The wildlife rich beaches of South Georgia | Peter Walton
The wildlife rich beaches of South Georgia  | Peter Walton
Squawking Gentoo Penguin, Antarctic Peninsula  | Peter Walton
King Penguin parade on South Georgia  | Richard I'Anson
Carved iceberg, Antarctica  | Peter Walton
Make the most of the outdoor bistro  | John Bozinov
Lonely Gentoo Penguin, Antarctic Peninsula  | Peter Walton

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica aboard Sea Spirit

Explore the wild and remote island of South Georgia

21 Days from

$21895 USD

Trip Code: PEG
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Main Deck Suite
$28795 USD
Classic Suite
$30895 USD
Superior Suite
$31395 USD
Kayaking
$1495 USD
Deluxe Suite
$34995 USD
Premium Suite
$37595 USD
Single Suite
$43295 USD
Owner's Suite
$47495 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

  • Falkland Islands, Port Stanley and the magnificent South Georgia
  • Narrow sheltered waterways and fjords
  • Spectacular mountains rising directly out of the sea
  • Historic sites, including Shackleton's last resting place
  • The most accessible and wildlife-rich part of Antarctica - penguins, whales, seals, sea birds
  • Active scientific stations
  • Icebergs and active glaciers
  • 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 expedition. Upon your arrival at the airport we provide a transfer to your hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the voyage. For the rest of the day you are free to explore the city. Take advantage of souvenir shopping and a variety of dining options in the city center.

Meals: Nil

In the afternoon we provide a group transfer to the pier and welcome you aboard the luxury expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. Explore the ship and get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come. Savour the anticipation of your Antarctic dreams coming true as we slip our moorings and sail toward a true wilderness where wildlife abounds. The scenery as we sail through the Beagle Channel on our first evening is wonderful and there is already the possibility of marine mammal encounters.

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 marine mammals such as dolphins and whales. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas.Through presentations and informal conversations, our team of experts on Antarctic wildlife, history and geology will enlighten you about what we’ll expect to see in the days ahead.

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 where large colonies of penguins and albatross are easily accessible. 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. We also intend to visit Stanley, the charmingly British capital of the Falkland Islands. Attractions within pleasant walking distance along the waterfront promenade include the Falkland Islands Museum, the governor’s house, a cathedral with impressive whalebone arch outside, a war memorial, quality gift shops, pubs, and views of shipwrecks in the harbour.

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 wilderness of Antarctica is subject to unpredictable weather and ever-changing ice conditions, which dictate our route and exploration opportunities. This is a real expedition. We exploit every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing, amazing scenery, and excursions via zodiac. 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

From Antarctica we head north through the Drake Passage toward South America. Presentations and workshops by our expert staff, as well as our range of onboard recreation facilities, ensure that these days at sea are not idly spent. This is also the time for our End of Voyage ceremonies including slideshow and farewell dinner.

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast we say farewell in the city of Ushuaia, where we started. We provide a group transfer to the airport or to the town center if you wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next incredible adventure to the ice.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What’s included?

Included

  • 20 breakfasts, 18 lunches and 19 dinners
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Ushuaia on a triple or twin share basis (depending on ship berth configuration chosen)
  • Group transfer from the airport to the hotel on day 1 of itinerary
  • Group transfer to the ship on day of embarkation
  • Comfortable cabin accommodation and use of all public areas on cruise
  • All-inclusive beverage package that includes soft drinks, house wine and beer, and house spirits.
  • 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
  • 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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