Itinerary

Day 1: Depart from the city of Ushuaia
Subtítulo
Embarkation in the afternoon on board the USHUAIA. After a welcome cocktail and the introduction of the crew and expedition staff, you will have time to get to know your travel companions. We will sail towards the islands of the far west of the Falkland / Malvinas Islands, known for their rugged beauty and abundance of birds.

Day 2: At sea
Subtítulo
The “open bridge” policy on board the USHUAIA will allow you to accompany our officers on the bridge and learn some aspects concerning navigation, spot whales or simply enjoy the view. These waters are the habitat of countless seabirds that often follow the ship, such as albatrosses and petrels. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck in the search for seabirds and local wildlife, such as orcas and dolphins. The lecture program of our expedition team will help you prepare for the visit to the Falkland / Malvinas Islands.

Day 3: Far West Islands of the Falkland / Malvinas Islands (Western Falkland / Malvinas Islands)
Subtítulo
With favorable conditions, our onboard lecturers and naturalists will accompany you on your first excursion on October 19, 2027. On the western coast, we hope to explore the following islands: Carcass Island and West Point Island. West Point Island is located at the northwestern tip of West Falkland / Malvinas. The attractive settlement of the station, along with a small harbor in the east of the Island, lies sheltered from Mounts Black Bog and Michael. The valley between these two mountains extends through the center of the island to the Devil’s Nose cliff, one of the main attractions. From here visitors can appreciate splendid views of Cliff Mountain, the highest elevation on the island (381 m), and the highest cliffs in the Falkland / Malvinas Islands. Here we will find a spectacular colony of rockhopper penguins alongside a colony of black-browed albatrosses. Carcass Island is located northwest of the Falkland / Malvinas archipelago. Much of the land at the foot of Mount Jason towards the east is densely covered with tussock grass. Thanks to the abundant vegetation cover and the absence of cats, rats, and mice throughout the island's history, there is currently an enormous population of small birds, one of the main attractions of the island. Gentoo and Magellanic penguins also nest here. Peale's dolphins and Commerson's dolphins often approach the coast. In the main house of the station with its beautiful gardens, we can enjoy tea with the locals (optional activity at an additional cost). In the evening, we will sail eastward around the islands north of the archipelago to reach the capital, Stanley, the following morning.

Day 4: East Falkland / Malvinas Island (Eastern Falkland / Malvinas Islands)
Subtítulo
In the morning, we will explore the small and picturesque Stanley and its Museum, souvenir shops, and pubs. The town was established in the early 1840s, and the lives of the first settlers were difficult due to isolation and weather conditions. Progress was gradual and marked by events involving Stanley in two world wars. You don’t have to leave the urban radius to appreciate the extraordinary wildlife the island offers. Southern giant petrels often fly near the coast. The Falkland steamer duck abounds on the coast; kelp gulls and dolphin gulls are also commonly seen. Other birds such as black-crowned night herons, variable hawks, and peregrine falcons can also be spotted. Atop some buildings, turkey vultures are frequently sighted; and when touring the town's gardens, it is possible to appreciate upland geese, and also songbirds. In the afternoon, we will set sail bound for the South Georgia Islands.

Day 5: Bleaker Island
Subtítulo
The return from sub-Antarctic waters brings us back to the South Atlantic following the same historical route that connected the Falkland / Malvinas Islands with the confines of the southern world for centuries. Instead of sailing directly to Ushuaia, we choose to call at Bleaker Island, at the southwestern tip of the archipelago, adding one final shoreside experience before undertaking the final transit toward the Beagle Channel. It is a farewell matching the stature of the voyage: a remote island, virtually untouched by human intervention, where nature dictates the schedule.

Days 6-7: At sea
Subtítulo
During these days we will continue our extensive onboard lecture program. Our expert naturalists share their knowledge of the wildlife and unique ecosystems we will encounter during the voyage. South Georgia is considered one of the most beautiful and inspiring places in the world, with virtually more wildlife than almost any other place on the planet!

