Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Revealed

Day 1: Embarkation in Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Perhaps consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego; a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower meadows and boggy quagmires. In the afternoon, we board our ship and our journey begins. Navigating the Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago, we depart for Antarctica.

Days 2 & 3: At Sea

We cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Drake Passage is known for strong westerly winds and heavy sea, earning its nickname of ‘The Roaring Fifties’. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our purpose-built expedition vessel, with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly qualified crew.

The most spirited sailors consider crossing the Drake Passage a lifetime achievement and you will be able to tick it off on the list yourself. As we cross the Drake, excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view - we can expect our first sightings of seals, penguins and albatrosses. Then it is on to explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain, marvelling at the captivating landscapes along the way. Weather permitting, we hope to make our first landfall on King George Island and then continue south to the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Days 4 to 7: Exploring the Antarctic Sound & Weddell Sea

During our time spent in the Antarctic Sound, (named in 1902 after the Swedish vessel Antarctic), the captain and the expedition team will keep a watchful eye on the mighty tabular icebergs, born from the floating Larsen Ice Shelf further south. We hope to make landings both on the continent itself and the surrounding islands in the Antarctic Sound and the Weddell Sea, always on the lookout for some of the large penguin colonies nearby.

Over the next few days, the itinerary and activities will depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the Captain and Expedition Leader and communicated via regularly scheduled briefings to the guests.

Days 8 & 9: Sailing north

Leaving the Weddell Sea, we continue our journey into the open sea, following the same route as intrepid explorer Ernest Shackleton and his men more than hundred years ago. Having lost their ship Endurance in the Weddell Sea, the group moved slowly north on ice floes and later in open lifeboats to reach Elephant Island. From there a smaller group set out on one of the most remarkable boat journeys in polar history. Shackleton and five of his men took two weeks to navigate the 720 nautical miles to South Georgia to call for recovery of the stranded crew on Elephant Island. We, on the other hand, will reach the same spot after just a few days at sea!

Days 10 to 13: South Georgia

South Georgia offers stunning wildlife experiences; a wealth of breeding penguins, sea birds, sea lions and seals all seek shelter in this oasis amidst the roaring Southern Ocean. Previous whaling history surrounds us in the fjords that we explore, not least of all in Grytviken, the only inhabited settlement on this mountainous island. Grytviken is also the final resting place of Shackleton, after he died on another Antarctica voyage in 1922. We will explore the fjords of the north coast for 2-3 days and take as many shore landings as time and sea conditions allow.

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Days 14 & 15: At Sea

Spend your days at sea participating in lectures and other activities hosted by your expedition team, reading books in the ship’s library, simply relaxing or perhaps watching the ubiquitous storm petrels and albatrosses from the top deck.

Days 16 & 17: Port Stanley & Falkland Islands

During the morning we approach the Falkland Islands and in the early afternoon our vessel will anchor in the sheltered natural harbour of Port Stanley. Using Zodiac boats, we will land in the town centre, and take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Port Stanley. Weather permitting, on the following day we will make landings at two of the islands’ many magnificent wildlife spots.

Day 18: Returning to Ushuaia

The last leg of this adventurous voyage sees us heading back to Ushuaia.

Day 19: Disembarkation

After saying farewell to the vessel and crew, we disembark on the final morning after breakfast.

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.