Discover the Southern Ocean on this 19-day expedition to the Falklands and South Georgia. Experience the wonders of these marine wildlife oases, where breathtaking landscapes meet extraordinary wildlife encounters.
Welcome to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point of our Antarctic expedition! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by staff and transferred to a quality hotel, which has been arranged in advance and is included in the price of the itinerary. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore this vibrant port city and adventure hub.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and get ready for an exciting day. Today, we set sail on a beautiful ship towards the Subantarctic islands.
As we sail towards the subantarctic islands, make the most of your time! Attend our captivating presentations from experts, familiarize yourself with the vessel, and get ready for our arrival at a wildlife paradise.
The remote and sparsely-populated Falkland Islands are a birders’ paradise. The Falklands are also a great place to observe marine mammals. The waters around the archipelago are home to cetaceans such as Peale’s dolphins and Commerson’s dolphins. Our exact route and exploration opportunities are dependent on weather among these isolated and windswept islands.
We also intend to visit the port of Stanley, the charmingly British capital of the Falkland Islands. Attractions within pleasant walking distance along the waterfront promenade include the Falkland Islands Museum, the governor’s house, a cathedral with impressive whalebone arch outside, a war memorial, quality gift shops, pubs, and views of shipwrecks in the harbor.
From the Falkland Islands we head east toward South Georgia. We will cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. Briefings, bio-security procedures, and lectures from our experts prepare you for our arrival in South Georgia.
This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. The route and exploration opportunities in South Georgia are heavily dependent on the weather conditions you encounter. Your experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant.
South Georgia is a scenic wilderness and an unrivaled paradise for subantarctic wildlife viewing. The islands are said to host upwards of 100 million seabirds, including numerous species of albatross, penguins, prions, petrels and terns. On beaches such as those at Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay, over 100,000 elephant seals and three million fur seals jostle for space among innumerable penguins including stately king penguins and sprightly macaroni penguins. The recently completed rat eradication program is sure to make this wilderness even more pristine and rich with birdlife.
It is time to head back toward the Falkland Islands. However, adventures are not over yet. We will share our impressions, review all the great photos we’ve taken and enjoy a friendly atmosphere of like-minded fellow travellers.
In this remote and stunningly beautiful wilderness, seabirds and marine mammals are counted in the millions. The waters around the archipelago are home to cetaceans such as Peale’s dolphins and Commerson’s dolphins. In this rugged yet accessible environment, superb wildlife viewing is best complemented by active adventure. Our knowledgeable guides will offer hiking and hill climbing for an even greater perspective of this raw polar wilderness. This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our precise route and exploration opportunities will be shaped by weather. Our experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust plans to take maximum advantage of the conditions in this challenging polar environment.
As you sail, immerse yourself in fascinating presentations from our expert staff and bond with fellow travelers. On the open deck, marvel at the sight of birds and marine mammals that grace our journey. South polar skuas, snow petrels, and albatrosses may escort our vessel, enhancing your experience with their majestic presence. This is also the time for festivities such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slideshow. The seabirds you saw at the beginning of your voyage reappear, offering a full-circle experience of natural wonder.
After breakfast you say farewell in the city of Ushuaia. A group transfer to the airport or to the town center is provided if you wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience, you may already be looking forward to your next incredible polar adventure!
Note for booking your return flight: Disembarkation typically takes place between 8:00 and 9:00 AM (following breakfast). We recommend scheduling your return flight from Ushuaia for 12:00 noon or later.
This expedition includes:
This expedition excludes:
