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic. As the Expedition crosses the passage there will be time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship’s crew and expedition staff. Begin lectures and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.
Day 5 South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula
With a total of six days to explore the world's most southerly ecosystem, there's more time to encounter the unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery of the Antarctic. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting) to encounter penguin rookeries, get a good look at the variety of seal species, and keep an eye out for the whales that feed in the peninsula's cold, fertile waters.
Navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula. During the voyage, learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Take an optional polar plunge, visit an abandoned whaling station or a working scientific research station, and gain a new perspective on this part of world. Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day 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.
Day 6 South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula
With a total of six days to explore the world's most southerly ecosystem, there's more time to encounter the unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery of the Antarctic. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting) to encounter penguin rookeries, get a good look at the variety of seal species, and keep an eye out for the whales that feed in the peninsula's cold, fertile waters.
Navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula. During the voyage, learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Take an optional polar plunge, visit an abandoned whaling station or a working scientific research station, and gain a new perspective on this part of world. Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day 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.
Day 7 South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula
With a total of six days to explore the world's most southerly ecosystem, there's more time to encounter the unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery of the Antarctic. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting) to encounter penguin rookeries, get a good look at the variety of seal species, and keep an eye out for the whales that feed in the peninsula's cold, fertile waters.
Navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula. During the voyage, learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Take an optional polar plunge, visit an abandoned whaling station or a working scientific research station, and gain a new perspective on this part of world. Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day 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.
Day 8 South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula
With a total of six days to explore the world's most southerly ecosystem, there's more time to encounter the unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery of the Antarctic. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting) to encounter penguin rookeries, get a good look at the variety of seal species, and keep an eye out for the whales that feed in the peninsula's cold, fertile waters.
Navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula. During the voyage, learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Take an optional polar plunge, visit an abandoned whaling station or a working scientific research station, and gain a new perspective on this part of world. Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day 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.
Day 9 South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula
With a total of six days to explore the world's most southerly ecosystem, there's more time to encounter the unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery of the Antarctic. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting) to encounter penguin rookeries, get a good look at the variety of seal species, and keep an eye out for the whales that feed in the peninsula's cold, fertile waters.
Navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula. During the voyage, learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Take an optional polar plunge, visit an abandoned whaling station or a working scientific research station, and gain a new perspective on this part of world. Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day 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.
Day 10 South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula
With a total of six days to explore the world's most southerly ecosystem, there's more time to encounter the unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery of the Antarctic. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting) to encounter penguin rookeries, get a good look at the variety of seal species, and keep an eye out for the whales that feed in the peninsula's cold, fertile waters.
Navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula. During the voyage, learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Take an optional polar plunge, visit an abandoned whaling station or a working scientific research station, and gain a new perspective on this part of world. Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day 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.
Day 11 Drake Passage/Ushuaia
Begin the journey north to the home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of the Antarctic experience with the lecturers and staff. Keep eyes peeled on the observation deck for some last-minute whale sightings.
Leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by the 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 12 Drake Passage/Ushuaia
Begin the journey north to the home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of the Antarctic experience with the lecturers and staff. Keep eyes peeled on the observation deck for some last-minute whale sightings.
Leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by the 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 13 Ushuaia
Disembark the G Expedition after breakfast.
In the morning upon completion you will disembarkation in Ushuaia. Passengers will receive a complimentary transfer to either the airport or a central location where luggage can be stored. For those on morning flights, a transfer will bring them directly to Ushuaia airport (USH). The rest of the passengers will be transferred to the luggage storage point and given time to explore the city. These passengers should then return to retrieve their luggage and board a second transfer to Ushuaia airport in the afternoon, depending on their flight times. Please note that the transfer times are subject to change according to flight schedules.
