If the epic stories of discovery, endurance and polar explorers like Shackleton, or the sheer magnificence of ice-capped peaks don’t grab you, the wildlife certainly will: penguins (king, gentoo and macaroni), sea lions, fur seals and enormous elephant seals cozy up to these shores. Only here on South Georgia can you observe one of the world's great wildlife spectacles: literally, 200,000 king penguins on a single beach. This is the expedition for wildlife or photography enthusiasts, or for those who have already been to Antarctica and want more.
Marvel at spectacular iceberg sculptures and calving glaciers
Encounter rockhopper, gentoo, macaroni, king, Adelie, Magellanic and chinstrap penguins
Watch for seals, dolphins and whales
Identify seabirds including albatross, shearwaters and petrels
Visit historic sites of the early explorers and the remains of whaling operations
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires for your overnight stay
Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and embark ship
Day 3: At sea in the South Atlantic
Day 4-5: Falkland Islands
Day 6-7: At sea
Day 8-14: South Georgia Island
Day 15: At sea
Day 16: Falkland Islands
Day 17: Disembark in Stanley, Falklands and fly to Santiago
Day 1: Buenos Aires and overnight stay
Check in to the excellent Sofitel Buenos Aires (or similiar) before having a guided overview of the city, seeing its Beaux Arts palaces and the famous balcony forever associated with Eva Peron. In the early evening we gather for an informal reception and a drink at the hotel.
Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia - Embark ship
This morning's charter flight will bring us over Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. If the weather is fine, you'll have a chance to view the spectacular mountains rising out of the Beagle Channel as you enjoy lunch on a catamaran cruise. Then, you'll embark the expedition ship and set sail.
Day 3: At Sea - South Atlantic
Settle into shipboard life, listening to informal discussions from our naturalist staff to prepare us for the wildness ahead in the Falklands. Spend time on deck and on the bridge, scanning for seabirds, notably the albatross.
Day 4-5: Falkland Islands
Each Falkland Island is a variation on the theme of topographical beauty with white-sand beaches, vaulting cliffs, windswept moors and the sunlit yellows and sage greens of waving tussock grass. The Falklands boast thousands of irresistible gentoo, rockhopper and Magellanic penguins, as well as herds of fur and elephant seals. Our visit to Port Stanley offers a chance to meet the hospitable locals, and stroll around this remote Victorian town.
Day 6-7: At sea
During our days at sea, we learn about the fascinating history of Antarctic exploration, as well as the flora, fauna and geology of South Georgia. A lookout is kept to identify the seabirds that follow us: wandering albatross, prions and black-browed albatross.
Day 8-14: South Georgia Island
Explore the spectacular coastline of South Georgia Island. In keeping with the nature of an expedition, our schedule is flexible with opportunities for walking, hiking, kayaking and Zodiac excursions. Leisurely circumnavigating the island, we plan to make stops every day including Grytviken, the final resting place of Shackleton, and Stromness Bay where Shackleton, Tom Crean and Frank Worsley finally reached aid at a whaling station. And, we visit a vast colony of tens of thousands of king penguins!
Day 15: At sea
With whales beneath and birds above, head out on deck or up to the Bridge to observe expert navigation at work as our skilled Captain and officers sail these waters. There’ll also be time to relax and enjoy a massage in the wellness centre, work out in the gym, and browse in the library.
Day 16: Falkland Islands
Our journey across the South Atlantic Ocean takes us once more to the island archipelago that teems with nature and wildlife. Take a last walk along the beautiful white-sand beaches, meander through tussock grass or sit atop a cliff and ponder the views.
Day 17: Disembark in Stanley and fly to Santiago
After breakfast, disembark in Stanley, the Falklands, with time to explore before flying overnight to Santiago.
