South Georgia, Falklands & Antarctic Odyssey (sail & fly)

Celebrate a white Christmas like no other and ring in the New Year exploring the Falklands, South Georgia's massive penguin colonies, and the grandeur of Antarctica on a unique 20-day odyssey combining sailing and flying.


Falkland, South Georgia, Antarctica
© AUE

Duration: 20 days / 17 nights on board
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ends: Punta Arenas, Chile
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 special Christmas and New Year expedition offers a deep immersion into the most spectacular destinations of the Southern Ocean. The journey begins exploring the British history of Stanley in the Falklands Malvinas and its white sand beaches, then heads to South Georgia, home to the world's largest king penguin colonies. In this "Serengeti of the South," travelers will walk among thousands of Antarctic wildlife specimens, visit historic sites like Grytviken, and enjoy scenic hikes following the footsteps of legendary explorers like Shackleton.

Upon reaching Antarctica, the serenity and grandeur of the white continent greet expeditioners with iridescent blue icebergs and frenetic activity in penguin rookeries, where chicks grow quickly during the peak of summer. The adventure culminates with a scenic flight from King George Island across the Drake Passage, allowing time to reflect on nature's power before finishing in Punta Arenas. This voyage masterfully combines sightings of migrating whales, Zodiac landings, and educational sessions with polar experts.

Highlights:
Celebrating Christmas and New Year in the remote wilderness of South Georgia and Antarctica. Standing before the world's largest king penguin colonies in South Georgia. Scenic flight over the Drake Passage from King George Island to Punta Arenas. Detailed exploration of historic Stanley and the unique geography of the South Shetland Islands. Witnessing migrating whales, elephant seals, and bustling penguin colonies during peak summer.

Itinerary

© AUE
© AUE
© AUE

Day 1: Arrive Ushuaia
Gateway to the southernmost city
Upon arrival in Ushuaia, you will be met and transferred to your assigned hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure, and visit the hospitality desk in the lobby to collect tags and confirm pre-embarkation details.

Day 2: Embarkation
The journey begins
Enjoy a morning panoramic tour to Lake Escondido through Andes valleys, featuring a traditional Fuegian lamb barbecue. In the mid-afternoon, transfer to the pier for embarkation. Settle into your cabin and join the Captain's welcome dinner as we pull away from port.

Day 3: At Sea
Heading toward the Falklands
Make the most of your time getting comfortable with the sea's motion. The Expedition Team will begin wildlife guidelines and history lectures while majestic albatrosses and giant petrels follow the vessel.

Days 4-5: Falklands Malvinas
A wildlife haven
Exploring East and West Falkland islands. We plan to land in historic Stanley, with its British character, and visit albatross colonies and penguin rookeries. The cold, nutrient-rich waters are prime for spotting marine life.

Days 6-7: At Sea
Across the Antarctic Convergence
Voyaging east as we officially enter Antarctic waters. Enjoy ship facilities like the gym and library, or attend presentations from the expert team while keeping watch for the first iceberg sightings.

Day 8: At Sea / South Georgia
Approaching the rugged island
Arrival time into South Georgia is determined by sea conditions. We will sail down the coast taking in spectacular glaciated scenery, perhaps passing close to the rocky islets of Shag Rocks.

Days 9-11: South Georgia
The Serengeti of the Southern Ocean
Three days exploring craggy coves and glacial outwash plains. Visit massive king penguin colonies, pay respects to Shackleton at Grytviken, and enjoy a special Christmas feast surrounded by spectacular icy views.

Day 12: South Georgia / At Sea
Farewell to the riches
Final opportunities to explore South Georgia before the ship departs for the Antarctic Peninsula, with timing based on prevailing weather and sea state.

Days 13-14: At Sea
Traversing the Scotia Sea
Sailing toward the white continent. Attend lectures to learn about Antarctica or relax in the gym, sauna, and jacuzzis as icebergs become larger and more plentiful.

Days 15-18: Antarctic Peninsula
Arriving in Antarctica
Exploring the western side of the Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands under nearly 24 hours of daylight. Zodiac cruise along spectacular ice cliffs, visit active scientific bases, and look for whales and porpoising penguins.

