FALKLANDS & SOUTH GEORGIA – BEST OF THE SOUTHERN OCEAN
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FALKLANDS & SOUTH GEORGIA – BEST OF THE SOUTHERN OCEAN
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 - 2 | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Spend the night and explore this beautiful city before boarding the ship |
| Days 3 - 5 | At Sea | Head towards the Falklands, familiarise yourself with the ship |
| Days 6 - 8 | Falkland Islands | Birders' paradise, marine mammals, port of Stanley |
| Days 9 - 10 | Southern Ocean | Cross the Antarctic Convergence, briefings, lectures |
| Days 11 - 16 | South Georgia | Scenic wilderness, seals, whales, millions of seabirds |
| Days 17 - 20 | Southern Ocean | Marvel at birds and marine mammals from the open deck |
| Day 21 | Ushuaia, Argentina | Farewell your fellow expeditioners and disembark |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
SEA SPIRIT
The Sea Spirit was built in Italy in 1991. She’s a very comfortable ice-strengthened, small (114 guests), all-suite expedition ship. The vessel was updated in late 2010 and had additional refurbishment in April 2017. All suites have private facilities and exterior views. Some of the suites feature private balconies for enjoying fantastic landscapes of Antarctica.
She has a fleet of ten rubber inflatable zodiac boats for landings, an experienced crew, and a set of retractable fin stabilizers for smooth sailing. This ship features an open bridge, 2 rear outdoor viewing areas, an outdoor viewing area at the front of the vessel, a bar, lounge, presentation room and dining area all lined with windows. There is also a gym on-board as well as a library and media centre.
Days 1 – 2 Buenos Aires, Argentina
Your adventure starts in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. Explore this beautiful city and enjoy a good rest in the hotel organized for you. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and get ready for an exciting day. Today, you set sail on the beautiful Sea Spirit towards the Subantarctic islands.
Days 3 – 5 At Sea
As you sail towards the subantarctic islands, make the most of your time! Attend the captivating presentations from experts, familiarize yourself with the Sea Spirit, and get ready for your arrival at a wildlife paradise.
Days 6 – 8 Falkland Islands
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. Our exact route and exploration opportunities are dependent on weather among these isolated and windswept islands.
We also intend to visit 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 harbour.
Days 9 – 10 Southern Ocean
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 the experts prepare you for your arrival in South Georgia.
Days 11 – 16 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. 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. Grytviken is also the final resting place of Ernest Shackleton, the legendary polar explorer.
Our days in South Georgia are filled with memorable excursions, sumptuous meals, presentations by our experts, and enough incredible scenery and wildlife to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions.
Days 17 – 20 Southern Ocean
As you sail, immerse yourself in fascinating presentations from the expert staff and bond with fellow travellers. On the open deck, marvel at the sight of birds and marine mammals that grace your journey. South polar skuas, snow petrels, and albatrosses may escort your 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.
Day 21 Ushuaia, Argentina
Our adventure finishes in Port Stanley. We disembark after breakfast and provide transfer to the airport. Have a safe flight to Santiago. We recommend you to explore the wonderful capital of Chile and spend more time here. Now when the first emotions have subsided you will have time to look back to your unforgettable Subantarctic experience and maybe to make plans for your next polar adventure?
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.
