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South Georgia, Antarctica and Falklands Explorer

Looking for an Antarctic adventure without compromising on comfort and service? This stylish 139-passenger ship, with its cavernous suites, fine dining and compelling itinerary, offers a very polished Southern Ocean adventure, at a fair price.

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South Georgia, Antarctica and Falklands Explorer

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Trip type

Falklands & S. Georgia

Trip length

21 Days

From

$19,795 -$41,055

Ship Comfort

Comfort & Adventure

South Georgia, Antarctica and Falklands Explorer - 21 - $19,795

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

  • 10 days ‘off ship’ exploring - The Falklands (2), South Georgia (4), Antarctica (4)
  • The perfect amount of time spent at each destination
  • This very comfortable ship’s state-of-the-art stabilisers and amazing guides really help make the difference
  • Optional kayaking (additional charge)
  • Wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner
  • Complimentary 2 night stay in a 5* hotel in Ushuaia, with parka jacket and 200Mb Free Wi-Fi

Start from Ushuaia and end at Ushuaia

Landmarks potentially visited on South Georgia, Antarctica and Falklands Explorer

Operator's Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive into Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia anytime today. On arrival you have an included transfer to your hotel.  Here you will enjoy a complimentary 2 night stay at Ushuaia's finest 5 star hotel, boasting spectacular views out across the Beagle Channel.


Day 2: Ushuaia

You have a free day to explore the trails, soak in the spa with the pool's incredible view, or jump on the shuttle into town for some culture at the local museum. Alternatively Swoop could arrange a tour for you, perhaps into the Tierra del Fuego National Park or to sample the local delicacy of king crab. The evening briefing is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and to meet some of your fellow travellers.


Day 3: Embarkation

Arriving at the ship in the afternoon, you will be greeted by our Expedition Team and ship's officers at a safety and orientation briefing followed by the Captain's welcome dinner. After dinner, relax and take in the mountainous scenery on our early evening sail down the Beagle Channel past Magellanic Penguin, Rock Cormorant, and Sea Lion colonies.


Day 4: Southern Ocean

Among the wildlife spotting opportunities as we sail south are the albatrosses, prions, and petrels that frequently follow the ship. Our Expedition Team will be out on deck as well, looking for the whales and dolphins that may also be seen in the area. Our experts will begin the presentations with informative and entertaining talks on the wildlife, history, and geology of the Falkland Islands and the Southern Ocean. Helpful briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety will also be held in the comfortable lounge.

Those interested in Citizen Science can take part in sea bird sighting surveys, or help collect salinity samples and weather data along the way. You're likely to witness some spectacular sights, from icebergs to an array of seabirds and whale species. If you're lucky, you may see some of them fully breach from the sea.


Day 5: West Falklands

The westernmost settled outposts in the Falklands are remote farms that have been family-owned for six and seven generations. The sheep graze alongside albatross colonies and rockhopper, king, and macaroni penguin rookeries while striated caracaras patrol overhead and upland geese graze at the water's edge. A visit to one of these homesteads often includes an invitation for cakes and a cup of tea.


Day 6: Stanley, Falkland Islands

Chosen for its sheltered harbour and access to abundant fresh water and peat for fuel, Stanley is easy to discover on foot as shops and most services are centred on the port. The museum, the post-office featuring first day covers, plenty of shops with locally made wool items and Stanley's lively pubs will all be available. It is possible to experience the wildlife of the Falklands from the town, including sea lions and dolphins in the harbour or bird life in nearby Gypsy Cove.


Days 7 & 8: Southern Ocean

There will be plenty of wildlife spotting as we make our way east across the Antarctic Convergence and officially enter Antarctic waters. Shipboard presentations will continue featuring the exciting history and abundant wildlife of South Georgia.


Days 9 to 12: South Georgia

South Georgia's unique position inside the Antarctic Convergence yet outside the limit of the yearly sea ice makes this 3,755 square kilometre island home to tens of millions of breeding penguins, seals and seabirds. Magnificent mountain scenery, glaciers galore, a rugged coastline punctuated with castellate and tabular icebergs, a rich historical tapestry, and an astounding array of wildlife are all available to us as we travel down South Georgia's leeward coast.

Landing sites feature huge Elephant seals, aggressive Fur seals, Macaroni penguins, Albatross, petrels, skuas, and gulls. King penguins from fuzzy little chicks to grown adults can be seen in the hundreds of thousands. We plan to visit historic Grytviken whaling station, home of the whaling museum, Norwegian seaman's church, the active British Antarctic Survey station plus the tiny graveyard where the great Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried.


Days 13 & 14: Scotia Sea

Heading farther south, we continue our informative presentations and wildlife watch as the icebergs become more and more plentiful.


