SOUTH GEORGIA & THE FALKLANDS  

SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER

National Geographic Explorer was completely redesigned and rebuilt prior to being relaunched in 2008. The ship is equipped with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment making it ideal for Antarctic expeditions, and offers a well-appointed interior with vast expanses of glass for an unprecedented connection to the regions explored. The Explorer accommodates guests in 81 spacious outside cabins, most with feature windows and some with balconies. Public areas include a lounge and bar, a spa, fitness centre and sauna, and a choice of dining options that offer regionally inspired cuisine. The ship is outfitted with the latest equipment for exploration – kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft, as well as hydrophones, HD cameras, and sophisticated video equipment that allows access to the underwater world.

Day 1 Buenos Aires, Argentina

Overview:

Check in to your hotel before having a guided overview of the city, visiting palaces and the famous balcony forever associated with Eva Peron. In the early evening gather for an informal reception and a drink at the hotel.

Day 2 Embarkation inUshuaia

This morning’s charter flight will take you to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. This flight is at an additional cost. Alternatively you can book a regular domestic flight. Please contact us regarding what your preferred option is.

If the weather is fine, you’ll have a chance to view the spectacular mountains rising out of the Beagle Channel as you enjoy lunch on a catamaran cruise. Later in the afternoon embark the National Geographic Explorer and set sail.

Day 3 At Sea

Settle into shipboard life, listening to informal discussions from the expert expedition team to prepare us for the wildness ahead in the Falklands. Spend time on deck and on the bridge, scanning for seabirds, notably albatross.

Days 4-5 Falkland Islands

Each Falkland Island is a variation on the theme of topographical beauty with white-sand beaches, vaulting cliffs, windswept moors and the sunlit yellows and sage greens of waving tussock grass. The Falklands boast thousands of gentoo, rockhopper and Magellanic penguins, as well as small numbers of Kings.  You’ll also find herds of fur and elephant seals. A visit to Port Stanley offers a chance to meet the locals, and stroll around this remote Island town.

Days 6-7 At Sea

During our days at sea, we learn about the fascinating history of Antarctic exploration, as well as the flora, fauna and geology of South Georgia. A lookout is kept to identify the seabirds that follow us: wandering albatross, prions and black-browed albatross.

Days 8-14 South Georgia

Explore the spectacular coastline of South Georgia Island. In keeping with the nature of an expedition, our schedule is flexible with opportunities for walking, hiking, kayaking and Zodiac excursions. Leisurely circumnavigating the island, we plan to make stops every day including Grytviken, the final resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton, and Stromness Bay where Shackleton, Tom Crean and Frank Worsley finally reached aid, at the now decaying, whaling station. The highlights of South Georgia are its powerful scenery and the vast colonies of king penguins.

Day 15 At Sea

With whales beneath and birds above, head out on deck or up to the Bridge to observe expert navigation at work as our skilled Captain and officers sail these waters. There’ll also be time to relax andto edit the many hundreds (perhaps thousands) of images.

Day 16 Falkland Islands

Our journey across the South Atlantic Ocean takes us once more to the island archipelago of the Falklands. Take a last walk along the beautiful white-sand beaches, meander through tussock grass or sit atop a cliff and ponder the views.

Day 17 Disembark at Port Stanley and fly to Santiago Chile

After breakfast disembark in Stanley, Falklands where you will have a little bit of time to explore before flying to Santiago.