Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Revealed
Trip type
Falklands & S. Georgia
Trip length
19 Days
From
$15,595 -$47,195
Ship Comfort
Comfort & Adventure
Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Revealed - 19 Days - $15,595
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
- 10 days 'off ship' exploring - Antarctica (4), South Georgia (4) and Falkland Islands (2)
- Ship featuring X-bow technology, stabilisers and low emission engines
- Antarctic operational experience since 2017
- Expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:8
- Spacious bright cabins with options for balconies and dedicated single rooms
- Onboard jacuzzis, spa and gym, plus complimentary drinks with dinner
- Kayaking & snowshoeing available on selected departures (additional cost)
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Embarkation in Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Perhaps consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego; a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower meadows and boggy quagmires. In the afternoon, we board our ship and our journey begins. Navigating the Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago, we depart for Antarctica.
Days 2 & 3: At Sea
We cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Drake Passage is known for strong westerly winds and heavy sea, earning its nickname of ‘The Roaring Fifties’. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our purpose-built expedition vessel, with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly qualified crew.
The most spirited sailors consider crossing the Drake Passage a lifetime achievement and you will be able to tick it off on the list yourself. As we cross the Drake, excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view - we can expect our first sightings of seals, penguins and albatrosses. Then it is on to explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain, marvelling at the captivating landscapes along the way. Weather permitting, we hope to make our first landfall on King George Island and then continue south to the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Days 4 to 7: Exploring the Antarctic Sound & Weddell Sea
During our time spent in the Antarctic Sound, (named in 1902 after the Swedish vessel Antarctic), the captain and the expedition team will keep a watchful eye on the mighty tabular icebergs, born from the floating Larsen Ice Shelf further south. We hope to make landings both on the continent itself and the surrounding islands in the Antarctic Sound and the Weddell Sea, always on the lookout for some of the large penguin colonies nearby.
Over the next few days, the itinerary and activities will depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the Captain and Expedition Leader and communicated via regularly scheduled briefings to the guests.
Days 8 & 9: Sailing north
Leaving the Weddell Sea, we continue our journey into the open sea, following the same route as intrepid explorer Ernest Shackleton and his men more than hundred years ago. Having lost their ship Endurance in the Weddell Sea, the group moved slowly north on ice floes and later in open lifeboats to reach Elephant Island. From there a smaller group set out on one of the most remarkable boat journeys in polar history. Shackleton and five of his men took two weeks to navigate the 720 nautical miles to South Georgia to call for recovery of the stranded crew on Elephant Island. We, on the other hand, will reach the same spot after just a few days at sea!
Days 10 to 13: South Georgia
South Georgia offers stunning wildlife experiences; a wealth of breeding penguins, sea birds, sea lions and seals all seek shelter in this oasis amidst the roaring Southern Ocean. Previous whaling history surrounds us in the fjords that we explore, not least of all in Grytviken, the only inhabited settlement on this mountainous island. Grytviken is also the final resting place of Shackleton, after he died on another Antarctica voyage in 1922. We will explore the fjords of the north coast for 2-3 days and take as many shore landings as time and sea conditions allow.
Days 14 & 15: At Sea
Spend your days at sea participating in lectures and other activities hosted by your expedition team, reading books in the ship’s library, simply relaxing or perhaps watching the ubiquitous storm petrels and albatrosses from the top deck.
Days 16 & 17: Port Stanley & Falkland Islands
During the morning we approach the Falkland Islands and in the early afternoon our vessel will anchor in the sheltered natural harbour of Port Stanley. Using Zodiac boats, we will land in the town centre, and take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Port Stanley. Weather permitting, on the following day we will make landings at two of the islands’ many magnificent wildlife spots.
Day 18: Returning to Ushuaia
The last leg of this adventurous voyage sees us heading back to Ushuaia.
Day 19: Disembarkation
After saying farewell to the vessel and crew, we disembark on the final morning after breakfast.
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.
Why our customers love Swoop
The Antarctic Experts.
No Compromises
Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.
Expert impartial advice at no extra cost
Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist
We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.
A full concierge service, unlike booking direct
We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.
What our customers think of Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Revealed
Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Revealed trips scored 4.5/5 from 11 reviews
Review:
About The Ship
Your expedition vessel
Panorama restaurant
Beagle Restaurant onboard
Lecture room onbard your vessel
Library on board the vessel
Library on board the vessel
Bar lounge onboard
Observation lounge
Polar spa onboard
King penguins in front of your expedition vessel
Kayaking in Antarctica
Your expedition vessel in South Georgia
Your expedition vessel in Paradise Bay, Antarctica
Your vessel in Antarctic waters
- 70% of the staterooms offer private balconies
- Incredible Antarctic backdrops from the open-deck dining facility
- Part of a brand new generation of low-energy vessels
- Highest polar code 6 and ice class 1A ratings
- Sturdy construction and X-Bow®-Infinity class provides high stability in rough weather
- Optional activities on selected voyages include: kayaking, snowshoeing and camping
I sailed aboard Ocean Victory in February 2022 and loved waking up to panoramic views of sculptural icebergs and jagged glaciated mountains through the floor-to-ceiling balcony doors. A perfect way to start the day!
Lizzie Williams Polar Product & Partnerships Manager
Prices, Departures and Inclusions
Prices quoted below are per person based on two people sharing. Cabin availability changes all the time, so please contact us for up-to-date details and information.
* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $15595
Additional Notes
The departures on 19-Nov-2024, 19-Dec-2024 and 4-Jan-2025 are 18 days long and spend one day less in South Georgia than the above itinerary.
Single Supplement And Child Policy
For those travelling solo who want their own cabin, the ship has dedicated single cabins (Category G). If you want an alternative option, the single supplement in a twin cabin is 75%. There is no single supplement for passengers willing to share a cabin, which is possible in Category F triples or Category 3 twin-share balcony staterooms.
At the date of embarkation, the minimum age restriction of 8 years and a minimum height requirement of 48ins or 1.2 metres must be met.
Optional Adventure Activities
Enhance your trip with the following add ons. Limited places per activity.
Get in contact to check availability.
Includes
- Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- Accommodation & meals during the voyage on full board
- Welcome and farewell drinks
- Free tea and coffee 24 hours daily
- House wine, beer and soda included with dinner
- All Zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary
- Expedition parka
- Rubber boot rentals
- Guiding and lectures by our expedition leader and team
- Complimentary photo workshop from the onboard photographer
- English-speaking expedition team
- Taxes
- Access to online visual journal after your voyage including photos, species list, log and more
- Port fees and taxes required for your voyage
- Short shuttle transfer from water's edge pickup point to ship for embarkation
- Shuttle transfer after disembarkation directly from the ship to the airport in the morning
Excludes
- Any flights to and from points of embarkation/disembarkation
- Any pre/post land services, including meals, transfers & hotel accommodation
- Visa, passport and any vaccination or Covid19 testing expenses
- Personal travel insurance
- Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary (i.e. kayaking, snowshoeing )
- Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
- Meals not on board the ship
- Tips for the crew (we recommend USD $14 per person per day)
- Additional onboard personal expenses e.g. laundry, internet access
- Personal expenses