Days 15 to 18: Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands

The land of superlatives, Antarctica! Our Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice and opportunity. We will approach the Antarctic Peninsula from the east to cross the northern boundary of the Weddell Sea, where a large cold body of water rotates clockwise driving cold water and ice north towards South Georgia and the South Orkney Islands.

Large tabular icebergs born in the Weddell drift north into our path while the ocean currents drive nutrients from the deep, feeding countless species of marine animals. Large groups of whales are common, along with scores of seabirds thriving off the bounty the Weddell provides. Our route will stress the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas as well as sites of historic and scientific interest.

Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins abound, and Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals are often found hauled out to rest along with predatory leopard seals and the aggressive Antarctic fur seal. Minke and humpback whales are frequent visitors in the late season and orca sightings are also common.


Days 19 & 20: Drake Passage

We will continue our lecture series and wildlife spotting as we sail back to Ushuaia and reflect on beautiful Antarctica and its fragile future. Sailing through the Beagle Channel, we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow.


Day 21: Ushuaia, Disembarkation

Morning disembarkation allows you to catch an afternoon flight to Buenos Aires or extend your stay in Ushuaia.


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.

Customer review background image

What our customers think of South Georgia, Antarctica and Falklands Explorer

South Georgia, Antarctica and Falklands Explorer trips scored 4.6/5 from 36 reviews

I am still 'working through' my 7,000 plus photos and I am reliving some of these moments that I captured 'digitally'. It is impossible to reduce the trip to only 'one moment'. The first sight of the Antarctic Peninsula, watching Penguins stumbling over the rocks, hitting some ice at night that shakes the entire ship, South Georgia's sheer endless number of Penguins, Grytviken Whaling station, the endless cruising along the 80 mile long iceberg A76-a,...

Travelled: February 2023

Dirk -

There is no one memorable moment. The entire Polar Latitudes Cruise was phenomenal. The excursion crew was excellent as was all the service. The shore excursions were all breathtaking. Stepping onto the Antarctic continent was a moment never to be forgotten.

Travelled: February 2023

Lindley -

Hard to pick one moment but the scale and beauty of South Georgia and Antarctica was beyond my expectations. One moment that comes to mind is when a humpback whale near the ship to check us out while we were at anchor in Fournier Bay. The whale surfaced, blew, rolled and hung around the ship for quite a while before moving on. The clear water made it easy to see the whale just under the surface. Many good photos adn videos were captured!

Travelled: March 2020

Anonymous -

To many highlights to mention. The weather could change almost in an instant, changing the light and the landscape before your eyes, completely captivating. Lots of wildlife despite being late in the season, and being later we saw lots of whales. The ships crew and the expedition crew were exceptional. There were 98 passengers on board the Island Sky and we were surprised by the age range, 22 to 78 with an average of 62 (this must be accident rather than design) but it made for a wonderful atmosphere with people prepared to mix in chat, and eat together. We hope to meet up with a few in the future. Most magical moment, that's difficult, probably being in a Zodiac among sleeping Humpbacks.

Travelled: February 2021

David Irwin -

Kayaking among dozens of "porpoising" Macaroni penguins off the shore of South Georgia Island. It was our first experience with ocean kayaking, and riding the swells in the bright sun with mountains and dramatic clouds all around and the playful penguins entertaining us was a truly magical experience.

Travelled: January 2023

Michael -

Highlights were the icebergs! That is what drove me to Antarctica and we were not disappointed. Of course the penguins were icing no the cake. Kayaking was superb! We don't remember signing up (did Swoop comp us?) and we loved every moment of it!

Travelled: February 2021

Donna & Ralph Briskin -

St Andrews Bay and the whales circling us while kayaking in Neko Harbour

Travelled: March 2023

Barbara -

seeing a Cathedral Iceberg, South Georgia, East & West Falklands

Travelled: January 2023

John -

The most memorable part was the trip up the Drygawlski Fiord from Larson Harbor on South Georgia Island. It was just above freezing and snowing but the water was so cold that the snow was not melting but collecting on the water. The raw beauty of the fiord was stunning especially with the dusting of snow. The geography of our location was expertly described by our leader Stephi which added to the amazement of the moment. We saw at least 6 and perhaps 7 Wendell seals with a couple swimming around our Zodiac as we cruised and floated. There were also some Fur seals to entertain us. The steep sides of the fiord, the glaciers and waterfalls made the whole trip magical.

Travelled: February 2023

Thomas R -

It seems impossible to name just one highlight, but if I must, it would be the hour or so we spent cruising amongst a group of 200 or so Humpback whales. They were so close you didn't know where to look first. We got closer to the wildlife than I expected, particularly the nesting albatross and penguins sitting on eggs. I can now tell 6 species of penguins apart! The only real surprise was when a wave hit the ship straight on the side and broke a window while we were all sitting in the lounge.

