Falkland / Malvinas Islands and South Georgia: 20-Day Wildlife Adventure

A 20-day exclusive wildlife adventure with extended time in the Falkland / Malvinas Islands and six full days in South Georgia. Encounter seals during peak pupping season and explore the world's largest black-browed albatross colony.


Falklands - South Georgia Island
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Duration: 20 days / 18 nights on board
Starts: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ends: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyage

The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. The Captain and/or Expedition Leader will make necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.
The trip includes a Charter Flight and Hotel Package (Buenos Aires to Puerto Madryn and return to Buenos Aires).


Included
Optional


No other voyage compares: spend more time exploring the Falkland / Malvinas Islands and South Georgia than ever before on this exclusive 20-day Wildlife Adventure. You will immerse yourself for six full days in wildlife-rich South Georgia—often described as the Galapagos of the south seas—where you’ll witness elephant seals battling for breeding rights during peak pupping season. Highlights include visiting Steeple Jason, home to the world’s largest black-browed albatross colony (100,000 to 180,000 breeding pairs).

The journey begins in Buenos Aires and features a charter flight to Puerto Madryn. You will spend three days exploring the Falkland / Malvinas archipelago, with visits to sites like New Island and the capital, Stanley. The expedition is rich in history, allowing you to visit the grave of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton in Grytviken and discover World War II relics. You will potentially encounter six penguin species (including King and Rockhopper) and four species of dolphins.

Highlights:
Enjoy six full days exploring wildlife-rich South Georgia, virtually unheard of in expedition travel.
Explore Steeple Jason, home to the world’s largest black-browed albatross colony (100,000 to 180,000 breeding pairs).
Encounter southern elephant seals during peak pupping season.
Potentially see six penguin species: gentoo, chinstrap, Magellanic, rockhopper, king and macaroni.
Pay homage at the grave of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton in Grytviken.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Independent transfer to group hotel
Arrive in this cosmopolitan city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage. You will independently transfer to your group hotel, which is included in your Charter Flight and Hotel Package.

Day 2: Fly to Puerto Madryn and Embark
Patagonian exploration and Ultramarine boarding
Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for our charter flight to Puerto Madryn. Explore this lively Patagonian port town and its Welsh-Argentine heritage. Your checked bags will be transferred directly to your cabin. Board Ultramarine in the afternoon.

Days 3-4: At Sea: Getting to know your ship and fellow travelers
Traversing rich waters and approaching the Falkland / Malvinas
We set our course for the Falkland / Malvinas Islands/Islas Malvinas. Your Expedition Team will host expert presentations about the Patagonian coastlines and the isolated wildlife hotspots. Peale’s, Commerson’s, and dusky dolphins can be seen here, along with the occasional baleen and long-finned pilot whale.

Days 5-7: The Falkland / Malvinas Islands
Steeple Jason, New Island, and penguin colonies
We’ll seek opportunities to visit seldom explored sites like Steeple Jason, home to the world's largest black-browed albatross colony (100,000 to 180,000 breeding pairs). Explorations may also take us to New Island, a paradise for birders, and the capital, Stanley.

Days 8-9: At Sea: Traversing the Antarctic Convergence
Crossing the Polar Front and marine life spotting
We transit over the Antarctic Convergence, or Polar Front, noticing the change as we cross it. This mixing of currents creates an ideal foraging ground for a variety of birds and marine mammals. We’ll likely be accompanied by albatross, petrels, and shearwaters, and may spot whales.

Days 10-15: South Georgia: Galapagos of the South Seas
Six full days of wildlife encounters and historic sites
Spend six full days exploring South Georgia. Landing sites will deliver wildlife encounters unrivaled anywhere else on Earth. Witness male elephant seals battle for control of beach sections. Visit the historic Grytviken whaling station and pay respects at the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton. We’ll aim to visit St. Andrew’s Bay, home to more than 150,000 breeding pairs of king penguins.

Days 16-19: At Sea: Starting the Journey Home
Sailing the Southern Ocean and Beagle Channel transit
We’ll begin our westward journey through the Southern Ocean, crossing back over the Antarctic Convergence. We’ll feel the gradual shift from the chillier ecological Antarctic to the warmer environments of Tierra del Fuego. After dinner, we will sail west through the famous Beagle Channel on our approach to Ushuaia.

Day 20: Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
Disembarkation and charter flight return
We will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires, which is part of your Charter Flight and Hotel Package.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Independent transfer to group hotel
Arrive in this cosmopolitan city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage. You will independently transfer to your group hotel, which is included in your Charter Flight and Hotel Package.

Day 2: Fly to Puerto Madryn and Embark
Patagonian exploration and Ultramarine boarding
Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for our charter flight to Puerto Madryn. Explore this lively Patagonian port town and its Welsh-Argentine heritage. Your checked bags will be transferred directly to your cabin. Board Ultramarine in the afternoon.

