The Great Austral Loop

Explore the Southern Ocean discovering the rich biodiversity of the Falkland / Malvinas Islands, South Georgia's king penguin colonies, and the immaculate majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula on an unforgettable voyage.


Falkland, South Georgia, Antarctica
© PON

Duration: 19 days / 17 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


Explore the Southern Ocean, the realm of great expeditions and the setting for extraordinary adventures, on an expedition cruise to the planet's highest latitudes. This journey leads from the windswept landscapes of the Falkland / Malvinas Islands, characterized by white sandy beaches and rugged cliffs, to the mountainous shores of South Georgia. Following in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton, you will venture into the heart of glaciers shaped by time, where vast colonies of king penguins, elephant seals, and fur seals populate black sand beaches.

The remote White Continent finally reveals itself, draping icebergs, glaciers, snow-covered mountains, and frozen seas in thousands of shades of white. In this universe of silence and light, Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins, along with whales, seals, and seabirds, become your companions. Guided by an experienced team of naturalists, you will enjoy Zodiac outings and guided hikes ashore to discover the rich history, geology, and biodiversity of one of Earth's most pristine environments.

Highlights:
Exploration of the Southern Ocean between the Falkland / Malvinas Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Observation of breathtaking landscapes including moors, hanging glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and ice floes.
Up-close encounters with unique wildlife such as king penguins, elephant seals, fur seals, and whales.
Guided hikes and dinghy outings accompanied by an experienced team of naturalist guides.
Comprehensive package featuring an overnight stay in Buenos Aires and charter flights to Ushuaia.

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. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo”, this city nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains. Embarkation takes place in the late afternoon before setting sail in the evening.

Day 2: At sea
Sailing and onboard activities
Enjoy your day at sea making the most of the services on board, relaxing in the spa, or attending lectures. Visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and scan the ocean for marine species.

Day 3: New Island & Grave Cove
Wildlife and history in the Falkland / Malvinas Islands
Step onto New Island in the Falkland / Malvinas Islands to observe southern rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatrosses, and imperial shags. Later, sail to Grave Cove to walk among grassy dunes home to gentoo penguins and Commerson's dolphins.

Day 4: Volunteer Point
King penguin sanctuary
Arrive at Volunteer Point, an Important Bird Area renowned for housing the archipelago's largest king penguin colony. Enjoy awe-inspiring encounters with these expressive birds and photograph their brown-feathered chicks.

Day 5-6: At sea
Sailing toward South Georgia
Days at sea enjoying onboard conferences and services. Spend time on the open deck watching seabirds glide effortlessly alongside the ship as we navigate toward South Georgia.

Day 7-9: South Georgia
Sub-Antarctic wildlife haven
Discover South Georgia's glaciers and vast plains. Visit Gold Harbour, Fortuna Bay, or land at Salisbury Plain to witness the incredible spectacle of over 300,000 king penguins alongside elephant seals and fur seals.

Day 10-11: At sea
Sailing to the White Continent
Days at sea heading south toward Antarctica. Attend educational presentations, relax in the common areas, or scan the horizon from the exterior decks for the first signs of polar ice.

Day 12-15: Antarctic Peninsula
Immersion in the polar wilderness
Explore the breathtaking Antarctic Peninsula through daily Zodiac outings and shore landings tailored to ice conditions. Observe Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins, seals, humpback whales, and orcas in a quiet, surreal world of icebergs and ancient glaciers.

Day 16-17: Crossing the Drake Passage
Ocean crossing northbound
Navigate northbound across the famous Drake Passage through the Antarctic convergence zone. Keep watch overhead for elegant albatrosses and Cape petrels riding the wind as we head back toward South America.

Day 18: Ushuaia
Disembarkation
Arrive in Ushuaia early in the morning. Disembark after breakfast to begin your scheduled return transfers to Buenos Aires.

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. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo”, this city nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains. Embarkation takes place in the late afternoon before setting sail in the evening.

Day 2: At sea
Sailing and onboard activities
Enjoy your day at sea making the most of the services on board, relaxing in the spa, or attending lectures. Visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and scan the ocean for marine species.

Day 3: New Island & Grave Cove
Wildlife and history in the Falkland / Malvinas Islands
Step onto New Island in the Falkland / Malvinas Islands to observe southern rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatrosses, and imperial shags. Later, sail to Grave Cove to walk among grassy dunes home to gentoo penguins and Commerson's dolphins.

Day 4: Volunteer Point
King penguin sanctuary
Arrive at Volunteer Point, an Important Bird Area renowned for housing the archipelago's largest king penguin colony. Enjoy awe-inspiring encounters with these expressive birds and photograph their brown-feathered chicks.

Day 5-6: At sea
Sailing toward South Georgia
Days at sea enjoying onboard conferences and services. Spend time on the open deck watching seabirds glide effortlessly alongside the ship as we navigate toward South Georgia.

Day 7-9: South Georgia
Sub-Antarctic wildlife haven
Discover South Georgia's glaciers and vast plains. Visit Gold Harbour, Fortuna Bay, or land at Salisbury Plain to witness the incredible spectacle of over 300,000 king penguins alongside elephant seals and fur seals.

