Express South Georgia & Antarctica Wildlife Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina

After a complimentary transfer from the airport, your trip begins in Ushuaia, the port city at the southern tip of Argentina nicknamed the “End of the World”. It's the ideal launchpad for an unforgettable adventure. 

Don’t miss the pre-departure briefing at 6pm in the lobby of your hotel. Tonight’s hotel stay is included as part of your trip.

Day 2: Embark on your ship 

After a complimentary breakfast at the hotel, you’ll have much of the day free to enjoy more of Ushuaia’s sights before embarking on your ship, usually at around 4pm. Feel the crackle of anticipation in the air as you sail down the Beagle Channel, the mountain-trimmed body of water that cuts through the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. This is a great location to get out on deck and start ticking off wildlife species, with black browed albatross and giant petrels often sighted here. Also look out for brief glimpses of Magellanic penguins and perhaps even your first whales if you're lucky.  

Days 3 to 6: At sea

While sailing across the iconic Drake Passage and into the lively waters surrounding South Georgia, the experienced polar experts in your expedition team will keep you busy with a programme of educational talks. They might be out on deck teaching you to identify the seabirds that follow the wake of the ship or host lectures on the region’s history of whaling and exploration, along with wildlife and glaciology. These sessions will also include briefings to help prepare you for the upcoming excursions, such as zodiac cruising past cathedral-sized icebergs and landing on shores home to bustling penguin rookeries. 

On the approach to South Georgia, stand out on the spacious deck to catch a glimpse of atmospheric Shag Rocks, where whales sometimes gather to feast on nutrient-dense upwellings and the air is filled with passing shags and prions. 

Days 7 to 9: Exploring South Georgia

Excursions around South Georgia will depend on the weather conditions, but the ship’s Expedition Leader and Captain will aim to have you exploring the bays of this wildlife-rich destination – known as the “Serengeti of the South” – by zodiac boat and on foot where possible. 

As one of the planet’s most fertile breeding grounds for subantarctic animals, the island is home to four penguin species and 30 types of seabird, all jostling for space with huge elephant seals and feisty fur seals. The sheer density of wildlife crowding the beaches is mind-boggling, and they can sometimes even be too packed to land on.

Remnants of the now-defunct whaling industry litter the island in the form of abandoned warehouses and crumbling boats. The Expedition Team will enrich your trip by sharing the history behind these relics at destinations such as Grytviken. This former whaling station is more famously known as the resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton. You may visit the cemetery to pay your respects to 'The Boss', as the legendary polar explorer was affectionately known by his crew.

Days 10 & 11: Sailing to the Antarctic Peninsula 

As you set sail once again, the Expedition Team will turn their attention to teaching you about the Antarctic Peninsula’s wildlife and landscapes with a series of immersive presentations. This is also the ideal time to sit next to the windows of the observation lounge with its panoramic views over the iceberg-laden seas or get out on deck to look for whales and seabirds. 

Days 12 to 15: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula

After two days at sea, you’ll catch sight of the Antarctic Peninsula for the first time. In this land of extremes, one minute you’ll experience tranquil moments cruising serenely through iceberg-strewn landscapes, while the next you might be surrounded by the cacophonous calls of a huge rookery of gentoo penguins. Look out for the snoozing sausage shapes of Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals hauled out on the ice, along with the blow of whales gorging on krill. 

Again, the aim will be for you to enjoy a mix of landings and zodiac cruises, depending on the weather and ice conditions you encounter each day. The Captain and Expedition Leader will also take advantage of impromptu wildlife opportunities such as watching the spectacle of a pod of whales from the vantage point of the ship. 

Days 16 & 17: Crossing the Drake Passage

After an epic adventure of memorable wildlife encounters and landscapes, it’s time for your journey home, returning across the Drake Passage. The educational programme continues, and there is also time to decompress after the sensory rollercoaster that is Antarctica.  

Day 18: Disembarkation in Ushuaia

The vessel’s Captain will plan to arrive in Ushuaia by the early morning. Your group transfer to the airport is included, so you can carry on your adventure from here or catch your flights back home. 

PLEASE NOTE: While choosing to fly to/from Antarctica is the most expedient option, it's also more weather dependent than travelling by ship across the Drake Passage. Charter flights to/from Antarctica operate on a very flexible schedule to accommodate the changeable weather conditions. As a result, flight timings may be brought forward or delayed to ensure safe operating conditions. To discuss in more detail, please get in touch. 

This itinerary is for guidance only, as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions as well as taking advantage of impromptu wildlife opportunities.