Professor Julian Dowdeswell has over 40 years of experience in glaciology, with a current focus on research into how glaciers and ice caps respond to climate change. He was awarded the Polar Medal by HM Queen Elizabeth II for ‘outstanding contributions to glacier geophysics’ and served as Director of SPRI for almost 20 years. He is currently serving as the Chair of the Friends.
South Georgia, Falklands and Antarctica with Friends of the Scott Polar Research Institute
A Southern Ocean expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, rich in wildlife and polar history.
| Start date | End date | Days |
Prices from
ex. flights |
Single Supplement | Tour Expert | Group Size | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/03/28 | 30/03/28 | 21 days | £19,995 pp | On Request | Professor Julian Dowdeswell | 130 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
In partnership with The Friends of The Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI), join our March 2028 Antarctica expedition, a remarkable voyage through the wild landscapes of the Southern Ocean. This journey takes in the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, combining extraordinary wildlife encounters with some of the most dramatic scenery on Earth.
The price of this voyage includes an early bird discount and an exclusive Friends of SPRI group discount. The current early bird rate will be reviewed shortly, so please enquire now to secure the best available price.
Hosted by Professor Julian Dowdeswell, glaciologist and Chair of the Friends of SPRI, whose decades of expertise in polar environmental change shape in-depth onboard talks and guided shore landings, alongside Friends of SPRI representatives and the ship’s expert expedition team.
Sail across the legendary Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula, where Zodiac cruises and shore landings reveal ice-filled bays, penguin rookeries and towering glaciers. Crossing the Scotia Sea in Shackleton’s wake, continue to South Georgia, home to the world’s largest king penguin population and remarkable concentrations of wildlife, before calling at the Falkland Islands, where windswept shores support thriving colonies of albatross, penguins and seals.
In addition to the expedition, travellers are invited to a pre-cruise private dinner at one of the Cambridge colleges, and a behind-the-scenes viewing at the Polar Museum at SPRI.
Introducing your experts
Professor Julian Dowdeswell
Celene Pickard
Celene Pickard has been the Executive Secretary of the Friends of SPRI since 2007, and is currently a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. She previously worked as a researcher for Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ seminal biography ‘Captain Scott’. A passionate polar advocate, Celene has organised many previous Friends voyages to both the Arctic and Antarctic.
Why Steppes?
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Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Expert Hosts
Hosted by Friends of SPRI Chair, Professor Julian Dowdeswell and Executive Secretary Celene Pickard.
Shore Landings
Land by Zodiac to explore remote shores and hike from Fortuna Bay to Stromness along Shackleton’s final route.
King Penguin Colonies
Witness vast King Penguin colonies as adults incubate eggs, chicks hatch and young birds begin to moult and fledge.
Long Southern Days
March offers plenty of daylight hours for exploration along with magical, low-light photography conditions and sunsets.
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Day 1
Ushuaia
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Day 2
Embarkation
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Days 3-4
Drake Passage
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Days 5-8
Antarctic Peninsula
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Days 9-10
Scotia Sea
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Days 11-15
South Georgia
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Days 16-17
At Sea
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Days 18-19
Falkland Islands
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Day 20
Scotia Sea
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Day 21
Disembarkation in Ushuaia
Day 1
Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, speak with the expedition team, who will confirm embarkation details and answer any questions. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the world’s southernmost city.
Day 2
Embarkation
After breakfast, choose between a scenic excursion to Lake Escondido or time at leisure in Ushuaia. Later, transfer to the port and board your expedition ship. Settle into your cabin before sailing through the Beagle Channel and enjoying a welcome dinner with fellow travellers.
Days 3-4
Drake Passage
Cross the legendary Drake Passage en route to Antarctica. Attend expert lectures, prepare for landings and keep watch for seabirds and whales from the deck. As the South Shetland Islands appear on the horizon, scan the seas for your first icebergs.
Days 5-8
Antarctic Peninsula
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula with daily Zodiac cruises and shore landings. Visit penguin colonies, watch for whales and seals and walk among dramatic ice formations. Each day is shaped by the expedition team to take advantage of the best wildlife and conditions.
Days 9-10
Scotia Sea
Sail north across the Scotia Sea towards South Georgia. Learn more about Shackleton’s remarkable journey, watch for seabirds gliding alongside the ship and spend time on deck taking in the vast Southern Ocean.
Days 11-15
South Georgia
Discover South Georgia, a wild island of towering mountains and abundant wildlife. Cruise along rugged coastlines, land among vast king penguin colonies and visit historic whaling stations. You may also pay respects at Shackleton’s grave in this remarkable sub-Antarctic landscape.
Days 16-17
At Sea
Continue across the Scotia Sea towards the Falkland Islands. Attend lectures from the expedition team, watch seabirds soaring behind the ship and enjoy time to relax in the observation lounge, library or onboard facilities.
Days 18-19
Falkland Islands
Explore the remote Falkland Islands, home to windswept landscapes and rich birdlife. Visit penguin rookeries and albatross colonies, or stroll through the colourful town of Stanley with its British character, cosy pubs and maritime museum.
