Falklands & South Georgia: South Georgia Through the Camera Lens - 15 Days
Onboard Sea Spirit – 114 passengers
We start this extraordinary expedition in Santiago, Chile where we will take a transfer flight to the Falkland Islands. In Stanley we will embark our deluxe expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit and sail forth through legendary waters where marine mammals lurk in astonishing numbers. On the island of South Georgia, amidst dramatic Southern Ocean seascapes, we explore a pristine wilderness swarming with stately king penguins, raucous fur seals, jousting elephant seals, and a profusion of seabirds. We disembark in Stanley and fly back to Santiago.
Highlights:
- Included flights between Santiago & Stanley make logistics easier and cuts down on time at sea.
- Beaches full of elephant seals with the bulls fighting for their harems.
- Massive king penguin colonies with hundreds of thousands of birds.
- Visit Grytviken and Shackleton’s grave.
- 9 full days in South Georgia is more time than most other voyages.
Itinerary
Day 1: Flight to Stanley, Falkland Islands & Embarkation
Our expedition will start in the early morning in the airport of Santiago de Chile where we will take a transfer flight to the Falkland Islands. Welcome to Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands and the starting point of our cruise. Embarktion in the Falklands helps us to minimize our days at sea, which means more time for landings and photography! In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard our expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. Get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come. All guests should arrive into Santiago at least 1 day earlier (hotel nights in Santiago are not included).
Day 2-3: At Sea
As we sail east towards South Georgia, we will be able to witness incredible wildlife. We will also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. Don’t lose your time aboard! Attend the most interesting briefings and lectures from our expert staff and prepare yourself for the arrival in South Georgia. This cruise was designed for amateur photographers of all skill levels, so use this chance to make new friends, exchange your photo experience and attend our photography master classes. Discussing ISO and exposure is always better in our cozy bar, restaurant, or lounge.
Days 4-12: Exploring South Georgia
South Georgia is the best place on Earth for wildlife and landscape photographers. We will take you to great locations for the best light. The archipelago is the home to hundreds of thousands of king penguins, which makes South Georgia the best spot to photograph these wonderful creatures. Our plan is to visit the most picturesque sights such as Gold Harbour, Cooper Bay, Drygalski Fjord and other great places. For example, the beaches such as those at Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay, where over 100,000 elephant seals and three million fur seals jostle for space among innumerable penguins.
The bountiful waters surrounding South Georgia are also inhabited by an increasing number of whales. The historical whaling station of Grytviken is now home to the excellent South Georgia Museum managed by the South Georgia Heritage Trust. This is also the final resting place of Ernest Shackleton, the legendary polar explorer.
However, our route and exploration opportunities in South Georgia are heavily dependent on the weather conditions we encounter. Our experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant. You can be sure that the best possible advantage will be taken of the circumstances presented to us by Nature in this wild and remote corner of the world. We take every safe opportunity to go ashore in this amazing place and take the best wildlife photos.
Day 13-14: At Sea
It is time to head back toward the Falkland Islands. However, our adventures are not over yet. We will pass the remote, seabird-covered pinnacles known as Shag Rocks on the way (get your cameras ready!) There is also time for festivities such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slide show. We will share our impressions, review all the great photos we’ve taken and enjoy a friendly atmosphere of like-minded fellow travellers.
Day 15: Disembarkation in Stanley & Flight to Santiago
Our adventure finishes in Port Stanley. We disembark after breakfast and provide transfer to the airport. Have a safe flight to Santiago. We recommend you to explore the wonderful capital of Chile and spend more time here. Now when the first emotions have subsided you will have time to look back to your unforgettable Subantarctic experience and maybe to make plans for your next polar adventure?
Important: Itinerary, landings and all other activities during the cruise depend strongly on ice and weather conditions and are subject to the decisions of the Expedition Leader and the Captain of the vessel. Encounters with any mentioned wildlife cannot be guaranteed.
Route Map
Cabin Descriptions
Owner's Suite
Super-spacious elegant suite on the Sun Deck. Designed for entertaining, the Owner’s Suite has a separate living room with game and meeting area. A BOSE stereo system provides background music, or watch videos on the HD plasma TV. Sliding glass doors lead to a private deck. Refresh in the jetted bathtub in en suite facilities. Slumber in the King Size bed. A sofa bed can accommodate a third person.
678 square feet (63 square meters)
Premium Suite
The Premium Suites are located on the Sun Deck and feature two twin beds or a King Size bed and access the private balcony by a sliding glass door. Amenities include: en suite facilities, lounge area, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Averaging a generous 323 square feet (30 square meters)
Deluxe Suite
The Deluxe Suites are located on the Sports Deck and feature two twin beds or a King Size bed and a sliding glass door that leads to a private balcony. These suites feature a walk-in closet or wardrobe. Amenities include en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and a hair dryer.
Averaging 258 square feet (24 square meters)
Superior Suite
Superior Suites are located on the Club Deck with easy access to the public wrap around deck, Club Lounge and Library. These cabins feature two twin beds or a King Size bed. The picture window overlooks the outside walkway. Amenities include: en suite facilities, walk-in closet or wardrobe, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, hair dryer.
Averaging 215 square feet (20 square meters)
Classic Suite
Classic Suites are located on the Oceanus Deck. They feature a picture window, two wardrobes and a choice of either two twin beds or a King Size bed. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control and hair dryer.
Averaging 226 square feet (21 square meters)
Main Deck Suite
Main Deck Suites are equipped with either two twins or a King Size bed. They are located on the Main Deck with a minimum of two portholes for exterior views. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD individual temperature control and hair dryer.
Averaging 248 square feet (23 square meters)
Triple Suite
Triple staterooms have two twins and a comfortable sofa bed. The twins also convert to a King, if desired. Located on Oceanus Deck, these suites have a picture window, two wardrobes and en suite facilities. Amenities include: in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Averaging 226 square feet (21 square meters)
Single Suite
Single Suites are located on the Oceanus Deck. They feature a picture window (it may be covered during rough sea crossings), two wardrobes, and a King Size bed. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/VCR, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Averaging 226 square feet (21 square meters)
Deck Plan
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Roundtrip Santiago de Chile – Stanley flights on embarkation and disembarkation days
- Airport tax in Stanley airport
- Group transfer to the ship for embarkation;
- Shipboard accommodation
- Wi-Fi on board
- All meals on board throughout the voyage
- Tea and coffee station 24 hours daily
- All scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions)
- Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader & Expedition Team
- Expedition parka to keep
- Rubber boots for loan
- IAATO fees and governmental taxes.
- Welcome and Farewell cocktails
- All port fees
- Group transfer to airport after disembarkation
- Digital Voyage Log.
- Pre-departure materials.
Exclusions:
- Airfare to / from Santiago
- 1 pre-voyage hotel night on Day 0 in Santiago de Chile
- Visa and passport fees (if applicable)
- Luggage and trip cancellation insurance
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and celebrations
- Personal expenses such as laundry and telephone calls
- Fuel surcharge may be applied for all bookings
- Mandatory Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of US$ 200,000 per person
- Staff gratuities
- The cost of any applicable medical tests (such as COVID-19) or vaccinations required either by a national government or ship operations before, during or after the cruise
- Pre- or post-cruise travel expenses.