Day 8: At sea - South Georgia
Subtítulo
South Georgia in sight! The island offers a landscape with high mountains, massive glaciers, deep fjords, and low meadows. We will attempt to visit the following sites: Elsehul Bay, located at the northwestern tip of South Georgia, on the eastern side of the jagged peaks of the Parydian Peninsula, Elsehul is a small harbor. It is the only visitor site on the island where colonies of black-browed albatrosses and grey-headed albatrosses can be viewed from the zodiacs, in the protection of these sheltered coastal waters. Right Whale Bay: This is a 2.4-kilometer (1.5-mile) wide bay between 'Craigie' and 'Nameless' points along the north coast of the island. Its name dates back to at least 1922, when South Georgia was still a center for commercial whaling. Today we hope to find a small colony of king penguins, alongside giant petrels, gulls, and elephant seals with their pups on the black ash beach.

Days 9-13: South Georgia
Subtítulo
Our itinerary will be determined by local sea and shore conditions. The following destinations are some of those we hope to explore: Salisbury Plain, sometimes called the “Serengeti of the South,” Salisbury Plain is an incomparable site for wildlife. Several large glaciers provide a dramatic backdrop for the more than 44,000 breeding pairs of king penguins and their chicks nesting in the tussock grass within this remarkable ecosystem. The wide beaches are excellent for a walk while visiting the colonies, where we will be literally surrounded and outnumbered by a multitude of curious and gentle penguins. Elephant seals, southern giant petrels, and occasionally gentoo penguins also abound. Willis Islands: The Willis Islands form a spectacular outpost at the western tip, rising to 550 meters above the Southern Ocean. These jagged, grass-covered peaks form an impressive sanctuary for wildlife, hosting albatross colonies and thriving populations of macaroni penguins. Grytviken: Grytviken is located in King Edward Cove, sheltered by Hope Point and Hobart Rock hills, on the western coast of East Cumberland Bay. The ruins of the old whaling station are situated on a flat plain at the head of the cove, surrounded by mountains with steep slopes. Now converted into the South Georgia Museum, the whaling station is the focus of interest for most visitors, as well as Sir Ernest Shackleton's grave in the whalers' cemetery and his commemorative cross at Hope Point. The glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Allardyce Range provide a magnificent frame to the cove. Godthul: Located 9 km east of Cumberland Bay on the eastern coast of the Barff Peninsula, Godthul is a 3-km-long inlet between Cape George and Long Point. On the plain covered with tussock grass, gentoo penguins abound, and light-mantled sooty albatrosses can be seen on the amphitheater-like cliffs surrounding the harbor. Today, the rusted barrels, the hut, and wooden boats are fascinating relics of the whaling era. Fortuna Bay: A 6-km-long fjord on the central-north coast of the island, Fortuna Bay opens between Cape Best and Cape Robertson, offering a spectacular panorama of glaciers and walls of ice and rock. A colony of approximately 7,000 breeding pairs of king penguins extends across the glacial debris plain in front of the König Glacier. Stromness: Located at the head of the homonymous bay, Stromness is an inlet dominated by the remains of an old whaling station that began operations in 1907. A small colony of gentoo penguins nests among the hills behind the station. Cooper Bay: Cooper Bay is located at the southeastern tip of South Georgia. We will find abundant wildlife in a spectacular setting. Fascinating volcanic rocks guard small fjords and invite us for a zodiac cruise to observe wildlife from the coastal zone. St Andrews Bay: The coast of St. Andrews Bay extends along 3 uninterrupted kilometers of fine dark sands. It hosts the largest king penguin colony in South Georgia with over 250,000 breeding pairs. Drygalski Fjord: Drygalski Fjord is located at the southeastern tip of the island. While the glaciers forming this amazing fjord have retreated significantly in recent decades, they continue to be one of the main attractions of the coast, particularly the Risting and Jenkins glaciers.

Days 14-16: At sea
Subtítulo
The return from sub-Antarctic waters brings us back to the South Atlantic following the same historical route that connected the Falkland / Malvinas Islands with the confines of the southern world for centuries.

Day 17: Navigation - Beagle Channel (Moat)
Subtítulo
During our last day of sailing toward the Beagle Channel, we will continue expanding our knowledge through the lectures given by the expedition team, while we recapitulate and relive the shared experiences on those southern islands. We will also remain alert for sightings of seabirds and other species that may accompany us on the return. On our last night on board, we will enjoy a special dinner in the presence of the Captain, following the traditional farewell ceremony.

Day 18: Arrival at the port of Ushuaia
Subtítulo
Early in the morning, we will arrive at the Port of Ushuaia, where you will disembark after breakfast.

© S. Arrebola

© S. Arrebola

© S. Arrebola