USHUAIA, CAPE HORN AND THE FALKLANDS
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Day | Place | Highlights |
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1 | Ushuaia, Argentina | Embarkation on the Magellan Explorer |
2 | Cape Horn | Explore this legendary place via zodiac |
3 | At Sea | Towards the Falklands |
4 | West Falklands (South) | Dramatic cliffs, sandy bays, natural harbours |
5 | West Falklands (North) | Abundance of birdlife |
6 | The Falkland Sound | Rough and untouched landscapes |
7 | Port Stanley | Explore this unique British town |
8 | Disembarkation | Disembark in Port Stanley and choose the optional flight add on to Punta Arenas or Stanley |
The Magellan Explorer is capable of carrying 100 guests, however she will take just 69 passengers on her fly cruise voyages. Her maiden voyage to Antarctica will be in November 2019. The ship has 50 suites and cabins in five categories, including dedicated single cabins. The cabins are spacious, ranging in size from 20 to 40 square metres. 42 cabins feature a large window and a private balcony, 8 have a porthole. All cabins feature a private bathroom and a sitting area. She has a forward-facing observation lounge, an observation deck, a dining room that accommodates everyone at one sitting. She also has an outdoor barbecue area, a gym, and a sauna. The bow of the ship is accessible to guests to offer expansive views during exploration.
Your journey begins at the pier in Ushuaia, Argentina, with a 20:00 embarkation. Board your ship and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the world, where the ship will clear formalities for your approach to Cape Horn.
After an overnight crossing of Nassau Bay, you will awake in full view of the legendary Cape Horn! Weather permitting, board a Zodiac and be one of the few privileged adventurers to step foot on this famous and rarely visited island. Sail and explore the area in depth before setting course north towards the Falkland Islands.
As you sail through the South Atlantic en route to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), 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.
South
Ruggedly beautiful and remote, places such as New Island, Weddell Island or West Point are located at the extreme west of the Falklands’ archipelago. Dramatic cliffs contrast with sheltered sandy bays and natural harbours. They host a large concentration and great diversity of wildlife. Some of the best wildlife experiences are just a short distance from the settlements.
North
Named after HMS Carcass, which visited in the late 18th century, the terrain is varied with rocky ridges, steep cliffs, open plains, white sand beaches and coves. Saunders is the second largest offshore island and has very varied terrain, from rocky hills to sweeping shorelines. It is an important Bird area and has exceptional wildlife. All five breeding species of penguin can be spotted here along with black-browed albatross and many other birds.
Cruise down the Falkland Sound, sightseeing its rough and untouched landscapes which are absolutely breathtaking. Immerse yourself in the past and recent history of the islands. Visit settlements and meet the locals, getting to know the culture of farming families. You will stop at sites that were active battlefields during the 1982 conflict, the historians introduce you to regional geopolitics.
Join the expedition team on guided walking tours in town or to Gipsy Cove. Or take the option to explore on your own and absorb the local atmosphere, grabbing lunch at the pub, visiting the maritime museum, the church, hunting for souvenirs or walking down Ross Road, paying tribute at the war memorials at the waterfront.
Note: Small-group day tours and half-day tours can be purchased on board the ship to visit Volunteer Point (by 4×4 vehicle or helicopter), battlefield tours (by 4×4 vehicle), and others. Options will be presented on board.
Transfer to the airport, Mt. Pleasant on the Falkland Islands will be provided from the ship according to the scheduled 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.