Wild Isles of the South Atlantic

Day 1: Embarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
This morning will be free to explore the world’s southernmost city or to stretch your legs in the surrounding forests. In the afternoon, we board our vessel, waiting to welcome us in port. After our mandatory safety drill, our expedition begins as we navigate through the calm waters of the famous Beagle Channel (named for Charles Darwin’s ship). This steep-sided strait divides southern Tierra del Fuego between Chile and Argentina, and has been the jumping-off point for thousands of expeditions into the unknown. Watch out for whales and dolphins as we sail off the edge of the map. *Note – all guests should arrive into Ushuaia at least one day prior to Day 1 (hotel nights in Ushuaia are not included in voyage cost). 

Day 2: At Sea Towards the Falklands
Following the ocean currents of the South Atlantic, we head towards the rarely-visited Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).  The waters around the Falklands are some of the richest in the world, with huge whale, seal and penguin populations feeding where cold Antarctic waters meet the warmer waters of the South Atlantic, so keep binoculars at the ready! Otherwise, join your Expedition Team lecturers to hear about the Falkland Island’s fascinating history, biology and unique ‘Kelper’ (as the locals call themselves) culture. 

Day 3-4: Western Falkland Islands 
During our first two days in the Falkland Islands, we will venture to some of the outer islands in the West Falklands – ‘Camp’, as the locals call the area outside the capital, Stanley. The outer islands of the Falklands are much more wild and more remote than the mainland, and host the majority of the islands’ wildlife. Islands such as West Point, Carcass and Saunders are well known for their white sandy shores and spectacular wildlife. Southern Rockhopper Penguins, Black-Browed Albatross and King Cormorants commonly nest together in vast cliffside colonies; penguins nurture their eggs and chicks in clefts between large cylindrical nests where cormorants and albatross nest. Be sure to look out above to see the vast albatross coming in to land – often less than gracefully! The islands are also home to a vast number of other bird species such as the endearingly cheeky Striated Caracara (watch all unattended possessions!), and in the water a number of species such as commerson’s dolphins and South American sealions can be seen playing.

Day 5: Stanley, Falkland Islands 
During the morning we will cast anchor in the sheltered natural harbor of Stanley (sometimes known as Port Stanley), and land in the centre of this small city by Zodiac. Stanley is the only settlement on the islands of any size, with a population of around two thousand people – the majority of the islands’ population. Look closer and you will notice a very distinctly British feel to Stanley. Victorian houses lining the harbourfront could be on any swanky London terrace; red telephone booths and post boxes stand by the jetty; cosy whitewashed pubs serve fish and chips alongside foaming pints of ale.

The Falkland Islanders are proud of their unique homeland, and Stanley is a great place to explore and soak up the local vibe. Highlights in the city include Christchurch Cathedral, the southernmost Anglican cathedral on Earth, as well as excellent shops selling local products (watch out for high quality woollen good in particular), cafes and pubs offering a warm welcome, and an excellent museum; visitors are spoiled for choice! A short drive or a pleasant walk from the city are several stunning beaches. Once heavily mined, these are now open, and locals and foreigners alike often visit to see the abundant penguins and spectacular gold-white sands. Be sure to keep watch for wildlife while strolling through town – even close to shore, penguins, giant petrels and sea lions are very common!

Days 6-7: At Sea en route to South Georgia 
From the Falklands, we set out eastwards again, following the furious seas towards South Georgia. Here we enter the Furious Fifties, the stretch of powerful waters marking the entry to Antarctic waters – watch the mercury drop as we sail east; now we are truly in the Antarctic. Your crossing will benefit from our vessels’ powerful engines, and the stability provided by the specially-designed X-Bow.   In order to protect the extremely delicate and rich ecosystem of South Georgia, our dedicated Expedition Team will assist you to biosecure your clothing and equipment, while continuing with their in-depth lecture program, now focusing on the fascinating history, biology and wildlife of South Georgia. Be sure to wrap up warm and join your Expedition Team out on deck – this section of the South Atlantic is one of the most biologically productive on Earth, and is a haven for vast quantities of wildlife – from whales and albatross to penguins and seals. Watch the waves carefully – in this region, sub-Antarctic species (such as fur seals) mingle with true polar species (such as Adelie Penguins), creating a fascinating ecological mix.

Days 8-11: South Georgia
A strip of jagged mountains pierce the brooding clouds of the Southern Ocean. Icebound peaks loom over storm-washed beaches, while glaciers peek from the head of deep fjords. First believed to have been landed on by legendary explorer Captain James Cook, even to modern explorers, South Georgia presents a forbidding aura. But peer closer, and you will see greenery among the ice; movement on the beaches; wings in the skies above.

Beaches throng with hundreds of thousands of King Penguins, arguably some of Earth’s most elegant animals. They must vie for space with the abundant Antarctic fur seals, all desperately defending territories and competing furiously for mates – and they themselves must avoid the southern elephant seals, Earth’s largest seals (weighing up to a staggering four tonnes). Tiny South Georgia Pippits and Pintail Ducks (once almost extinct) are now abundant, and petrels, albatross and shags nest on the steep hillsides and wheel in the air above. In the sea, leopard seals stalk for their next penguin meal, fur seal pups play in the shallows, and offshore, a huge variety of whale species gorge on krill. Nowhere else on Earth can boast such a diversity of wildlife, or in such quantities; South Georgia truly has to be experienced to be believed.

Our exact itinerary will be dictated by weather and sea conditions – nevertheless, our experienced Expedition Team and Captain will maximize opportunities to explore. South Georgia is one of those locations which grabs hold of the senses and never lets go; even long after departure, the jewel of the South Atlantic will captivate visitors for years to come.

Days 12-15: At Sea towards South American
We are now into the last leg of this adventurous voyage, heading northwestwards towards Montevideo, Uruguay – one of the most important ports for historical expeditions, as it is for ours today.

During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board to provide our guests with the chance to reflect on their voyage. Relax with an expertly crafted cocktail in the Nordic Bar in the company of new friends, soak up the knowledge and passion of our Expedition Team during lectures in the Shackleton Lounge, or simply enjoy the flight of the albatross which accompany us westward. As we traverse from chilly Antarctic waters into more temperate climes, watch as the variety of birds and marine mammals changes and diversifies.

During your last evening onboard, join the Captain and Senior Officers for the Farewell Cocktail Party, followed by a presentation of photos and video by our onboard photographer – the ideal opportunity to re-live your Southern Ocean adventure. Skål!

Day 16: Disembarkation in Montevideo, Uruguay
The city of Montevideo sits at the mouth of the Rio de la Plata, the vast estuary which holds not one but two capital cities (the throbbing Argentine capital of Buenos Aires is just across the water). We will head for the northern, Uruguayan shore, where our voyage ends in the delightful capital city of Montevideo. This vibrant city is the perfect introduction to the Southern Cone, offering incredible wine, gourmet cuisine and a relaxed beach lifestyle. Trees, cars, grass and a bustling capital city may seem strange to you after the white wilderness of the Southern Ocean!

After a hearty breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the Crew and Expedition Team, and descend the gangway back to dry land with memories of the voyage of a lifetime.

Please note the itinerary and route map are only tentative outlines of what you may experience. No specific itinerary, routing or landing sites can be guaranteed in advance. Where the ship actually sails will depend on a lot of factors including, but not limited to, the weather & ice conditions and the captain & expedition leader. Every trip is different, which adds to the excitement of expedition cruising in the polar regions.