Falklands and South Georgia Photography Expedition Cruise

Aboard the Sea Spirit

Overview

The Antarctic region is perhaps the most photogenic on earth, with countless beautiful scenes presenting themselves every day. Endless expanses of ice, beaches crowded with seals or penguins, sunsets over unbroken horizons, starlit skies—they all present fantastic photographic opportunities. On this photography expedition cruise from the Falkland Islands to South Georgia, you’ll learn and practice your photography alongside experienced professionals and come home with some spectacular images of these wondrous places. From Santiago, Chile, you’ll fly to the Falkland Islands to embark on the Sea Spirit for a fascinating learning and visual experience. Expert photographers will be on hand to answer your questions and give advice, both in the form of on-board lectures and workshops on shore. Explore the key elements of photography in a fun and relaxed setting, with plenty of opportunities for questions and feedback. Learn how to see light in a new way and experiment with the techniques of composition and framing. And above all, experience the awesome nature of this part of the world board a comfortable expedition cruise ship!

Note: This cruise is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as agent in booking your reservation with the ship operator. The itinerary, lecturers, and all other arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of the cruise line.

Itinerary

We recommend you arrive in Santiago a day earlier to have a good rest after a long flight before your Subantarctic adventures begin. A pre-cruise night is not included in the price of the itinerary, but we highly recommend the Holiday Inn Hotel due to its most favorable location right in the airport terminal.

Day 1
Santiago, Chile / Fly to Stanley, Falkland Islands

Your expedition starts in the early morning in the Santiago airport where you will take a transfer flight to the Falkland Islands. Minimal days at sea means more days for photography with World Photo Travels Guides Mike Reyfman, Dimitry Arkhipov, Marco Grassi, and Svein Wik. After a short landing in Punta Arenas in Patagonia, you'll arrive at the starting point of the cruise. Welcome to Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands! Take your time to explore this amazing city. Visit 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. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where you will be warmly welcomed aboard the deluxe expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. Get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come.

Days 2-3
Aboard the M/V Sea Spirit

As the ship sails east toward South Georgia, you will be able to witness incredible wildlife. You will also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. Don’t lose your time aboard! Attend the most interesting briefings and lectures from the expert staff and prepare yourself for the arrival in South Georgia.

This cruise was designed for amateur photographers of all skill levels, so use this chance to make new friends, exchange your photo experience, and attend photography master classes. Discussing ISO and exposure is always better in the cozy bar, restaurant, or lounge.

Days 4-12
Exploring South Georgia

South Georgia is the best place on Earth for wildlife and landscape photographers. You will be taken to great locations for the best light. The archipelago is home to hundreds of thousands of king penguins, which makes South Georgia the best spot to photograph these wonderful creatures. The plan is to visit the most picturesque sights such as Gold Harbour, Cooper Bay, Drygalski Fjord, and other great places, including beaches such as those at Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay, where over 100,000 elephant seals and three million fur seals jostle for space among innumerable penguins.

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. This is also the final resting place of Ernest Shackleton, the legendary polar explorer.

However, the route and exploration opportunities in South Georgia are heavily dependent on the weather conditions encountered. The 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 you by Nature in this wild and remote corner of the world. Every safe opportunity is taken to go ashore in this amazing place and take the best wildlife photos.

Day 14
Back to the Falkland Islands

It's time to head back toward the Falkland Islands. However, your adventures are not over yet. You will pass the remote, seabird-covered pinnacles known as Shag Rocks on the way (get your cameras ready!). There is also time for festivities such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slide show. You will share your impressions, review all the great photos everyone has taken, and enjoy a friendly atmosphere of like-minded fellow travelers.

Day 15
Port Stanley / Santiago

The adventure finishes in Port Stanley. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for the flight to Santiago.

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.