Travelled: February 2021

Elaine Green -

Floating in the zodiacs between icebergs on which penguins and seals were resting.

Travelled: February 2023

Kathy -

If I had to pick a highlight, it would be kayaking on a heavily overcast day in an ice-filled bay enclosed on three sides by terminal glaciers and snow-filled mountains, watching a humpback whale roll nearby as I listened to the sizzling of the bergy bits around me. But, in truth, there were lots of magical moments. Every day was full of anticipation and delight. The only true surprise, however, was when a rogue wave in Drake's Passage took out a window in the lounge of Deck 3!

Travelled: February 2021

Dirk Schenkkan -

Kayaking as a Humpback whale surfaced in front of the Kayak and brushed the end of the Kayak before gently gliding back under the surface

Travelled: March 2020

John Crawford -

Having the penguins so close to me.

Travelled: April 2020

Christi -

The enormous quantity of penquins, 1000's and 1000's!

Travelled: February 2023

Roger -

Our first landing in South Georgia when the king penguins just walked up and greeted us on the beach. It still makes me grin and tear up to think of it!

Travelled: March 2023

Elizabeth -

Being in the midst of a raft of swimming penguins on board a RIB and having a leopard seal surface next to the same!

Travelled: March 2023

Hugh -

The highlight was seeing hundreds of thousands of king penguins in South Georgia. The glaciers and icebergs were breathtaking. Was wonderful to see whales, but I most enjoyed the many and playful fur seals. Great group of fellow travelers. Very enjoyable to get to know people from other countries. No surprises.

Travelled: February 2021

Ralph Pollack -

The expedition crew was excellent, very knowledgeable and friendly. They were obviously enjoying the trip and landscapes and wildlife as much as we were. The other passengers were also friendly and personable. 100 (+/- 10) passengers made it possible to meet almost everyone. The aft deck on the Herculean Sky was a bonus....a great place outdoors to have lunch and watch birds ans WHALES (100s of them). The sheer size of the penguin rookeries was breathtaking.

Travelled: February 2021

Patricia Schenkkan -

Great service from Swoop. They did an excellent boat matching my interests to the right trip. Hebridean Sky is a luxury small boat. The accommodations were very comfortable, while the cabins large. Food was very good. Guides were outstanding. Cannot describe the experience of walking near a wave of 150,000 penguins, seals, and petrols. The nesting Albatross’ was a sight to see. The pace was comfortable and the time on board was relaxing, enjoyable, and very educational. The small ship of 100 people allowed quick access to the landing sites.

Travelled: February 2021

Scott & Nereida Paris (agent=Elyse Zebede) -

Review:

This ship has so many strong attributes, but for me it’s Seaventure's wide expanse of windows in every social area. The wrap-around windows in the Panorama Lounge make for a perfect spot to defrost after a busy day exploring, without missing any of the jaw-dropping landscapes!   

Alex Mudd Polar Specialist

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

Prices quoted below are per person based on 2 people sharing. Cabin availability changes all the time so please contact us for up-to-date details and information on specific cabin availability.

2023

2024

2025

* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $19795

Single Supplement And Child Policy

For those travelling solo who would like their own cabin, the single supplement is 1.7 times the cost of a single berth. Please contact us for details. There is no single supplement for solo passengers willing to share a cabin.

Children aged 12 years old or over are welcome. There isn't any concession on pricing. 

Optional Adventure Activities

Enhance your trip with the following add ons. Limited places per activity.
Get in contact to check availability.

Activity Cost Additional Information
Add on icon Kayaking Kayaking $895 An immersive full kayaking program for those who want to kayak multiple times (as often as weather and ice conditions allow) with a maximum of 10 fixed participants. Booking in advance is essential.
Add on icon Paddling Paddling $250 One-off discovery paddle session with a maximum of 14 participants per session. Available on select departures, subject to weather conditions. Previous kayaking experience is required. Booking in advance is strongly recommended.

Includes

  • All airport/ hotel/ ship transfers on Day 1
  • For trips departing from October 2023 - March 24: all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included (some super premium brands are excluded). For trips departing October 2024 - March 2025: beer/wine/soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner
  • Complimentary parka jacket
  • Daily international news service
  • Post voyage digital log
  • Two pre-voyage 5* hotel nights in Ushuaia
  • Free public internet and 200Mb of Wi-Fi
  • Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
  • Accommodation and meals during the voyage on full board
  • All shore excursions and zodiac activities
  • Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
  • Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
  • Loan of rubber boots for the voyage's duration
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information
  • Port taxes and any entry fees to historic landing sites

Excludes

  • Any flights to and from points of embarkation/disembarkation
  • Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
  • Transfers not specified in the itinerary
  • Optional non-complimentary adventure activities (e.g. kayaking)
  • Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
  • Airport arrival or departure taxes
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature, e.g. laundry, beverages and communication
  • Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
  • Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)

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