The journey begins
Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica cruises are a particularly unique adventure. A typical Antarctic cruise will last 7-10 days and involve travelling from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula and back. This cruise gave us the opportunity to explore landing sites in the Falklands and South Georgia as well as Antarctica, greatly expanding the opportunity to get some beautiful shots.
We visited the largest king penguin colonies on the planet, watched battling bull elephant seals, and were enchanted by stories of Shackleton's fated journey south. For a photographer like myself this was the trip of a lifetime.
Our first stop was the Falkland Islands, which are just over a day's sail from Ushuaia. I wasn’t expecting to be impressed by the Falklands, I was expecting it to be a slightly uninteresting appetiser to the main course of South Georgia & Antarctica, however it is a fascinating environment. The contrast of penguins on white sand beaches makes for some brilliant, if not slightly comical, photos.
Falkland Islands Photography
f/8.0, 600mm, ISO 250, 1/1000
f/3.5, 35mm, ISO 200, 1/2000
f/16, 16mm, ISO 200, 1/1250
f/2.8, 50mm, ISO 100, 1/2000
f/8.0, 200mm, ISO 100, 1/15
Onwards to South Georgia
South Georgia is a further two days sail from the Falkland Islands and for me it is the headline act of the show. One of the most spectacular places on the planet for wildlife. You would struggle to take a bad photo here. King penguins and seals line the beaches, everywhere you point your camera there is a photo waiting to be taken.
For wildlife photographers South Georgia is an absolute must.
South Georgia Photography
f/7.1, 335mm, ISO 500, 1/1250
f/11, 50mm, ISO 1000, 1/2000
f/5.6, 200mm, ISO 500, 1/1600
f/16, 18mm, ISO 100, 1/4
f/16, 35mm, ISO 400, 1/1600
Our final stop, Antarctica
Antarctica feels like an almost alien landscape, particularly in comparison to the previous stops. For an environment so dominated by ice I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with its colours. The blues of the ice and water, the greens and oranges from the sky, the wildlife contrasting against it all. It is a truly magical place.
Antarctica Photography
f/11, 35mm, ISO 1250, 1/1600
f/16, 24mm, ISO 1000, 1/1600
f/9.0, 28mm, ISO 2000, 1/1000
f/11, 50mm, ISO 1000, 1/2000
f/16, 16mm, ISO 100, 1/1600
Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica Cruises
Have you dusted off the long lens? Charged your spare battery packs? Find your perfect photography adventure below.
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Uniquely focused on extensive exploration of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, without heading further south to Antarctica. Spend 8 full days exploring these bountiful sub-Antarctic Islands, brimming with both wildlife and history. Limited to spring and late summer…
- 17 Days
- $25,170
Setting sail early in the season, be aboard one of the first ships to head south as the Southern Ocean reopens for business. It's a special time in South Georgia as the beaches are packed with breeding elephant seals, while…
- 21 Days
- $14,250
4.7 out of 5
South Georgia, Antarctica and Falklands Explorer
Looking for an Antarctic adventure without compromising on comfort and service? This stylish 139-passenger ship, with its cavernous suites, fine dining and compelling itinerary, offers a polished Southern Ocean adventure at a fair…
- 21 Days
- $16,236
This voyage was devised by a team with 50 years of polar expedition experience. From the balance of time exploring each location to the wealth of onboard expertise, the trip has real pedigree. Explore aboard a thoughtfully designed expedition vessel…
- 22 Days
- $27,200
Voyage south in Shackleton’s footsteps, exploring the Southern Ocean's highlights as part of this expansive 20-day adventure. A well-balanced itinerary gives plenty of time in each jaw-dropping location. Explore from the comfort of your sleek purpose-built expedition ship, accompanied by…
- 20 Days
- $26,716
For a truly 5 star Southern Ocean experience, this is the voyage to consider. Cosseted aboard the most luxurious, all-inclusive expedition ships currently in Antarctica, enjoy outstanding cuisine, impeccable service and daily guided…
- 20 Days
- $19,905
4.5 out of 5
Discover South Georgia, Antarctica and Falklands
This voyage takes in the wildlife-rich wonders of South Georgia and the Falklands, as well as the dramatic landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll travel on board one of the most exciting new polar ships with spacious cabins, state-of-the-art technology…
- 19-25 Days
- $20,595
This must be one of the world’s last great sea voyages - sailing from Antarctica up through the South Atlantic Ocean, visiting remote islands en route. Departing mid-March, it’s a 33 or 42 day long voyage depending on whether you…
- 23-37 Days
- $14,800
Setting sail from Montevideo, Uruguay in late October, be aboard the first ship south for the season. It's a special time in South Georgia with the beaches packed with breeding Elephant Seals, while Antarctica lies pristine and untouched, awaiting the…
- 22 Days
- $15,399
