Falklands, S.Georgia, Antarctica Land & Sea

Arrive at Mount Pleasant Airport, either from RAF Brize Norton or on scheduled LAN Chile flight from Punta Arenas. Transfer to Darwin House Lodge at Darwin. Remainder of day at leisure with dinner and breakfast.

Flight to Carcass Island for two nights at Carcass Island Lodge on full board basis. This island is cat and rat free, so many birds to be seen, including the endemic Cobb’s wren, striated caracara, etc. Elephant seals can be seen on the beach here plus Commerson’s and Peale’s dolphins offshore.

Boat trip to West Point Island, where the highlight is a large nesting colony of black-browed albatrosses shared with rockhopper penguins.

Fly to Pebble Island for two nights on full board basis. Half day wildlife and historical site tour.

Full day wildlife and scenery tour, including the colourful pebble beach which gives the island its name. Gentoo, rockhopper, macaroni and Magellanic penguins nest here as well as waterfowl, southern giant petrels, ground nesting birds and king shags.

Fly to Sea Lion Island for two nights on full board basis. Orientation tour included.

The lodge is within walking distance of various beaches, where elephant and fur seals can be seen, along with nesting gentoo, rockhopper and Magellenic penguins. There are also various ground-nesting and other birds to be seen. Orcas and dolphins can often be seen offshore.

Fly to Stanley and transfer to Malvina House Hotel. Remainder of day at leisure to visit the excellent museum and cathedral and to explore the colourful streets. Lots of birds are also seen within town.

Breakfast at hotel. Full day excursion with expert guide by 4 x 4 vehicle to Volunteer Point to view breeding colonies of king, gentoo and Magellanic penguins. Other birds to be seen include Falklands thrush, blackish and Magellanic oystercatchers, terns, shags, ground tyrants and pipits. Includes packed lunch. On the drive, you will also see the unique stone runs, geological remnants from the ice age.

After breakfast, the remainder of your day is free, until you transfer to your ship, which will be advised  to you in advance.

Home to many interesting sights (including the grave of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton), South Georgia has several former whaling stations and boasts plenty of wildlife. Visiting a huge colony of king penguins is a major highlight of this part of the journey. Weather permitting, spend three full days exploring the island.

Sail for two days, retracing Shackleton's route backwards on course towards Elephant Island and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Experience some of the most unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery in the world while setting foot on the Antarctic continent. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting), and encounter Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. The peninsula also has a remarkable human history.

As we cross the Drake Passage, reflect on a memorable adventure and take in some final lectures on route back to Ushuaia. Keep a careful lookout for a last chance to spot whales

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to airport for onward or return travel.