Summary of Activities (2024-25 Season)
Embark on a 17-day expedition from Punta Arenas, Chile, that seamlessly integrates the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) and South Georgia. Immerse yourself in the Falklands, observing rockhopper and gentoo penguins thriving in their natural surroundings. Witness Black-browed albatrosses and petrels soaring high above from the comfort of your zodiac. Explore local settlements on foot, connecting with the inhabitants who have called this island home for generations.
Continue the journey to South Georgia, where majestic mountains are perpetually cloaked in thick layers of ice and snow. Wildlife reigns supreme on this island paradise. Visit one of the world's largest king penguin colonies and witness elephant seals basking on the shores. As we navigate from bay to bay, be on the lookout for whales and graceful seabirds soaring across the sky.
17 Day Antarctica Itinerary
Day 1: Punta Arenas
Commencing at 9:00 hrs., head to Explorers House in Punta Arenas to utilize the amenities. At 16:00 hrs., a collective transfer will transport you to the port for boarding. While navigating the Strait of Magellan, our Expedition Team will provide insights into the historical significance of this legendary sea passage.
Day 2: At Sea
Experience the ship's hospitality during our journey to the Falklands (Malvinas), where a captivating series of lectures and presentations will commence.
Day 3: Saunders Island & Carcass Island
Savor a morning at Saunders Island, reveling in its expansive white-sand beach. Amidst the wilderness, encounter rockhopper penguins, nesting black-browed albatrosses, and sub-Antarctic gentoo penguins. Later in the day, explore Carcass Island, with opportunities for a leisurely hike to the settlement, bird watching, and indulging in a traditional Falklands tea experience.
Day 4: Port Stanley
Participate in guided walking tours of Port Stanley or Gipsy Cove led by our expedition team. Alternatively, venture out independently to soak in the atmosphere. Enjoy lunch at a local pub, visit the maritime museum, explore the church, hunt for souvenirs, or stroll down Ross Road. Pay homage at the war memorials along the waterfront.
Day 5 & 6: South Georgia
While sailing towards South Georgia, engage in presentations about the archipelago's history and fauna. Accompanied by expert guides, keep a lookout for wildlife from the lounge or outside decks. Marvel at magnificent seabirds like albatrosses and petrels, and be on the lookout for various whale species.
Day 7: Elsehul Bay
Arrival in the afternoon is scheduled, contingent on sea conditions in the preceding days. Pending approval from the South Georgia government, an evening Zodiac cruise at Elsehul Bay is planned.
Day 8: Grytviken & Fortuna Bay
Initiating our exploration, we first land at Grytviken. After clearing Customs, we explore the historical site featuring a museum and Ernest Shackleton's grave. In the afternoon, we reach Fortuna Bay/Stromness to witness king penguins. Delve into the legacy of Shackleton and his expedition, with an optional 2-3 hour "Shackleton walk" available.
Day 9: Gold Harbour & Cooper Bay
The morning entails a landing at Gold Harbour, a breathtaking locale boasting king penguins, elephant seals, and suspended glaciers, with the added presence of sooty albatrosses. In the afternoon, embark on a Zodiac cruise to Cooper Bay for a glimpse of macaroni penguins.
Day 10: St Andrews Bay & Ocean Harbour
Our morning excursion takes us to St Andrews Bay, showcasing a shipwreck and remnants of the whaling industry. Witness the largest king penguin colony and elephant seal bulls. In the afternoon, we schedule a Zodiac cruise and landing at Ocean Harbour.
Day 11: Prion Island & Salisbury Plain
Our morning itinerary includes a visit to Prion Island to observe nesting wandering albatrosses. In the afternoon, we proceed to Salisbury Plain for additional sightings of king penguins and breathtaking landscapes.
Day 12, 13 & 14: Falkland Islands
The educational program persists as we journey back to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).
Day 15: Bleaker Island
Experience an evening landing at Bleaker Island, renowned for its natural reserve and a prominent bird area hosting a diverse array of bird species.
Day 16: At Sea
Day 17: Punta Arenas
Upon reaching Punta Arenas, disembark and join a group transfer to the town center, marking the conclusion of the expedition. Explorers House remains at your disposal for the day.
Itinerary Map
17 Day Antarctica Itinerary Includes
- Comprehensive material containing information before and after the journey.
- Exclusive entry to Explorers House granted to Punta Arenas guests.
- The provision of waterproof boots for shore excursions, charges for landings, a contingency plan, and the IAATO passenger fee.
- Daily buffet-style breakfast, along with à la carte lunch and dinner options, inclusive of beverages such as wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and onboard snacks.
- Included in the package are guided shore excursions, along with onboard lectures and entertainment.
17 Day Antarctica Itinerary Does not Include
- Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
- Internet connection on board the ship.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
- Gratuities
- Visas for Chile and/or Argentina, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.
- Accommodation, meals, excursions, and transfers other than those included in the itinerary and the Contingency Plan corresponding to each voyage. Specifically, dinner in Punta Arenas upon return from Antarctica is not included.
17 Day Antarctica Itinerary Highlights
- Witness the world's largest king penguin colony and observe elephant seals.
- Attend educational presentations on South Georgia's history and fauna.
- Engage in an educational program during the return journey to the Falkland Islands.
Meals Included
- Breakfast Served Daily
- 16 Dinners
- 17 Lunches
17 Day Antarctica cruise activities
