South Georgia and the Falklands Expedition

Arrive to the capital of the Falkland Islands, Port Stanley, and stroll the streets of this scenic town before embarkation on the Magellan Explorer.

This morning, awake to the long, white-sand beach of Saunders Island. While exploring the island, witness rockhopper penguins, nesting black browed albatross, and sub-Antarctic gentoo penguins. Later in the day, sail to Carcass Island, named after the ship HMS Carcass, which surveyed the island in 1766. Take an optional easy hike to the settlement, birdwatch, and experience a typical Falklands afternoon tea.

Among some of the most beautiful islands in the Falklands archipelago is New Island, where you’ll head this morning to witness albatross and penguin colonies in the rocky shores and sandy bays. Weather permitting, in the afternoon you can walk along the windswept shores of Weddell Island. From open plains to rocky coves and sandy beaches, there is a diverse range of wildlife to explore here where the only settlement is home to just two humans.

Spend the morning on Bleaker Island, a long stretch of extensive coastline and host to a massive imperial cormorant colony, three types of breeding penguins, wildfowl, and sea lions. Bleaker Island and its seven surrounding tussac islands are recognized as an Important Bird Area, and the northern section of the island was designated as a National Nature Reserve. In the afternoon, sail towards South Georgia.

As the Magellan Explorer sails towards South Georgia, attend engaging lectures and presentations on the wildlife of the region. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the lounge or the outside decks. Look for magnificent seabirds such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales and other wildlife.

Arrive in the afternoon to Elsehul Bay, weather permitting. If the timing and conditions are right, enjoy an evening Zodiac cruise along the shores where a large colony of fur seals lounge on the rocky coastlines.

This morning you’ll explore Grytviken, the historical site where Sir Ernest Shackleton began his rescue operation to bring home his stranded men. The town has an interesting museum, and you can also pay homage to Shackelton's grave site. Later this afternoon, visit Fortuna Bay where you'll see fabulous king penguins and a wide range of other wildlife. There is an optional 2-3 hour “Shackleton Walk,” for those who’d like to learn more about the famous expedition.

Gold Harbor, the “jewel in the island’s crown,” derives its name from the yellow color that lights up the cliffs, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. This spectacular spot is your first destination this morning and a great opportunity to view king penguins, elephant seals, and hanging glaciers, as well as sooty albatross. After lunch, sail to Cooper Bay. Weather permitting, enjoy a Zodiac cruise to get close-up perspectives of macaroni penguins, one of six species of crested penguins and the most numerous of all the penguin species.

The density of wildlife on St. Andrews Bay is astounding, especially the massive king penguin colony and seal rookery. Explore this incredible sight this morning, taking in the sounds and smells of thousands of elephant seals, fur seals, and others who occupy the sands along the water. Later in the day, cruise by Zodiac to Ocean Harbor where you can learn about the shipwreck and witness remains of the whaling industry.

A morning visit to Prion Island brings you to another home of the wondrous, wandering albatross. In the afternoon, sail to Salisbury Plain. Here, you’ll witness another enormous king penguin rookery and huge numbers of seals and seabirds.

As you make your way back to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), enjoy lectures and presentations by your expert team of naturalists, take advantage of the ship’s comfortable observation decks, and spend time birding and whale watching while taking in the sublime scenery of this remote and wild region.

Upon arrival at Port Stanley, disembark and transfer to the airport for your homeward bound flight.