Explore the sub-Antarctic Falkland Islands/Malvinas and South Georgia on our Antarctica tour. Witness some of the most unique and abundant wildlife on earth, including beaches covered in Fur Seals, hundreds of thousands of Penguins, and Elephant Seals. Learn more about the interesting history dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, known as the ‘Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration’. It’s an awe-inspiring natural spectacle of wildlife and birding you won’t want to miss.
| Starts in Ushuaia | Ends in Ushuaia | Duration: 21 Days | Next planned Departure: November 2025 |
Highlights:
• Exploring the port of Stanley
• Penguin rookeries with hundreds of thousands of birds on South Georgia
• Zodiac cruising amongst colossal icebergs
• Potential encounters with Orca, Humpback and Minke whales
• A visit to Grytviken, former whaling station,
and the gravesite of Sir Ernest Shackleton
Summary:
Day 1–2 Ushuaia
Day 3 Embarkation
Day 4 Southern Ocean
Day 5 West Falklands/Malvinas
Day 6 Stanley, East Falkland/Malvinas
Day 7-8 Southern Ocean
Day 15-18 Antarctic Peninsula
South Shetland Islands
Day 19-20 Drake Passage
Day 21 Ushuaia disembarkation
Day to Day Itinerary
DAY 1:
Ushuaia – Upon arrival you will have plenty of time to unwind and enjoy the beautiful Arakur Resort & Spa or you can spend time discovering the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia.
DAY 2:
Ushuaia – In Ushuaia, you can enjoy exploring the wonderful museums and Argentinean leather markets, or simply relax at the hotel. There will be an optional briefing in the evening where you can meet their fellow companions and ask questions about the trip.
DAY 3:
Embarkation – We will explore a bit more of Ushuaia this morning before our until our mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. Our Expedition Team awaits you on the ship where we will have a safety and orientation briefing and Captain’s welcome dinner.
DAY 4:
Southern Ocean – As we sail south, important briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety are held. Don’t miss out on the the informative and entertaining talks about the wildlife, history, and geology of the area.
DAY 5:
West Falklands/Malvinas – Today, we will be exploring some of the westernmost settled outposts in the Falklands/Malvinas. As we enjoy the beautiful countryside, we will search for rookeries of Black-Browed Albatross or Rockhopper, King, and Magellanic Penguins. Additionally, southern elephant seals and sea lions can often be seen lounging on the nearby beaches.
DAY 6:
Stanley, East Falkland/Malvinas – While the port of Stanley itself is a charming town with brightly painted houses and a relaxed atmosphere, the surrounding area is also home to a variety of unique wildlife. Visitors may spot various species of Penguins, including Gentoo and King penguins.
In addition to the birdlife, the nearby beaches provide a great opportunity to observe southern Elephant Seals and Sea Lions in their natural habitat. These marine mammals can often be seen lounging on the beach or playing in the water, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.
Overall, the port of Stanley and its surrounding area offer a unique opportunity to observe a variety of bird and wildlife species in their natural habitat.
DAY 7-8:
Southern Ocean – As we make our way east across the Antarctic Convergence, we officially enter Antarctic waters. This is where things really start to get exciting with plenty of wildlife identifying to do.
The Antarctic Convergence is a region where the cold waters of the Antarctic mix with warmer waters, creating a unique ecosystem. Here, visitors may be able to spot a variety of Whale species, including Orca, Humpback, and Minke whales, as well as Penguins, Seals, and Sea Lions.
You can enjoy shipboard presentations about the captivating history and abundant wildlife of South Georgia.
DAY 9-12:
South Georgia – It is easy to see why South Georgia is often referred to as the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’. The area is home to tens of millions of breeding Penguins, Seals, and seabirds, an amazing sight to take in.
Magnificent icebergs, glaciers, mountain scenery, and an incredible array of wildlife will astound you as we travel down South Georgia’s leeward coast.
We will also stop for a visit at the historic Grytviken whaling station, featuring the tiny graveyard where the great Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried.
DAY 13-14:
Scotia Sea – As we head further south, the wildlife spotting and the icebergs become bigger and more plentiful.
The region is home to several species of Penguins, which are popular among visitors due to their cute appearance and unique behaviors. Several species of Seals can also be found in the area, with Southern Elephant Seals being one of the largest. These Seals can weigh up to 8,800 pounds and are recognizable by their distinctive trunk-like nose. In contrast, Leopard Seals are known for their ferocity and are one of the few predators in the region.
The waters surrounding the Scotia Sea are home to a variety of Whale species, including Humpback Whales, Southern right Whales, Orcas, and Minke Whales. We may have the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures breaching the water or swimming gracefully through the waves. Additionally, several species of Dolphins can be found in the area, such as Commerson’s Dolphins, Peale’s Dolphins, and Dusky Dolphins. These playful and energetic creatures are a joy to watch and can often be seen riding the waves created by boats and ships.
The Scotia Sea region is also home to a variety of bird species, including Albatrosses, Petrels, Shearwaters, and Skuas. These birds are known for their impressive wingspan and their ability to fly great distances without stopping.
DAY 15-18:
Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands – As we navigate through majestic channels rich with wildlife, we’ll explore picturesque bays and famous harbors. We’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop at active scientific bases and historic landing sites, where we’ll spot numerous species of Penguins, Seals, and Whales along the rugged coastlines and in the sea.
DAY 19-20:
Drake Passage – As we make our way north, we head across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage. The Drake Passage is a body of water between the southern tip of South America and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. The passage is an important route for ships traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This is our last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our Antarctic expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.
DAY 21:
Ushuaia disembarkation– As our tour comes to an end, we want to make sure you leave with a content heart and a huge smile. You can either catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventures.
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