Day 20
Scotia Sea
Begin the return journey to Ushuaia. Spend time enjoying the ship’s facilities and join the Captain and crew for a farewell dinner.
Day 21
Disembarkation in Ushuaia
Arrive back in Ushuaia early this morning. Disembark after breakfast and continue your onward journey.
Positive Impact
The Friends of the Scott Polar Research Institute
Established in 1920 as part of the University of Cambridge, the Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI) is a centre of excellence in the study of the Arctic and Antarctic. By joining this cruise you will be directly raising funds for The Friends of SPRI, contributing to crucial polar research projects at the Institute. Hosting the cruise are Professor Julian Dowdeswell and Celene Pickard, the Friend’s Executive Secretary. Julian brings extensive knowledge in glaciology, geography, history and polar environmental change, and Celene provides organisational support as a known point of contact for the Friends.
Penguins, Seals & Whales
Wildlife of the Southern Ocean
South Georgia is one of the world’s great wildlife sanctuaries, where fur seals and elephant seals gather in vast numbers and four species of penguin share the island’s beaches and tussock-covered plains. By March the colonies are alive with activity, from large crèches of downy King Penguin chicks to curious juveniles preparing for their first journeys to sea. The surrounding Southern Ocean is equally rich. As summer draws on, whales return in growing numbers to feed on krill. From the deck or Zodiac, watch for the unmistakable fluke of a tail as a whale dives beneath the surface, leaving only ripples.
Explorations at water level
Optional Adventures
For those wishing to experience Antarctica more intimately, optional activities such as sea kayaking and snorkelling are available at a supplementary cost. From a kayak, you explore at water level, cutting quietly through the water among sculpted icebergs. The stillness allows you to draw close to the wildlife, with seals resting on ice floes and penguins porpoising through the water nearby. Alternatively, don a drysuit and snorkel beneath the surface to glimpse Antarctica’s remarkable underwater world and see penguins moving effortlessly beneath the ice.
Expedition ship
Douglas Mawson
Named after the legendary Australian geologist and explorer, this small ship embodies Mawson’s pioneering spirit and is designed for global discovery. Featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW® and purpose-built with enhanced sustainability features, she carries a maximum of 130 adventurers. The majority of cabins have a balcony and facilities onboard include a citizen science centre and multiple observation areas as well as a sauna, outdoor pool and jacuzzis. The lounges have floor to ceiling picture windows and there are extensive outer decks for wildlife viewing.
Includes / Excludes
Important Information
Activity Level
Low Activity
Single Supplement
Travelling on your own? Our group tours are perfect for solo travellers, as travelling as part of an organised group in faraway places provides security and peace of mind. We handle all of the arrangements for you and there will be a local tour guide on hand throughout to provide advice and help if needed, as well as the expertise of a Tour expert.
Flexibility
To allow flexibility, our group tours do not include international flights as standard. We can arrange international flights on your behalf, please get in touch with our travel experts for a quote. All international flights from the UK are ATOL protected.
What is included
- All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary
- One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Ushuaia on Day 1
- Lake Escondido tour in Ushuaia, on Day 2
- Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service
- All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices during voyage plus beer and house wine with dinner
- Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
- Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team
- Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation)
- One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket
- Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage
- Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
- Wi-Fi but please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable
- One year complimentary membership to the Friends of SPRI at the time of booking for non-members
- Exclusive pre-cruise private dinner at one of the Cambridge colleges
- View of behind-the-scenes displays at The Polar Museum of the SPRI
What is excluded
- International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary
- Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges
- Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges
- Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary
- Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges
- All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages (outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges
- Gratuities. (A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove or adjust the tip when you settle your bill)
Why a Steppes expert-led group tour
1.Experience matters
We have been running insightful and groundbreaking group tours since our inception in 1989. We have worked with institutions such as the British Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum and run wildlife tours in conjunction with conservation agencies such as Fauna & Flora International, Wildlife Conservation Society, the Orangutan Foundation, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the Jane Goodall Institute.
2.Like-minded travellers
Steppes Travellers are like-minded people; interesting, interested and curious. Our group tours, usually consisting of eight to ten travellers, aim to create an easy and informal atmosphere – we have a lot of fun on our tours and many friendships have been formed.
4.Peace of mind
When you travel on one of our group tours, you will be looked after by our local agents and your tour expert with the back-up of our 24-hour emergency number and duty manager. All our holidays are fully bonded and protected – our ATOL number is ATOL 6495.
3.It’s about who you know
We have developed an enviable pool of expertise from which to choose our tour experts, who we carefully select based on their knowledge, companionship and personality. Often, these experts can use their influence to facilitate private access to sites not typically open to the public.
Other available dates
For further information about any of these tours please call 01285 880 980
| Start date | End date | Days |
Prices from
ex. flights |
Tour Expert | Group Size | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/03/28 | 30/03/28 | 21 days | £19,995 pp | Professor Julian Dowdeswell | 130 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
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