ABOUT THE ITINERARY
Imagine visiting South Georgia, where you’ll discover historic explorer sites and old whaling stations. You’ll encounter great colonies of impressive king penguins, and fur seals in such numbers that you won’t believe your eyes. Three quarters of the world’s population of these charming ‘sea puppies’ breed here – attracting some deadly hunters; killer whales.
Imagine being confronted by vast colonies of rock-hopper penguins and black-browed albatrosses. Imagine braving the extremes of temperature, the floating ice fields, the monstrous yet beautiful icebergs.
Now imagine that, instead of the comfort of a cruise ship you’re undertaking the 800-mile voyage in a 22 foot boat. That is what Shackleton achieved, before coming to his final resting place at Grytviken.
The Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica is the ultimate itinerary when visiting this part of the planet. Itineraries range in length from 19-21 days and are sometimes reversed, starting with Antarctica and ending with the Falkland Islands.
Shore visits are included but depend on weather conditions. Extra excursions vary with different itineraries and weather, and could typically include:
- Kayaking to icebergs and floes
- Camping on the polar ice
- Hiking
A variety of boats operate this itinerary, but only a handful of times a season (from November to March). The majority of itineraries start and end in Ushuaia, but on occasion begin in Buenos Aires or Puerto Madryn. Some ships also operate ‘Air-Cruises’, starting or ending with a flight to Stanley on the Falkland Islands from Punta Arenas in Chile (cutting out one of the ocean crossings).
PLEASE NOTE: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. The on-board expedition leader will determine the final itinerary. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.
DESIGNED BY SPECIALISTS
Bear in mind, these are just a starting point as all holidays are customised to the specific requirements of our guests. Whether you prefer a different style of accommodation, a greater focus on a particular interest or to go to a different destination all together, every itinerary is created individually around your preferences.
USHUAIA
Your voyage begins where the world drops off. Ushuaia, Argentina, reputed to be the southernmost city on the planet, is located on the far southern tip of South America. Starting in the afternoon, you embark from this small resort town on Tierra del Fuego, nicknamed “The End of the World,” and sail the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the remainder of the evening.
FALKLAND ISLANDS
Several species of albatross follow the vessel into the westerlies, along with storm petrels, shearwaters, and diving petrels.
FALKLAND ISLANDS
SAILING TO SOUTH GEORGIA
En route to South Georgia, you now cross the Antarctic Convergence. The temperature cools considerably within the space of a few hours, and nutritious water rises to the surface of the sea due to colliding water columns. This phenomenon attracts a multitude of seabirds near the ship, including several species of albatross, shearwaters, petrels, prions, and skuas.
SOUTH GEORGIA
SOUTH GEORGIA TO ANTARCTICA, VIA SOUTH ORKNEY
There may be sea ice on this route, and at the edge of the ice some south polar skuas and snow petrels could join the other seabirds trailing the vessel south.
From South Orkney you will be on the final push to Antarctica.
ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
If the ice conditions permit, you now sail into the Weddell Sea. Here colossal tabular icebergs herald your arrival to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Paulet Island, with its large population of Adélie penguins, is a possible stop. You might also visit Brown Bluff, located in the ice-clogged Antarctic Sound, where you could get the chance to set foot on the Antarctic Continent itself.
SAILING THE DRAKE PASSAGE TO USHUAIA
Your return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to you now, and you to them.
FLY HOME
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. It’s now time to disembark in Ushuaia, but with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.
ITINERARY INSPIRATION
PLAN YOUR TRIP
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