South Georgia's breathtaking scenery and huge numbers of wildlife make it a 'must see' | Richard I'Anson
South Georgia's breathtaking scenery and huge numbers of wildlife make it a 'must see'  | Richard I'Anson
Squawking Gentoo Penguin, Antarctic Peninsula  | Peter Walton
Carved iceberg, Antarctica  | Peter Walton
The wildlife rich beaches of South Georgia  | Peter Walton
Lonely Gentoo Penguin, Antarctic Peninsula  | Peter Walton
Make the most of the outdoor bistro  | John Bozinov

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Wildlife Adventure

Visit the wildlife rich Falkland Islands

21 Days from

$17495 USD

Trip Code: PEK
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Main Deck Suite
$23195 USD
Classic Suite
$24895 USD
Superior Suite
$25295 USD
Deluxe Suite
$28095 USD
Premium Suite
$30295 USD
Kayaking option
$995 USD
Owner's Suite
$38295 USD

Duration

  • 21 Days

Activities

  • 19 days expedition cruising plus optional kayaking and photography

Accommodation

  • 19 nights aboard Sea Spirit
  • 1 night hotel in Ushuaia

Meals

  • 19 Dinners
  • 18 Lunches
  • 20 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

1 / 10

Discovery and Cruising

Trip highlights

  • Visit the Falkland Islands, Port Stanley and magnificent South Georgia
  • Walk the historic sites of the Sub-Antarctic islands, including Shackleton's last resting place
  • Immerse yourself in the spectacular and varied landscapes
  • Explore the most accessible and wildlife-rich part of Antarctica - penguins, whales, seals, sea birds
  • Cruise through the cool waters viewing icebergs and active glaciers
  • Active scientific stations
  • Kayaking through Antarctic waters (optional charges apply)
  • Photography Workshops (optional)

Overview

Starting with a night in the world's southernmost city, Ushuaia, we set sail down the Beagle Channel and turn northwest to the Falkland Islands where we explore the capital Stanley and the wildlife rich outer islands. Continuing south through the Scotia Sea we arrive at South Georgia - an island of incomparable beauty. The northern flanks of the island comprise of a series of harbours that once sheltered large fleets of whaling ships, now a safe haven for a staggering variety and profusion of wildlife. Our time here will be spent visiting rookeries home to thousands of King, Macaroni and Rockhopper penguins. From here we head for the western flanks of the Antarctic Peninsula allowing ample time for shore excursions to visit scientific stations and historic sites, walk among wildlife and savour the surreal landscapes of the world's most pristine wilderness. Leaving the white continent behind we sail across the Drake Passage and back in to Ushuaia. This voyage aboard the MV Sea Spirit will surely be one to remember.

Itinerary

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Welcome to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point of our Antarctic expedition. Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by our staff and transferred to a quality hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the itinerary. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore this vibrant port city and adventure hub. For an introduction to local history and wildlife, the interesting Museo del Fin del Mundo is worth a visit. If you have time to spare, a variety of nature activities can be arranged to suit all interests and fitness levels, from hiking in nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park to wildlife viewing in the Beagle Channel. For dinner, Ushuaia offers a wide range of restaurants featuring Patagonian lamb and delectable Fuegian seafood.

Meals: Nil

After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to enjoy Ushuaia. Explore the delightful waterfront and savour views of the snowcapped Martial Range, the southernmost peaks of the Andes. Take advantage of shopping for souvenirs or some last-minute necessities such as cold-weather gear. Just remember, you will soon receive your very own parka to keep and waterproof boots to borrow on board the ship. For lunch, the many cafés, parrillas and gelato shops on Avenida San Martín will be sure to satisfy any appetite. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard the luxury expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get settled in your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure to come. After getting underway, a full schedule of events kicks off with informative briefings and introductions from your expedition staff. After the first of many delicious dinners on board, step out onto the open decks to admire the scenery and gorgeous evening light as we pass through the Beagle Channel.

Meals: B,D

After transiting the Beagle Channel and passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, we head northeast toward the Falkland Islands. We keep a lookout for dolphins and whales. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas. Presentations by our experts prepare you for our arrival in the Falkland Islands.

