THE FALKLANDS AND SOUTH GEORGIA

SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

Magellan Explorer

The Magellan Explorer is a new (currently under construction – all images are renders) purpose built polar expedition vessel. She will offer almost exclusively Fly-Cruise voyages from Punta Arenas in Chile to King George Island on the Antarctic Peninsula. The Magellan Explorer is capable of carrying 100 guests, however she will take just 73 passengers on her fly cruise voyages. Not only does this allow all the guests for one cruise to arrive and depart on the same flight (flights are limited to 75 passengers) it also affords all guests to get off the ship for excursions quickly and efficiently.

Day 1 Port Stanley, Embarkation

Day 2 Saunders Island, Carcass Island

During a morning visit to Saunders Island enjoy the long white-sand beach here. A wilderness experience, the main attractions there are rockhopper penguins, nesting black browed albatross, and sub-Antarctic gentoo penguins. In the afternoon you will make a visit to Carcass Island. There is an option for an easy hike to the settlement, bird watching, and a typical Falklands tea experience.

Day 3 New Island, Weddell Island

Day 4 Bleaker Island

Take part in a morning landing at Bleaker Island. This is a natural reserve with a famous bird area featuring a large variety of birds. In the afternoon, head to South Georgia.

Days 5-6 At Sea

As you sail toward South Georgia, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the lounge or from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent seabirds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales.

Day 7 Elsehul Bay

Depending on sea conditions over the previous days, an arrival is planned here for the afternoon.  If approval is granted from the South Georgia Government, plan to do an evening Zodiac cruise at Elsehul Bay.

Day 8 Grytviken, Fortuna Bay

Your first landing is at historical Grytviken. Here you will clear Customs and then visit the historical site, with the museum and Ernest Shackleton’s grave. In the afternoon, you will land at Fortuna Bay / Stromness to see king penguins. Here you can learn all about Shackleton and his expedition. There is also an optional 2-3 hour “Shackleton walk”.

Day 9 Gold Harbour, Cooper Bay

In the morning the plan is a landing at Gold Harbour. This is a spectacular location with king penguins, elephant seals and hanging glaciers. There are also sooty albatross here. In the afternoon, visit Cooper Bay to see macaroni penguins during a Zodiac cruise.

Day 10 St Andrews Bay, Ocean Harbour

St Andrews Bay is the destination of your morning excursion. Here you will see the largest king penguin colony and the large elephant seal bulls. In the afternoon, the plan is a Zodiac cruise and landing at Ocean Harbour. The highlights here are a shipwreck and remains of the whaling industry.

Day 11 Prion Islands, Salisbury Plain

In the morning the plan is to visit Prion Island to see the nesting wandering albatross. In the afternoon, head to Salisbury Plain for more king penguins and stunning landscapes.

Days 12- 14 At Sea

As you make your way back to the Falkland Islands, the program of in depth on board lectures and presentations continue.

Day 15 Port Stanley, Disembarkation

Upon arrival at Port Stanley, disembark and transfer to the airport for the ongoing flight.

Note: A package is available which includes an airline ticket in economy class for the commercial flight from Santiago or Punta Arenas to Port Stanley, and/or return, and hotel accommodation in either Santiago or Punta Arenas.