Destination Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia

Day 1: Ushuaia

Arrive into Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, at any time. An arrival transfer to your hotel is included.

Day 2: Depart from Ushuaia

Today we will embark on the expedition vessel.  The morning is free to do any last minute shopping or an optional excursion to the Tierra Del Fuego National Park or a good hike up to the Martial Glacier. Embark in the afternoon and the evening is spent sailing along the Beagle Channel.

Please note while it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion, it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On the first day on board, your Expedition Leader will give you an expedition overview.

Days 3 & 4: Drake Passage

Heading across the Drake Passage, enjoy the beauty of the sea as we sail towards the South Shetland Islands. In between bird watching and whale watching, enjoy some introductory lectures by our expedition staff, to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region, and remember, the best way to experience the wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out for albatross, prions, and whales!

You also have time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where you will meet your guides, ship's crew and lecturers. 

Days 5 to 9: South Shetland Islands & Antarctica

This is what we've all been waiting for - a chance to step foot on the great White Continent! Over the next 5 days, we will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula. Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day while we navigate through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter.

The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands abound with wildlife activity. Penguins gather with their fast-growing chicks, whales are seen in great numbers, seals haul out onto ice floes and beaches, and numerous seabirds trail in our wake. We may visit scientists working in modern research bases, and there is plenty of time to enjoy the sheer beauty and the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, blue and white icebergs, impressive glaciers and rugged snow-capped mountains. The Peninsula also has a remarkable history and, during the voyage, we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Keeping a lookout from the Bridge or the deck of the ship, as we thread our way along the continent, you'll feel the same sense of excitement as many of those early explorers.

Days 10 & 11: The Scotia Sea

Plotting a northeasterly course we make our way towards South Georgia. The waters are rich with nutrients and the long summer days provide the ingredient that is missing most of the year. The result is a complex food chain topped by several species of whales, seals, and seabirds.

Days 12-15: South Georgia

South Georgia Island is home to many marvels including Shackleton's grave, former whaling stations, incredible scenery and prolific wildlife. Weather permitting we will have 3 full days to explore this island. A huge colony of king penguins is the highlight of this part of the journey. On nearby islands, we'll hope to spot wandering albatross in their nesting grounds.

Known for its brutal whaling and exploratory history, this 170 km long and 40 km wide island was the centre of the huge Southern Ocean whaling industry from 1904 to 1966. The famous captain James Cook was the first to land on South Georgia on January 17, 1775 and named the island after King George III. During the 62 years of whaling activities, any number between 183 whales the first year and the record 7825 whales in 1925-26 season were killed annually for their oil. Whales weren't the only animals hunted for their oil at that time. A total of 498,870 seals - mostly giant elephant seals - were also slaughtered. Since the end of whaling activities 40 years ago, wildlife has slowly returned to the island.

Today the Island's wildlife is extraordinary, not only in its variety but also for its sheer abundance. South Georgia is home to roughly 300,000 elephant seals, 3 million fur seals, and 25 species of breeding birds, including wandering albatrosses. The gravel beach at St. Andrews Bay has a king penguin rookery of 100,000. The British explorer Sir Ernest H Shackleton landed at King Haakon Bay on the south-west coast after the 800-mile journey in a 20-foot open boat from Elephant Island. They proceeded to hike the ice-covered mountainous terrain, arriving into Stromness whaling station on May 20, 1916. Shackleton returned to South Georgia in 1922 for one last assault on Antarctica but passed away after suffering a major heart attack while in his cabin. He was buried in the whaler's cemetery at Grytviken station at the request of his wife.

Days 16 & 17: The Southern Ocean

Sailing west now, we'll set course for the Fallkland Islands (Las Islas Malvinas). Our days at sea will be filled with lectures and we will have plenty of time on deck to identify the abundant sea birds of the south ocean. We keep our eye peeled for the whales that inhabit these waters.

Days 18 & 19: The Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Nesting albatross, penguins and elephant seals are abundant. Port Stanley provides an opportunity to meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colourful houses provide contrast to the long dark winters.

The islands consist of 700 small and mostly uninhabited islands and 2 main islands - East and West Falklands. Located 490 km east of Patagonia, the Falklands have always been a land of hot debate. Officially discovered on August 14, 1592 by John Davis they remained uninhabited until 1764 when the French built a garrison at Port Louis disregarding the Spanish claim to the islands. From that moment on there have been many disputes between Spain, France, Britain and Argentina over the next 200 plus years until the end of the Falklands War between Britain and Argentina in 1982 brought the islands firmly under Britain's control. The islands are now home to a human population of only 2,491 but an abudance of wildlife. We hope to catch glimpses of penguins, including the Magellanic, rockhopper, gentoo, and king penguins. With a little luck, we may also see elephant seals, sea lions, king cormorants, black-browed albatross, skuas, night herons, giant petrels, striated caracaras and of course sheep.

Day 20: Return to Ushuaia

Reflect on a memorable adventure and take in some final lectures en route back to Ushuaia, reviewing the highlights of the Antarctic experience with the lecturers and staff.

Day 21: Disembark Ushuaia

Our adventure comes to a close. Have a final breakfast on the expedition ship before saying our goodbyes as we disembark in Ushuaia in the morning. You are free to fly out of Ushuaia anytime from noon onwards.

Please 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 expeditionary cruise.