A wildlife enthusiast's ideal voyage awaits in the sub-Antarctic Falkland Islands/Malvinas and South Georgia, where an array of distinct and plentiful wildlife thrives. From shores adorned with fur seals, elephant seals, and hundreds of thousands of penguins, the scenery is unparalleled in its natural splendor. This journey also offers ample opportunity to delve into the captivating history of the region, reaching back to the illustrious era of the late 1800s and early 1900s known as the 'Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration'.
21 Day Antarctica Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia
You can leave your worries behind about potential missed connections or flight delays when you land in the southernmost city in the world. Instead, savor an additional day to relax and indulge in the luxurious accommodations of Ushuaia’s premier hotel, the Arakur Resort & Spa. Whether you choose to unwind in the infinity pool, venture into the hiking trails encircling the resort, or explore the charms of the southernmost city on the globe, you're in for a treat.
Day 2: Explore Ushuaia
Embark on an adventure through the attractions of Ushuaia, from its museums to the bustling Argentinean leather markets. Alternatively, you can opt to extend your relaxation at the hotel. Join us for the evening briefing at the Arakur, where you can engage with fellow travelers and seek answers to any inquiries you may have.
Day 3: All Aboard Seaventure
Enjoy your morning discovering Ushuaia's charms or luxuriate in relaxation at the resort until the mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. Upon arrival, the Expedition Team and ship crew will warmly greet you and assist with settling in. Following this, we'll conduct a safety briefing and orientation, culminating in a delightful Captain's welcome dinner. The journey to Antarctica begins!
Day 4: Southern Ocean
As we head east across the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctic waters, wildlife spotting becomes abundant. Onboard presentations focus on South Georgia's rich history and diverse wildlife.
Day 5: West Falklands/Malvinas
We'll visit the western settlements of the Falklands/Malvinas, known for their remote, rugged landscapes and cliff-bound shores. Exploring farmland and beaches, we'll encounter albatross and penguin colonies, including Rockhopper, King, and Magellanic species.
Day 6: Stanley, East Falklands/Malvinas
Stanley, the largest island in the archipelago, is a bustling harbor town. The Falklands Islands Museum showcases maritime exploration, natural history, and the 1982 Falklands War. We'll likely explore Gypsy Cove, home to Magellanic penguins nesting in burrows. Native birds include Black-Crowned Night Herons, Long-Tailed Meadowlarks, Two-Banded Plovers, and Upland and Kelp Geese. Nearby Ordinance Point hosts World War II relics.
Day 7 & 8: Southern Ocean
As we journey east across the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctic waters, bird sightings intensify. Look for the majestic Wandering albatross, the world’s largest bird. From Southern Giant petrels to tiny Wilson’s Storm petrels, diverse bird species ride ocean updrafts. Keep an eye out for whale spouts and the first iceberg sighting.
Day 9, 10, 11, & 12: South Georgia
South Georgia, dubbed the 'Serengeti of the Southern Ocean,' hosts tens of millions of breeding penguins, seals, and seabirds. Its stunning mountain vistas, sculpted icebergs, and historical sites like Grytviken whaling station, where explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton rests, add to the wildlife spectacle along the leeward coast.
Day 13 & 14: Scotia Sea
As we journey farther south, the informative presentations and wildlife observations persist amid the increasing presence of larger and more abundant icebergs.
Day 15, 16, 17 & 18: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
We'll navigate through iceberg-filled channels, exploring picturesque bays and renowned harbors, encountering diverse wildlife including various penguin species, seals, and whales. Stops at active scientific bases and historic sites offer insights into the region's rich history and biodiversity.
Day 19 & 20: Drake Passage
As we bid farewell to this enchanting realm, expect to depart feeling inspired, fatigued, and quite possibly transformed forever. The journey takes us northward, traversing the renowned Drake Passage once more. To mark the culmination of the expedition, we'll commemorate the experiences with a special slideshow and photography awards ceremony, followed by a final communal meal together.
Day 21: Ushuaia Disembarkation
In the morning, we disembark with wide smiles on the tired yet fulfilled faces, offering you the option to catch a flight to Buenos Aires or extend your stay in Ushuaia for further exploration and adventure.
Itinerary Map
21 Day Antarctica Itinerary Highlights
- Exploring the port of Stanley, Falkland Islands/ Malvinas
- Penguin rookeries with hundreds of thousands of birds on South Georgia
- A visit to Grytviken, a former whaling station, and the gravesite of Sir Ernest Shackleton
- Potential encounters with Orca, Humpback and Minke whales
- Zodiac cruising amongst colossal icebergs
Meals Included
- Breakfast Served Daily
- 20 Dinners
- 21 Lunches
21 Day Antarctica cruise activities
Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.
Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.
Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.
Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.
Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.
It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
21 Days
From
$19,795.00
per person
