Aboard the Sea Spirit
Falklands & South Georgia Expedition Cruise
Please note
Comprehensive travel insurance for emergency medical evacuation is required for this cruise.
Overview
The Antarctic region is perhaps the most stunning place 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 are all hallmarks of the Antarctic experience. This epic adventure begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, where you'll board the deluxe expedition cruise ship M/V Sea Spirit. You'll sail the legendary waters of the Southern Ocean, bustling with iconic marine mammals, to the birders' paradise of the Falkland Islands, which boasts 80 percent of the world's population of black-browed albatross, five species of penguin, petrels, skuas, shags, and a variety of waterfowl such as the endemic Falkland steamer duck. Cruising to the wildlife paradise of South Georgia Island, you'll marvel at dramatic seascapes and explore the pristine wilderness, swarming with incredible king penguin colonies, raucous fur seals, jousting elephant seals, and an abundance of seabirds. It's an adventure of a lifetime!
Arrive: Ushuaia, Argentina
Depart: Ushuaia, Argentina
Highlights
- Set your eyes on of one of the most beautiful places on Earth
- Visit the very-British Port Stanley, capital of the Falklands
- Enjoy an epic wildlife experience including South Georgia’s thousands-strong king penguins
Itinerary
Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.
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 staff and transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the day is 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.
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.
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on the Sea Spirit and cruise towards the sub-Antarctic islands. The following day is at sea. Make the most of your time by attending captivating presentations from experts, familiarize yourself with the Sea Spirit, and get ready for your arrival at a wildlife paradise.
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 plan 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.
From the Falkland Islands, 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 the expedition team prepare you for your arrival in 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. 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 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 sub-Antarctic 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.
Your days in South Georgia are filled with memorable excursions, sumptuous meals, presentations by the experts, and enough incredible scenery and wildlife to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions.
South Georgia is a scenic wilderness and an unrivaled paradise for sub-Antarctic 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.
Your days in South Georgia are filled with memorable excursions, sumptuous meals, presentations by the experts, and enough incredible scenery and wildlife to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions.
We head back toward the Falkland Islands, but your 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 travelers.
In this remote and stunningly beautiful wilderness, seabirds and marine mammals are counted in the millions. In this rugged yet accessible environment, superb wildlife viewing is best complemented by active adventure. Your knowledgeable guides will offer hiking and hill climbing for an even greater perspective of this raw polar wilderness.
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 your journey. South polar skuas, snow petrels, and albatrosses may escort the 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.
After breakfast, bid farewell in the city of Ushuaia. A group transfer is provided 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!
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
The trip is rated Level 1+, Easy. You will be traveling 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.
The Antarctic summer begins in November and ends in March -- no tourist ships visit in the winter. December through February are the best times to visit as they bring long daylight hours and milder temperatures. You'll experience a variety of weather conditions including rain, snow, sleet, and sunny skies no matter when you visit. Temperatures can change quickly and range from the high 30s to below freezing, sometimes with a significant wind chill.
All meals will be taken on board. All ships we offer have the capacity to seat everyone at a single, open seating in the main dining room. In some cases outdoor buffet breakfast and lunch options are also available. Please let us know of any special dietary needs; the ship will accommodate as best as possible.
Having the right clothing and gear is vital to the enjoyment of your trip to Antarctica, layered breathable clothing is best with a fully waterproof jacket and waterproof over-pants (required). Note that ponchos are NOT recommended as wind makes them less useful. A polar jacket is included on most voyages; waterproof boots are available to borrow on all cruises.
Visit wildernesstravel.newheadings.com to begin shopping. Be sure to check out our Get Ready Packages, which features 3 Polar Packages that provide excellent value for the gear necessary to keep you warm and dry. Polar gear is available to rent or buy and it may be possible that rental gear can be delivered to your hotel in South America prior to your cruise.
Antarctica is an extremely remote and isolated region of the world. In the case of serious illness or injury, medical attention and swift evacuation are not always available. Once you sail from Ushuaia, you are far away from towns and medical facilities. In the case of serious illness or injury, the cruise ship will make every effort to reach medical facilities as soon as possible, but be aware that it may take several days to get you to a hospital. If you have health or medical issues of concern, please discuss them with your physician before considering this trip.
Due to the remoteness, emergency evacuation insurance is required for all voyages to Antarctica.
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.