Journey to Austral Lands and Valdes Peninsula (USH-BUE)

A 20-day expedition cruise connecting the Valdes Peninsula, the Falkland / Malvinas Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctica. Explore pristine polar landscapes, observe rich wildlife, and trace polar exploration history.


Falkland, South Georgia, Antarctica
© PON

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. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.


Included
Optional


Discover the Southern Ocean on a 20-day polar expedition cruise to the planet's highest latitudes, spanning from the UNESCO-listed Valdes Peninsula to the Falkland / Malvinas Islands, South Georgia, and the pristine Antarctic Peninsula. Joined by family historian Jonathan Shackleton, descendant of Sir Ernest Shackleton, travelers will immerse themselves in the legacy of heroic polar exploration. The journey ranges from windswept moors and white sandy beaches in the Falkland / Malvinas archipelago to towering glaciers in South Georgia, home to massive colonies of king penguins, elephant seals, and fur seals.

The expedition approaches the White Continent, a world of icebergs, ice floes, and frozen seas teeming with Gentoo, Adélie, and Chinstrap penguins, seals, and whales. Sailing northward, the itinerary visits the desert landscapes and marine sanctuary of the Valdes Peninsula in Argentina's Chubut province, where orcas, sea lions, guanacos, and dusky dolphins thrive in arid steppes. Guided Zodiac® outings and shore visits led by an experienced team of naturalist guides provide daily opportunities to discover the history and incredible biodiversity of these remote austral lands.

Highlights:
Polar cruise in the Southern Ocean spanning the UNESCO-listed Valdes Peninsula, the Falkland / Malvinas Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Presence of family historian Jonathan Shackleton sharing the legacy of legendary polar explorations.
Awe-inspiring polar landscapes featuring hanging glaciers, tabular icebergs, and ice floes.
Close wildlife viewing of albatrosses, penguins, elephant seals, sea lions, whales, orcas, and dolphins.
Inflatable dinghy outings and shore visits accompanied by an experienced team of naturalist guides.

Itinerary

© PON
© PON
© PON

Day 1: Ushuaia
Gateway to the White Continent
Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo”, this city nestles in the shelter of mountains plunging straight into the sea. Embarkation takes place in the afternoon, followed by evening departure.

Day 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage
Polar preparation and ocean sailing
Days spent in the Drake Passage becoming familiar with safety regulations and IAATO guidelines for Zodiac® outings. Join naturalist guides on the exterior decks to spot albatrosses, Cape petrels, and other seabirds gliding in the wind.

Day 4: At sea
Onboard relaxation and lectures
Enjoy the ship's amenities during this day at sea. Relax in the spa, stay active in the fitness center, attend educational lectures, or scan the ocean waves from the upper deck for marine species.

Day 5: Antarctic Peninsula
The White Continent
Immerse yourself in the magic of the Antarctic Peninsula surrounded by blue and white ice landscapes. Daily Zodiac® outings or landings will be offered to discover glaciers, research stations, and observe Gentoo, Adélie, and Chinstrap penguins, humpback whales, orcas, and seals.

Day 6-7: At sea
Sailing the Southern Ocean
Take advantage of these days at sea to relax, attend presentations by the expedition team, meet the photographers, and enjoy ship amenities as we sail toward sub-Antarctic islands.

Day 8-10: South Georgia
Sub-Antarctic wildlife sanctuary
Discover South Georgia's majestic glaciers at Gold Harbour and Fortuna Bay. Land at Salisbury Plain to witness more than 300,000 king penguins alongside Gentoo penguins, elephant seals, and fur seals.

Day 11-12: At sea
Sailing toward the Falkland / Malvinas Islands
Enjoy lectures and relaxation on board as the vessel navigates northwest across the South Atlantic Ocean.

Day 13: Port Stanley
Capital of the Falkland / Malvinas Islands
Visit Port Stanley on the eastern edge of the Falkland / Malvinas Islands. Explore its colorful Victorian-style houses, wind-swept moorlands, and the 1933 Cathedral with its historic whalebone arch.

Day 14-15: At sea
Sailing toward Patagonian shores
Days at sea heading north, featuring educational lectures, leisure time on deck, and pelagic birdwatching opportunities.

Day 16: Puerto Madryn
Valdes Peninsula Nature Reserve
Arrive at Puerto Madryn in Chubut province, gateway to the UNESCO-listed Valdes Peninsula Nature Reserve. Observe rich wildlife including southern elephant seals, sea lions, orcas, Magellanic penguins, and guanacos across the desert steppe.

Day 17-18: At sea
Final days at sea
Final days at sea to enjoy onboard amenities, review trip photographs with the onboard team, and relax as the vessel approaches the Río de la Plata.

Day 19: Buenos Aires
Arrival in the Argentine capital
Early morning arrival in Buenos Aires, "the Little Paris of South America". Disembark after breakfast, concluding your austral expedition.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia
Gateway to the White Continent
Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo”, this city nestles in the shelter of mountains plunging straight into the sea. Embarkation takes place in the afternoon, followed by evening departure.

Day 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage
Polar preparation and ocean sailing
Days spent in the Drake Passage becoming familiar with safety regulations and IAATO guidelines for Zodiac® outings. Join naturalist guides on the exterior decks to spot albatrosses, Cape petrels, and other seabirds gliding in the wind.

Day 4: At sea
Onboard relaxation and lectures
Enjoy the ship's amenities during this day at sea. Relax in the spa, stay active in the fitness center, attend educational lectures, or scan the ocean waves from the upper deck for marine species.