Days 3-4: At Sea: Getting to know your ship and fellow travelers
Traversing rich waters and approaching the Falkland / Malvinas
We set our course for the Falkland / Malvinas Islands/Islas Malvinas. Your Expedition Team will host expert presentations about the Patagonian coastlines and the isolated wildlife hotspots. Peale’s, Commerson’s, and dusky dolphins can be seen here, along with the occasional baleen and long-finned pilot whale.

Days 5-7: The Falkland / Malvinas Islands
Steeple Jason, New Island, and penguin colonies
We’ll seek opportunities to visit seldom explored sites like Steeple Jason, home to the world's largest black-browed albatross colony (100,000 to 180,000 breeding pairs). Explorations may also take us to New Island, a paradise for birders, and the capital, Stanley.

Days 8-9: At Sea: Traversing the Antarctic Convergence
Crossing the Polar Front and marine life spotting
We transit over the Antarctic Convergence, or Polar Front, noticing the change as we cross it. This mixing of currents creates an ideal foraging ground for a variety of birds and marine mammals. We’ll likely be accompanied by albatross, petrels, and shearwaters, and may spot whales.

Days 10-15: South Georgia: Galapagos of the South Seas
Six full days of wildlife encounters and historic sites
Spend six full days exploring South Georgia. Landing sites will deliver wildlife encounters unrivaled anywhere else on Earth. Witness male elephant seals battle for control of beach sections. Visit the historic Grytviken whaling station and pay respects at the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton. We’ll aim to visit St. Andrew’s Bay, home to more than 150,000 breeding pairs of king penguins.

Days 16-19: At Sea: Starting the Journey Home
Sailing the Southern Ocean and Beagle Channel transit
We’ll begin our westward journey through the Southern Ocean, crossing back over the Antarctic Convergence. We’ll feel the gradual shift from the chillier ecological Antarctic to the warmer environments of Tierra del Fuego. After dinner, we will sail west through the famous Beagle Channel on our approach to Ushuaia.

Day 20: Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
Disembarkation and charter flight return
We will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires, which is part of your Charter Flight and Hotel Package.


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INCLUSIONS

An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Team, including shore landings and other activities
All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
All shore landings as per the daily program
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage.
Complimentary select beer, wines and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
A photographic journal documenting your expedition
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
World Voyager guests will receive a free 1GB data card for limited Wi-Fi access for use on one device, permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Additional data can be purchased on ship.) Note: Internet access in the polar regions is subject to geography, climate, and other factors beyond our control.
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard the ship

Charter Flight and Hotel Package
One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
Group flight departing from Buenos Aires’ domestic airport (Aeroparque/AEP) to Puerto Madryn, and returning flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires International airport (Ezeiza/EZE).
Group transfer from hotel to airport in Buenos Aires
Group transfer from Puerto Madryn airport to the ship, and group transfer from ship to Ushuaia airport upon your return. (Note: Transfer on arrival in Buenos Aires from airport to hotel at the beginning of the journey is not included. Please make your way to the included hotel.)

EXCLUSIONS

Charter Flight & Hotel Package
International airfare
Passport and applicable visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
Phone charges may vary by location
Our basic complimentary Wi-Fi service does not include Premium packages which enable more data-intensive applications
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
Additional overnight accommodation
Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities.


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 19 Oct 2027 - 07 Nov 2027 (4667)
Explorer Triple
$30,690
$26,236
Explorer Suite
$35,890
$30,656
Balcony Suite
$39,390
$33,631
Solo Panorama
$54,790
$46,721
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$46,390
$39,581
Terrace Suite
$48,090
$41,026
Penthouse Suite
$51,590
$44,001
Owner´s Suite
$63,790
$54,371
Ultra Suite
$70,790
$60,321
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 12 Oct 2028 - 31 Oct 2028 (5433)
Explorer Triple
$30,140
$25,431
Explorer Suite
$35,240
$30,021
Balcony Suite
$38,640
$33,081
Solo Panorama
$23,640
$46,581
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$45,440
$39,201
Terrace Suite
$47,140
$40,731
Penthouse Suite
$50,640
$43,881
Owner´s Suite
$62,540
$54,591
Ultra Suite
$69,340
$61,711
Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 13 Oct 2028 - 01 Nov 2028 (5434)
Triple Suite
$26,395
$21,956
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$29,495
$24,746
Veranda Stateroom
$30,995
$26,096
Veranda Suite
$32,895
$27,806
Studio Single
$42,695
$36,626
Penthouse Suite
$44,995
$38,696
Studio Veranda Single
$46,095
$39,686
Owners Suite
$48,095
$41,486

* 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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