In 2023, we are very excited to be combining forces with Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris on a 100-passenger voyage to South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Experience the vibrance of Spring on the South Georgia Islands and the less crowded early season on the Antarctic Peninsula. With over twenty-five years of experience in the Antarctic, Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris offers the most in-depth exploration of one of the densest wildlife spectacles found anywhere in the world, and with only 100 passengers, you’ll have ample opportunities to experience and photograph this spectacle during every landing and Zodiac cruise.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS 23-DAY TRIP

• Spend six full-days on South Georgia Island and six full-days in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands with maximum shore time and Zodiac cruising.

• See five penguin species (possibly 6): gentoo, macaroni, king, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins! Plus, many species of whales, seals, albatross, and seabirds.

• Hear the cacophony of and smell king penguins as you walk near colonies of up to 300,000 birds.

• Marvel at dramatic snow-capped mountains descending into valleys and glacier-fed rivers emptying into the ocean.

• Watch southern elephant seal bulls defend their territories from competing bulls and females nursing pups during their peak breeding season.

• See wandering albatross chicks and endangered gray-headed albatross on nests, only possible this time of year.

• Hike or snowshoe on South Georgia Island. Take shorter walks in the Antarctic Peninsula.

• With only 100 participants, everyone can land and/or Zodiac cruise at once, rather than in separate groups.

• Our 15 leaders are polar specialists, photographers, and naturalists.

  Price: US$15,950 per person to US$23,950 per person depending on class of berth.

Route Map

The Cheeseman Experience

 “The Cheeseman Experience,” as many of their travelmates have come to call it, is defined by delivering top value and maximum time in nature observing wildlife with unsurpassed leadership. Delivering this experience is their top priority. Their leaders are experts in finding and identifying wildlife; they help you observe and photograph as much as you want, often from dawn to dusk and even at night. During the past 35 years, Cheesemans’ listened and learned from their travelers and knowledgeable guides to develop the most in-depth itineraries to the unique regions on Earth. 

Ship Information

Plancius

The Plancius was built specifically for oceanographic voyages and is modern, comfortable, and ice-strengthened. She has large open deck spaces, providing excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. While inside, you will enjoy views from the restaurant/lecture room, and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) with large windows, offering full panoramic views. She carries a maximum of 116 guests (we are taking a maximum of 100 guests), allowing true, small-ship expedition cruising. This is particularly important in South Georgia and Antarctica where restrictions limit the number of passengers landing simultaneously to 100, maximizing your time ashore.