Shackleton

The name of Ernest Shackleton ranks with the great explorers, especially those such as Amundsen and Scott who also endured incredible hardship and privation in their quests to explore the white continent in the early years of the last century.

One of Antarctica Bound’s partner cruise lines, Noble Caledonia, has an itinerary named In the Wake of Shackleton, which sails from the Argentinean port of Ushuaia on the southern tip of South America to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

South Georgia is one of the world’s natural wonders, the’ Alps in mid-ocean’, offering remarkable concentrations of wildlife against a backdrop of glaciers and snow-covered mountains. There is a zodiac landing at Grytviken, once the hub of the South Atlantic whaling industry, where travellers pay homage at Shackleton’s grave. Then, hugging the coast to the wildest reaches of the island, there are landings on beaches alive with rampaging fur seals, somnolent elephant seals and truly astonishing numbers of king penguins.

Shackleton would wonder at the comfort enjoyed by even the most intrepid of travellers to Antarctica nowadays. Our In the wake of Shackleton tour includes flights from London to Buenos Aires, two night’s stay in the capital with sightseeing, flights down to Ushuaia, 18 nights full board accommodation on board ship including wine and beer with dinner, shore excursions and all the services of expedition leaders and experts. Nothing is left to chance and safety and security measures are just as important as passenger comfort.

Nevertheless, what today’s tourist sees has changed little from Shackleton’s view, thanks largely to the 1959 Antarctic Treaty which bound the international community not to exploit the mineral resources of the continent and to preserve it as a true wilderness. Of course, there have been climatic changes and, although there are research stations, there is no permanent human settlement and the only remains of the once rampant whaling industry are a few ramshackle buildings and rusting, abandoned equipment.

Wildernesses have always drawn adventurers such as Shackleton, Scott, Mawson and Amundsen and it is the accounts of their expeditions that continue to inspire today’s’ traveler. Antarctica Bound works with all principal cruise lines and adventure operators to Antarctica. Our staff have been there and experienced all aspects of a typical trip; they are ideally suited to advise and ensure you travel on the right itinerary for you at the right time.