Day 10-11: At sea
Sailing to the White Continent
Days at sea heading south toward Antarctica. Attend educational presentations, relax in the common areas, or scan the horizon from the exterior decks for the first signs of polar ice.

Day 12-15: Antarctic Peninsula
Immersion in the polar wilderness
Explore the breathtaking Antarctic Peninsula through daily Zodiac outings and shore landings tailored to ice conditions. Observe Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins, seals, humpback whales, and orcas in a quiet, surreal world of icebergs and ancient glaciers.

Day 16-17: Crossing the Drake Passage
Ocean crossing northbound
Navigate northbound across the famous Drake Passage through the Antarctic convergence zone. Keep watch overhead for elegant albatrosses and Cape petrels riding the wind as we head back toward South America.

Day 18: Ushuaia
Disembarkation
Arrive in Ushuaia early in the morning. Disembark after breakfast to begin your scheduled return transfers to Buenos Aires.


© PON
© PON
© PON


INCLUSIONS

NIGHT IN BUENOS AIRES + FLIGHT BUENOS AIRES/USHUAIA + VISIT+ FLIGHT USHUAIA/BUENOS AIRES
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 in the arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative.
You will be transferred to your 5* hotel, selected by PONANT, in Buenos Aires.
In option : early check-in
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 english-speaking local representative.

– Cruise on board your ship –

Disembarkation Day – Ushuaia/Buenos Aires
Disembarkation.
Upon arrival at the port, you will be welcomed by our english-speaking local representative.
Transfer to the airport in time for check-in of the flight Ushuaia/Buenos Aires selected by PONANT in economy class.
Approximate flight duration: 3 hours, 30 min.

Your programme includes:
Transfer to your hotel, the day before embarkation.
1-night accommodation in a 5* hotel, selected by PONANT, the night before embarkation.
Hospitality desk at the hotel in Buenos Aires.
Outbound flight Buenos Aires/Ushuaia 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: Le Lyrial | Date: 16 Nov 2026 - 04 Dec 2026 (5625)
Superior Starteroom
$26,780
Privilege Suite
$50,190
Owner\'s Suite
$64,930
Ship: Le Boreal | Date: 19 Dec 2026 - 06 Jan 2027 (5621)
Deluxe Stateroom D3
$28,270
Prestige Stateroom D4
$29,560
Prestige Stateroom D5
$30,070
Prestige Stateroom D6
$30,840
Prestige Suite D6
$47,870
Ship: Le Boreal | Date: 14 Feb 2027 - 04 Mar 2027 (5622)
Superior Stateroom D3
$25,730
Ship: Le Boreal | Date: 23 Feb 2028 - 12 Mar 2028 (5623)
Superior Stateroom D3
$26,650
Deluxe Stateroom D3
$28,500
Prestige Stateroom D5
$30,330
Prestige Stateroom D6
$31,130
Prestige Suite D5
$46,130
Prestige Suite D6
$48,500
Owner\'s Suite
$61,140
Ship: Le Boreal | Date: 01 Nov 2028 - 19 Nov 2028 (5624)
Superior Stateroom D3
$21,260
Deluxe Stateroom D3
$22,660
Prestige Stateroom D4
$23,660
Prestige Stateroom D5
$24,060
Prestige Stateroom D6
$24,670
Deluxe Suite D6
$34,700
Prestige Suite D5
$36,100
Prestige Suite D6
$37,920
Owner\'s Suite
$66,100
Ship: Le Lyrial | Date: 14 Nov 2028 - 02 Dec 2028 (5626)
Superior Starteroom
$22,470
Deluxe Stateroom - D3
$23,970
Prestige Stateroom - D4
$25,040
Prestige Stateroom - D5
$25,480
Prestige Stateroom - D6
$26,120
Deluxe Suite - D6
$34,880
Prestige Suite - D5
$47,410
Privilege Suite
$49,780
Grand Deluxe Suite
$54,930
Grand Privilege Suite
$56,230
Owner\'s Suite
$75,570
Ship: Le Lyrial | Date: 21 Dec 2028 - 08 Jan 2029 (5627)
Superior Starteroom
$23,680
Deluxe Stateroom - D3
$25,280
Prestige Stateroom - D4
$26,420
Prestige Stateroom - D5
$26,890
Prestige Stateroom - D6
$27,580
Deluxe Suite - D6
$39,050
Prestige Suite - D5
$50,290
Privilege Suite
$52,820
Grand Deluxe Suite
$58,100
Grand Privilege Suite
$59,700
Owner\'s Suite
$75,570
Ship: Le Lyrial | Date: 16 Feb 2029 - 06 Mar 2029 (5628)
Deluxe Stateroom - D3
$23,970
Prestige Stateroom - D4
$25,040
Prestige Stateroom - D5
$25,480
Prestige Stateroom - D6
$26,120
Deluxe Suite - D6
$36,880
Prestige Suite - D5
$47,410
Privilege Suite
$49,780
Grand Deluxe Suite
$54,730
Grand Privilege Suite
$56,230
Owner\'s Suite
$75,570

* 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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