FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA & ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

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21 DAYS

Combine the best of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia on one incredible voyage. Antarctica offers lively penguin colonies, feeding whales, and unsurpassed adventure activities. Cross the majestic Scotia Sea to visit the worlds largest king penguin colonies.

ITINERARY SUMMARY

DayPlaceHighlights
Day 1UshuaiaDay at leisure
Day 2EmbarkationEmbark from Ushuaia
Day 3At SeaSail towards the Falkland Islands
Day 4-5Falklands-MalvinasDiscovering amazing bird-watching opportunities
Days 6-8At SeaContinue your journey at sea toward South Georgia
Days 9-12South GeorgiaExperience the beauty and sheer magnitude of wildlife on South Georgia
Days 13-14At SeaToward the Antarctic Peninsula
Days 15-18Antarctic PeninsulaReach and explore the southern most continent of the world
Day 19-20Drake Passage CrossingReflect on your journey whilst you cross this famous stretch of sea
Day 21Disembark in UshuaiaFarewell your fellow expeditioners

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.

Greg Mortimer
Greg Mortimer

The Greg Mortimer is a new purpose built, polar expedition vessel taking 120 guests. This vessel has been designed in close consultation with Antarctic expedition specialists and is the first expedition cruise ship designed with the ULSTEIN X-BOW hull. This cutting edge nautical technology allows for gentle travel and motion at sea, improved comfort and safety on-board, reduced vibrations, lower fuel consumption and emissions and ‘virtual anchoring’ which means the ship can float anchor-less while launching the Zodiacs without disturbing delicate sea floor areas. There are four sea-level launching platforms for fast and efficient access to and from Zodiacs.

Day 1 Ushuaia

Ushuaia
Overview:

Arrive in Ushuaia, renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world set on the shores of the Beagle Channel. Ushuaia is a major tourist centre, particularly for people cruising to Antarctica. The city offers magnificent hiking in Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, the only coastal national park in Argentina.

After transferring to your downtown hotel, the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Day 2 Embarkation in Ushuaia

Beagle Channel

You’ll embark on your voyage in Ushuaia in the late afternoon. Settle into your cabin and meet your fellow travellers as well as the expedition team as you set sail along the Beagle Channel.

Days 3 At Sea towards the Falkland Islands

Crossing the Drake

Set sail for the Falkland Islands. You may be joined by seabirds flying above and beside the ship. It might be a good time to practice your photography out on deck as they swoop and dive into the sea.

Day 4-5 Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

Rockhopper Penguins Falklands

Stanley, capital of the Falklands~Malvinas. Stanley is a charming town with a distinctly British character. The town features 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.

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, each offering a unique perspective on this magnificent archipelago. Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing winds, weather and wildlife opportunities.

Days 6-8 At Sea towards South Georgia

Royal Albatross

The educational program will continue as you head to South Georgia. Spend some time on deck admiring the sea birds and looking our for any wildlife that may be passing by.

Days 9-12 South Georgia

Elephant Seal with King Penguins, Gold Harbour, South Georgia

Over the next few days explore South Georgia’s spectacular north coast. Visit the world’s largest king penguin rookeries, the nesting grounds of majestic wandering albatross and if weather allows, follow Shackleton’s route from Fortuna Bay to Stromness. Kayakers revel in paddling waters alive with king penguins and playful seals. Photographers will enjoy a backdrop of 3000-metre peaks, basking elephant seals, feisty fur seals and penguins cluttering kelp-strewn beaches.

Days 13-14 At Sea towards Antarctica

Long Finned Pilot Whales

En route to the Antarctic Peninsula we’ll head across the Scotia Sea, following the route that Shackleton and five of his men took in order to find help for the rest of their crew. On 24 April, 1916, they piled into the James Caird, the most seaworthy of their open boats, to attempt this perilous journey to South Georgia – some 1,290 km / 801 mi. distance. Shackleton hoped to reach South Georgia in two weeks. There he would enlist the help of the whalers to return to Elephant Island and rescue the men who had been left behind. As excitement builds for our arrival to Antarctica, be out on deck or from the open bridge to spot large iceberg.

Days 15-18 Antarctic Peninsula

Gentoo Penguins

Welcome to Antarctica. The Antarctic Peninsula’s west coast is yours to explore. The experienced expedition team, many who’ve been to Antarctica over dozens of summers, create the best daily itinerary that prevailing weather and ice conditions allow. A sense of excitement abounds as you use every moment of daylight to enjoy the best that Antarctica has to offer. This could mean two to three excursions in a day, whether it be to penguin colonies, historic huts, a working scientific station or a Zodiac cruise through a sculpture garden of grounded icebergs.

Days 19-20 At Sea to Ushuaia

Cape Petrel

As you sail back to Ushuaia, crossing the infamous Drake passage you may wish to attend one of the onboard lectures or simply enjoy the company of your travel companions reminiscing in your memories of a wonderful journey to Antarctica.

Day 21 Disembark Ushuaia

Ushuaia Port, Argentina

Sail along the Drake Passage early in the morning. After breakfast disembark at the port in Ushuaia, Argentina. Farewell your expedition team and fellow travellers.

To book this cruise call 1300 784 794 or email contact@antarcticatravelcentre.com.au

We will tailor the perfect holiday to suit your needs.

Extend your trip to Patagonia

To make the most of your time in South America we can tailor a holiday to Patagonia to suit your voyage dates. If you have a bit more time we can create a tailor-made itinerary to some of the highlights of South America. Take a look at the Patagonia sample itineraries below and contact us to begin creating your perfect holiday.