Classic South Georgia

An epic expedition through the South Atlantic visiting the Falkland / Malvinas Islands, wild South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula. Observe elephant seals, vast penguin colonies, and glacial landscapes of unparalleled beauty.


Falkland, South Georgia, Antarctica
© Sebastian Arrebola

South Georgia offers a spectacular scenery, outstanding wildlife, history of human endeavor and is at the same time such a remote island group, that a visit turns into a real privilege.

Duration: 22 days / 21 nights.
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina
Language: English and Spanish speaking voyage

Mandatory electronic visa for South Georgia: The application process will need to be handled individually and in advance (14 days prior to the 1st intended date of arrival in the Territories) by each traveler via
link: https://eta.entry.gov.gs

The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.


Included


South Georgia offers spectacular scenery and outstanding wildlife in one of the most remote island groups on the planet, making a visit here a real privilege. The landscape captivates with its mountain ranges, mighty glaciers, sheltered valleys with meltwater streams, and tussac grass-covered moraines that allow for close-up wildlife encounters. During the southern spring, the spectacle is sublime: elephant seals give birth on the beaches, big bulls actively defend their harems in fierce battles, and thousands of King Penguins, with their unique breeding cycle, cover the horizon.

The expedition also explores the Falkland / Malvinas Islands, known for their rugged beauty and wealth of seabirds, and culminates in the majestic Antarctic Peninsula. Travelers will admire the tenacity of Macaroni Penguins leaping from angry seas onto rocky ledges and the majestic flight of Wandering Albatrosses near their nesting sites. From the history of human endeavor in Grytviken, the final resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton, to navigating among giant tabular icebergs from the far south, every facet of this journey is designed to awe and provide a deep connection with the polar ecosystem.

Highlights:
Watching elephant seals giving birth and bulls defending harems on the beaches.
Visiting massive King Penguin colonies and spotting the arrival of Macaroni Penguins.
Exploring historic whaling era sites and the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Sailing through the Falkland / Malvinas Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Sighting various species of albatross and seabirds in their natural habitat.

Itinerary

© Sebastian Arrebola
© Agustin Ullmann
© Agustin Ullmann

Day 1: Ushuaia
Adventure Begins
Board the ship in the afternoon. Following a welcome drink and introductions to the crew and expedition staff, set sail towards the western Falkland / Malvinas Islands, known for their rugged beauty and wealth of seabirds.

Day 2: At sea
Heading to the South Atlantic
A day dedicated to observing marine life and seabirds from the bridge or decks. A lecture program will prepare passengers for the first excursions while searching for whales and orcas in the open ocean.

Day 3: Western Falkland / Malvinas Islands
Albatross and Penguin Colonies
Planned visit to West Point Island, home to a vast colony of Southern Rockhopper Penguins and Black-browed Albatrosses. Carcass Island will also be explored, a small bird sanctuary where Commerson's dolphins can be spotted along with local hospitality.

Day 4: Eastern Falkland / Malvinas Islands - At Sea
Port Stanley and Heading to South Georgia
Explore the quaint town of Stanley, its museums, shops, and pubs. Local wildlife can be observed within town, such as Giant Petrels and endemic Steamer Ducks. In the afternoon, begin the navigation towards South Georgia.

Day 5-6: At Sea
Learning in Open Waters
Extensive lecture days led by expert naturalists about the unique ecosystems and wildlife to be encountered. South Georgia is widely regarded as one of the most inspiring places on earth.

Day 7: At Sea - South Georgia
First Sightings
The high mountains and glaciers of the island come into view. If weather permits, visit Elsehul to view albatross colonies from Zodiacs or Right Whale Bay, home to King Penguins and breeding fur seals.

Day 8-11: South Georgia
The Serengeti of the South
Explore iconic sites such as Salisbury Plain, with tens of thousands of King Penguins, and Grytviken, the site of Shackleton's grave. Visits are also planned for St. Andrews Bay to see the largest King Penguin colony and cruises through the dramatic Drygalski Fjord.

Day 12-14: At Sea
Scotia Sea Crossing
Sailing towards the Antarctic Peninsula. Time to review photos, attend lectures, and reflect on the experiences of South Georgia while crossing the southern waters.

Day 15: Elephant Island, South Shetland Islands
History of Survival
Hope to visit the enigmatic Elephant Island, famous as the refuge for Shackleton's men in 1916. A historic site that tells one of the greatest rescue stories of all time.

Day 16: At Sea - Antarctic Peninsula: Antarctic Sound
Gateway to the Continent
Arrival at the Antarctic Peninsula in the scenic Antarctic Sound area. Possible landings at Esperanza Station or Brown Bluff, the latter being a center for Adélie Penguin populations.

Day 17-19: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
Channels and Volcanoes
Exploration of the Gerlache Strait, Hydrurga Rocks, and Cuverville Island. Plans include sailing into the flooded caldera of Deception Island and visiting Half Moon Island, surrounded by Chinstrap Penguins.

Day 20-21: At Sea
Drake Passage
Sailing back north across the Drake Passage. Final lectures from the expert team and time to relax and reflect before arriving back in Ushuaia.

Day 22: Ushuaia
End of the Adventure
We arrived at the port of Ushuaia first thing in the morning and disembarked from the USHUAIA after breakfast.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia
Adventure Begins
Board the ship in the afternoon. Following a welcome drink and introductions to the crew and expedition staff, set sail towards the western Falkland / Malvinas Islands, known for their rugged beauty and wealth of seabirds.

Day 2: At sea
Heading to the South Atlantic
A day dedicated to observing marine life and seabirds from the bridge or decks. A lecture program will prepare passengers for the first excursions while searching for whales and orcas in the open ocean.

Day 3: Western Falkland / Malvinas Islands
Albatross and Penguin Colonies
Planned visit to West Point Island, home to a vast colony of Southern Rockhopper Penguins and Black-browed Albatrosses. Carcass Island will also be explored, a small bird sanctuary where Commerson's dolphins can be spotted along with local hospitality.

Day 4: Eastern Falkland / Malvinas Islands - At Sea
Port Stanley and Heading to South Georgia
Explore the quaint town of Stanley, its museums, shops, and pubs. Local wildlife can be observed within town, such as Giant Petrels and endemic Steamer Ducks. In the afternoon, begin the navigation towards South Georgia.

Day 5-6: At Sea
Learning in Open Waters
Extensive lecture days led by expert naturalists about the unique ecosystems and wildlife to be encountered. South Georgia is widely regarded as one of the most inspiring places on earth.

Day 7: At Sea - South Georgia
First Sightings
The high mountains and glaciers of the island come into view. If weather permits, visit Elsehul to view albatross colonies from Zodiacs or Right Whale Bay, home to King Penguins and breeding fur seals.

Day 8-11: South Georgia
The Serengeti of the South
Explore iconic sites such as Salisbury Plain, with tens of thousands of King Penguins, and Grytviken, the site of Shackleton's grave. Visits are also planned for St. Andrews Bay to see the largest King Penguin colony and cruises through the dramatic Drygalski Fjord.

Day 12-14: At Sea
Scotia Sea Crossing
Sailing towards the Antarctic Peninsula. Time to review photos, attend lectures, and reflect on the experiences of South Georgia while crossing the southern waters.

Day 15: Elephant Island, South Shetland Islands
History of Survival
Hope to visit the enigmatic Elephant Island, famous as the refuge for Shackleton's men in 1916. A historic site that tells one of the greatest rescue stories of all time.

Day 16: At Sea - Antarctic Peninsula: Antarctic Sound
Gateway to the Continent
Arrival at the Antarctic Peninsula in the scenic Antarctic Sound area. Possible landings at Esperanza Station or Brown Bluff, the latter being a center for Adélie Penguin populations.

Day 17-19: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
Channels and Volcanoes
Exploration of the Gerlache Strait, Hydrurga Rocks, and Cuverville Island. Plans include sailing into the flooded caldera of Deception Island and visiting Half Moon Island, surrounded by Chinstrap Penguins.

Day 20-21: At Sea
Drake Passage
Sailing back north across the Drake Passage. Final lectures from the expert team and time to relax and reflect before arriving back in Ushuaia.

Day 22: Ushuaia
End of the Adventure
We arrived at the port of Ushuaia first thing in the morning and disembarked from the USHUAIA after breakfast.


© Sebastian Arrebola
© Agustin Ullmann
© Agustin Ullmann


INCLUSIONS

Voyage aboard the USHUAIA as indicated in the itinerary.
All meals throughout the voyage aboard the USHUAIA.
All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by zodiac.
Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
Comprehensive pre-departure material.
Detailed post-expedition log.

EXCLUSIONS

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post land arrangements; transfers to / from the vessel; passport and visa expenses; Government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages (guidelines will be provided).


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ushuaia | Date: 13 Oct 2026 - 03 Nov 2026 (4139)
Standard Plus Triple
$11,600
Standard Twin
$12,790
Standard Plus Twin
$14,590
Premier Twin
$17,180
Premier Single
$20,390
Superior Twin
$18,690
Suite
$19,990

* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

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