Falklands & South Georgia

Voyage Overview

An in-depth expedition to some of the most extraordinary islands on earth.

We start this epic expedition in Ushuaia, Argentina where we will spend one night before embarking the ship and sailing towards the Falklands. In the Falklands we have the chance to see various species of birds (including multiple species of penguins), marine mammals and visit the charming capital of 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.

Trip Details

Duration: 19 Days

Ship: Sea Spirit, Premium Ship, 114 Guests

Start: Ushuaia, Argentina

End: Ushuaia, Argentina

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive into Ushuaia, Argentina
Welcome to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point of our Antarctic expedition! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by our staff and transferred to a quality hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the itinerary. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore this vibrant port city and adventure hub. For an introduction to local history and wildlife, the interesting Museo del Fin del Mundo is worth a visit. If you have time to spare, a variety of nature activities can be arranged to suit all interests and fitness levels, from hiking in nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park to wildlife viewing in the Beagle Channel. For dinner, Ushuaia offers a wide range of restaurants featuring Patagonian lamb and delectable Fuegian seafood.

Day 2: Embarkation
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and get ready for an exciting day. Today, we set sail on the beautiful Sea Spirit towards the Subantarctic islands.

Day 3: At Sea
As we sail towards the subantarctic islands, make the most of your time! Attend captivating presentations from experts, familiarize yourself with the Sea Spirit, and get ready for our arrival at a wildlife paradise.

Day 4-5: 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 6-7: At Sea 
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 experts prepare you for our arrival in South Georgia.

Days 8-14: 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.

Days 15-16: At Sea
It is time to head back toward the Falkland Islands. However, our adventures are not over yet. We will share our impressions, review all the great photos we’ve taken and enjoy a friendly atmosphere of like-minded fellow travellers.

Day 17: Falkland Islands
In this remote and stunningly beautiful wilderness, seabirds and marine mammals are counted in the millions. The waters around the archipelago are home to cetaceans such as Peale’s dolphins and Commerson’s dolphins. In this rugged yet accessible environment, superb wildlife viewing is best complemented by active adventure. Our knowledgeable guides will offer hiking and hill climbing for an even greater perspective of this raw polar wilderness. This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our precise route and exploration opportunities will be shaped by weather. Our experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust plans to take maximum advantage of the conditions in this challenging polar environment.

Day 18: At Sea
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. This is also the time for festivities such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slideshow. The seabirds you saw at the beginning of your voyage reappear, offering a full-circle experience of natural wonder.

Day 19: Disembarkation in Ushuaia 
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.