FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA & ANTARCTICA 

Day 1 Puerto Madryn, Argentina

Day 2 Embarkation in Puerto Madryn

In the afternoon you will join a group transfer to the pier and welcome you aboard the luxury expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. Explore the ship and get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come. The excitement will build as the ship slips its moorings and sails toward a true wilderness where wildlife abounds. As you sail through Golfo Nuevo you may come see southern right whales.

Day 3-4 At Sea

Days 5-6 Falkland Islands

The remote and sparsely-populated Falkland Islands are a birders’ paradise. The aim is to visit one or more of the isolated outer islands where large colonies of penguins and albatross are easily accessible. The Falklands are also a great place to observe marine mammals. Fur seals and elephant seals can be found on sandy beaches while the waters in and around the archipelago are home to various whale and dolphin species. The route and exploration opportunities are dependent on weather among these windswept islands.

You will also have an opportunity to visit 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.

Days 7-8 At Sea

The ship will head east toward South Georgia. On the way pass the Shag Rocks, remote seabird-covered pinnacles. You will cross the Antarctic Convergence which is a biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. The expedition team will have the onboard lectures and educational program in full swing so you can learn about the history of South Georgia and learn about the wildlife you will see.

Days 9-11 South Georgia

South Georgia the premier destination for sub-antarctic wildlife viewing in a supremely scenic wilderness environment. 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. This is also the final resting place of Ernest Shackleton, the legendary polar explorer.

This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our route and exploration opportunities in South Georgia are dependent on the weather conditions you encounter. The 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. The expedition team take every safe opportunity to go ashore in this amazing place. You may also be able to take part in a hiking expedition over part of the famous “Shackleton Walk” from Fortuna Bay to the abandoned whaling station at Stromness.

Your days in South Georgia are filled with interesting excursions filled with wildlife and history as well as, presentations by your experts, and enough incredible scenery and wildlife to fill your camera, so make sure you bring an extra memory card!

Days 12-13 Southern Ocean

After a few wonderful days exploring South Georgia you will begin the journey to Antarctica. Whilst you are at sea enjoy presentations from the expedition team on Antarctic wildlife, history and geology preparing you for your time visiting the Seventh Continent.

Days 14-17 Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetlands

The Antarctic Peninsula region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. Ice-strewn bays and channels are surrounded by towering mountain peaks covered in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to a variety of whale and seal species. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large nesting colonies at special places on land. Antarctic research stations of various nationalities can also be found here.

The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica. This wild and beautiful island chain contains numerous landing sites rich with wildlife, fascinating geology, and historical significance. Your first encounter with Antarctica will likely be Elephant Island, where men from Shackleton’s famous Endurance expedition spent the winter. You may also visit Deception Island, a flooded but still active volcanic caldera containing the remains of a derelict whaling station. The Antarctic Peninsula itself contains sheltered bays, abundant wildlife, and fantastic vistas of mountains and glaciers. Weather and ice permitting, you will spend a day in the vicinity of the peninsula with the hope of making a landing on the continent of Antarctica.

Antarctica is a true wilderness and is subject to unpredictable weather and ever-changing ice conditions, which dictate your route and exploration opportunities. This is a real expedition where the expedition team exploit every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing, amazing scenery, and Zodiac excursions.

Days 18-19 Crossing the Drake Passage

This last sea passage separates the magic world from the rest of the world. Use these days to refresh your memories and bid farewell to birds and whales you’ll identify easily now.

Day 20 Ushuaia

After breakfast say farewell in the city of Ushuaia, the southern most city in the world. A group transfer is provided to the airport or to the town centre if you wish to spend more time here.