Best of Falklands and South Georgia

Welcome to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point of our Antarctic expedition! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by staff and transferred to a quality hotel, which has been previously arranged and is included in the price of the itinerary. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore this vibrant port city and adventure hub.

For an introduction to local history and wildlife, the interesting Museo del Fin del Mundo is worth a visit. If you have time to spare, a variety of nature activities can be arranged to suit all interests and fitness levels, from hiking in nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park to wildlife viewing in the Beagle Channel. For dinner, Ushuaia offers a wide range of restaurants featuring Patagonian lamb and delectable Fuegian seafood.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and get ready for an exciting day. Today, you set sail towards the Subantarctic islands.

As you sail towards the subantarctic islands, make the most of your time! Attend captivating presentations from experts, familiarize yourself with the vessel, and get ready for your 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. The exact route and exploration opportunities are dependent on weather among these isolated and windswept islands.
There will also be a possible visit to 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 you head east toward South Georgia. You will cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. Briefings, bio-security procedures, and lectures from experts prepare you for your arrival in South Georgia.

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.

These days in South Georgia are filled with memorable excursions, sumptuous meals, presentations by experts, and enough incredible scenery and wildlife to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions.

This cruise is a photographer’s dream. It takes place at the very beginning of the Antarctic season, when the polar day hasn’t yet reached its peak — meaning you get softer light, longer shadows, and magical sunrises and sunsets.

It is time to head back toward the Falkland Islands. However, adventures are not over yet. You will share your impressions, review all the great photos you’ve taken and enjoy a friendly atmosphere of like-minded fellow travellers.

In this remote and stunningly beautiful wilderness, seabirds and marine mammals are counted in the millions. The waters around the archipelago are home to cetaceans such as Peale’s dolphins and Commerson’s dolphins. In this rugged yet accessible environment, superb wildlife viewing is best complemented by active adventure. Knowledgeable guides will offer hiking and hill climbing for an even greater perspective of this raw polar wilderness. This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. The precise route and exploration opportunities will be shaped by weather. An experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust plans to take maximum advantage of the conditions in this challenging polar environment.

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! Note for booking your return flight: Disembarkation typically takes place between 8:00 and 9:00 AM (following breakfast). We recommend scheduling your return flight from Ushuaia for 12:00 noon or later.