The Polar Travel Company

Discover the remote polar regions on a grand 19-day expedition. Explore the sea cliffs of the Falkland / Malvinas Islands, marvel at the immense king penguin colonies in South Georgia, and navigate along towering glaciers of the Antarctic Peninsula.

� 66E

Duration: 19 days / 18 nights on board.
Starts: Puerto Madryn, Argentina
Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyage

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

Optional

This voyage offers a continuous exploration of three distinct Antarctic regions in a single journey, revealing the natural progression from the sub-Antarctic environment to the Seventh Continent. The adventure begins among the grasslands and dramatic sea cliffs of the Falkland / Malvinas Islands, continues through the extraordinary and dense wildlife concentrations of South Georgia, and culminates on the ice-bound shores of the Antarctic Peninsula. Traveling early in the season provides shifting soft light conditions and long horizons that enrich wilderness observation and photography, capturing the polar world at its most elemental and alive.

Throughout the expedition, passengers will navigate ice-filled waters surrounded by snow-covered peaks and drifting icebergs. Daily landings allow walking among colonies of thousands of king, Magellanic, and gentoo penguins, as well as observing elephant seals and Weddell seals along glacial beaches. Following the historical legacy of polar explorers like Sir Ernest Shackleton, this journey masterfully balances deep exploration via Zodiac cruising with insightful onboard lectures presented by a specialist team, ensuring a profound understanding of these remote ecosystems.

Highlights:
Link three distinct polar regions including the Falkland / Malvinas Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Stand in the heart of South Georgia�s massive king penguin colonies covering glacial beaches and plains.
Explore the historic site of Grytviken and pay respects at the grave of polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Cruise by Zodiac through flooded volcanic calderas and sheltered bays enclosed by towering ice cliffs.
Observe abundant marine wildlife including multiple penguin species, southern elephant seals, and Southern Ocean seabirds.

� 66E

Day 1: Arrive in Puerto Madryn, Argentina
Relaxing on the Patagonian coast
Arrive in Puerto Madryn, a coastal city on Argentina�s Patagonian shoreline and a gateway to the Southern Ocean. Check in to your hotel independently to rest and prepare for the voyage ahead. All meals today are at your own expense.

Day 2: Puerto Madryn, Argentina (Embarkation)
Setting sail into the South Atlantic
After breakfast, a group transfer takes us from the hotel to the port for embarkation. Once on board, the ship departs Puerto Madryn and begins sailing south into the South Atlantic. Time on board will be dedicated to safety briefings and introductions.

Day 3: At Sea
Introductory presentations in the sub-Antarctic waters
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 offers presentations on the regions ahead, covering wildlife, landscapes, and exploration history.

Day 4-5: Explore the Falklands (Islas Malvinas)
Windswept shorelines and penguin colonies
Explore this remote South Atlantic archipelago. Planned sites include rugged West Point Island, home to colonies of black-browed albatross and southern rockhopper penguins, and Stanley, the main settlement, where Magellanic penguins can be found in the surrounding areas.

Day 6-7: At Sea
Sailing southeast toward South Georgia
Leave the Falkland / Malvinas Islands and sail southeast toward South Georgia. During these two days at sea, temperatures begin to cool and seabird activity increases. The expedition team continues briefings on landing procedures and environmental protection.

Day 8-10: Explore South Georgia
Massive king penguin colonies and glacial backdrops
Days dedicated to exploring South Georgia. Planned sites include Right Whale Bay and Salisbury Plain, hosting tens of thousands of king penguins; Fortuna Bay and St Andrews Bay, supporting massive colonies and elephant seals; Gold Harbour, with its hanging glaciers; and historic Grytviken, to view the old whaling station and visit Sir Ernest Shackleton's grave.

Day 11-12: At Sea
Navigating south toward Antarctica
Depart South Georgia and sail south toward Antarctica. Floating ice becomes common as the environment takes on a polar character. Onboard presentations focus on Antarctic geography, history, and conservation, preparing us for arrival in Antarctic waters.

Day 13-16: Explore South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Towering ice cliffs, active glaciers, and historic sites
Flexible exploration in the gateway to Antarctica. Possible sites include Elephant Island, linked to Shackleton's history; Deception Island, a flooded volcanic caldera; Mikkelsen Harbor, suited for boat cruising; Neko Harbour, with active glaciers; Cuverville Island, hosting gentoo penguins; the dark rock faces of Brown Bluff; and the historic station of Port Lockroy.

Day 17-18: Crossing the Drake Passage (At Sea)
Northbound crossing and voyage reflection
Begin sailing north across the Drake Passage. The expedition team offers recap sessions bringing together the journey from the South Atlantic to the Peninsula. Spend time on deck and in the lounge reflecting on the wildlife and landscapes encountered.

Day 19: Ushuaia, Argentina (Disembarkation)
Arrival at the southernmost city
In the morning, arrive in Ushuaia. Disembark after breakfast and say farewell to the crew and expedition team, bringing this journey through the Falkland / Malvinas Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctica to a close.