Deep in the South Atlantic, east of the continent of South America and just north of the convergence zone with the Southern Ocean, lie two of Britain’s most remote and unique territories, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. With a wealth of history and an even richer abundance of wildlife, the regions combine in this phenomenal itinerary to create a truly special journey which offers a perfect alternative to an Antarctic expedition.
This expedition-style voyage encompassing many of the islands of the Falkland and South Georgia archipelagos offers the chance to immerse yourself in some of the world’s most extraordinary scenery and wildlife.
Daily shore excursions and cruises by Zodiac will offer access to remote coastlines and isolated animal colonies. Sightings of up to 5 different penguin species are possible, along with numerous other birds and marine mammals.
This region also has an intriguing history, with British influences in strong evidence, along with the final resting place on South Georgia of the heroic polar explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Itinerary
All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only – embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes and landings will be dependent on weather, sea and ice conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions!
With a population of more than 63,000, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. Although the city has grown during the past few years, it retains an easygoing and accessible feel. Surrounded by the sea to the south and the mountains to the north, Ushuaia is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruise. After embarkation in the late afternoon, you will cruise down the historic Beagle Channel towards open sea. Stay on deck to keep watch for seabirds, penguins and rainbows.
After embarkation in the late afternoon you will set sail for the Falkland Islands.
There are many activities to keep you engaged while you are at sea. You could learn to identify the seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend the illustrated presentations by the Expedition Team. They will prepare you for the shore landings and Zodiac cruising to come.
Explore the Falklands archipelago, heading ashore in search of penguins, kelp geese, albatross and more, as well as the chance to meet the residents of this remote British outpost.
Sailing south to South Georgia, you’ll officially enter Antarctic waters once you cross the Antarctic Convergence, an invisible biological boundary encircling the continent. This meeting of oceans, where the cold Antarctic waters mix and mingle with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, is what creates the abundance of krill that attracts whales and seals to this part of the world. Your Expedition Team will notify you when you cross this invisible yet important line, and also look out for the seabirds and marine life that frequent the area.
South Georgia was a popular stop for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once a haven for hunting whales and seals. Today, wildlife populations have rebounded, but you’ll still find remnants of old whaling stations and other abandoned outposts scattered across the island.
Although the regions storied history is an important attraction, it is the abundant wildlife that is sure to captivate. South Georgia is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife. Against a spectacular backdrop of mountains and glaciers you may encounter hundreds of thousands of pairs of king penguins, interspersed with huge elephant seals or lively fur seals, whilst albatross soar overhead.
Landing sites on the island are varied, and will be largely determined by the weather and sea conditions during your voyage. Perhaps you will cruise through the dramatic Drygalski Fjord, where jagged, sharp peaks rise straight out of the sea. You may also experience uncharted waters at King Hakkon Bay, a long, narrow inlet in an area that hasn’t yet been fully mapped. This is where the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton made landfall in his lifeboat in 1916, searching for rescue for his Endurance crew, who were marooned on Elephant Island. One of the most historic sites you will visit on the island is Shackleton’s resting place. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which was also home to one of the first whaling stations established in sub-Antarctic waters.
Your journey continues as you return to explore the Falklands archipelago.
This rugged yet accessible environment is superb for wildlife viewing and active adventure. Your guides may offer hiking and hill climbing for an even greater perspective of this raw polar wilderness.
After endless wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Along the way there will be plenty of time to share stories and swap photos with your fellow passengers as you reflect on everything you’ve seen. There may be a chance to see a variety of seabirds on this final stretch of your journey.
Arrive in Ushuaia this morning and disembark, ready for your onward adventure.
Prices
What's Included
-
One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia
-
Shipboard accommodation
-
All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
-
Tea & coffee available around the clock
-
Welcome and Farewell cocktails
-
All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
-
Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
-
Expedition jacket - yours to keep
-
Loan of rubber boots during voyage
-
Voyage log (digital)
-
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
-
24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
-
No surcharge guarantee
-
Full financial protection
From £14616 Excluding Flights
18 Nights
Oct
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Jo
11
Small ship cruises
3
Icehotel visits
2025 Departures & price guide
Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. They do not reflect any applicable special offers or discounts. Single, triple and quad cabins are also available. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage and cabin type.
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
-
Doug
Travel Specialist
-
Gary
Travel Specialist
-
Phoebe
Travel Specialist
-
Rosie
Travel Specialist
-
Kieran
Travel Specialist
-
Darren
Travel Specialist
-
Ben
Travel Specialist
-
Freya
Travel Specialist
-
Dawn
Head of Customer Experience
