FALKLAND ISLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA & ANTARCTICA

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.

You will follow the ocean currents of the South Atlantic and sail towards the Falkland Islands. Several species of albatross follow the vessel into the westerlies, along with storm petrels, shearwaters, and diving petrels.

The Falkland Islands offer an abundance of wildlife and offer a little slice of Britain deep in the South Atlantic ocean. The site of the 1982 war between the UK and Argentina, you may visit some of the key battle sites and also explore the fascinating capital, Stanley. Home to colourful houses, well-tended gardens, and English-style pubs!

The wildlife of the islands is also a highlight and you may be lucky enough to see both Peale’s dolphins and Commerson’s dolphins in the waters around the islands, as well as Magellanic and Gentoo penguins at nearby Carcass Island and King Penguins at Saunders Island.

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.

From South Georgia you will continue the journey south towards the Antarctica Peninsula. 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.

After days at sea the landscape changes as you arrive at the rugged islands of the South Shetlands. This marks the northernmost part of Antarctica and the final part of the voyage.

Windswept and often cloaked in mist, the South Shetland Islands signal the beginning of your time in Antarctica. Depending on the conditions the captain may make a stop at Deception Island, a flooded caldera where you will encounter hot springs, an abandoned whaling station, and thousands of cape petrels.

From here you will cruise south along the Antarctic Peninsula, passing through the spectacular landscapes of the White Continent. Each day is different and you will explore by zodiac and on foot, discovering the unique Polar landscapes. On board, you will enjoy educational programs and presentations. No journey is the same and flexibility is key to success in Antarctic

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.

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.