South Georgia, Falklands and Antarctica In-Depth

Day 1:  Arrive into Buenos Aires or Santiago

For expeditions which start in Buenos Aires: Today arrive into Buenos Aires, set on the Rio de la Plata, and check in to the included Alvear Art Hotel (or similar). In the afternoon, you will have a guided introduction to the city, seeing its Beaux Arts palaces, grand boulevards, and the famous balcony forever associated with Eva Peron.

For expeditions which start in Santiago: Arrive into Santiago and check in to the included Mandarin Oriental (or similar).  The capital is nearly surrounded by the Andes, which form an inspiring backdrop to your afternoon guided tour of this vibrant city. Explore the Plaza de Armas, the main square, and nearby Presidential Palace, enjoying wonderful views from the many hills that dot the city. 

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia (Mandatory - Additional Cost)

Today you will join your fellow expeditioners on a charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. From the plane, enjoy spectacular views as you fly over the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.Before boarding the ship, lunch will be served onboard a private catamaran while cruising the Beagle Channel. Look out for South American sea lions and cormorants clustered on rocky outcrops. You may even spot your first penguins - look out for Magellanic penguins porpoising through the water. In the afternoon you will embark on your ship and set sail for Antarctica.  Please note that the mandatory charter flight package is at additional cost and includes your flights to and from Ushuaia.   

Days 3 & 4: At sea crossing the Drake Passage

The 500-mile-wide strait between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula is one of the most infamous bodies of water in the world. Sometimes the Drake Shake and sometimes the Drake Lake, the crossing is fascinating in its own right. This part of the journey offers a fantastic opportunity to see huge seabirds like the wandering albatross cruising past the ship. This is also time to get to know your way around the ship and prepare for the adventures ahead. Attend the educational presentations on the wildlife and geology that you will soon be experiencing, visit the Bridge (a great place to spot wildlife), or settle into a comfy chair with a wildlife reference book in the observation lounge. Depending on the weather conditions and the speed you make during your crossing, you may be arriving into the South Shetland Islands and/or the Antarctic Peninsula on Day 5. If so, you may even have your first excursion this afternoon. Certainly keep your eyes peeled for that first iceberg!

Days 5 to 9: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula

Stretching over 800 miles from north to south, the Antarctic Peninsula is a spine of craggy peaks interspersed with dozens of deep fjords. It’s a vast region with many different faces and ever-changing weather. Your ship’s diverse expedition team have decades of exploration experience, allowing them to stay flexible and respond to changing conditions and wildlife opportunities, selecting the optimal activity for each day.

The objective is to be out daily, exploring remote bays in the Zodiacs, soaking up the cacophony at penguin colonies, photographing sublime landscapes and learning as much as possible from the naturalist guides who accompany you on every excursion. There is also time for simply relaxing and watching as the ship cruises through some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. Wrap up warm and get out on deck, or defrost with a hot drink in the Observation Lounge.

Whether you are cruising past spectacular glaciers in the ship, watching seals from the Zodiacs, or hiking around the penguin colonies, take advantage of the expertise of the National Geographic photographer along with the ship’s own photo instructor, who can help you to capture the essence of this jaw-dropping environment.

Days 10 & 11: At sea towards South Georgia

Setting out from the South Shetland Islands to South Georgia, you are following in the wake of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s epic voyage in the tiny lifeboat James Caird, across 800 miles of the wild Scotia Sea - albeit with a much more comfortable chariot for your journey. These often turbulent waters are home to a recovering population of whales, including fin, southern right and even massive blue whales. So keep your binoculars on hand and look out for the distinctive blows. Up in the air, albatross and petrels wing past the ship - it’s a great photography challenge to bag that crisp shot. Meanwhile, presentations from the expedition team help to prepare you for the breathtaking wildlife spectacles of South Georgia. This is also a great time to catch up with your journal, enjoy a rejuvenating massage, or start sifting through the hundreds (or thousands!) of photos you’ve taken so far. Take a moment to relax and prepare for the oncoming excitement of South Georgia!

Days 12 to 16: South Georgia Island

South Georgia is sometimes called “the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean”, but the truth is that there is nowhere else on the planet like this dramatic 90 mile long island. It is often the naturalist guides’ favourite location to explore, so dense is the wildlife found here. This sub-Antarctic island is bursting with rich polar historical connections, surprisingly lush ecology and dramatic jagged mountains lined with pouring glaciers. The undeniable stars of South Georgia are the king penguins, the second largest penguin species. Exact numbers are unknown, though thought to be around half a million birds. But one vast colony on the island is estimated to have as many as 200,000 of these iconic birds clustered together. These rookeries are an assault on all the senses and completely impossible to accurately represent in a paragraph! Interwoven with these penguins you will find a rich tapestry of marine mammals, from belligerent fur seals to enormous cantankerous elephant seals.

For many history buffs, South Georgia is intricately interlaced with the epic tales of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s unthinkable rescue journey. If the conditions are right, the guides may be able to take guests with a good level of fitness to hike up to the spot where he heard with great relief the noon whistle from the Stromness Station. The ship will also attempt to land at Grytviken to propose a toast at Shackleton’s grave. Here there are the haunting remnants of the island’s terribly destructive industrial whaling past. However, the island is a fantastic example of nature’s ability to rebuild with appropriate conservation measures in place.

Days 17 & 18: At sea towards Falklands

Leaving South Georgia, you will head west towards the Falkland Islands. During your time at sea, spend some time talking through your South Georgia images with the ship’s photographer and learn how to make them look their best in the digital darkroom. Decompress from the visual overload of South Georgia and spend some time relaxing. If you’re still feeling energetic, head up to the Bridge and catch up with the officers on watch. The waters around the Falklands are rich with marine wildlife, so do spend time out on deck with your binoculars and camera.  Your naturalist guides will be on hand to help spot and identify wildlife.

Days 19 & 20: Falkland Islands

The Falklands boast the largest albatross colony in the world, irresistible Magellanic penguins in their burrows amid the green tussock grass and herds of enormous elephant seals. During your time in the Falklands you may stop in to explore Stanley, the charmingly petite capital of the islands. It’s a surprising outpost of British culture blended with hints of wilderness. Look out for the iconic red telephone box and post box and pass the Anglican Cathedral with its impressive archway of whalebones. Many Falkland Islanders still live a traditional farming lifestyle and there may be a chance to visit a small farm to see some expert sheep shearing and learn about the best techniques for cutting blocks of peat for the fire. The unusual contrast of man-made rolling green pastures and glorious wildlife such as colonies of black-browed albatross and rockhopper penguins is thought-provoking.

Day 21: At sea towards Ushuaia

The final day of your expedition takes you across the shallow waters of the Falklands Shelf and back up the Beagle Channel towards Ushuaia. Attend final presentations from your expedition team that capture all the wonderful experiences you have shared. Make sure to spend some time on deck as there are still great opportunities to spot seabirds and perhaps even dolphins. This is a perfect day for contemplation and reflection as well, an opportunity to process and digest all that you have experienced on this adventure.