Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Adventure

Day 1: Embark the vessel in Ushuaia

Begin your journey in Argentina, embarking in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego – the southernmost city in the world. Leave in the afternoon, then sail through the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel into the evening and beyond.

Day 2: At sea towards the Falkland Islands

The expedition team of naturalist guides will use this time to go through some mandatory briefings, as well as begin the comprehensive educational programme of lectures. 

Several species of albatrosses, storm petrels, shearwaters and diving petrels often follow the ship, so now’s the perfect time to warm up your camera with some bird photography. 

Days 3 to 5: Exploring the Falkland Islands

The Falklands (Malvinas) have an abundance of wildlife. This collection of 700+ islands includes largely unknown gems, home to many bird species, including Magellanic and rockhopper penguins. Keep a lookout for Peale's and Commerson’s dolphins too, which can sometimes be spotted in the surrounding waters.

The Falkland Islands offer some fantastic options for wildlife-rich hikes across the rugged terrain. Elegant black-browed albatrosses are found nesting on the cliffs here, often interspersed with shags and penguins, making for an eclectic mix.  The white-sand beaches feel at odds with the windswept vistas, and there is a curious visual juxtaposition of grazing sheep and cattle with nesting penguins! 

During your time in the Falklands you may also visit the capital of the islands. Port Stanley has a quirky charm with colourful houses, well-tended gardens and English-style pubs. 

The small but interesting museum is also worth a visit, covering the early days of settlement up to the Falklands War. Approximately 2,500 people live in Port Stanley. You will have some free time to explore – we recommend checking out the archway by the church, made from the jawbones of two blue whales. There are also some artisan shops stocked with souvenirs. 

Days 6 & 7: At sea towards South Georgia

On the way to South Georgia, you will cross the Antarctic Convergence. Entering Antarctic waters, the temperature may drop significantly in the time span of only a few hours. Near the convergence, you will see a multitude of southern seabirds, including several species of albatrosses, shearwaters, petrels, prions and skuas.

Days 8 to 11: South Georgia

Today, you will reach the spectacular and remote island of South Georgia. Please keep in mind that weather conditions in this area can be challenging, largely dictating the programme. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will look for the best and safest opportunities for your adventures here. 

As the location is home to some of the world’s most jaw-dropping wildlife, you will want to keep your camera and binoculars with you at all times. Here, king penguins can be found in their thousands, recolonising areas once covered by glaciers. In the early season, the beaches are littered with elephant seals and male fur seals setting out their territory. Later on in the season, curious fur seal pups carpet the coastline. 

As well as phenomenal wildlife, the island also has a rich human history, though not all of it pleasant. During your time exploring you may see the rusting vestiges of the whaling industry, including at Grytviken. Here, you may drop anchor to head to the cemetery to toast "The Boss" – legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, who is buried here. 

Day 12: At sea towards the South Orkney Islands

Set off towards the little-visited South Orkney islands. Look out for the delicate snow petrels, which could join the other seabirds trailing the vessel south.

Day 13: South Orkney Islands

South Orkney is rarely visited by expedition ships but is a glorious place to explore. Here, penguins and skuas nest among richly coloured lichens, with glaciated craggy mountains as a stunning backdrop. There are various penguin colonies, including Adelies and chinstraps, and this is also a fantastic location to look out for seals. 

Days 14 & 15: At sea towards Antarctica

Enormous icebergs and a chance of fin whale sightings (the “greyhounds of the sea”) ensure there's never a dull moment as you continue south towards the White Continent. Your best chance of spotting Antarctic petrels is here, too. Depending on weather conditions during your crossing, your expedition team will aim to begin Antarctic activities on the afternoon of Day 14.

Days 16 & 17: Antarctic Peninsula

If the conditions permit, you will now sail into the Weddell Sea through the ice-clogged Antarctic Sound. Huge tabular icebergs will announce your arrival to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. You might visit Brown Bluff, where you may be able to step foot on the continent. 

If the conditions aren't favourable enough to enter the Weddell Sea from the east, the ship will set course towards Elephant Island and head into the Bransfield Strait, between South Shetland Island and the Antarctic Peninsula. Here, they may attempt to access the Antarctic Sound from the northwest.

The breathtaking scenery continues in the southern Gerlache Strait, and if ice conditions allow, the ship may even reach the picturesque Lemaire Channel. 

Conditions on the Drake Passage will determine the time you set sail towards Argentina. 

Days 18 & 19: At sea towards Ushuaia

As you make your way north you will again be followed by a wonderful selection of seabirds while crossing the Drake Passage.

The educational program will continue, and this is also a good time to start sorting through your thousands of photos and videos. 

Day 20: Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast.

NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expedition cruise.