Antarctica, So. Georgia and the Falkland Islands

This dream journey takes us to Antarctica, the fabled Terra Australis Incognita, and beyond, on a comprehensive cruise of the Southern Ocean and its epic destinations. Aboard a deluxe expedition ship, we explore the wildlife-rich oasis of the Falkland Islands, breathtaking South Georgia Island, with its enormous colonies of stately king penguins and haunting tales of Shackleton, and the celebrated Antarctic Peninsula itself, a land of towering peaks and glacier-lined fjords. Our “go-anywhere” Zodiacs grant us access to hidden bays full of drifting icebergs and to pebbled shores where we walk amid chattering penguins and their chicks, while a team of expert naturalists and historians unlock the secrets of the awesome world of Antarctica.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-6
Ushuaia / At Sea / The Falkland Islands

In Ushuaia, a small Patagonian town set on the Beagle Channel and ringed by snowcapped peaks, we board our expedition vessel, among the most luxurious expedition ships cruising the Antarctic, with all-suite, outside-facing cabins. Voyaging across the ocean to the Falkland Islands, home to phenomenal concentrations of wildlife, we head ashore for fascinating encounters with Magellanic penguins, nesting gentoos, and dashing rockhopper penguins. After visiting the quaint capital of Port Stanley, a remote outpost of British culture, we spend two days at sea, watching for whales and seabirds as we navigate across the Antarctic Convergence.

Days 7-10
South Georgia Island

South Georgia is absolutely stunning—more than a hundred glaciers flow from its spine of mountains to the sea. It’s also a haven for sub-Antarctic wildlife, and our Zodiacs take us to amazing places including the Salisbury Plain, with colonies of elegant king penguins numbering in the tens of thousands, and the Bay of Isles, where we find nesting sites of wandering albatross and breeding colonies of fur seals. At the old whaling station of Grytviken, we visit the simple grave of legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Days 11-15
Scotia Sea / Antarctic Peninsula and its Islands

After crossing the Scotia Sea, we arrive in Antarctica, a pristine and spectacular wilderness of ice-blue glaciers and glaciated mountains rising above a cobalt sea. Our explorations may include the Aitcho Islands, with their colonies of chinstrap penguins with the distinctive black stripe beneath their chin, unique Deception Island, a sea-filled volcano with steamy thermal springs and an abandoned whaling station, aptly named Paradise Bay, whose spectacular icescapes include the towering tabular icebergs from the Antarctic Sound, and Pleneau Island, with its dazzling ice formations and gentoo penguin rookeries. We also navigate through the sublime Lemaire Channel and watch for humpback, minke, and gray whales as we cruise the expansive Neumayer Channel. On all outings, our naturalists share their expertise and knowledge of this legendary corner of the world.

Days 16-18
Drake Passage / Ushuaia

Our journey comes full circle as we voyage across the famed Drake Passage and arrive in Ushuaia. Disembark on Day 18 and depart.

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What the Trip is Like

The trip is rated Level 1, Easiest. It is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Some agility is required for getting in and out of the Zodiac landing crafts. There are daily shore excursions featuring walks and sightseeing.

Explanation of Trip Levels