Day 5: Antarctic Peninsula
The White Continent
Immerse yourself in the magic of the Antarctic Peninsula surrounded by blue and white ice landscapes. Daily Zodiac® outings or landings will be offered to discover glaciers, research stations, and observe Gentoo, Adélie, and Chinstrap penguins, humpback whales, orcas, and seals.

Day 6-7: At sea
Sailing the Southern Ocean
Take advantage of these days at sea to relax, attend presentations by the expedition team, meet the photographers, and enjoy ship amenities as we sail toward sub-Antarctic islands.

Day 8-10: South Georgia
Sub-Antarctic wildlife sanctuary
Discover South Georgia's majestic glaciers at Gold Harbour and Fortuna Bay. Land at Salisbury Plain to witness more than 300,000 king penguins alongside Gentoo penguins, elephant seals, and fur seals.

Day 11-12: At sea
Sailing toward the Falkland / Malvinas Islands
Enjoy lectures and relaxation on board as the vessel navigates northwest across the South Atlantic Ocean.

Day 13: Port Stanley
Capital of the Falkland / Malvinas Islands
Visit Port Stanley on the eastern edge of the Falkland / Malvinas Islands. Explore its colorful Victorian-style houses, wind-swept moorlands, and the 1933 Cathedral with its historic whalebone arch.

Day 14-15: At sea
Sailing toward Patagonian shores
Days at sea heading north, featuring educational lectures, leisure time on deck, and pelagic birdwatching opportunities.

Day 16: Puerto Madryn
Valdes Peninsula Nature Reserve
Arrive at Puerto Madryn in Chubut province, gateway to the UNESCO-listed Valdes Peninsula Nature Reserve. Observe rich wildlife including southern elephant seals, sea lions, orcas, Magellanic penguins, and guanacos across the desert steppe.

Day 17-18: At sea
Final days at sea
Final days at sea to enjoy onboard amenities, review trip photographs with the onboard team, and relax as the vessel approaches the Río de la Plata.

Day 19: Buenos Aires
Arrival in the Argentine capital
Early morning arrival in Buenos Aires, "the Little Paris of South America". Disembark after breakfast, concluding your austral expedition.


© PON
© PON
© PON


INCLUSIONS

NIGHT IN BUENOS AIRES + FLIGHT BUENOS AIRES/USHUAIA + TRANSFER
For your serenity, PONANT has organised the following included program for you, which starts the day prior to embarkation

The day before embarkation – Buenos Aires
Meet at Ezeiza international airport or Jorge Newbery Airport (Aeroparque) in the arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative.
You will be transferred to your 5* hotel, Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta (or similar).
Your room will be available from 11:00 a.m.
A PONANT hospitality desk will be available at the hotel.
You will enjoy lunch at leisure and spend the afternoon at your own pace, before joining an organised dinner at the hotel in the evening.
Overnight at the hotel.

Embarkation Day – Buenos Aires/Ushuaia
An early morning breakfast will be served before leaving to the airport for you flight Buenos Aires – Ushuaia.
Transfer to the airport.
Flight Buenos Aires/Ushuaia selected by PONANT in economy class.
Approximate flight duration: 3 hours, 30 min.
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed by our local representative.
PONANT will adapt the services and activities offered prior to embarkation according to your flight arrival time at the port.

– Cruise on board your ship -

Disembarkation Day – Ushuaia/Buenos Aires
Disembarkation.
Upon arrival at the port, you will be welcomed by our local representative.
Transfer to the airport for check-in for your Ushuaia/Buenos Aires flight selected by PONANT, in Economy Class.
Flight duration: approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.

Your programme includes:
Transfer from the airport to your hotel, the day before embarkation.
1-night accommodation in Superior room (or similar) in a 5* hotel Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta (or similar) the night before embarkation.
Superior room (or similar) available from 11:00 a.m.
Hospitality desk at the hotel in Buenos Aires.
Return flight Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/Buenos Aires selected by PONANT, in economy class.
Services of local guides, in Ushuaia.
Meals as mentioned in the programme and beverage package.
Transfers as mentioned in the programme.

EXCLUSIONS

Tips for the local guide.
Personal expenses.
Other meals and services not mentioned in the programme.


Dates & Rates


Ship: L´ Austral | Date: 25 Feb 2027 - 16 Mar 2027 (5629)
Superior Stateroom - D3
$22,720
Prestige Stateroom - D4
$25,430
Prestige Stateroom - D5
$25,890
Prestige Stateroom - D6
$26,550
Deluxe Suite - D6
$37,830
Prestige Suite - D5
$39,410
Prestige Suite - D6
$41,440
Owner´s Suite
$57,630
Ship: Le Boreal | Date: 03 Mar 2027 - 22 Mar 2027 (5630)
Superior Stateroom D3
$22,720
Prestige Stateroom D4
$25,430
Prestige Stateroom D5
$25,890
Prestige Stateroom D6
$26,550
Deluxe Suite D6
$37,830
Prestige Suite D5
$39,410
Prestige Suite D6
$41,440
Owner\'s Suite
$57,630
Ship: Le Lyrial | Date: 09 Mar 2027 - 28 Mar 2027 (5631)
Superior Starteroom
$21,670
Prestige Stateroom - D4
$24,230
Prestige Stateroom - D5
$24,660
Prestige Stateroom - D6
$25,290
Deluxe Suite - D6
$35,940
Prestige Suite - D5
$37,430
Privilege Suite
$40,630
Grand Deluxe Suite
$49,560
Grand Privilege Suite
$51,050
Owner\'s Suite
$61,150

* 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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