Day 19: Fly King George Island to Punta Arenas
Flying over the Drake Passage
Farewell Antarctica at Frei Base before boarding a 1 hour and 45-minute flight to Punta Arenas, Chile. Upon arrival, transfer to the group hotel for a final night of reflection.

Day 20: Depart Punta Arenas
Journey's conclusion
After breakfast, bid farewell to fellow travelers before transferring to the airport for onward journeys, carrying a newfound sense of nature's immense power.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Ushuaia
Gateway to the southernmost city
Upon arrival in Ushuaia, you will be met and transferred to your assigned hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure, and visit the hospitality desk in the lobby to collect tags and confirm pre-embarkation details.

Day 2: Embarkation
The journey begins
Enjoy a morning panoramic tour to Lake Escondido through Andes valleys, featuring a traditional Fuegian lamb barbecue. In the mid-afternoon, transfer to the pier for embarkation. Settle into your cabin and join the Captain's welcome dinner as we pull away from port.

Day 3: At Sea
Heading toward the Falklands
Make the most of your time getting comfortable with the sea's motion. The Expedition Team will begin wildlife guidelines and history lectures while majestic albatrosses and giant petrels follow the vessel.

Days 4-5: Falklands Malvinas
A wildlife haven
Exploring East and West Falkland islands. We plan to land in historic Stanley, with its British character, and visit albatross colonies and penguin rookeries. The cold, nutrient-rich waters are prime for spotting marine life.

Days 6-7: At Sea
Across the Antarctic Convergence
Voyaging east as we officially enter Antarctic waters. Enjoy ship facilities like the gym and library, or attend presentations from the expert team while keeping watch for the first iceberg sightings.

Day 8: At Sea / South Georgia
Approaching the rugged island
Arrival time into South Georgia is determined by sea conditions. We will sail down the coast taking in spectacular glaciated scenery, perhaps passing close to the rocky islets of Shag Rocks.

Days 9-11: South Georgia
The Serengeti of the Southern Ocean
Three days exploring craggy coves and glacial outwash plains. Visit massive king penguin colonies, pay respects to Shackleton at Grytviken, and enjoy a special Christmas feast surrounded by spectacular icy views.

Day 12: South Georgia / At Sea
Farewell to the riches
Final opportunities to explore South Georgia before the ship departs for the Antarctic Peninsula, with timing based on prevailing weather and sea state.

Days 13-14: At Sea
Traversing the Scotia Sea
Sailing toward the white continent. Attend lectures to learn about Antarctica or relax in the gym, sauna, and jacuzzis as icebergs become larger and more plentiful.

Days 15-18: Antarctic Peninsula
Arriving in Antarctica
Exploring the western side of the Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands under nearly 24 hours of daylight. Zodiac cruise along spectacular ice cliffs, visit active scientific bases, and look for whales and porpoising penguins.

Day 19: Fly King George Island to Punta Arenas
Flying over the Drake Passage
Farewell Antarctica at Frei Base before boarding a 1 hour and 45-minute flight to Punta Arenas, Chile. Upon arrival, transfer to the group hotel for a final night of reflection.

Day 20: Depart Punta Arenas
Journey's conclusion
After breakfast, bid farewell to fellow travelers before transferring to the airport for onward journeys, carrying a newfound sense of nature's immense power.


© AUE
© AUE
© AUE


INCLUSIONS

All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Ushuaia on Day 1.
Lake Escondido tour in Ushuaia, on Day 2.
Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices during voyage.
Beer and house wine with dinner.
Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
Comprehensive pre-departure information.
Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
Wi-Fi*.

* Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable.

EXCLUSIONS

International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
Airport arrival or departure taxes.
Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages (outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges.

Note: A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.


Dates & Rates


Ship: Sylvia Earle | Date: 16 Dec 2027 - 04 Jan 2028 (5074)
Aurora Stateroom Triple Share
$33,195
$28,216
Aurora Stateroom Superior
$36,095
$30,681
Balcony Cat. C
$37,095
$31,531
Balcony Cat. B
$38,995
$33,146
Balcony Cat. A
$41,995
$35,696
Balcony Stateroom Superior
$45,895
$39,011
Junior Suite
$54,595
$46,406
Captain´s Suite
$62,395
$53,036

* 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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