Falklands & South Georgia from Buenos Aires - 21 Days
Onboard Sea Spirit – 114 passengers
We start this extraordinary expedition in Buenos Aires, Argentina where we will sail south to the Falkland Islands. In the Falklands we will seek out the unique birds and marine mammals in addition to visiting Stanley. 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 Ushuaia, Argentina.
Highlights:
- 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.
- 3 days in the Falklands and 6 full days in South Georgia is more time than most other voyages.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival into Buenos Aires, Argentina (hotel night)
Our adventure starts in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. Explore this beautiful city and enjoy a good rest in the hotel we have organized for you. Tomorrow, you will board the Sea Spirit and sail towards remote Subantarctic islands
Day 2: Embarkation
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and get ready for an exciting day. Today, we set sail on our beautiful Sea Spirit towards the Subantarctic islands.
Days 3-5: At sea
As we sail towards the subantarctic islands, make the most of your time! Attend our captivating presentations from experts, familiarize yourself with our Sea Spirit, and get ready for our arrival at a wildlife paradise.
Days 6-8: Falkland Islands
The remote and sparsely-populated Falkland Islands are a birders’ paradise. The Falklands are also a great place to observe marine mammals. The waters around the archipelago are home to cetaceans such as Peale’s dolphins and Commerson’s dolphins. Our exact route and exploration opportunities are dependent on weather among these isolated and windswept islands.
We also intend to visit the port of Stanley, the charmingly British capital of the Falkland Islands. Attractions within pleasant walking distance along the waterfront promenade include the Falkland Islands Museum, the governor’s house, a cathedral with impressive whalebone arch outside, a war memorial, quality gift shops, pubs, and views of shipwrecks in the harbor.
Day 9-10: Southern Ocean
From the Falkland Islands we head east toward South Georgia. We will cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. Briefings, bio-security procedures, and lectures from our experts prepare you for our arrival in South Georgia.
Days 11-16: Exploring South Georgia
This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. 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.
South Georgia is a scenic wilderness and an unrivaled paradise for subantarctic wildlife viewing. The islands are said to host upwards of 100 million seabirds, including numerous species of albatross, penguins, prions, petrels and terns. On beaches such as those at Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay, over 100,000 elephant seals and three million fur seals jostle for space among innumerable penguins including stately king penguins and sprightly macaroni penguins. The recently completed rat eradication program is sure to make this wilderness even more pristine and rich with birdlife.
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. Grytviken is also the final resting place of Ernest Shackleton, the legendary polar explorer.
Our days in South Georgia are filled with memorable excursions, sumptuous meals, presentations by our experts, and enough incredible scenery and wildlife to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions.
Day 17-20: Southern Ocean
As you sail, immerse yourself in fascinating presentations from our expert staff and bond with fellow travelers. On the open deck, marvel at the sight of birds and marine mammals that grace our journey. South polar skuas, snow petrels, and albatrosses may escort our vessel, enhancing your experience with their majestic presence. The encounter with sea ice adds a dramatic backdrop to your adventure. Approaching the Drake Passage, the seabirds you saw at the beginning of your voyage reappear, offering a full-circle experience of natural wonder.
Day 21: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
After breakfast we say farewell in the city of Ushuaia. We provide a group transfer to the airport or to the town center if you wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience, you may already be looking forward to your next incredible 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:
- Group transfer from the airport to the hotel on the day prior to embarkation
- 1 pre-voyage hotel night on Day 1 in Buenos Aires
- 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 or central location after disembarkation
- Digital Voyage Log.
- Pre-departure materials.
Exclusions:
- Airfare
- Transfers from the airport to the hotel if arriving prior to Day 1 of the program
- 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
- Kayaking
- 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.