Meals: B,L,D

The remote and sparsely-populated Falkland Islands are a birders’ paradise. We anticipate visiting one or more of the isolated outer islands on the south of the archipelago which are particularly important for their colonies of cormorants and different breeding birds that have been recorded there, including Magellanic, southern rockhopper, macaroni and gentoo penguin. The Falklands are also a great place to observe marine mammals. Fur seals and elephant seals can be found on sandy beaches while the waters in and around the archipelago are home to various whale and dolphin species. Our route and exploration opportunities are dependent on weather among these windswept islands.

Meals: B,L,D

From the Falkland Islands we head east toward South Georgia, passing the remote, seabird-covered pinnacles known as Shag Rocks on the way. We also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. Briefings, bio-security procedures, and lectures from our expert staff prepare you for our arrival in South Georgia.

Meals: B,L,D

This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our route and exploration opportunities in South Georgia are heavily dependent on the weather conditions we encounter. Our experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant. You can be sure that the best possible advantage will be taken of the circumstances presented to us by Nature in this wild and remote corner of the world. We take every safe opportunity to go ashore in this amazing place. South Georgia is a scenic wilderness and an unrivalled paradise for subantarctic wildlife viewing. The islands are said to host upwards of 100 million seabirds, including numerous species of albatross, penguins, prions, petrels, and terns. On beaches such as those at Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay, over 100,000 elephant seals and three million fur seals jostle for space among innumerable penguins including stately king penguins and sprightly macaroni penguins. The recently completed rat eradication program is sure to make this wilderness even more pristine and rich with birdlife. The bountiful waters surrounding South Georgia are also inhabited by an increasing number of whales. The historical whaling station of Grytviken is now home to the excellent South Georgia Museum managed by the South Georgia Heritage Trust. This is also the final resting place of Ernest Shackleton, the legendary polar explorer. Our days in South Georgia are filled with memorable excursions, sumptuous meals, presentations by our experts, and enough incredible scenery and wildlife to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions.

Meals: B,L,D

After our amazing time in South Georgia we proceed southwest toward the Antarctic Peninsula. Pelagic seabirds including the majestic albatross are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks or from exterior stateroom windows and balconies

Meals: B,L,D

The Antarctic Peninsula region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and some of Antarctica’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. Protected bays and narrow channels are surrounded by towering mountain peaks covered in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to a variety of whale and seal species. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large nesting colonies at special places on land. The area is also home to Antarctic research stations of various nationalities. Some stations have a gift shop and post office. The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be our first sighting of land. This wild and beautiful island chain contains numerous landing sites with abundant wildlife and historical significance. Among them is Elephant Island, where men from Shackleton’s famous Endurance expedition spent the winter. Farther south, on the Antarctic Peninsula, the vast Gerlache Strait area contains sheltered bays, accessible wildlife, and stunning scenery.

Meals: B,L,D

It is now time to head north across the Drake Passage toward South America, but the adventure is not quite over. Seabirds are our constant companions and there is always the possibility of whale encounters in these wild waters. This is also the time for festivities such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slideshow. Finally, as we enter the calm Beagle Channel, we enjoy a night of smooth sailing toward Ushuaia.

Meals: B,L,D

After a final delicious breakfast on board, we bid you a fond farewell in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. We provide a group transfer to the airport or to the city center if you wish to spend more time in Tierra del Fuego. As you look back on your wonderful experience in the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next polar adventure!

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What’s included?

Included

  • 20 breakfasts, 18 lunches and 19 dinners
  • Group transfer to the ship on day of embarkation
  • Comfortable cabin accommodation and use of all public areas on cruise
  • Specialist expedition staff
  • All sightseeing and shore excursions from the ship including the use of Zodiacs
  • Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services
  • Medical services. There is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board (charges may apply)
  • Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities
  • Complimentary Polar Expedition Parka
  • Rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise
  • Pre-departure information
  • Digital Voyage Log
  • Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport or hotel in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).

Not included

  • Air transport and transfers before and after the cruises (except for pre-scheduled group transfers listed above)
  • Passport and vaccination charges, reciprocity fees and airport departure taxes
  • Accommodation and meals or other services not included in the ship cruise itinerary
  • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and celebrations
  • Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, travel insurance and items of a personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls.
  • Customary end of voyage tips
  • Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of USD 200,000

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