An endurance test in the Antarctic

Descendants of legendary Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton's pioneering team are searching for one more person to join them as they recreate their ancestor’s bid to reach the South Pole, 100 years later. Unsuccessful candidates, however, need not be disappointed as Peregrine Adventures still has places on its spectacular 18-night voyage cruising around the wildlife-rich Falkland Islands, diverse sub-Antarctic islands and remarkable Antarctic Peninsula area, including exploring sites from the original Endurance expedition. The voyage departs Ushuaia 17th February 2009.

From Ushuaia, set sail through the Beagle Channel to the Falkland Islands. This far-flung group of islands lying north of the Antarctic Convergence, supports unique wildlife not found further south, including sixty species of migratory birds as well as the rare Striated Caracara.

Continue southeast, crossing the Antarctic Convergence to the remote and hauntingly beautiful island of South Georgia. Here, amongst the spectacular wilderness of snow-clad mountains and massive glaciers, observe huge King Penguin rookeries, thousands of sub-Antarctic Fur Seal and the comical Macaroni Penguin. Discover a remarkable history of some of the world’s most legendary explorers, including visiting some of the sites from the Endurance expedition and Shackleton’s grave at Grytviken.

Next, set course for the offshore islands of the Antarctic Peninsula, aiming to land at the remote and often mist-shrouded South Orkney Islands. Continue on to the South Shetland Archipelago, with various island stops en route, whose waters are often inhabited with feeding Humpback Whales. Thousands of differently shaped icebergs dot the sea, penguins are seen porpoising through the waters and various seals, including the predatory Leopard Seal, use the ice flows as a resting place.

The Antarctic Peninsula itself boasts a profusion of wildlife, including five species of seal, massive penguin rookeries with Gentoos, Adelies and Chinstraps as well as a variety of whale species and seabirds, including albatross, petrels, shearwaters and skuas.

The voyage costs from £5,335 p/p plus fuel surcharge of £603 p/p and including transfers, ship-board accommodation with all meals, port taxes and/or landing fees, onboard presentations, all shore excursions plus expertly guided wildlife viewing.

For more information, log on to Peregrineadventures.co.uk.