Highlights

In the wind and open waters of the Southern Ocean, hundreds of thousands of king penguins gather and breed along the beaches of South Georgia, while glaciers descend from mountain valleys into the sea and seals and seabirds move among drifting ice. The voyage begins among the grasslands and sea cliffs of the Falkland Islands Islas Malvinas, continues through the extraordinary wildlife concentrations of South Georgia, and culminates on the ice bound shores of the Antarctic Peninsula. By linking three distinct Antarctic regions in a single journey, it reveals the natural progression from the sub-Antarctic to the Seventh Continent. Traveling early in the season, when darkness has not yet fully given way to continuous daylight, offers shifting light and long horizons that invite deeper observation and photography, capturing the polar world at its most elemental and alive.

A rare Southern Ocean journey linking the Falkland Islands Islas Malvinas, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula in one continuous voyage.
Follow the legacy of Sir Ernest Shackleton, experiencing the Southern Ocean landscapes that shaped one of the greatest stories of endurance, leadership, and survival in polar exploration.
Walk among Magellanic penguins in the Falklands (Islas Malvinas), where wildlife and island history meet on windswept shores.
Stand in the heart of South Georgia’s king penguin colonies, with hundreds of thousands of birds covering glacial beaches and grassy plains, and early season chicks adding life and movement to the scene.
Navigate ice filled waters of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, surrounded by towering glaciers, drifting icebergs, and snow covered peaks.
Travel early in the season, when soft dawn and evening light still shape the polar day, creating exceptional conditions for photography and wildlife observation.

Map/Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Puerto Madryn, Argentina

You will arrive in Puerto Madryn, a coastal city on Argentina’s Patagonian Atlantic shoreline and a key gateway to the Southern Ocean. Known for its wide beaches and rich marine life, the city offers a relaxed setting before the journey begins. After arrival, you will check in to your hotel and have time to rest and prepare for the voyage ahead. All meals today are at your own expense.

Day 2Puerto Madryn, Argentina (Embarkation)

After breakfast, a group transfer will take us from the hotel to the port for embarkation. Once on board, the ship will depart Puerto Madryn and begin sailing south into the South Atlantic. Time on board will be dedicated to safety briefings and introductions, allowing us to settle into the rhythm of life at sea.

Day 3At Sea

We will spend the day sailing south across the South Atlantic. As we leave the continent behind, the ocean environment gradually changes. On board, the expedition team will offer presentations on the regions ahead, covering wildlife, landscapes, and the history of human exploration in the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic realms.

Day 4-5Explore the Falklands (Islas Malvinas)

The Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) form a remote archipelago in the South Atlantic, combining open landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and vibrant wildlife. During our time here, we will balance nature focused landings with visits to settled areas, gaining insight into both the islands’ ecosystems and their cultural history.

Possible landing and cruising sites may include:

West Point Island: A rugged island known for its steep sea cliffs, West Point Island is home to large colonies of black browed albatross and southern rockhopper penguins. We may walk inland to coastal viewpoints, observing seabirds and penguins moving between the ocean and their nesting areas.
Stanley: Stanley is the main settlement of the islands and retains a distinctly British character. We may go ashore for independent exploration, visiting museums and historic buildings. In the surrounding areas, Magellanic penguins are commonly found.

Day 6-7At Sea

Leaving the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), we will sail southeast toward South Georgia. During these 2 days at sea, temperatures begin to cool and seabird activity increases. The expedition team will continue preparing us for the intensive wildlife encounters ahead, including briefings on landing procedures and environmental protection.

Day 8-10Explore South Georgia

South Georgia is one of the most wildlife rich islands in the Southern Ocean and is renowned for its vast king penguin colonies, where hundreds of thousands, and in some areas over a million, king penguins breed along the beaches. Towering mountains, glaciers, and grassy coastal plains create a dramatic backdrop for daily landings. Over several days, we will explore different parts of the island, experiencing an extraordinary concentration of wildlife and scenery.

