Classic Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

Arrive independently to Santiago, the vibrant capital of Chile, and join your included flight to Stanley, the uniquely beautiful capital of the Falkland Islands. There will be time today to explore this charming town where a quintessentially British feel combines with historic sites to make it the perfect introduction to 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.

In the late afternoon you will embark and get familiar with your ship as we set sail for more adventures.

Please enquire for advice and details on flight options to Santiago.

On the morning of day 2 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.

A birder’s paradise, the Falklands are home to large colonies of Rockhopper, King and Macaroni penguins and albatross which are easily accessible on some of the smaller, more isolated islands that we hope to visit today. 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.

After a day of adventures, you will re-board the ship and set sail for South Georgia.

As you leave the Falklands behind and head towards South Georgia 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 and officially enter Antarctic waters. Your expert crew will provide lectures and presentations on the wildlife and history of South Georgia as well as briefings on bio-security procedures and the conservation efforts that are in place to protect the natural beauty of the area.

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.

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.

After an unforgettable time in South Georgia it’s time to set sail for the grand finale of your expedition and the wilderness of Antarctica and the South Shetland Islands. Sailing southwest towards the Peninsula there will be ample time for relaxing, collating the countless photos you will have no doubt taken in South Georgia and attending presentations and briefings in preparation for your time on the white continent.

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 and land 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.

Your vessel will then sail through the vast Gerlache Strait alongside the Peninsula itself and the famous Lemaire Channel, stopping at places such as Paradise Bay, Neko Harbour and Petermann Island to 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.

As your thrilling adventure comes to an end it’s time to head back towards Ushuaia as your ship sails northwards through the Drake Passage. Continue your wildlife search as you spend time on deck 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.

Arriving back into Ushuaia in the early hours of the morning there will be time for breakfast and a fond farewell to your crew and shipmates before disembarking and joining the group transfer to the airport or to a central downtown location.