In Shackleton’s Footsteps

Upon your arrival in Ushuaia, you will be greeted by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and taken to your hotel. If you are already in Ushuaia, please proceed directly there. Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. In the afternoon, between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM, you can visit the hospitality office at Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort to collect your luggage tags and confirm your participation in the Beagle Channel and Isla de Los Lobos cruise. If you arrive after 7:00 PM, you will find a welcome package at check-in. Tomorrow you can visit our office between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.

After breakfast and check-out, bring your cabin luggage to the reception, where it will be securely transported to the port. Keep important personal items with you. In the morning, you can explore Ushuaia. If you wish to participate in the catamaran trip in the afternoon, meet in the hotel lobby at 12:15 PM. Alternatively, you can meet in the hotel lobby at 3:00 PM or at the parking lot near the pier at 3:30 PM for boarding. After boarding, settle into your cabin before the safety briefings begin. As the ship departs, enjoy the view of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. In the evening, you will meet your fellow travelers and the expedition team at the welcome dinner.

During the Drake Passage crossing, you will become accustomed to the movements of the sea. The expedition team will provide important information about wildlife and biosecurity. You have the opportunity to observe seabirds such as albatrosses and petrels and to use the on-board amenities. Shortly before reaching the South Shetland Islands, excitement builds as the first iceberg is sighted and the possibility of the first Antarctic landing approaches.

It is almost impossible to describe the feeling upon arrival in Antarctica; seeing an iceberg for the first time and breathing in the freshest, clearest air on Earth remains unforgettable. After arrival, you will explore the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, accompanied by an experienced expedition team that selects the best routes daily based on weather, ice conditions, and wildlife sightings. Twice daily, landings or Zodiac excursions take place, allowing you to experience spectacular ice landscapes, whales, seals, and penguin colonies.

The Weddell Sea plays a key role in Shackleton’s historic expedition, which you will now retrace. From the Antarctic Peninsula, you will venture into the icy and remote region. There, majestic icebergs, abundant sea ice, and diverse wildlife including seals, seabirds, and more await you. On your journey, you will reflect on the historical events that have shaped these waters.

Today you will head towards Elephant Island, where Shackleton’s men survived several winter months under upturned boats. In the lecture room, you will learn about the history of Shackleton’s 9-month stay in the Weddell Sea ice. Afterwards, you will explore the historic Point Wild by Zodiac or landing, weather permitting.

After all the exciting activities in Antarctica, you can look forward to relaxing days at sea as you sail towards South Georgia. On the way across the Scotia Sea, you will follow the route taken by Shackleton and five of his men when they sought help from Elephant Island. This legendary boat trip, during which they spent 17 days on the open sea, is one of the most remarkable stories of polar navigation. During the crossing, you can attend entertaining lectures on board about the wildlife, geology, and history of South Georgia, or simply observe the rich wildlife of the Scotia Sea and relax.

Upon arrival in South Georgia, one thinks of Captain James Cook, who in 1775 believed it to be the northern tip of a large continent. Although the island is only 176 km long, it offers incredible riches with its snow-covered mountain range, impressive wildlife, and fascinating history. The rugged coastline with its glacier landscapes and craggy mountains invites exploration. With the Zodiac, you can cruise around bays and search for penguins, seals, and the fascinating kelp forests. On land, you will encounter some of the world’s largest king penguin colonies as well as guided walks among fur and elephant seals. There is also the opportunity to visit the remains of former whaling stations and Shackleton’s grave. Additional Zodiac tours lead through fjords with steep cliffs while you enjoy the majestic coast of South Georgia. For the adventurous, there is the optional hike from Fortuna Bay to Stromness, which traces the final section of Shackleton’s impressive crossing of the island.

On the way back to Ushuaia, there is time to edit photos, enjoy the on-board offerings, or attend the final lectures. The conclusion of the journey will be celebrated at a special farewell dinner with the captain and new friends. In the remaining time, there is the opportunity to reflect on the experiences and to engage as an ambassador for the protection and preservation of Antarctica.

Early in the morning, the ship sails up the Beagle Channel and reaches the port of Ushuaia around 8:00 AM. Upon arrival, it’s time to say goodbye to the expedition team and fellow travelers before continuing your journey. Guests with flights before 12:30 PM will be taken directly to the airport. All others have the opportunity to explore Ushuaia before being transferred to the airport in the afternoon.