Members save more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide
Unlock member discounts
Unlock exclusive discounts and inclusions
Members only pricing
Bonus hand-picked inclusions
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
Operated by Intrepid Travel
Tripcode: GQMP
Overview
Destination:
Antarctica,
Argentina,
South Georgia,
Start:Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish:Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish:Ushuaia, Argentina
Duration:18 days
Type:Group tour (max 138)
Travel Period
January 2026 - January 2026
See thousands of penguins on the seldom visited South Georgia Island and the 7th Continent- Antarctica. On this 19-day adventure to the Antarctic Peninsula, you’ll sail through ice floes, photograph massive albatross and watch the pintado petrels as they soar around the ship, guiding you to South Georgia. Make Zodiac excursions to beaches teeming with penguins and elephant seals, and pay your respects to the famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Go further into the Antarctic Sea on your Zodiac boats and get as close as you can to the inquisitive Gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins. Maybe even experience the rugged peninsula from a sea kayak, undertake an exhilarating hike up a glacier or sign up for an optional paddling excursion – this is the adventure you’ve been searching for!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This trip is operated on either the World Explorer or Ocean Explorer ship. Please check the dates and availability section to see which which ship is used on each voyage.
Your voyage is operated by our sister company, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.
One nights pre expedition hotel is included in Ushuaia. The exact hotel will be provided on your final documentation.
Your trip finishes in Ushuaia at the port on day 18 in the morning after breakfast, please do not book onwards flights on this day untill after 12 pm midday.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
To confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.
Please refer to our ""Booking terms and conditions"" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions, http://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions"
ADVENTURE OPTIONS
Sea kayaking and Padding excursions are available to book on the Ocean Explorer ship.
Sea kayaking, Stand Up Paddle boarding and Padding excursions are available to book on the World Explorer ship.
Some activities must be booked prior to departure and incurs an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking.
Your voyage is operated by our sister company, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.
One nights pre expedition hotel is included in Ushuaia. The exact hotel will be provided on your final documentation.
Your trip finishes in Ushuaia at the port on day 18 in the morning after breakfast, please do not book onwards flights on this day untill after 12 pm midday.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
To confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.
Please refer to our ""Booking terms and conditions"" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions, http://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions"
ADVENTURE OPTIONS
Sea kayaking and Padding excursions are available to book on the Ocean Explorer ship.
Sea kayaking, Stand Up Paddle boarding and Padding excursions are available to book on the World Explorer ship.
Some activities must be booked prior to departure and incurs an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking.
Show more
Standard inclusions
- Meals: Meals: 17 breakfasts, 15 lunches, 16 dinners.
- Transport: Expedition cruise ship, zodiac.
- Accommodation: 1 night comfortable hotel, 16 nights expedition cruise ship.
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allDay 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
Welcome to Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica. Located at the southern tip of Argentina, these parts are known as Tierra del Fuego, often called ‘The End of the World’, but this is just the beginning of your Antarctic adventure. Those with a day or two may want to head to Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure, or if you've only got a few hours to kill, why not stroll around town and visit the waterfront overlooking the Beagle Channel. You might also like to sample some handcrafted chocolate at a local cafe in town. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at the hotel, then have free time to get ready for tomorrow!
Day 2: Embarkation in Ushuaia
This afternoon, you’ll board your ship and your epic adventure south will begin! Take some time to settle into your cabin as you begin cruising the stunning Beagle Channel, named after the famed vessel 'The Beagle' that facilitated some of Charles Darwin's most significant voyages. The channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, and you’ll wave goodbye to Argentina with the knowledge that the next time you see land, you’ll be gazing upon the White Continent of Antarctica.
Days 3-6: At Sea
Over the next few days at sea, make the most of the many activities on offer – learn to identify the different seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend the informational presentations led by your expedition team. You’ll be prepped on the Zodiac cruises and shore landings with safety briefings and be given instructions for getting the most out of your optional sea kayaking adventures – highly recommended as it’s a truly intimate way to experience Antarctica.
If conditions are right, the first indication of South Georgia is the sight of birds around a group of rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Have your binoculars ready to capture these spires rising out of the ocean and keep a look out for breaching whales!
Days 7-9: South Georgia
South Georgia is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife and the beaches here are home to many penguins and seals. It won’t take you long to realize that you’re in a birdwatcher’s paradise! During landings, you’ll see seabirds, albatross and petrels in abundance. South Georgia, once a popular base for whalers and sealers, is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries ago. Visit old whaling stations and enjoy presentations on the South Georgia of then and now.
One of the most significant sites you will visit on the island is Grytviken. This settlement is one of the first whaling stations established in sub-Antarctic waters. Grytviken possesses a special appeal largely because it’s the site of the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton – one of the most famous Antarctic explorers.
Days 10-11: At Sea
Say goodbye to the colonies of penguins as you sail for Antarctica – the White Continent. Your next two days at sea will be filled with presentations and workshops led by your expedition team, who will prepare you for the wildlife and vast landscapes that will soon surround you. Make the most of the onboard amenities and sea views as you sail towards the blanket of white.
Days 12-15: Antarctic Peninsula
The next couple of days bring you to the 7th Continent, the White Continent – Antarctica. Sailing through the Antarctic Peninsula, you’ll discover a land of extremes. One moment, you’ll be overcome with complete isolation and silence, and the next you’ll be overwhelmed with inspiration as calving glaciers crash into the brilliant blue sea.
Your expedition team will be by your side as you go Zodiac cruising, visit historical sites and observe the amazing penguin colonies on land and ice. Chinstrap, Adelie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. Keep a lookout for Antarctic whales, such as minkes, while on your daily Zodiac rides. You might even decide to treat yourself to an optional paddling excursion (at an extra cost) or jump into Antarctic waters for the Polar Plunge!
Days 16-17: Crossing the Drake Passage
After days full of unique wildlife encounters and remarkable landscapes, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake Passage is your unofficial rite of passage and over the next two days, you can spend time on deck watching for seabirds and whales, enjoying presentations by your expedition team, or simply relaxing and reminiscing with your group about your wild experiences.
Day 18: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
After breakfast, it’s time to part ways and say goodbye to your expedition team. If you’d like to extend your stay in Ushuaia, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time, or fly home from here.
Departure dates
Select your preferred date or enquire
Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid is a small group tour travel company with humble beginnings that now sends over 100,000 travellers a year on grassroots and responsible travel tours.
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please see Terms of Use
Book now
Need help?
Price from
$37,356
$35,489
*
Member price from
$35,489*
per person
17 nights
Check departuresCan't find the answer you're looking for? Get in touch with our friendly Travel Consultants.
Call 1800 850 888Speak to one of our friendly consultants, available during business hours.
Mon to Fri · 9am - 5pm AEST
Speak to an expert in-store
Prefer to plan in person? Make an appointment at our Travel Store to speak with one of our experts
You might also like
© 2025 Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) All rights reserved.