HIGHLIGHTS
Experience a birdwatcher’s paradise in the Falklands and Chilean Fjords. On West Point Island, black-browed albatrosses soar high above and rockhopper penguins waddle across boulders. On Saunders Island, you may catch some Gentoos surfing the waves. From Punta Arenas, the whimsical Magellanic penguins of Magdalena Island beckon with their greeting chatter. The enchanting blue ice shelf of Garibaldi Glacier sets the scene for Southern giant petrels in flight, their nearly 8-foot wingspan a sight to behold. It’s a world of wonder that brings wildlife and explorer spirits together.
Uruguay’s cool capital city Montevideo calls out with its cobbled streets, wide avenues, colonial buildings and verdant cityscapes along the waterfront, known as the rambla. To get social with the locals, share in their tradition of drinking yerba mate. Everywhere you go in Uruguay you see people drinking the strong, herbal tea out of cups that look like gourds, sipping through a long, thick straw. For the full color and vibrant life of the city, head to Mercado del Puerto, where you find a 19th-century restored building housing various stalls and eateries. About an hour drive outside the city explore the newest UNESCO World Heritage Site Church of Atlántida.
Punta del Este holds some of the finest beaches on the coast that call to you to play, sunbathe, or splash in the azure Atlantic Ocean. Playa Brava and Playa Mansa, “wild beach” and “tame beach,” respectively, perfectly depict the natural diversity along Uruguay’s coast. From rowdy waves to calm waters, it’s up to you to choose what kind of adventure you will have.
With a rich, cosmopolitan look and feel, Punta del Este has been compared to the likes of Cannes and Miami for its lively energy. Skyscrapers line the sandy shores of beaches, inviting travelers to explore the city’s modern treasures.
Among the contemporary architecture lie relics like Casapueblo, a structure that once stood as an art workshop turned museum but now acts as a boutique hotel. It’s the perfect example of how Uruguay incorporates its past into its present.
No one can resist the urge to capture an epic selfie with “La Mano,” the gigantic sculpted hand reaching out of the golden sands at Playa Brava. The sculpted fingers reaching toward blue skies give the impression of a sleeping giant ready and waiting to wake up and live life. Snap a photo at sunset for a positively beautiful shot that cannot compare.
Uruguay’s reputation for the art of cooking meat makes it a top choice for foodie travelers, and Punta del Este is no different. It’s seaside location also makes it a number one pick for fresh seafood meals that will leave explorers hungry for more. A rich mix of flavors in the city’s local fare makes it an adventure for the taste buds as well.
Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore
Although small, Port Stanley contains a big personality. Its signature landmark, the famous whale bone arch, speaks volumes about this eccentric and rarely visited destination. The colorful, small town lies on the Falkland Islands, a hot spot and haven for watching Magellanic penguins. The Malvinas call to every adventurer with an abundance of pubs, eateries and historic attractions to explore. Visit the Historic Dockyard Museum, a one-stop site to learn about life in the camp, Antarctic connections and the 1982 war with Argentina.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Captain’s Choice landings add to the sense of exploration and an element of surprise. Your Captain takes you to the best areas for wildlife viewing and expertly navigates to remote and hidden landings for a more intimate destination immersion. All expedition itineraries are subject to change based on weather conditions to ensure a safe expedition.
The Falkland Islands are renowned as a wildlife haven that’s perfect for nature lovers. On Saunders Island, watch the water for Gentoo penguins as they surf the waves onto the shore. Along the rocky coasts, sheep and nesting albatross share stretches of tussock grass. You may even come across a small rookery of King penguins as they stand in their regal majesty along the beach. The largest colony of black-browed albatross, the majority of the world’s population of the species, calls this island home. Marvel over the rockhoppers as they do what they do best, jumping from one stone to the next to get to their destination. Watch the Magellanic penguins waddle over rocky shores to go for a dip in the ocean.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with our expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.
Nestled in the windswept serenity of the Falklands, Carcass Island is a nature lover’s paradise waiting to be explored. It’s a landscape teeming with vibrant wildlife and untamed beauty unfolding before your eyes. Picture yourself wandering across undulating fields of tall tussock grass, where playful Gentoo and Magellanic penguins waddle by, seemingly inviting you into their world. The air is alive with the symphonic calls of diverse bird species, including the enchanting Cobb’s wren and the majestic, striated caracara. Here, the occasional elephant seal basks lazily in the sun, oblivious to the awe it inspires in its visitors. As you wander this captivating isle, guided by expert naturalists, you’ll become immersed in stories of ecological conservation and the rich human history that weaves through the Falklands.
Home to various nesting species of albatross, West Point Island, on the northwest tip of the Falklands, was once known as Albatross Island. A rugged promontory known as “The Devil’s Nose” offers breathtaking views of sandstone cliffs, tussac grass and black-browed albatrosses and rockhopper penguins. Aside from incredible seabirds, West Point is also home to whales, fur seals, dolphins and sea lions. Neighboring Carcass Island beckons with the possibility of a tea-and-cake welcome at a farmhouse amid the stunning scenes. With a terrain that varies from rocky paths to lush stretches of grass and plenty of wildlife to observe, West Point Island is a destination made for the explorer spirit.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with our expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.
Among the seaside cliffs of Settlement Rookery, black-browed albatrosses, king cormorants and rockhopper penguins make their homes. From peregrine falcons to skuas to thin-billed prions, the island is the breeding ground for more than 40 species of birds. Around the island, sea lions and fur seals can be found aplenty. Swimming in the inshore waters you can find Peale’s dolphins as they breed. Sweeping scenes of tussock, cinnamon and blue couch grass create expansive landscapes that inspire a sense of wonder.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with our expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.
Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore
Dive into the enchanting world of Punta Arenas, a majestic gateway to the natural wonders of Patagonia and beyond. From here, witness the playful antics of Magellanic penguins on Isla Magdalena, where thousands of these charming creatures waddle and chatter amidst a dramatic backdrop of sweeping skies and endless seas. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic Southern right whale breaching in the distance, and marvel as albatrosses gracefully glide overhead. Adventure beckons at every turn. Whether you’re hiking through magical landscapes or paddling through fjords teeming with marine life, each moment is an invitation to awaken your sense of wonder. Punta Arenas is not just a destination — it’s a canvas of opportunity for discovery and connection.
Amid the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Alberto de Agostini National Park sits the enchanting blue ice shelf of Garibaldi Glacier. Famous for its mesmerizing color, it’s a life-changing sight that will inspire a sense of awe and wonder in you. Navigating through the Garibaldi fjord, you witness skyscraping glaciers that speaks to the explorer spirit within as you gain a greater appreciation for your explorations.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with our expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. Passengers will be transferred to the airport for the group charter flight back to Buenos Aires. Services conclude upon arrival at Ezeiza International Airport.
INCLUSIONS