Patagonia Falklands South Georgia & Antarctica

Transfer from the airport to the Ritz Carlton, Santiago (or similar). 

Arrival Time: Arrive before 11:30 a.m. local time. 
Arrival City: Santiago, Chile 

Fly southward to Ushuaia. Sandwiched between ice-mantled peaks and the frigid waters of Beagle Channel, this is a fittingly wild place to be known as “El Fin del Mundo” or “The End of the World.” Before departing, visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, clad in dense beech forest just as much of Antarctica was millions of years ago. Savor lunch onboard a private catamaran as you cruise the Channel, keeping an eye out for plump South American sea lions and sleek seabirds like the imperial cormorant. By day’s end, you’ll be comfortably on board your ship and ready to meet the White Continent.

Sail into southern Patagonia’s vast wilderness of forested isles, mirror-like lakes and snowcapped peaks. Myriad fjords cut between soaring granite walls and waterfalls tumble from high above. Explore the region known as Chile’s “Glacier Alley,” part of the UNESCO-recognized Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve. Cruise into the secluded Pia Fjord, admiring views of its massive glacier; and glide into Garibaldi Fjord in Alberto de Agostini National Park, where the Andes meet the sea. Get up close to the monumental wall of ice that marks the edge of Garibaldi Glacier, exploring by Zodiac or kayak. Continue to Agostini Fjord, where numerous glaciers originate from the nearby mountains, for a chance to witness thunderous glacial calving.

Today begins in Ainsworth Bay, a stunning fjord surrounded by subpolar forest at the base of Marinelli Glacier, where you’ll keep an eye out for elephant seals. Then cruise to Tierra del Fuego and venture into the archipelago’s largest protected land area: Karukinka Natural Park. Visit this private reserve by special permission, searching for an array of wildlife that includes Andean foxes, guanacos and black-browed albatross.

The best parts of expedition travel seem to come together in the western Falkland Islands. Here, you can land on a beach tucked into a rocky cove, hike out across a rolling green pasture, and suddenly find yourself at the crest of a sea cliff looking out over the South Atlantic surf. Witness a breeding colony of black-browed albatross, and check out thousands of irresistible gentoo, rockhopper and Magellanic penguins that congregate on the shores, along with fur seals. 

Stanley, the colorful capital of the Falkland Islands, is a wonderfully unexpected place: a charming outpost of British culture tucked into a small bay on the shore of these windswept islands in the far South Atlantic. Many Falkland Islanders still live in very traditional ways, and there will be a chance to visit a small farm to see some expert sheep shearing and learn the best techniques for cutting blocks of peat for the fire. The rocky hills and white sand beaches outside town offer some excellent hikes, and afterward, a cup of tea or a pint at the local tavern goes down very nicely.

During the time at sea, learn about the fascinating history of Antarctic exploration, as well as the flora, fauna and geology of South Georgia. Your naturalists will help identify the seabirds that follow the ship: wandering albatross, prions and black-browed albatross.

Simply put, there is nowhere else in the world like South Georgia. King penguins, the second largest species in the world, are unquestionably the most iconic wildlife of South Georgia. Exact numbers are not known, but the largest single colony on the island may have as many as 500,000 of these amazing birds nesting together on a single two-mile-long beach.

Explore the spectacular coastline of South Georgia Island. In keeping with the nature of an expedition, our schedule is flexible with opportunities for walking, hiking, kayaking, and Zodiac excursions. Sailing along the coast, we plan to offer activities every day including visits to Grytviken—the final resting place of Shackleton—and Stromness Harbour, where Ernest Shackleton, Tom Crean, and Frank Worsley finally reached aid at a whaling station.

The island is also home to huge elephant seals and thousands of king penguins. South Georgia is sometimes called “the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean”, but even that description seems inadequate; this lonely island is unique in the world, so rich and so beautiful that it defies any comparison.

As the ship voyages towards the Antarctic Continent, head up to the Bridge to watch for icebergs and observe expert navigation at work as your skilled Captain and officers sail these historic waters. There will also be time to enjoy a massage in the wellness center, work out in the gym and browse in the library. Each day, the naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience.

With long hours of daylight at this time of year, there are ample opportunities to explore. The schedule is flexible, making it possible to take advantage of the unexpected, whether watching whales at play off the bow of the ship, hiking alongside penguin highways or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise amid porpoising penguins. 

While wildlife is magnificent, ice defines the Antarctic. Get to know ice up close and personal—from icebergs the size of islands, bergy bits and near-vertical glaciers, to the fragile, nearly invisible layers that have just begun to freeze. One day, set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level; embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags; or walk amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins. The next, experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice. 

No matter where you go in Antarctica, you’re surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way, your expert expedition team will enrich every experience.

This 500-mile-wide strait between the Antarctic Peninsula and South America is one of the most famous bodies of water in the world. Sometimes ferocious, sometimes flat calm, the Drake is always a fascinating place in its own right. This part of the journey is the best opportunity to see gorgeous seabirds like the wandering albatross, and you might be lucky enough to encounter orca whales or rare species of dolphins. Visit the Bridge (a great place to spot wildlife), attend a talk about the biology of the penguins you’ve just seen or settle into a comfy chair in the observation lounge to look out over the waves and reflect on your incredible journey. Toast your epic voyage at a festive farewell dinner. Savor your final moments aboard ship as it makes its way toward Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of the South American continent.

Disembark in Ushuaia and board the recommended flight to Santiago to connect with your flight home; transfers to the airport and luggage assistance will be provided.

Departure Time: Depart after 9:00 p.m. local time. 
Departure City: Santiago, Chile