The islands of the Southern Ocean, like solitary gemstones, reflect a dazzling abundance of life usually hidden from our view.
We start this extraordinary expedition in Buenos Aires heading towards the Southern the Falkland Islands to sail forth through legendary waters where marine mammals lurk in astonishing numbers.
On the island of South Georgia, amidst dramatic Southern Ocean seascapes, we explore a pristine wilderness swarming with stately king penguins, raucous fur seals, jousting elephant seals, and a profusion of seabirds.
Our adventure starts in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. Explore this beautiful city and enjoy a good rest in the hotel we have organized for you. Tomorrow, you will board the Sea Spirit and sail towards remote Subantarctic islands
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and get ready for an exciting day. Today, we set sail on our beautiful Sea Spirit towards the Subantarctic islands.
As we sail towards the subantarctic islands, make the most of your time! Attend our captivating presentations from experts, familiarize yourself with our Sea Spirit, and get ready for our arrival at a wildlife paradise.
The remote and sparsely-populated Falkland Islands are a birders’ paradise. The Falklands are also a great place to observe marine mammals. The waters around the archipelago are home to cetaceans such as Peale’s dolphins and Commerson’s dolphins. Our exact route and exploration opportunities are dependent on weather among these isolated and windswept islands.
We also intend to visit the port of Stanley, the charmingly British capital of the Falkland Islands. Attractions within pleasant walking distance along the waterfront promenade include the Falkland Islands Museum, the governor’s house, a cathedral with impressive whalebone arch outside, a war memorial, quality gift shops, pubs, and views of shipwrecks in the harbor.
From the Falkland Islands we head east toward South Georgia. We will cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. Briefings, bio-security procedures, and lectures from our experts prepare you for our arrival in South Georgia.
This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our route and exploration opportunities in South Georgia are heavily dependent on the weather conditions we encounter. Our experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant. You can be sure that the best possible advantage will be taken of the circumstances presented to us by nature in this wild and remote corner of the world. We take every safe opportunity to go ashore in this amazing place.
South Georgia is a scenic wilderness and an unrivaled paradise for subantarctic wildlife viewing. The islands are said to host upwards of 100 million seabirds, including numerous species of albatross, penguins, prions, petrels and terns. On beaches such as those at Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay, over 100,000 elephant seals and three million fur seals jostle for space among innumerable penguins including stately king penguins and sprightly macaroni penguins. The recently completed rat eradication program is sure to make this wilderness even more pristine and rich with birdlife.
The bountiful waters surrounding South Georgia are also inhabited by an increasing number of whales. The historical whaling station of Grytviken is now home to the excellent South Georgia Museum managed by the South Georgia Heritage Trust. Grytviken is also the final resting place of Ernest Shackleton, the legendary polar explorer.
Our days in South Georgia are filled with memorable excursions, sumptuous meals, presentations by our experts, and enough incredible scenery and wildlife to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions.
As you sail, immerse yourself in fascinating presentations from our expert staff and bond with fellow travelers. On the open deck, marvel at the sight of birds and marine mammals that grace our journey. South polar skuas, snow petrels, and albatrosses may escort our vessel, enhancing your experience with their majestic presence. The encounter with sea ice adds a dramatic backdrop to your adventure. Approaching the Drake Passage, the seabirds you saw at the beginning of your voyage reappear, offering a full-circle experience of natural wonder.
After breakfast we say farewell in the city of Ushuaia. We provide a group transfer to the airport or to the town center if you wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience, you may already be looking forward to your next incredible polar adventure!
This expedition includes:
This expedition excludes: