FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA & ANTARCTIC ODYSSEY

SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

Sylvia Earle

This purpose built expedition vessel, honours the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle and is the sister ship to the revolutionary Greg Mortimer. Accommodating on average 126 guests for each voyage, those lucky enough to experience an Antarctic journey can be assured of comfort and luxury coinciding with exploration and adventure.

Days 1 – 2 Ushuaia

Days 3 At Sea

Days 4 – 5 Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

The Falklands~Malvinas comprises two large islands (East and West Falkland), with over 700 islands scattered off the coast. All but seven of these are uninhabited, with windswept coastlines, white sand beaches and crystal-clear water. These beautifully barren islands are true wildlife havens, sheltering an impressive diversity of birdlife, including the largest black-browed albatross colony on earth. The cold, nutrient-rich waters surrounding the islands make this a prime location for spotting marine life.

There are many beautiful areas to explore across the Falklands~Malvinas, so your experienced expedition team will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the wind, weather and wildlife opportunities.

You will generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. It can be quite chilly here, so layer up before joining Zodiac cruises into rocky coves or along sea cliffs, keeping watch for seals, sea lions, dolphins and penguins. Zodiacs will also shuttle you from the ship to land, where you may visit albatross colonies, penguin rookeries and perhaps even have a traditional English ‘tea and scones’ at a local cottage.

Conditions permitting, land in historic Stanley, the capital of the Falklands~Malvinas. This charming town has a distinctly British character, with terraced town houses, pioneer cottages and even an iconic red telephone box! Colourful buildings house cosy cafes, English pubs, souvenir shops, a post office and the fascinating Historic Dockyard Museum, with displays on the maritime history of the Falkland Islands, natural history and links to Antarctica.

Days 6 – 7 At Sea

Between the Falklands~Malvinas and South Georgia, you will be enthralled by the ceaseless flight of the many seabirds that follow and circle the ship. The onboard lecture program will continue with presentations from your team of experts. You can also enjoy the many facilities on the ship, borrow a book from the well-stocked library or perhaps stay active in the fitness centre.

Days 8 – 12 South Georgia

Your experienced expedition team will use their local knowledge to plan your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the weather, sea state and wildlife opportunities.

Layer up before joining Zodiac excursions that may zip into craggy coves and along the rocky coastline in search of nesting penguins, seal haul-outs and bird cliffs. Remember to keep an eye out for South Georgia’s kelp forests as well – these remarkable underwater ecosystems are quite mesmerising as their fronds sway back and forth on the water’s surface.

Zodiacs will also transport you ashore, where you can visit some of the largest king penguin colonies on Earth, take a guided walk among fur seals and elephant seals (making sure you listen to your guides and keep your distance!) and wander along pebbled streams and grassy glacial outwash plains. Visit the remnants of South Georgia’s thriving whaling stations and pay our respects to Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose incredible voyage of survival is synonymous with this island. If you have chosen an optional activity, you will have the option to do that whenever conditions allow.

You may also ship cruise through fjords with towering cliffs of ancient stone, or into deeply indented bays towards dramatic glacier fronts. This is a great time to find a comfy spot in the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge (open at the Captain’s discretion) to enjoy uninterrupted views of South Georgia’s majestic coast.

Days 13 – 14 At Sea

Attend informative lectures to learn about Antarctica as you sail across the Scotia Sea towards the white continent. You may want to relax in the sauna and jacuzzis or stay active in the gym; the choice is yours on how you want to enjoy days at sea.

Days 15 – 18 Antarctic Peninsula

En route to the Peninsula, if time and weather permits, you may attempt to follow the coastline of Elephant Island, a half-submerged mountain cloaked with an ice sheet at the outer limits of the South Shetland Islands.

It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica, but once you arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are yours to explore. Because you will be so far south, you will experience nearly 24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish.

Rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also shuttle you ashore, where you may visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some favourite spots along the peninsula.

While ashore, stretch your legs by wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. You also may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding.

Day 19 King George Island to Punta Arenas

As you approach Frei Base on King George Island, it is time to farewell Antarctica and your amazing adventure before boarding your flight (approximately one hour forty-five minutes) to Punta Arenas, Chile.