Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Redefined

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago, Chile

Your trip begins in Santiago where you will make your way into the city centre for  your complimentary night’s stay with breakfast included. Take the opportunity to explore Chile’s energetic capital city after check-in. From the booming food scene to the immersive museums, there’s plenty to keep you busy. 

For breathtaking views, travel up to the heady heights of the Sky Costanera skyscraper. Alternatively, browse the colourful produce in Mercado Central and learn about Chile’s tumultuous history at the Presidential Palace. 

Day 2: Embarkation in Punta Arenas, Chile

It’s an early morning today as you transfer to board your included charter flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas. After another group transfer from the airport, your expedition ship will await your arrival in one of Chile’s southernmost ports. 

Once you board and settle in, it’s time to get to know the vessel’s facilities and your expedition team. These approachable and knowledgeable guides will be on hand to answer all your queries about the three diverse destinations you’re about to visit. 

Day 3: En Route to the Falkland Islands

As you sail towards the Falkland Islands, enjoy spectacular views of the Strait of Magellan. from the ship’s spacious deck – or even the outdoor hot tub. The Explorer Lounge & Bar, with its panoramic windows, is yet another cosy space for surveying the vast ocean in comfort. 

While you settle in on your first full day at sea, your expedition team will host lectures and Citizen Science sessions in the well-equipped Science Center and lecture room. Specialists in everything from marine biology to photography, they are fully prepared to offer in-depth information on your adventures ahead. 

There may be an educational session planned on the Yaghan people, the original inhabitants of South America’s most southerly channels and islands, with the onboard anthropologist, during your days at sea. 

Days 4 to 6: Exploring the Falklands

The Falkland Islands are an often-overlooked gem blessed with a seemingly endless expanse of white sand beaches brimming with birdlife. Grass-covered hills and wildflowers offer a striking juxtaposition against the icy vastness of Antarctica that lies ahead, with only the odd isolated farm punctuating the scenery here and there. 

The ship will also offer additional tour options in Stanley, which can be booked at extra cost.  Please see below for more information. The staff at the Expedition Desk on your ship can also provide further details on the options.

A guided community walk through the Falkands’ capital is included, with stops at highlights such as the well-kept Jubilee Villa Gardens and 19th-century Christchurch Cathedral. 

Throughout the expedition, your itinerary will be tailored to the daily weather conditions to maximise the best off-ship opportunities for you to explore.

Days 7 & 8: Sailing the South Atlantic

Departing from the Falkland Islands, your ship will cruise towards the wildlife haven of South Georgia. During the journey, your expedition team will provide a crash course in what to expect from this jaw-dropping island, from its rich history to its distinctive geology. 

Biosecurity briefings will be held to ensure your exploration has as little effect on the delicate ecosystem as possible with time dedicated to scrubbing your kit ready for inspection by South Georgia’s diligent wildlife wardens. You can also take part in the Citizen Science programme to assist in collecting data for worldwide research projects.

Days 9 to 12: Exploring South Georgia 

Spend four incredible traversing this extraordinary region. As you catch your first glimpse of South Georgia’s abundant wildlife, you’ll immediately understand why this island is often referred to as the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean.’

Due to its one-of-a-kind location away from sea ice, South Georgia has become a breeding ground for large rookeries of penguins, as well as colonies of seabirds and seals. It’s designated an “Important Bird Area” as it’s the habitat of numerous species, including albatrosses, petrels, shags, skuas and terns.  

A visit to Grytviken, the last resting place of legendary polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and an extraordinary remnant of the haunting whaling industry, is also on the agenda. 

Nature always guides the journey in these parts, and as usual, the itinerary will need to flex depending on the conditions to ensure you receive the best possible experience. Ensuring you maintain a safe distance to the wildlife is a must, and with beaches often heavily crowded with thousands of penguins and seals, your expedition team may sometimes opt for a water-based zodiac safari. Whether you’re landing on the island or cruising its waters, it’s all part of the adventure. 

Days 13 & 14: Sailing to Antarctica

After your adventures in the Falklands and South Georgia, enjoy a well-deserved break on the ship as you sail towards Antarctica. 

As you near the continent, the expedition team will educate you on the IAATO environmental guidelines and sustainability rules to follow while visiting. As in the Falklands and South Georgia, the aim is to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures.  Head out on deck to look for the blow of passing whales and massive icebergs. 

Days 15 to 19: Exploring Antarctica

Antarctica’s vast, icy grandeur gives South Georgia a run for its money in the scenic stakes. Prepare to be awed by sculptural icebergs floating in the straits, comical penguins flitting around on shore, and graceful seabirds soaring overhead. Nature reigns supreme in this iconic part of the world, and you’ll be given four whole days to explore it. 

Many potential landing sites are scattered across the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will adapt the itinerary based on the weather and ice conditions, so each day will be a fantastic surprise. 

Days might include sailing into a flooded volcanic crater and exploring partly frozen bays where vestiges of the now-defunct whaling industry lie. You will visit bustling penguin rookeries, watching these petite birds waddle to and from their rock nests. The fleet of study zodiacs will take you on magical sea safaris through glorious iceberg graveyards, on the look out for whales and seals. 

Birders may struggle to tear their eyes away from skies brimming with skuas, petrels and terns. Your guides will also educate you about these creatures, as well as much more, during the continuing programme of lectures and talks.

Days 20 to 22: Sailing back to South America

As you bid Antarctica farewell, your ship will turn north and sail across the Drake Passage towards Punta Arenas. These two days at sea bridge the gap between your trip and homecoming to civilization. It’s the ideal stretch of time to peruse your photographs and file through your new memories. The educational programming will also continue so there’s plenty more to learn before you disembark! 

Just before landing back in South America, the vessel will enter the scenic Beagle Channel, encircled by mountains tumbling down into the chilly waters. Keep an eye out for native Patagonian species as you sail through this remote part of the world. 

Day 23: Sailing back to South America

Your epic adventure ends in Punta Arenas. From here, you will be transferred to the airport for your charter flight back to Santiago, from where you can continue your onward travels. 

Please Note: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise.