Antarctica
Falkland, South Georgia, Antarctica
Antarctica
Antarctica
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.
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.
Zodiac cruising More info about this activity
On board the Zodiac you will discover a world of possibilities; accessing the most exclusive landing sites, cruising the coast in search of wildlife or simply enjoying a tour in the calm of the polar regions in search of marine wildlife or bird colonies.
The blue ice an its intimate presence is experienced at its best on zodiac tours.
It is not uncommon to meet curious seals, or humpback whales feeding.
Ship Cruise More info about this activity
Not only we travel from one point to another and find our shelter on board the ship we chose. We also enjoy from incredible scenery, landscapes and interactions that only our noble vessel can provide.
Everyday the Bridge Team navigates the ship to position ourselves on the best posible spots, looking for unique opportunities.
Many times, this includes sainig through narrow passages, on the vicinity of glaciers or entering bays and fjords only approachable from the ship.
Enjoy this incredible places from the comfort of the common areas on board, open decks or your own private balcony!
Enrichment Program More info about this activity
Expedition cruising must be one of the most incredible ways of travelling. Not only for the amazing places you visit and the unforgetable wildlife but for the wildlife, the sensory overload and the unimaginable memories.
But all of this needs a context in order to understand where you are and what you are experiencing.
On board your expedition vessell you will find a group of experts, naturalists, zodiac drivers and guides that that will translate the language of nature for you, telling you the stories of the places you are visiting, reviewing the historical, biological, ecological and geological aspects of your trips.
You will experience first hand what surrounds you and arrive back home wiser and loaded with new knowledge.
Shore Excursion More info about this activity
Shore excursions are the backbone of almost all itineraries, with most ships making landfall at least once every day once they reach their destination. The weather plays a huge role in your daily itinerary, although given the sheer array of fantastic landing sites all over there are plenty of options your Captain and Expedition Leader can choose from. On-shore excursions allow you to visit scientific research stations, communities, prominent wildlife colonies and take hikes to elevated viewing points for fantastic photography.
Polar Plunge More info about this activity
The ultimate icy challenge! The Polar Plunge is a classic rite of passage for every explorer, it is a heart-pumping experience that earns you a badge of courage and unforgettable memories.
Coach or Van tours More info about this activity
Coach, Bus or Van excursions with specialized guides or just as a means of transportation from one point to the next.
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.
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.