Follow in the footsteps of Scott & Shackleton with Oceans Worldwide

If last weekend’s BBC2 documentary about Scott’s Hut and his adventures in Antarctica has stirred the explorer in you, then why not follow in his and Ernest Shackleton’s footsteps and visit this stunning wilderness with discovery voyages experts Oceans Worldwide’s on its 11-day Classic Antarctica trip?

The Antarctic Peninsula offers some of the white continent's best wildlife and scenery, and all Oceans Worldwide’s voyages include as much animal watching as possible, while still allowing plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, glaciers, huge icebergs and rugged mountains.

The Classic Antarctica trip – which departs regularly on a choice of five ships between November and March – begins and ends in the southernmost town in the world, Ushuaia in Patagonia, Argentina.

Oceans Worldwide deliberately chooses small expedition vessels, allowing you to get close to nature in safety and comfort, with minimum impact on the creatures’ environment.

Cruising in the company of a school of dolphins, following a pod of orca whales, or watching humpback whales breaching against a backdrop of icebergs is a journey completely unmatched.

The journey takes you across the Drake Passage to the first stop at the South Shetland Islands, where you visit enormous penguin rookeries, land on beaches ruled by Antarctic fur seals, and observe wallowing elephant seals.

From there it’s on to the Antarctic Peninsula where you’ll have plenty of time to experience its magic. Among the wildlife you’re likely to encounter are Weddell, crab-eater and leopard seals, while you can often spot orcas, humpback and minke whales at close range.

The expedition team will attempt two landings each day, although many factors influence the daily programme, particularly wildlife behaviour.

The trips cost from £2879 per person (in a twin cabin with shared facilities) which includes voyage, guided shore and Zodiac excursions, all meals on board, transfers, and expedition jacket on selected trips. Does not include flights which can be booked through Oceans Worldwide on request (around £1400 which includes overnight stops and transfers in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia).

For more information, visit: oceansworldwide.co.uk