4.9 out of 5
Destination Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia
Join this classic Southern Ocean voyage, with a choice of two 21-day departures in the season. Travel aboard a generously proportioned 134-passenger expeditionary ship, undertake daily landings, with camping and kayaking for the…
- 21 Days
- $18,199
4.5 out of 5
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Adventure
With a good choice of departure dates through the season across three medium-sized ships, this 19-22 day trip stands out for its value for money and the broad range of cabin categories available, including Quads, which are…
- 19-22 Days
- $9,450
4.3 out of 5
Explore Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands
On a long voyage with so many days at sea, the journey is made more enjoyable aboard this comfortable, well appointed 4* ship with its capacious cabins and dedicated staff. Choice of 17-23 day departures per season, with optional kayaking…
- 17-23 Days
- $16,195
Focusing only on Antarctica and South Georgia, missing out the Falklands, this voyage is both rare and attractive. Sail first to Antarctica and then on to South Georgia at a time when the king penguins are in their greatest numbers.…
- 16 or 18 Days
- $12,281
In homage to Shackleton, this trip retraces the explorer's legendary journey from the Weddell Sea to Elephant Island and across to South Georgia. A rare, shorter voyage, it skips the Falkland Islands and spends an extra day in Antarctica, maximising…
- 20 Days
- $20,595
It's rare to find a Sub Antarctic Islands trip that combines comfort and exploration, but doesn't include Antarctica. This one-off itinerary ticks off many of the highlights, putting South Georgia at the very heart of the voyage. This trip also…
- 18 Days
- $13,595
Travelling aboard a modern, custom-built expedition ship with luxury amenities, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the adventure as you speed through the Southern Ocean. The all-inclusive price – with outstanding food – is excellent value…
- 18-19 Days
- $15,764
Join the millions of penguins that populate Antarctica on a 16 day voyage taking you from the beaches of South Georgia to the glacial waters of Peninsula. Intersperse encounters with these playful birds with visits to historical sites, whale-spotting Zodiac…
- 16 Days
- $13,495
4.6 out of 5
Fly-Sail Antarctica & South Georgia
This unique express trip saves time by flying to Antarctica, cutting out 2 sailing days and skipping the Falklands. Maximising your time amid the spectacular wildlife and scenery of Antarctica and South Georgia is the focus of this voyage. The…
- 17 Days
- $15,995
4.5 out of 5
Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Revealed
Purpose-built to tackle polar waters, an eco-minded vessel makes the ocean crossing between Antarctica and the wildlife Eden of South Georgia as comfortable as possible. Traverse the breathtaking Antarctic Sound where huge tabular icebergs dwarf the ship and immerse yourself…
- 19 Days
- $16,095
This is the ideal voyage if you're looking to explore the spectacular wildlife of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia without compromising on time in Antarctica. Off-ship adventures are perfectly balanced with relaxation time on board your comfortably appointed 5*…
- 21 Days
- $22,900
Combine the spellbinding wildlife spectacle of South Georgia with the White Continent's jaw-dropping landscapes on this luxurious time-saving expedition. Cut out two days at sea by flying between Antarctica and South America in just two hours. If you're seeking seamless…
- 17 Days
- $28,700
With 8 full days exploring the wildlife meccas of South Georgia and the Falklands, this trip particularly appeals to wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Travelling aboard a small custom-designed 100 guest expedition ship ensures extended time ashore each day. Further benefits…
- 17 Days
- $9,995
Encounter a diverse blend of history, landscapes and epic wildlife with an impressive 12 days of off-ship exploring the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica. A pre-voyage Santiago hotel stay and domestic charter flights are included for maximum convenience and value.…
- 23 Days
- $29,706
A chic Scandi-style vessel with an informal onboard atmosphere is your launchpad for this wildlife-rich expedition covering the dramatic trifecta of the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica. Smooth domestic travel logistics in Argentina are woven into the inclusive itinerary for…
- 18 Days
- $12,480
A streamlined wildlife-rich itinerary with a luxury focus. Sail straight to jaw-dropping South Georgia before continuing on to pristine Antarctica. Explore in comfort, indulging in exceptional cuisine and one-to-one service. Complimentary kayaking session and a hassle-free journey with return domestic…
- 15 Days
- $14,950
The most time-efficient trip for combining the top highlights of the Southern Ocean: the dramatic Antarctic Peninsula and the wildlife mecca of South Georgia. Travelling on a comfortable, ice-strengthened expedition ship you'll experience everything from king penguin rookeries to vast…
- 18 Days
- $18,476
