South Georgia & The Falklands In-Depth

Day 1: Arrive into Buenos Aires or Santiago

For expeditions which start in Buenos Aires: Today arrive into Argentina’s capital 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 introductory tour of 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 Chile’s capital city of 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 - the most southerly city in the world. Fly over the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia. Before boarding the ship your group may visit the wilderness of Tierra del Fuego National Park, with its beautiful forest of southern beech. 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 the Falkland Islands.  

Please note that the mandatory charter flight package is at additional cost and includes your flights to and from Ushuaia. 

Day 3: At sea in the South Atlantic

Settle into shipboard life, enjoying educational presentations from the team of naturalists, in preparation for the wildness ahead in the Falklands. We strongly recommend spending time on deck and on the bridge, scanning for seabirds including huge albatrosses which may pass over the ship. 

Days 4 & 5: Exploring the Falkland Islands

Each of the 700+ islands which comprise the Falklands archipelago is a variation on the theme of topographical beauty, with white-sand beaches, vaulting cliffs, windswept moors and the sunlit yellows and sage greens of waving tussock grass. 

The islands are home to thousands of gentoo, rockhopper and Magellanic penguins, as well as fur and elephant seals. It is fascinating to see the unique Falklands combination of exotic wildlife and small farming communities!

Days 6 & 7: At sea towards South Georgia

During your days at sea, there will be opportunities to learn about the fascinating history of exploration in the region, as well as the flora, fauna and geology of South Georgia. Guides will be out on deck to help you identify the seabirds that follow the ship - look out for wandering albatross, prions and black-browed albatross.

Days 8 to 12: South Georgia

Explore the spectacular coastline of the island of South Georgia. In keeping with the unpredictable nature of an expedition, the schedule is kept flexible to work around the weather conditions and impromptu wildlife opportunities. During your time here you will be heading off the ship to explore by walking, hiking, kayaking and Zodiac excursions.

As the ship is deftly sailed around the dramatic coastline, stops may include the haunting remnants of Grytviken, the final resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton. You may also call in at Stromness Bay, where Shackleton, Tom Crean and Frank Worsley finally reached help at a whaling station after their epic odyssey from Elephant Island. 

Days 13 & 14: At sea towards the Falklands

Leave South Georgia and begin your journey back towards the Falklands. Head out on the deck or up to the Bridge to observe expert navigation at work as the skilled Captain and officers sail these challenging waters. There'll also be time to relax and enjoy a massage in the wellness centre, work out in the gym, and browse in the library. 

Day 15: Visit Stanley

Depending on the weather conditions, you may get to the Falklands with time for an afternoon visit to Port Stanley, to enjoy its unique blend of quintessential British charm meets Atlantic wilderness. In the evening you will set sail for Ushuaia.

Day 16: At sea towards Ushuaia

Today journey back across the ocean towards your final destination of Ushuaia. Make sure to be out on deck as you head up the Beagle Channel to enjoy your final wildlife spotting opportunities of the voyage. 

Day 17: Fly north from Ushuaia (Mandatory  – additional cost)

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your charter flight back to either Buenos Aires or Santiago. For those select departures with optional flights back to the US you will take your onward flight overnight tonight.

If you are arranging your own international flights home, please ensure your plane is due to depart after 9.30pm at the absolute earliest. Alternatively you may wish to arrange an additional night in the city and fly on tomorrow.