Possible landing and cruising sites may include:

Right Whale Bay: A broad beach backed by glacial slopes, Right Whale Bay supports large numbers of king penguins and southern elephant seals. We may walk along the shoreline, observing breeding colonies and the interactions between wildlife and landscape.
Salisbury Plain: One of the largest king penguin breeding areas on South Georgia, Salisbury Plain hosts tens of thousands of birds set against glaciers descending from the mountains. The sheer scale of penguin life here is one of the island’s defining highlights.
Fortuna Bay: Fortuna Bay offers wide open terrain connecting coastal beaches with glacial valleys. King penguins and seals are commonly seen, and walking routes allow us to experience the island’s natural flow between land, ice, and sea.
Grytviken: Once a whaling station, Grytviken is now a historic site and museum area. We may visit the remains of the station and pay respects at the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, reflecting on the human history of South Georgia alongside its thriving wildlife.
St Andrews Bay: Home to the largest king penguin colony on the island, St Andrews Bay supports well over a hundred thousand breeding pairs. Dense penguin gatherings along the beach, framed by glaciers, create one of the most iconic wildlife scenes in the Southern Ocean.
Gold Harbour: Gold Harbour is known for its golden tussock grass, hanging glaciers, and high densities of king penguins, gentoo penguins, and elephant seals. The combination of wildlife and scenery makes this one of South Georgia’s most visually striking locations.

Day 11-12At Sea

We will depart South Georgia and sail south toward Antarctica. Floating ice becomes more common, and the environment takes on a distinctly polar character. On board, presentations will focus on Antarctic geography, history, and conservation, preparing us for arrival in Antarctic waters.

Day 13-16Explore South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

The South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula form the gateway to the Antarctic continent and represent the most frequently visited landing areas in Antarctica. Here, glaciers, ice cliffs, and snow covered peaks define the landscape, while penguins and seals thrive along the coastline. Daily plans will remain flexible, shaped by ice and weather conditions.

Possible landing and cruising sites may include:

Elephant Island: A remote and rugged island closely linked to the history of Antarctic exploration. We may approach by boat or make a brief landing, reflecting on its historical significance while watching seals and seabirds along the shore.
Deception Island: A flooded volcanic caldera entered through a narrow passage. Inside the harbor, black volcanic sand contrasts sharply with snow and ice. Walks ashore may reveal geothermal features and remnants of past whaling and research activity.
Mikkelsen Harbor: A sheltered bay near Trinity Island, well suited for small boat cruising. Weddell seals and gentoo penguins are often seen here, with towering ice cliffs enclosing the calm waters.
Neko Harbour: Known for active glaciers that descend directly into the sea, Neko Harbour offers opportunities to observe glacial processes and enjoy elevated views over ice filled waters.
Cuverville Island: A small island with one of the largest gentoo penguin colonies on the Antarctic Peninsula. Gentle slopes and close wildlife encounters create a classic Antarctic landing experience.
Brown Bluff: A volcanic landscape marked by dark rock faces rising above snow and ice. Adélie penguins and gentoo penguins breed here, combining geological interest with abundant wildlife.
Port Lockroy: A historic research station and former post office. We may visit the site to learn about early Antarctic operations while observing nearby penguin colonies.

Day 17-18Crossing the Drake Passage (At Sea)

Leaving Antarctic waters behind, we will begin sailing north across the Drake Passage. The expedition team will offer recap sessions, bringing together the journey from the South Atlantic to South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Time on deck and in the lounge allows space to reflect on the landscapes, wildlife, and experiences encountered along the way.

Day 19Ushuaia, Argentina (Disembarkation)

In the morning, we will arrive in Ushuaia, often referred to as the world’s southernmost city. After breakfast, we will disembark and say farewell, bringing this journey through the Falklands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and Antarctica to a close.

Inclusions

Included in this voyage:

One night pre-cruise hotel in Puerto Madryn on day 1 with breakfast.
Group transfer from the hotel to port on embarkation day.
One waterproof polar expedition parka to keep.
One reusable water bottle to keep.
A pair of loaner boots for use during Zodiac landing or cruising.
20GB Starlink Wi-Fi package for personal devices (More data can be purchased).
Onboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
All meals and snacks on board.
Complimentary selected beer, house wines and soft drinks during dinner on board.
Complimentary coffee and tea on board 24 hours a day.
Complimentary in-suite mini-bar replenishment daily with soft drinks.
All included shore excursions in the port.
All shore landings and Zodiac cruising during expedition points.
Educational lectures and guiding services provided.
A photographic journal documenting the expedition and the digital photos during the voyage.
All luggage handling during embarkation and disembarkation.
Port charges, permits and landing fees.

Exclusions

Excluded in this voyage:

Onboard service charge: US$15 per ship night per person is automatically added to your onboard account.
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising or landing.
International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights.
Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
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 activities.
All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages (outside of dinner service), laundry, spa, phone charges and other personal charges.