colony of king penguins and seals in South Georgia Island

South Georgia Island's wildlife

The spectacualr sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia is one of the important penguin nesting grounds on earth and a haven for many other species, from seals to albatross.

Photo by Bill Abbott

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Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands

Our Most Comprehensive Exploration of the Antarctic

Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands route-map

Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $10,595   see pricing
Length: 20 days
Arrive: Ushuaia, Argentina
Depart: Ushuaia, Argentina
Lodging: 18 nights aboard a deluxe expedition ship, 1 hotel night describe
Meals: All meals included (and wine, beer, soft drinks) aboard Sea Spirit
Activity: Wildlife & Natural History, Small Ship Cruising
Trip Level: 19-day expedition cruise, nature walks on uneven ground, Zodiac cruising with wet landings, often rough seas and cold weather
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Highlights

  • The most comprehensive Antarctic voyage, featuring the premier wildlife sites of the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, and the Falklands
  • Explore by Zodiac with expert Antarctic naturalists, view spectacular bird and marine life
  • Extraordinary wildlife: whales, leopard seals, massive elephant seals, millions of penguins


It was surreal—like being on another planet.Charles A.—Berkeley, CA

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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Departure Notes

Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.

Resources

This dream journey aboard a deluxe expedition ship explores three epic destinations in the Southern Ocean: the wildlife-rich oasis of the Falkland Islands, breathtaking South Georgia Island, with its massive glaciers, teeming rookeries of stately king penguins, and haunting tales of Shackleton, and the celebrated Antarctic Peninsula, a land of towering peaks, glacier-lined fjords, and an incredible array of wildlife. Our “go-anywhere” Zodiacs grant us fantastic access to hidden bays full of drifting icebergs and shores thronged with chattering penguins, while our expert team of naturalists and historians illuminate the awesome world of Antarctica for us.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

Days 1-7
Ushuaia / At Sea / The Falkland Islands

After an overnight in Ushuaia, we voyage to the Falkland Islands for intriguing encounters with Magellanic penguins, nesting gentoos, and dashing rockhopper penguins. We also visit Port Stanley, the quaint and very British capital, then cross the Scotia Sea to South Georgia.

Days 8-10
South Georgia Island

South Georgia is absolutely stunning—more than a hundred glaciers flow from its spine of mountains to the sea. Our Zodiacs take us to amazing landings where king penguins number in the hundreds of thousands, and to nesting sites of wandering albatross and breeding colonies of fur seals. At Grytviken, we visit the simple grave of legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Days 11-17
Scotia Sea / Antarctic Peninsula

Deception Island, Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay, and Gerlache Strait—these iconic destinations capture the majesty of the Antarctica Peninsula. With four days to explore, we navigate Zodiacs amid glistening icebergs, visit penguin colonies, watch calving glaciers, visit research stations, and enjoy options for sea kayaking, conditions permitting.

Days 18-20
Drake Passage / Ushuaia

After crossing the Drake Passage, we arrive in Ushuaia and depart on Day 20.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

Note: These cruises are not exclusive Wilderness Travel departures. The itinerary, lecturers, and other arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of the ship operator.

What the Trip is Like

The trip is rated Level 1+, Easy. You will be travelling to a very remote destination. You must be able to complete on board safety drills and emergency evacuation procedures without the assistance of others. Rolling seas and windy conditions require you to be stable on your feet, especially when walking on slippery decks or up and down steep gangways. Shore excursions often require hiking over uneven terrain without the benefit of a developed trail. Some agility is required for getting in and out of the Zodiac landing crafts. While several Zodiac landings are dry, many will require that you step in the water to get ashore. Zodiac and shore excursions are weather permitting.

Explanation of Trip Levels

 

Departures

Oct 31-Nov 21, 2013  Sea Explorer

Dec 17, 2013-Jan 5, 2014  Sea Spirit
Jan 5-26, 2014  Sea Adventurer
Feb 19-Mar 12, 2014  Sea Explorer
*Note: Dec 17 departure includes a crossing of the Antarctic Circle

Trip Cost

To see complete breakdown of cabin prices by category and a deck chart for each ship, click on ship name.

Sea Spirit
20-day itinerary from $18,595

Sea Explorer
22-day itinerary from $10,595

Sea Adventurer
22-day itinerary from $16,980

Argentine Reciprocity Fee for US citizens: $160
   (must be obtained in advance online)

Trip Cost Includes:

Sea Spirit only

  • One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Shipboard accommodation
  • All meals aboard ship
  • Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, open bar
  • Complete program of shore landings
  • Educational program of lectures and discussions by accompanying Expedition Team and guest speakers
  • Professional Expedition Leadership
  • Photographic Journal (DVD) documenting the voyage
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising per daily program
  • An official expedition parka to keep
  • Coffee, tea, and cocoa available around the clock
  • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
  • Comprehensive predeparture materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader
  • Group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local airport
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
  • All luggage handling aboard ship
  • Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $100,000 per person
  • Onboard physician
  • 10MB card providing internet access via Windows connection

Trip Cost Does Not Include:

Sea Spirit only

Any airfare; passport, visa, and Argentine Reciprocity fees; government arrival and departure taxes; any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before embarkation; baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance; excess baggage charges; laundry and other personal charges; telecommunications charges; voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew.

Trip Payment Schedule*

Sea Spirit only
At time of reservation: 20%
120 days prior to departure: Balance

Download the Full Detailed Itinerary for details on the Silver Explorer

*Please note that this differs from our regular catalog departures.

Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule*

Sea Spirit only
Minimum fee: $1000
179-120 days prior to departure: deposit is forfeited
119 days or less prior to departure: 100% of cruise cost

*Please note that this differs from our regular catalog departures.

Sea Spirit

One of the most spacious and luxurious expedition vessels in operation, the Sea Spirit carries a maximum of 112 guests in all ...
Click here for full description and more photos

Sea Explorer

The elegant, all-suite 114-guest Sea Explorer has established itself as one of the finest expedition cruise ships in Antarctica. With an ...
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Sea Adventurer

The 122-guest Sea Adventurer is a superb oceangoing vessel equipped with stabilizers and an ice-hardened hull that allow her to navigate ...
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Client Comments

It was surreal—like being on another planet. Charles A., Berkeley, CA Truly amazing—the trip of a lifetime! Jim and Chris W., Portland, OR This was the “trip of a lifetime.” I enjoyed every minute of it! Susan D., Hartland, WI This trip is unique—there is nothing comparable. The expedition director was superb, and the procedures for getting ashore were well organized. There was a rich variety of lectures that expanded the experience and our knowledge. Stuart G., Golden, CO
The entire expedition staff was awesome! Bernd B., Reno, NV It was the thrill of a lifetime to visit the Falklands and South Georgia in addition to Antarctica. The Zodiac rides were great and the staff was always making every effort for us to see and do everything. Joanne G., Denver, CO This trip was way better than we imagined it could be! Anik C., Victoriaville, Quebec