Antarctic Circle + Falklands + South Georgia

Nestled within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia offers a surprising number of shops, museums, cafes and restaurants. Great Argentinean steak and seafood abound, as does plenty of tasty chocolate to enjoy after you work up an appetite by exploring the nearby mountains or national park.

Embark in the afternoon and set sail down the Beagle Channel, named after Darwin's famous ship. Watch the mountains of Tierra del Fuego fade into the distance.

Spend time on deck looking for birds and whales. Enjoy the first informative lectures on what lies ahead.

Upon arrival in this archipelago your cameras will get their first real workout capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged feel of the Falklands. The archipelago contains two main islands - East and West, which we will explore by Zodiac excursions and daily landings. 

 Port Stanley is often a favoured landing site, as the town offers a unique British outpost feel to it, complete with a bit of a ramshackle charm. You'll be free to explore the town, grab a pint at the local pub, or visit numerous churches and museums. 

 In terms of wildlife, the archipelago is home to Magellanic, gentoo, Macaroni, king and rockhopper penguins. We can expect to see black-browed albatross and two endemic species; Cobb's wren and the Falkland's flightless steamer duck. 

Sailing south, you'll officially enter Antarctic waters by crossing the invisible biological boundary called the Antarctic Convergence. Encircling the continent, cold Antarctic waters meet and mix with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, creating the abundance of krill and marine life that attracts whales and seals to this part of the world. Ship staff will be sure to keep you posted when we cross this invisible, yet important line.

Wildlife is one of the principal attractions of this remote island. One day you may see rookeries with a hundred thousand pairs of king penguins waddling on the beach. The next day we may visit another beach with thousands of fur seals or elephant seals with (non-native) reindeer grazing in the background. The grasses, mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different species on the island, this fragile and symbiotic relationship is something that your Expedition Team will share with you during your time here.

One significant and historic site that will be of interest is the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station, a museum, gift shop, church and a research station of approximately 20 scientists and support personnel. 

Say goodbye to the king penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with seminars from your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife that will be greeting you upon your arrival in Antarctica. 

Your Antarctic experience is in true expedition style with daily activities completely dependent on weather and ice conditions. Nevertheless, you are guaranteed to witness things new and unexpected virtually every day.  We will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore bays, channels and landing sites each day .With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales and search for a number of the southern seal species, including the predatory leopard seal.

 While cruising along the Antarctic Peninsula we'll also give you the chance to take a polar plunge! Cheer on other travellers or strap on a harness yourself to take a dip and swim in the frigid waters of an icy Antarctic bay. If you have opted for kayaking, this will be another unforgettable experience, getting close to penguins and seals as you paddle through icy waters.

Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement!  Celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of champagne! With a toast to the first explorers who ventured this far south, you can take pride in knowing you've made it to a part of the world still visited by very few people.  

If you haven't had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you'll surely be satisfied by the time we return to the Drake Passage. We'll continue to journey onto land and out by Zodiac twice daily as we travel north along the western Peninsula. Your Expedition Team will also be on the lookout for any species of penguins, seals and whales that may have eluded you on the journey south.

Relax on deck enjoying wildlife sightings or just spending time with fellow travellers and exchanging photographs.

Arrive in the morning and disembark