Classic Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia

Having arrived independently to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, you will join your transfer from the airport to your hotel for your included overnight stay. The rest of the day will be at your leisure, and you may wish to partake in some of the many activities and excursions on offer in this fascinating city, including visits to the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park. Alternatively, spend some time relaxing before the adventures ahead and indulge in some local culinary treats.

Your morning will be free to further explore the city before joining your included transfer to the port to board your luxury expedition ship in the afternoon. Explore your new surroundings and settle in to your cabin as the crew slip the moorings and sail towards the wilderness. In the evening you will be invited to join your new shipmates at the welcome dinner.

As your thrilling adventure begins in earnest, we will sail into the legendary Drake Passage for a 2-day sail towards Antarctica. We will cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean, and the ship’s stabilizing fins will provide comfort in the event of rough seas. During your time at sea, you can enjoy an excellent programme of lectures and presentations on the wildlife, geology and history of Antarctica. You may also wish to spend some time on deck keeping an eye out for the majestic albatross which are common in these waters, and keeping your eyes peeled for your first iceberg sighting!

Welcome to the land of superlatives…Antarctica! In authentic expedition style your exact itinerary here will be dependent on ice and weather conditions. Each day your experienced captain and expedition leader will choose the very best course in order to take advantage of every wildlife and adventure opportunity available. The long daylight hours offer plenty of flexibility for Zodiac excursions to make the most of your time in this magical part of the world.

The Antarctic Peninsula is home to some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, with narrow channels surrounded by towering mountain peaks covered in permanent snow and immense glaciers and icebergs of every size imaginable. It is also home to millions of penguins and other birdlife as well as a variety of whale and seal species, making it a nature lover’s paradise.

Your first stop on your Antarctica adventure is likely to be the South Shetland Islands, the northernmost islands in Antarctica. Likely stops here include Elephant Island, where men from Shackleton’s famous Endurance expedition spent the winter. We also hope to visit Deception Island, a flooded but still active volcanic caldera containing the remains of a derelict whaling station.

Your vessel will then sail through the vast Gerlache Strait alongside the Peninsula itself, with plans to stop at places such as Paradise Bay, Neko Harbour and Cierva Cove to step foot on the White Continent and enjoy exciting Zodiac excursions, incomparable photo opportunities, and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters. For the adventurous there is a kayaking option available and this offers a unique and thrilling way to see the nature and feel the magic of Antarctica up-close. Please note, kayaking incurs an additional cost and should be booked in advance.

After an unforgettable time in Antarctica, it’s time to sail onwards to your next enthralling destination…South Georgia. Sailing Northeast, there will be ample time for relaxing, collating the countless photos you will have no doubt taken in Antarctica and attending presentations and briefings in preparation for your time in the Southern Atlantic Ocean’s wildlife paradise.

Welcome to the wildlife paradise of South Georgia Island! This exceptionally scenic wilderness is said to be home to over 100 million seabirds, including numerous species of albatross, penguins, prions, petrels, and terns, as well as over 100,000 elephant seals and three million fur seals! Your captain will take advantage of every opportunity for up-close wildlife encounters by creating a flexible itinerary for your time here, and each day the captain (and the weather) will decide which area to visit in order to get the very most from your South Georgia experience.

Likely places for exploration include Salisbury Plain and St Andrew’s Bay where penguins and seals flood the beaches jostling for a coveted spot. Don’t be surprised if your arrival is greeted by the inquisitive penguins coming up to you for a closer inspection!

The bountiful waters surrounding South Georgia are also inhabited by an increasing number of whales and you will have the chance to visit the historical whaling station of Grytviken which is also home to the South Georgia Museum. There will also be chance to visit Ernest Shackleton’s grave to pay your respects at the final resting place of this legendary polar explorer. We also hope to offer a hiking expedition over part of the famous “Shackleton Walk” from Fortuna Bay to the abandoned whaling station at Stromness.

Your time on this uninhabited island will be filled with exciting Zodiac excursions, wildlife encounters and incredible scenery that will live long in your memory. For the kayakers among us there will also be ample opportunities for kayaking excursions.

As you leave South Georgia behind and head towards the Falkland Islands, your ship will sail east past the remote, seabird-covered Shag Rocks so have your camera ready on deck. Your ship will cross the Antarctic Convergence. Your expert crew will provide lectures and presentations on the wildlife and history of the Falklands as well as briefings on bio-security procedures and the conservation efforts that are in place to protect the natural beauty of the area.

On the morning of day 18 your vessel will be sailing along the coast of the Falkland Islands, the world’s best kept wildlife secret. Your exact route here will be dependent on the weather conditions on this remote and sparsely-populated group of islands, and your Captain will choose the best course to take advantage of the unrivalled wildlife and scenic opportunities available.

On our first day here we hope to visit Stanley, the charming capital of the Falkland Islands where a quintessentially British feel combines with historic sites to make it the perfect spot to begin your exploration of the Falklands. Enjoy a walk along the beautiful waterfront promenade and take the opportunity to visit the Falkland Islands Museum, the governor’s house, the impressive cathedral, the war memorial and the quality gift shops. If time allows enjoy a drink in one of the local pubs and view the famous shipwrecks in the harbour.

There may also be time today for an excursion to the beautiful nature reserve of Gypsy Cove to see its white sandy beaches and vibrant birdlife including Magellanic penguins and the endemic Falklands flightless steamer duck.

On day 19 we hope to explore around some of the more isolated outlying islands of the archipelago. A birder’s paradise, the Falklands are home to large colonies of Rockhopper, King and Macaroni penguins and albatross which are easily accessible on the smaller islands that we intend to visit. Great care must be taken at all times to ensure not to encroach upon these beautiful creatures’ habitats and your team will brief you in regards to safe distances to adhere to. The Falklands are also a fantastic place to enjoy close encounters with marine mammals, with Elephant and Fur seals being found on the numerous sandy beaches and various whale and dolphin species in the waters surrounding the islands.

As your adventure comes to an end it’s time to head back to mainland South America as we sail north through the South Atlantic Ocean towards Buenos Aires. Continue your wildlife search as you spend time on deck looking out for killer whales in the waters below and enjoy the final presentations and lectures from your onboard team of Antarctica experts. You will be invited to attend a farewell dinner and this is the perfect time to reflect on the unforgettable moments you will have experienced during your expedition.

Your unforgettable adventure ends in the equally memorable city of Buenos Aires where after breakfast it will be time to disembark. A transfer will be provided either to the international airport or to a downtown location should you wish to extend your stay here to sample some of this incredible city’s unique sights.