Only on South Georgia Island can you see such a vast and dense congregation of king penguins. Throughout the journey, you’ll also spot gentoo penguins, rockhopper penguins, and Magellanic penguins, among others. It’s an absolute paradise for penguin enthusiasts.
Please note: This itinerary is meant to serve as a general guide. Plans may change along the way, depending on weather, sea conditions, or choices made by the expedition leader and team to give you the safest and most rewarding experience.
Welcome to Puerto Madryn. Upon arrival at the airport you will be transferred to your pre-cruise hotel. After a short rest you may explore the nearby district on your own and soak up the unique atmosphere of this seaside town.
A complimentary Air2Sea transfer will be available from Puerto Madryn Airport (PMY). Pre-reserved is required. Please leave some time between flight arrival and shuttle bus departure.
If you will travel from other places or arrive earlier, your hotel room will be available for check-in starting from 3pm.
Enjoy your morning at Puerto Madryn. Before noon, you will be transferred to the port to embark and begin your unforgettable expedition.
After embarkation and a safety briefing, settle into your cabin and take in the first breathtaking views as the ship sails under the glow of the midnight sun.
As you wake, the vast expanse of the South Atlantic stretches out before you. The day will be filled with activity as we prepare for the grand adventure ahead. The expedition team will conduct briefings on Zodiac operations and ensure all clothing and boots are thoroughly cleaned for biosecurity. Meanwhile, a series of onboard lectures will introduce you to the fascinating world of marine life and wildlife observation. Seabirds begin to appear in greater numbers, gliding gracefully over the wake or soaring close as you stroll along the deck.
Lying between 51° and 52° south latitude, the Falkland Islands are a remote archipelago in the South Atlantic and an ideal stopover on the way to Antarctica. For penguin enthusiasts, this is the perfect place to begin the journey.
You will have the opportunity to visit some of the following sites, all depends on the weather & sea conditions as well as the captain and expedition leader’s decision:
West Point Island: Known for its rugged coastline, steep cliffs, and open tussock grasslands. The island is famous for the large colonies of black-browed albatrosses and macaroni penguins nesting side by side on the cliffs. Guests can enjoy guided walks to observe the birds up close, as well as opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
Stanley: The capital and only town of the Falkland Islands, Stanley played a significant role during the 1982 Falklands War. Colorful houses line the streets alongside post offices, shops, museums, restaurants, and waterfront cafés. The nearby bays are also home to colonies of penguins, making Stanley a delightful blend of culture, history, and wildlife encounters.
After leaving the Falkland Islands, you sail into colder waters where patches of drifting ice begin to sparkle across the waves. During these two days at sea, the expedition team will host a series of engaging lectures covering topics such as Antarctic ecology, wildlife, and the remarkable history of human exploration in this region.
You may also hear fascinating tales of the legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose heroic journey is closely tied to the very island you are soon to reach: South Georgia.
Often called the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean, South Georgia is home to vast colonies of King Penguins, numbering in the hundreds of thousands.
You will find yourself standing on the very beaches once walked by Sir David Attenborough, surrounded by tens of thousands of penguins and countless elephant and fur seals. Far from human civilization, this is a journey into the kingdom of wildlife as well as a humbling reminder of our place as mere visitors in their world.
We will have the opportunity to visit some of the following sites, all depends on the weather & sea conditions as well as the captain and expedition leader’s decision:
Grytviken: Once the island’s largest whaling station and settlement, Grytviken closed in 1966. Many of the old whaling tools and processing equipment remain as historical relics. Today, it hosts a small museum, a post office, and a charming white church. Nearby lies the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, a place of quiet reflection for many visitors.
St. Andrews Bay: Home to one of the world’s largest King Penguin colonies, with an estimated population of 300,000 to 500,000 birds. When thousands of penguins gather, call, and waddle across the beach, the entire bay resonates with an awe-inspiring chorus—often described as a grand “polar symphony.”
Fortuna Bay: Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, this lush coastal valley is filled with penguins and seals. The King Penguin chicks, covered in soft brown down, huddle together like tiny “kiwi fruits.” Elephant seals and fur seals bask lazily along the shore, completing this quintessential South Georgia scene.
Gold Harbour: Located on the island’s eastern end at the foot of the Bertrab Glacier, Gold Harbour lives up to its name when the cliffs glow golden at sunrise and sunset. It is a breeding ground for King Penguins, Gentoo Penguins, and elephant seals, while hundreds of albatrosses circle above the icy cliffs, returning each year to mate and raise their young.
Possession Bay: One of the first landing sites of Captain James Cook in 1775. Today it is famed for its magnificent glaciers and dramatic valleys. Visitors can observe colonies of King and Gentoo Penguins, as well as seals and other coastal wildlife.
Right Whale Bay: Distinguished by its black-sand beaches, steep mountains, and abundant wildlife. This is one of South Georgia’s key King Penguin breeding sites, where large numbers of fur seals gather along the shore. In the tussock grass above, light-mantled albatrosses can often be seen nesting.
As we bid farewell to the vibrant wildlife of South Georgia, the ship begins its voyage across the open sea once more. The expedition team will continue to offer fascinating lectures and stories, sharing deeper insights into the region’s ecology, history, and exploration.
You may also choose to simply relax and enjoy the serenity of this polar journey. Listening to the rhythm of the waves, watching seabirds glide past, and savoring a quiet moment of reflection amid the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean.
Today you return to the Falkland Islands to explore Bleaker Island, an ecological gem featuring pristine beaches and secluded bays. The island is an important habitat for birds and penguins, including Rockhopper, Magellanic, and Gentoo penguins, as well as a colony of more than 16,000 pairs of Imperial Shags. Recognized by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area (IBA), Bleaker Island is a paradise for eco-tourists and birdwatching enthusiasts alike.
On the final day at sea, a sense of wistfulness may settle in as we prepare to leave this magical kingdom of penguins. As the sun sets over the horizon, take a moment to bid farewell to the land and enjoy the soft, golden light of nature at its most beautiful. Perhaps, with a little luck, you may even catch a glimpse of a shy whale in the distance, adding a final touch of wonder to the journey.
Today you disembark in Ushuaia, saying farewell to the expedition team, fellow travelers, and the ship, marking the end of this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
The complimentary Air2Sea transfer will be available from the pier to Ushuaia Airport (USH) or other downtown area in Ushuaia in the morning. Pre-reserved is required.
Please note we strongly suggest you book a flight departing after 12PM in case that any delays occur during the voyage.
This expedition includes:
This expedition excludes:
