Penguins of South Georgia & Antarctica

Day 1 – Arrive in Ushuaia:

Start the adventure in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port at the tip of South America. Whether you choose to hike in the surrounding mountains or enjoy the handcrafted chocolate that the town is known for, it’s the ideal gateway for you prepare for the journey that lies ahead.

Day 2 – Embarkation:

Late in the afternoon you will embark the ship, setting sail down the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart!

Days 3 to 6 – At Sea:

While at sea, there are a host of activities to enjoy. Learn to identify the seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend dynamic presentations by your Expedition Team. You will be prepped on safety procedures for zodiac cruises and shore landings, and also be given instructions for getting the most out of your optional sea kayaking adventures (additional cost), a truly intimate way to experience Antarctica.

If conditions are right, the first indication that you are approaching South Georgia is the sight of birds around a group of rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Have your binoculars and cameras ready to capture these rocks rising out of the icy ocean waters. Shags and prions often rest here, and due to nutrient rich upwellings around the rocks it can be a good place to keep a lookout for whales.

Days 7 & 8 – South Georgia:

After marvelling at South Georgia from a distance, you’ll head toward its numerable beaches to find a bay for your first land excursion. Landing sites are varied, largely determined by the weather conditions of your voyage. Whichever sites you visit, they’ll provide you with wildlife encounters unrivaled anywhere else on earth.

South Georgia is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches blanketed with penguins. It's instantly obvious that you've come across a bird paradise, as you'll be greeted by the sight of burrowing seabirds, albatross and petrels.

You’ll find that South Georgia, once a popular base for whalers and sealers, is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries gone by. Your Expedition Team will help you experience what life was like in these days, as you explore old whaling stations and hear presentations on the South Georgia of then and now.

One of the most significant sites you will visit on the island is Grytviken. This settlement is one of the first whaling stations established in sub-Antarctic waters. Many travelers find that this place has a special appeal, as it is home to the remains of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the most famous Antarctic explorers.

Days 9 & 10 – At Sea:

Say goodbye to the king penguins; your next destination is Antarctica. Your days at sea are filled with presentations and workshops led by your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife and landscapes that will surround you upon your arrival.

Days 11 to 13 – Antarctic Peninsula

The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica.

You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence, and at the next moment you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear.

Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each excursion, be it zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site, or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. Keep a lookout for Antarctic whales, such as minkes, while on a zodiac cruise. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.

Perhaps you’ll also want to add more memories to the experience by partaking in an optional paddling excursion (additional cost), or cast reason aside and jump into Antarctic waters for the polar plunge.

Days 14 & 15 – Crossing the Drake Passage:

After more than a dozen days of unique wildlife encounters and remarkable landscapes, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage. Spend time on deck watching for seabirds and whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.

Day 16 – Departure:

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure onward or catch your flights home.

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.