Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica
The most extensive itinerary to Antarctica
A chance to visit the wildlife havens of the Falklands and South Georgia, one of the only locations where you can view the King Penguins! This is the longest and most extensive cruise itinerary we offer to Antarctica involving nearly three weeks of sailing around some spectacular and unique scenery among a huge array of marine and bird wildlife. Depending on budget, ships operating this cruise include the expeditionary Ushuaia and Akademik Sergey Vavilov boats and the more luxurious Hebridean Sky, Sea Adventurer and the Silver Explorer.
Ushuaia
Arrive into the southernmost town in the world where you can enjoy the famous lamb dishes and leather markets that make Patagonia famous. Known as 'the end of the world', you'll be able to take a trip to the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park. Overnight stay in hotel included.
Embarkation
In the afternoon of day 2 you will be welcomed on-board to meet the Expedition Team and ship's officers for a safety and orientation briefing followed by the Captain's welcome dinner. Then relax and enjoy an evening sail down the Beagle Channel past penguin and sea lion colonies.
Southern Ocean
This is a great opportunity to take in some ocean wildlife. Whales and dolphins are regularly spotted in this area and you should also keep an eye out for the albatrosses, prions and petrels that frequently follow the ship. You will have the chance to learn from the boat's onboard team of experts about the wildlife, history and geology of the Falkland Islands and the Southern Ocean.
West Falklands
The westernmost side of the Falklands consists of remote farms that have been family owned for many generations. Along the waters edge many albatross colonies have their resting sites and you will have the opportunity to see a variety of penguin species, caracaras and upland geese that patrol the area.
Stanley, East Falkland
Heading towards the east side of the island, you will find the capital of the Falkland Islands, Stanley. You will have access to plenty of shops featuring locally made wool items as well some lively pubs! There are sea lions and Peale's and Commerson's dolphins in the harbour and bird life in Gypsy Cove.
Southern Ocean
Leaving the Falklands you will sail east across the Antarctic Convergence, officially entering Antarctic waters. Insightful information about the history and rich wildlife of South Georgia will be provided by experts onboard.
South Georgia
South Georgia is home to towering mountain scenery, tabular icebergs and an astounding array of wildlife. Due to its position just outside the limit of the yearly sea ice, tens of millions of breeding penguins, seals and seaboards make South Georgia their temporary home. Elephant and aggressive fur seals, as well as macaroni penguins, albatross and other bird species are all visible from the landing sites. You will also have the unique opportunity to see thousands of King Penguins and their little chicks (something you won't get to do on the average Antarctica itinerary)! There will be visits to the Grytviken whaling station, Norwegian seaman's church, the active British Antarctic Survey Station and the graveyard where Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried.
Scotia Sea
Additional informative presentations will be provided on route across the Scotia Sea. Take note of the array of wildlife and icebergs becoming more plentiful the further south you travel.
Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
Depending on weather and ice, you will cross the northern boundary of the Weddell Sea where huge tabular icebergs drift north and ocean currents carrying nutrients attract huge colonies of marine animals for feeding. Large whale groups are frequent visitors. There will be stops at penguins' rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and other whale feeding sites. The trip may include Neko Harbour, Paradise Harbor, Wilhelmina Bay or the Neumayer Channel. A stop at an active scientific base will be included, either Poland's Arctowski or UK's Port Lockroy. A variety of penguin, seal and whale species are often found and orca sightings are common.
Drake Passage
Further informative presentations and wildlife spotting will be on offer on your way back to Ushuaia.
Ushuaia disembarkation
Morning disembarkation will allow for catching flights to Buenos Aires or more sightseeing in Ushuaia.
Please note that we have priced this itinerary based on travelling on the Ushuaia cruise boat. For the prices and dates for all the boats that cover this itinerary please see the yearly schedule section.
Ship Departure Schedules for the Falklands South Georgia and Antarctica itinerary:
Departs | Ship | Start/End | Nights | Activs. | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02 Nov, 2019 | Hebridean Sky | Ush/Ush | 19 | Ca, K | $14,295pp |
| 17 Dec, 2019 | Silver Explorer | Ush/Ush | 18 | $18,630pp | |
| 09 Jan, 2020 | Ushuaia | Ush/Ush | 19 | $14,500pp | |
| 16 Jan, 2020 | Silver Explorer | Ush/Ush | 18 | $17,820pp | |
| 03 Feb, 2020 | Silver Explorer | Ush/Ush | 18 | $17,010pp |
