The Great Penguin Adventure
South Georgia & Antarctica: an intimate polar adventure
Sail from South America aboard the boutique Ocean Nova, exploring South Georgia, the Falklands and Antarctica. Encounter vast penguin colonies, elephant seals and whales, visit Shackleton’s historic sites, and attend photography lectures by Doug Allan. Ice-filled channels and dramatic glaciers bring you face to face with some of the planet’s most remote and inspiring wilderness.
Itinerary highlights
19-night expedition cruise aboard the Ocean Nova, with a maximum of 78 passengers for an intimate experience.
Photography lectures by award-winning polar photographer Doug Allan.
Encounters with seven different species of penguins, as well as whales and seabirds.
Watch the largest elephant seals on Earth battle for their harems.
Visit the wildlife haven of Saunders Island, South Georgia, and the South Shetland Islands.
Explore historic sites, including Shackleton’s grave at Grytviken and Elephant Island.
Discover dramatic landscapes of glaciers, fjords, and ice-filled channels.
South Georgia & Antarctica: an intimate polar adventure
Sail from South America aboard the boutique Ocean Nova, exploring South Georgia, the Falklands and Antarctica. Encounter vast penguin colonies, elephant seals and whales, visit Shackleton’s historic sites, and attend photography lectures by Doug Allan. Ice-filled channels and dramatic glaciers bring you face to face with some of the planet’s most remote and inspiring wilderness.
Itinerary highlights
19-night expedition cruise aboard the Ocean Nova, with a maximum of 78 passengers for an intimate experience.
Photography lectures by award-winning polar photographer Doug Allan.
Encounters with seven different species of penguins, as well as whales and seabirds.
Watch the largest elephant seals on Earth battle for their harems.
Visit the wildlife haven of Saunders Island, South Georgia, and the South Shetland Islands.
Explore historic sites, including Shackleton’s grave at Grytviken and Elephant Island.
Discover dramatic landscapes of glaciers, fjords, and ice-filled channels.
What's Included
- International return flights from the UK (upgrade options available)
- Domestic flights
- Meals as indicated
- Photography lectures by Doug Allan, award-winning polar photographer
- Expert-led shore excursions and onboard lecture programme
- Expedition boots provided for shore landings
- Onboard snacks and selected beverages
- Taxes, fees, and port expenses
Dates & Pricing
Prices are per person, based on two sharing.
What's Included
- International return flights from the UK (upgrade options available)
- Domestic flights
- Meals as indicated
- Photography lectures by Doug Allan, award-winning polar photographer
- Expert-led shore excursions and onboard lecture programme
- Expedition boots provided for shore landings
- Onboard snacks and selected beverages
- Taxes, fees, and port expenses
Dates & Pricing
Prices are per person, based on two sharing.
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Every journey I plan starts with a conversation. Tell me what excites you, what you've always dreamed of experiencing, and I'll craft something extraordinary. The best expeditions begin with a single question: What would make this unforgettable for you?
Ashley | Expedition Planner
FAQs
These FAQs provide essential insights and tips to help you prepare for an unforgettable Antarctic adventure, from wildlife encounters and historic sites to glacier exploration and polar photography.
Antarctica and South Georgia are home to extraordinary wildlife. Guests can observe seven species of penguins, including king, gentoo, chinstrap, Adélie, macaroni, rockhopper, and Magellanic penguins. In addition, elephant seals, fur seals, whales, and a variety of seabirds, including albatrosses and petrels, are commonly seen during cruising and shore visits.
Yes. Guests will benefit from photography lectures and tips by award-winning polar photographer Doug Allan, who will share his expertise on capturing wildlife, glaciers, icebergs and polar landscapes. These sessions are included in the price of the expedition at no additional cost, allowing travellers to learn from one of the world’s leading polar photographers while making the most of their once-in-a-lifetime Antarctic adventure.
Doug Allan is an award-winning polar photographer and renowned cameraman, known for his expertise in extreme environments. With over forty years of experience, including eight years “down south” with the British Antarctic Survey as a research diver, scientist, base commander, biologist, and photographer, he brings unparalleled knowledge of polar regions. Doug has filmed for iconic series such as Blue Planet, Planet Earth, and Frozen Planet. On board the Ocean Nova, he will share his passion and insights through lectures, giving guests a unique perspective on photographing Antarctica’s glaciers, wildlife, and remote landscapes, while offering practical tips to capture the beauty of some of the planet’s most spectacular wilderness.
In the heart of the Southern Ocean lies South Georgia, a remote island of breathtaking contrasts. Towering peaks reach nearly 3,000 metres, glaciers carve the landscape and sandy beaches stretch along the rugged coast. Everywhere you look, on the shores, rocks, in the water and overhead, wildlife thrives. The roar of hundreds of thousands of king penguins is truly awe-inspiring, and being surrounded by these curious creatures is an unforgettable experience. You will also encounter the island’s massive elephant seals. Males can weigh up to four tonnes and maintain harems of over 200 females. Newborn pups, just beginning to explore their world, captivate visitors with their enormous, dark eyes. With no land-based predators, the wildlife shows little fear of humans, creating a magical setting to observe these animals going about their day in complete freedom.