Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.
There will be a welcome desk in the lobby of the start hotel that will provide more specific information on the Expedition and your upcoming adventure.

Please note that the first night in Ushuaia is on twin share basis. If you're travelling solo or have an odd number of travellers in your group and have not purchased a private cabin, you will be paired with another solo traveller of the same gender.

Albatros Hotel (or similar) accommodation

Day 2: Ushuaia/Drake Passage
Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping, explore the town, or visit the surrounding countryside. Embarkation begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.

In the afternoon, join your fellow passengers to take your group transfer and begin your journey on the G Expedition. Please refer to your welcome letter or the joining instructions posted in the lobby of the start hotel. Make sure you have your passport handy as you are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

Days 3-4: Drake Passage/South Shetland Islands
The Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded never ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic.

As the Expedition crosses the passage there will be time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship’s crew and expedition staff.

Begin lectures and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.

Days 5-9: South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula
Welcome to the Great White Continent! Over the next few days, the Expedition will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Our goal is to attempt shore landings daily while we navigate through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter.

The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands abound with wildlife activity. Take plenty of time to enjoy the sheer beauty and the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, blue and white icebergs, impressive glaciers and rugged snow-capped mountains.

The Peninsula also has a remarkable history and, during the voyage, opt to learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.

Days 10-11: Antarctic Peninsula/Scotia Sea
These waters are rich with nutrients and the long summer days provide the ingredient that is missing most of the year. The result is a complex food chain topped by several species of whales, seals, and seabirds.

Days 12-15: Scotia Sea/South Georgia
Weather permitting, four full days will be spent exploring this island. On nearby islands look out for the wandering albatross in their nesting grounds.

South Georgia Island Exploration activity

Spend four days exploring South Georgia Island if weather permits. Observe a large colony of King penguins, the second largest species of penguin that stand almost 100cm (3 ft) tall. Nearby islands are the nesting grounds for Wandering albatross, a species of albatross that only stays on land to breed and eat. Hopefully in the four days in the area the group will get a chance to spot one of these majestic sea birds during the small amount of time it spends on land.

South Georgia is also the best place in the world to observe the southern elephant seal, the largest breed of seal. The island is home to over half of the world's population of these animals. October is a great time to see newly birthed pups alongside their mothers.

Optional Activities
South Georgia Heritage Trust
South Georgia
South Georgia is an island known for its rich diversity of wildlife and historical significance. It is a breeding ground for Antarctic fur and elephant seals, albatross, and petrels. It is also home to South Georgia pipits, pintails, and some of the world’s largest colonies of king penguins.
With our partners, Friends of South Georgia Island and South Georgia Heritage Trust, Planeterra has invested over $150,000 CAD into a four-year habitat preservation program, where over 12,800 hectares have been cleared of invasive species, helping the local flora and fauna flourish.
Depending on weather conditions, some cruises may visit the South Georgia Museum in Grytviken, where proceeds from volunteer-run tours and the gift shop help fund the conservation work to keep the island invasive-species free.

Days 16-17: South Georgia/Southern Ocean
Sailing west, set course for the Falkland Islands. Days at sea are filled with lectures to prepare for landings. Watch for the many whales that inhabit these waters.

Daily lectures and educational program activity
Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on everything from local wildlife to geology to history.

Days 18-19: Southern Ocean/Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Enjoy the last opportunity to see penguins, including the Magellanic, rockhopper, gentoo, and king penguins. With a little luck, spot elephant seals, sea lions, king cormorants, black-browed albatross, skuas, night herons, giant petrels, striated caracaras and of course sheep.

Visit with Stanley Locals activity
Stanley
Stop at Port Stanley for an opportunity to meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colourful houses provide contrast to the long dark winters. The town is the capital of the Falkland Islands, most locals head to Stanley to do their shopping, visit the post office, or go golfing. The bomb disposal unit from the Falklands War in 1982 is also in the town as well as several war museums.

Day 20: Falkland Islands/Beagle Channel/Ushuaia
Begin the journey to the home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of the Antarctic experience with the lecturers and staff.
Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on everything from local wildlife to geology to history.

Day 21: Ushuaia
Our adventure comes to a close. Have a final breakfast on the ship before saying goodbyes before disembarking in Ushuaia in the morning.

Please Note: When arranging your transportation, such as flights, please take into consideration that yout departure flight must depart no earlier than 09:00 a.m.

©S Arrebola

©S Arrebola

©S Arrebola