Ultimate Explorer: Falklands, SG & Antarctic
About This Itinerary
This, to sum it up plainly, is the expedition for would-be explorers who want it all – and have the time to experience it in one epic, unforgettable journey. You’ll immerse yourself in the rich history of the Falklands, step onto the rugged terrain and cliff-lined coast of South Georgia, and feast your eyes on beaches covered in fur seals, elephant seals, and hundreds of thousands of penguins in one of the most jaw-dropping nature scenes you will ever witness. We’ll have ample time to explore the fascinating history of the region, dating back to the grand era of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration in the late 1800s and early 1900s, before heading to the Antarctic Peninsula to be greeted by glorious icebergs and glaciers, an array of penguin species, and likely whale encounters. The final act of this magnificent drama awaits as we attempt to reach 66°33’S and cross the Antarctic Circle, before heading home knowing we’ve truly done it all.
Areas Visited
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and Explore in Ushuaia
After a friendly welcome at the airport, we'll transfer you to one of our partnered premium hotel resorts nestled in the breathtaking Patagonian nature, where you can take some time to unwind or go explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.
Day 2: All Aboard!
Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia, before our mid-afternoon escort to the ship. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will welcome you on board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and our Captain's welcome dinner. We're on our way to Antarctica!
Day 3: Southern Ocean
As we sail south, important briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety are held, and you won't want to miss our scientific and environmental experts as they begin their deeply knowledgeable and always entertaining talks about the wildlife, history, and geology of the areas we will soon be exploring.
Day 4: The Falklands
Welcome to a wildlife lover's dream. As you approach this ruggedly beautiful archipelago, keep the camera ready to capture the abundant wildlife and breathtaking scenery of this fascinating part of the world. Here, you'll find the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world and five species of breeding penguin. Bird lovers, stay on the lookout for kelp gulls, dolphin gulls, black-crowned night herons, red-backed hawks, peregrine falcons, and turkey vultures. East and West Falklands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity, extraordinarily diverse landscapes, and rich history of the southern islands. Weather permitting, we'll explore Saunders Island, the second-largest island in the Falklands, and The Neck, a narrow peninsula with sandy beaches and subtle cliff faces, where the mighty black-browed albatross build their nesting colonies.
Day 5: The Falklands
Continuation of exploring the Falklands.
Day 6: Southern Ocean
Things continue ramping up with plenty of birdlife sightings as we make our way east across the Antarctic Convergence and officially enter Antarctic waters. See if you can identify the world's largest bird, the Wandering albatross. From soaring giants like the Southern Giant petrel to the tiny Wilson's Storm petrel, a range of impressive bird species will be hitching a ride on the updrafts created by ocean swells and waves. And be on the lookout for whale blows and our very first iceberg sighting.
Day 7: Southern Ocean
Continuation of sailing across the Southern Ocean.
Day 8: South Georgia
South Georgia is often referred to as the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’, and it's easy to see why as you take in tens of thousands of breeding penguins, seals, and seabirds. Breathtaking mountain scenery, majestically sculpted icebergs, glaciers in every direction, and a rich historical tapestry are all here to complement the incredible array of wildlife on view as we travel down South Georgia's leeward coast. We'll also visit the historic Grytviken whaling station, featuring the tiny graveyard where the great Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried.
Day 9: South Georgia
Continuation of exploring South Georgia.
Day 10: South Georgia
Continuation of exploring South Georgia.
Day 11: South Georgia
Continuation of exploring South Georgia.
Day 12: Scotia Sea
Heading farther south, we'll continue our informative presentations and wildlife spotting as the icebergs become bigger and more plentiful.
Day 13: Scotia Sea
Continuation of sailing the Scotia Sea.
Day 14: South Shetland Islands and Antarctica
With twice-daily outings as our goal, we'll explore any number of picturesque bays and famed landing sites, maneuvering through iceberg-rich channels as we travel alongside an array of wildlife. There are opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites as we take in the wide range of penguin species, seals, and whales along the rugged coastlines and in the sea.
Day 15: South Shetland Islands and Antarctica
Continuation of exploration.
Day 16: South Shetland Islands and Antarctica
Continuation of exploration.
Day 17: South Shetland Islands and Antarctica
Continuation of exploration.
Day 18: South Shetland Islands and Antarctica
Continuation of exploration.
Day 19: Antarctic Circle
Venturing to the ends of the earth is a moment to cherish, as not all expeditions venture this far south. We'll take our time gliding through the famed Lemaire channel, accompanied by icebergs of every dazzling shape and size, with the anticipation of reaching latitude 66°33'S. Along the way, you'll marvel at one of our planets most spectacular 360 landscapes, ushering you towards the legendary Antarctic Circle. Together we'll quietly marvel the sheer rawness of the surroundings and revel in the moment. A toast and celebration awaits should the Circle welcome us.
Day 20: Antarctic Circle
Continuation of Antarctic Circle experience.
Day 21: South Shetland Islands and Antarctica
Test your newfound penguin expertise and sharpen your wildlife-spotting skills as you identify fur, leopard, and Weddell seals. Zodiac cruises and shore landings will continue, offering ample opportunities to encounter the peninsula's diverse wildlife and capture stunning photographs of your adventure.
Day 22: Drake Passage
We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. We have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.
Day 23: Drake Passage
Continuation of crossing the Drake Passage.
Day 24: Ushuaia Disembarkation
With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.
What's Included & Excluded
What's Included
One Hotel Night
Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages with dinner
World Class Cuisine
Complimentary coffee/tea station
Certified Emergency MD and Clinic
Voyage Photographer
Professional Photography Coach
Dedicated Passenger Service Manager
Expedition jacket on loan, custom down jacket to keep
Upcoming departures
No upcoming departures listed.
Quick Facts
- 24 Days
- Ship
Price on request
Trip Overview
Duration
24 days
Travel Mode
Ship
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